That Ye May Have Fellowship with Us and with God-1 John 1-3

What was John’s desire for those he wrote to? (1 John 1:1-4)

John shared his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ so that we too might share in the fellowship of God. He wants us to love and strengthen one another; to befriend and serve each other; to offer companionship and compassion to our brothers and sisters in Christ, so that they might feel Christ’s love and know the truth of the gospel. "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” (1 John 1:4)

How we can come to know God better and have greater joy and fellowship with God:

• By being honest with ourselves and humbly repenting so that we might be forgiven and cleansed of our sins (1 John 1:8–10)
• By keeping the commandments and living righteously according to the doctrine and principles He has given us (1 John 2:3–6)
• By loving one another; not only in words, but in action and in good deeds. And also, being able to forgive  (1 John 2:9–11; 3:11–19)
• By doing the will of our Heavenly Father and keeping our eternal goals always in the forefront of our minds (1 John 2:15–17)
• By remembering the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ and by never forgetting who we are and why we’re here (1 John 2:20–21, 27)
• By trying each day to be like our Savior. We will make mistakes along the way, but through the atonement, we have the opportunity to continue to get better. (1 John 3:4–6)

 How can I better implement these principles in your life to have greater joy and fellowship with God?

Applying all of the principles I’ve noted, in my life, will help me have greater joy and fellowship with God. If I had to choose one, I would probably choose the last, because all the others result in my doing what I can to become more like my Savior: repenting, obeying the commandments, loving one another, forgiving, doing thy Father’s will, remembering the truths and enduring to the end. With greater joy and fellowship with God comes greater joy and fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. 

A "Peculiar People"- 1 Peter 1-5

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9)

What Is the Meaning of the Phrase ‘a Peculiar People’? and What Is a Royal Priesthood? 

Chosen Generation- We are living in very troubled times and we know that the Lord is hastening His work. We also know that we are blessed and a chosen generation of “peculiar people” who "are experiencing the profound and wonderful blessings of the dispensation of the fulness of times. In this day and time there have been restored to the earth all of the principles, powers, blessings, and keys of all previous dispensations.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Chosen Generation”, General Conference, 1992) 

If you haven’t heard or read this talk by President Hinckley, please follow this link, (“A Chosen Generation”). I was truly touch by his words about us, the “chosen generation.”

Royal Priesthood- The Royal priesthood is the Priesthood of God on Earth. From the institute manual, we read, “Whenever the Lord has a people on earth he offers to make them a nation of kings and priests—not a congregation of lay members with a priest or a minister at the head—but a whole Church in which every man is his own minister, in which every man stands as a king in his own right, reigning over his own family-kingdom. The priesthood which makes a man a king and a priest is thus a royal priesthood.” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:294.) ("The Life & Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles"p 417)

Holy Nation- To me, Holy Nation would encompass the people of Christ, no matter where might be.

Peculiar People- When Peter uses the term “a peculiar people,” he is speaking of the chosen people; those who have embraced the gospel; the new Israel; the saints. 

It’s interesting if we look at the definition of the word, peculiar, according to the King James translation-The word peculiar comes from the Latin word peculium- meaning “private property,” and the Hebrew word, segullah- meaning "special possession or property.” ("The Life & Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles"p 416) So, by these definitions, Peter’s use of “a peculiar people" was referring to the saints or those who are the "special possession" or "property” of God. Though, by today’s standards, some may view us to be “odd” or “peculiar” by modern definition because of our values, I’m okay with that. 

What price was paid to help us become God’s “peculiar people?” Our Savior, Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for us, so that we might be able to repent and return to live with our Father in His heavenly kingdom for all eternity. This, we can never fully repay, however, we must try each and every day, in all that we do. (D&C 18:10–11)

How can we remain God’s peculiar people?

• By keeping our minds and bodies clean, so that we will receive the grace of the Lord (1 Peter 1:13)
• By loving and treating others with kindness, so that we might become closer to our Savior (1 Peter 1:15-16) 
• By having faith in God and humbly repenting, so that we might be “born again” and receive everlasting life (1 Peter 1:23)
• By embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ and staying true to our beliefs, so that we will have the Holy Spirit with us to guide us always, as one of the chosen generation (1 Peter 2:2-4)
• By serving others though the priesthood, being charitable, and by magnifying our callings, so that we might always be there for those in need (1 Peter 2:5)
• By living humbly and with a contrite heart, so that we will be ready for that day when we are called home (1 Peter 5:6)

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared: “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). 

Below are three principles that relate to the statement above:

As husband and wife, if we our lives according to the gospel, we will be receive the gift of everlasting life together with our Father in His kingdom (1 Peter 3:7)

As husband and wife, if we are as one, show compassion for one another, and love one another we will be blessed (1 Peter 3:8-9)

As husband and wife, if we are righteous and true to each other and to our Savior, He will hear our prayers and provide for us (1 Peter 3:12)

Works of Righteousness- Hebrews 13

Paul concluded his epistle to the Hebrews with some brief teachings and statements of counsel. 

How should we treat strangers and those “in bonds”?  In Paul’s epistle to the Hebrews, he taught that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and should love one another (Hebrews 13:1). We should show compassion and charity to all, no matter if they be strangers, “in bonds,” or our closest friends (Hebrews 13:2). We are all one in Christ. 

How is marriage looked upon? Paul taught that marriage is “honorable" (Hebrews 13:4) and that we should look at marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and woman and not something to be taken lightly. When two are married, they become one (Matt 19:5) and should faithfully love one another with all their hearts. (D&C 42:22)

What warnings are given about covetousness?  Paul advises the Hebrews to be content with what they have and to not covet that of their neighbor (Hebrews 13:5). He comforts them that the Lord will always provide for and will always be with those who live by the commandments and are worthy.

What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”? God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). We have seen throughout history how man and societies are constantly changing. One constant that we can always rely on is the gospel of Jesus Christ. "God, who is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” (2 Nephi 29:9), continues to reveal scripture in modern times as He did in ancient times. Latter-day prophets counsel people everywhere to study the scriptures daily, including the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.” (Scriptures)  So, when we find ourselves in need of release of this whirlwind of a world we live in, we can turn to the scriptures; to our constant; to our Lord.

How are we sanctified? We are sanctified through the atonement of Jesus Christ. Be cause of the atoning  sacrifice that our Savior made for us, if we are worthy and true to our covenants, we can repent and be forgiven of our sins, so that we might return to live with Him again one day. There is a scripture in the Book of Moroni I’d like to share, “And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot” (Moro. 10:33; emphasis added).

How do we respond to those who rule over us? Paul instructs, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls” (Hebrews 13:17). To me, this would mean our Prophets and the leaders of the Church who speak for our Savior. Jesus Christ has given them the authority and guidance to lead us and we must have faith that they will keep us on the righteous path to our eternal destination.

Who did Paul ask the people to pray for? "Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly” (Hebrews 13:18). Paul is asking the Hebrews to pray for him and the other apostles and those who are looking out for them that they might be good leaders and keep them on the path of righteousness. This touched me because Paul was showing humility by asking for strength and support from his brothers and sisters. 

Jesus Christ is Greater than Melchizedek- Hebrews 5-7

How does someone become a priesthood leader? A man is called by God to the priesthood (Hebrews 5:4). By the laying on of hands, he is ordained or set apart by an authorized leader of the Church (Numbers 27:18, 23; D&C 42:11)

How do we know who has authority in the Church today? Those who are called must be made known to and are presented to the members of the Church for a sustaining vote prior to being ordained or set apart by those in authority. This process keeps members informed of who has been called to lead and teach within the Church, and prevents those without authority from taking on roles in which they have not been called.  (D&C 26:2)

“Does the Phrase ‘Though He Were a Son’ Apply to Melchizedek, to Christ, or to Both?” “[Hebrews 5:7-8] applies to both Melchizedek and to Christ, because Melchizedek was a prototype of Christ and that prophet’s ministry typified and foreshadowed that of our Lord in the same sense that the ministry of Moses did.” (“The Life and Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles," p 384)

Why was Melchizedek considered a great high priest? 

• What are some of the miracles Melchizedek performed?  (JST, Genesis 14:25-40)
• “Stopped the mouths of lions” 
• “Quenched the violence of fire”
• “Obtained peace in Salem"
• What Old Testament prophet did Melchizedek bless?
• "And he lifted up his voice, and he blessed Abram"
• Why do we call the greater priesthood the Melchizedek Priesthood? 
• We call the higher priesthood the Melchizedek Priesthood because Melchizedek was the first, chosen by God, to hold this priesthood. 

What important doctrinal correction did Joseph Smith make in Hebrews 6:1? Joseph Smith added the word “not” to this verse, "Therefore [not] leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God"

Why is it important that a person not leave behind faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost? This would put them in a state of apostasy. If we abandon our faith, and ignore the commandments and covenants we’ve made, we will lose the gift of the Holy Ghost and become apostate.

“What Must People Do in Order to ‘Crucify To Themselves the Son of God Afresh, and Put Him to an Open Shame’?” How serious is the sin described in Hebrews 6:4-6? To become a son of perdition, one must know Christ, receive the Holy Ghost, and then willingly deny all knowledge or rebel against God. After knowing of Christ, the plan of salvation and the truths of the gospel and sinning against the Holy Ghost, there is no repentance, and the eventual punishment is outer darkness.  (Matthew 12:31)

What do we know about the greatness of Melchizedek? Melchizedek was king of Salem and a high priest blessed the prophet Abraham. He was known as the king of righteousness, or king of peace. He was such a great man that even Abraham gave tithe to him.  (Hebrews 7:1-6)

In what ways that Melchizedek is similar to or a prototype of the Savior? He was, "Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually” (Hebrews 7:3)

What did Paul teach about the priesthood and about Jesus Christ? The priesthood is unchangeable and Christ was sent to save all by making intercession (Hebrews 7:15-28)