Baptism- Romans 6

What must be done with sin before baptism can occur? 

Before we can be baptized unto Christ, we must humble ourselves and repent of our sins. In a talk given to missionaries at the Provo MTC in June 2000, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shares“... true repentance, repentance which shows our desire to be clean and renewed and whole, repentance that allows us to lay claim to the full blessings of the Atonement. Then comes baptism for the remission of sins." (Missionary Work and the Atonement)

What events from Christ’s life are symbolized in baptism? During baptism:

“We are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4)

"For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death , we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection” (Romans 6:5)

Considering this symbolism, why couldn’t someone be baptized by sprinkling? 

When we are fully immersed during baptism, we are symbolizing the death of our past life and leaving the sins behind. As we come out of the water, we are born again into a new spiritual life in devoted to serving our Lord. Baptism also symbolizes the death and resurrection of our Savior. (See Romans 6:3–6) ”Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water“ (D&C 20:73–74)

What do these verses teach us about how we can maintain the “newness of life”? 

In answering this question, two scriptures stand out, "For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."(Romans 6:10-11) As we leave our past lives and sins behind and emerge from the waters from baptism as pure disciples of Christ, we must dedicate our mortal and eternal lives to serving our Savior and Father. To me, as I partake of the Sacrament each week, I renew my covenants so that I might carry that “newness of life” with me as I share His light with others.

According to Mosiah 3:19, what part of us would ideally die at baptism? 

During baptism, the part of us that is subservient to the natural man dies and we devote our lives to serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Mosiah 3:19)

How do we know who we serve and what is the true source of freedom? (Romans 6:14–23) On November 10, 2012, when I emerged from the waters of baptism, having left my past behind and knowing that my sins were forgiven through the Atonement, I felt much lighter and free from the bondage of mortal man. I hadn’t realized how much my past had been holding me back from my true purpose for being here. I know that there were things I needed to do to bring me to where I am today and choices I needed to make for God’s plan to bring my husband (my personal missionary) into my life. As I go forth, with my husband by my side, and we serve the Lord, we know where we are going and have our eternal goal in sight. "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness , and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death ; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:22-23)

Use the Spirit to Come to the Lord- 2 Corinthians 3-7; 12

What does the Spirit give us? “The spirit giveth life.” (2 Corinthians 3:6) 

In these few words, Paul encourages us to let the Spirit come into our hearts and breathe life into the scriptures. President Monson teaches, "The language of the Spirit comes to him who seeks with all his heart to know God and keep His divine commandments. Proficiency in this language permits one to breach barriers, overcome obstacles, and touch the human heart.” He goes on to say “... we turn from the narrow confinement of the letter of the law and seek the open vista of opportunity that the Spirit provides.” (President Thomas S. Monson, “The Spirit Giveth Life,” Ensign, June 1997)  We must not simply read the words that are written; but, we must ponder deeply and apply the doctrine and principles to our lives. We must “Use the Spirit to Come to the Lord.”

Knowing what the Spirit gives us, where where does death come? “For the wages of sin is death ; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23)

If the Spirit comes to those who keep the commandments, death comes when we knowingly choose to disobey the commandments. In the April 1987 General Conference, President Hinckley reminds us, “Each of us has a choice between right and wrong. But with that choice there inevitably will follow consequences. Those who choose to violate the commandments of God put themselves at great spiritual and physical jeopardy.” He also shared the words of Jacob, “Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal” (2 Ne. 9:39)

What then is needed to bring the Spirit into our lives?

To bring the Spirit into, and keep the Spirit in our lives, we must give ourselves to Jesus Christ, live by the Commandments that we’ve been given, and stay true to our Covenants. And, we must be active disciples of Jesus Christ. This includes: daily prayer, reading the scriptures, partaking of the Sacrament, living a life of righteousness, magnifying our callings and serving others, living a wholesome, righteous life, and teaching and sharing the Gospel with others. He has promised that we will have the Spirit with us as long as we are faithful and worthy. (Mosiah 2:36-37)

How do the principles in the following scriptures bring us closer to God and give us more freedom from Satan? As I read these scriptures, I find a commonality- if we stay focused on what we know is right, why we are here, and on our eternal goals, we will distance ourselves from the grasp of Satan.

• If we have faith in God, the light of Christ will guide and protect us (2 Corinthians 4:6–10)
• If keep our sights on our eternal goals, we will stay true to our covenants and be able to return to our Father in Heaven (2 Corinthians 4:14–18)
• We are accountable for what we do as mortal beings, therefore, we should live in a state of constant repentance so that we might be worthy to stand before Christ (2 Corinthians 5:7–10)
• When are born again, in Christ, we leave behind what was and live anew with the light of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17–21)
• If we surround ourselves with other faithful believers, we will continue on the path of righteousness (2 Corinthians 6:14–17)
• If we truly sorry and ask forgiveness from the heart, we will be cleansed and our reward will be great (2 Corinthians 7:1, 9–10)
• If we are grateful in all things, even when we are going through troubled or trying times, we will be strengthened by the experience (2 Corinthians 12:9–10)

The Impact of Example-1 Corinthians 4:2, 9–17; 8:9–13

What is required of the servants of the Lord? 

"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2) As servants of the Lord, we are required to be faithful and trustworthy (from the footnotes). It’s very simple really, our purpose for being here is- putting our faith in the Jesus Christ, being faithful and trustworthy, living by His example, and serving others. 

Who is specifically selected to be examples? How does being a good example apply to more than this group?

Paul said “I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world.." (1 Corinthians 4:9–17)  

Although Paul was speaking of the apostles and prophets, I think that being an example pertains to all who have faith in Jesus Christ who serve others in His name. To share the words of Elder Jeffrey Holland, “Beyond my words and teachings and spoken witness, my life must be a part of that testimony of Jesus. My very being should reflect the divinity of this work. I could not bear it if anything I might ever say or do would in any way diminish your faith in Christ, your love for this church, or the esteem in which you hold the holy apostleship.”(“Miracles of the Restoration,” Gen Conf, Oct 1994).  

Why is it not enough just to know what is right?

"Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish thing; suffer not the devil to lead away your heart again…”  (Alma 39:11) We are given commandments to live by and are taught right from wrong, but if we do not live by what we know is right, we will fall to temptation, and be led astray. Also, it is our responsibility to teach our children and to teach others who may not have someone to show them the way. "Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people” (Alma 39:12) 

What additional power comes to those who live what they know? 

"And now it came to pass that according to our record, and we know our record to be true, for behold, it was a just man who did keep the record—“ (3 Nephi 8:1) 

As we read the scriptures and the records that have been passed down from the prophets, we trust in the power of their words because they lived what they knew. They were not just preaching, they believed in Jesus Christ and in His Gospel, and lived their lives as an example for others. By living what we know, we have the power to share the knowledge we’ve gained with future generations. They will see the light of Christ in us and will have believe the words we share with them, because they see us living them. If, however, we do not teach our children and future generations, and share this knowledge with them, we fail them, ourselves, and our Savior. We have a job to do; we have knowledge to share; we are to be examples to others; and with that comes the power of serving others and the blessings that follow.

Proper Authority and Ministering to the People- Acts 19-20

What were some of the Priesthood ordinances performed by Paul in Acts 19 & 20?

• Baptizing by immersion, in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 19:3-4)
• Bestowing the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (Acts 19:6)
• Performing the miracles of healing and exorcism (Acts19:12)
• Blessing and partaking of the Sacrament (Acts 20:7)
• Bringing life unto the dead (Acts 20:10)

What did Paul do for the Corinthian saints because it hadn’t been done right the first time?

When Paul came to Ephesus, he found that the people had been baptized by John, but that it was a “baptism of repentance,” and John had told them “that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” Upon hearing this, Paul baptized them in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 19:3-4)

How does this help answer the question many nonmembers have about the need of being baptized when they have already been baptized?

When I was an infant, I was baptized in the Catholic Church. It is believed that all were born with original sin, so they must be baptized to be able to enter the kingdom of God. It is also believed that baptizing someone twice is not necessary as long as the person was baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (or in the trinitarian formula). However, this baptism wasn’t by full immersion. (D&C 20:73–74)

Because of this, I was confused, somewhat, when I was investigating the Church. I had many conversations with my husband (who is my personal missionary), and the other missionaries who were teaching me. We read many scriptures together, and there was much praying. Finally, with guidance from the Spirit, the answers came to me, and I was baptized. I understood that this sacred covenant needed to be performed as Jesus Christ had instructed, by immersion, and that it must be done by one with priesthood authority.  

In what way did Paul bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost?

Paul bestowed the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (Acts 19:6)

On what day of the week did the saints meet to break bread? 

The saints would meet to break bread on the first day of the week (known as the Sabbath, or the Lord’s Day).

What evidence is there in John 20:1, 19 for why the Sabbath day was changed?

The Sabbath was changed from the last day of the week to the first in honor of the works of God: the Creation, the liberation of Israel and the Resurrection of our Savior (BD-Sabbath)

Paul's Second Mission- Acts 16; 18

During Paul's second missionary journey, he and his companion, Silas, traversed through many cities including Ephesus, Philippi, Corinth, Thessalonica and Macedonia.  The Holy Spirit was a close companion during their travels.

How did the Holy Spirit help Paul and his companions during their journey?

As we read Acts 16:6-10, we can see how the Holy Spirit guided and protected Paul and his companion. They were given warnings, and received visions that helped direct them in their mission. Though their faith, they were able to heed the warnings and follow the promptings so that they might the do the Lords works. 

• They were given warnings- “..forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia” (Acts 16:6)
• They followed promptings- “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” (Acts 16:9) 
• They acted on faith- "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision , Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee...” (Acts 18:9-10)

How has the Spirit directed my missionary efforts?

I believe that we are all full-time missionaries, and reading these accounts of Paul’s missions brings to mind a personal experience I had recently. One afternoon, I was returning to my car after running some errands. As I opened the door, I was approached by a woman, who immediately started saying “You don’t have to speak with me if you don’t want to,” and "I understand if you don’t want to look me in the eye- others haven't.” As she spoke, I had a warm feeling move through my body and I knew the Spirit was prompting me to see what she needed. I greeted her and could see the gratitude that someone had finally spoken to her. She explained that she and her husband were going through some rough times, and that she’d been trying to get someone to help her buy some groceries. 

There wasn’t a grocery nearby but there were several restaurants, so she asked if I’d buy her something to eat. We decided on one, and she told me she would meet me there, as I was putting some things in my car. While I drove over, I called my husband, who was expecting me, and explained the situation and the feeling I’d had that I should help her. We both knew that I was being directed by the Spirit. 

She ordered something for herself and something to take back to her husband. I waited with her as her food was being prepared. While we sat together, we talked about her situation and what had brought them to their current situation. I left her with a hug and a prayer that all would be well. 

Each day, I prayer to be aware of promptings such as these; to know what the Lord wants me to do; to know how I can serve Him today.  By accepting these promptings and acting on them, I am hopeful that I will become even more aware and that others will see the light of Christ in me.

How did Paul turn his experiences into missionary opportunities?

Paul was a very observant and faithful servant. He never forgot why he was here and the service he was asked to do. He had one goal in mind, and that was to live by the commandments and covenants he’d made and to bring every soul he could to Jesus Christ. 

What can I learn from Paul’s missionary experiences? 

I can learn from Paul that we are going to go through trials, and that life isn’t always going to be easy, but if we take everything as it comes and put our faith in God, we will endure. He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us, and He will never leave us alone, as long as we are worthy.

How is the jailer an example of a true convert?

He cried out to Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30)  There came a crucial moment, the jailer believed and he felt the power of the Spirit and he knew he must change his ways and come unto the Lord.

How does Mosiah 4:9–10 expand your understanding of Acts 17:30–31?

Since the day I was baptized, just over two years, along with the covenants I made, I have made a commitment to myself that I would strive to live in a constant state of repentance. Our time here is limited and we never know when the day will come when our Heavenly Father will call us home.  On that day, I will be ready and worthy to stand before Him. 

In Acts 17:30-31, we are reminded of the commandment of repentance and the importance, come judgement day. We must not procrastinate, for we know not when this day will come.

As we read Mosiah 4:9-10, we are reminded  to “Believe in God” and “...that we must repent of your sins and forsake them.” To me, these scriptures are very powerful and should be read often to remind us who God is and why we are here.

What can I do now to better prepare myself to share the gospel?

To better prepare myself, I must commit to live by the commandments that were given us, and to honor the covenants that I’ve made. I must love and serve Jesus Christ and my fellow brothers and sisters and our Savior loves us. If I do these things, everything will fall into place and others will see the light of Christ in me and want to know more.

The Day of Pentecost- Acts 2

What was the Day of Pentecost?

The day of Pentecost was a day in celebration of the harvest. It was held about fifty days after Passover (the time it took to gather the wheat), and was also known as "the feast of harvest" (Exodus 23:16), or the feast of weeks,” (Deut. 16:10). On this day, the Apostles were also gathered to choose a new apostle. As the Jews celebrated, giving thanks to God; and the apostles were meeting, “...suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:2-4) Through the power of the Holy Ghost, the Apostles were able to share the Gospel and speak of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to all, and all could understand. (Acts 2:6)

On this day of Pentecost, what did Peter teach?

He taught of prophecy, of revelation...

 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:17-21)

He taught of the Plan of Salvation, of the Crucifixion, of the Atonement…

 “… Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.” (Acts 2:22-24)

How did Peter fulfill his role as a special witness of Jesus Christ?

He taught of the Resurrection of the Savior and testified that Jesus was the Christ

Speaking of David, Peter said, "Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Therefore being by the bright hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:29-36)

What gifts of the Spirit were made manifest on the day of Pentecost?

• The gift of faith
• The gift of testimony
• The gift of speaking with tongues
• The gift of interpretation of tongues
• The gift of prophecy
• The gift of revelation

How did the people respond to what occurred on this day? 

As the people listened and understood what was being taught and shared with them, the power of the Holy Spirit was so strong, they cried, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) Whereupon, Peter said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38) 

On that day, about three thousand were baptized. (Acts 2:41)

The Savior's Instructions about the Holy Ghost

In John 14:15–17, 26–27; 15:26–27; 16:7–8,13–14, the Savior teaches about the Holy Ghost

What the Holy Ghost does:

• "...teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26)
• "...he shall testify of me" (John 15:26)
• "...he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:8)
• He will guide us to the truth and provide revelation (John 16:13)
• Show us the glory of the Savior (John 16:14)

From the institute Manual-

• "In the presence of such persons, one feels to enjoy the light of the countenances, as the genial rays of a sunbeam. Their very atmosphere diffuses a thrill, a warm glow of pure gladness and sympathy, to the heart and nerves of others who have kindred feelings, or sympathy of spirit.” 
• “It develops beauty of person, form and features” (Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology, p. 101.) (From Points to Ponder, "The Holy ghost Brings Man to His Fullest Potential." pg 168)

• "He bears witness of the truth, quickens the minds of those who have made covenant and reveals to them the mysteries of the kingdom of God.” (Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 5:123.) (From Points to Ponder, “As a Messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost Teaches Faithful Members,” pg. 168)

What disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost:

• "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15)
• Have faith, believe in Jesus Christ and remain worthy to receive the Holy Ghost. (John 14:17)
• "And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning (John 15:27)

How did the Holy Ghost Help the Apostles Fulfill Their Mission?

The Apostles had a huge task in front of them, after Jesus’ death and resurrection,  They were to continue His ministry on earth, in His name. "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (John 15:16) Jesus did not leave His Apostles alone, but left them with a Comforter, the Holy Ghost, who would guide them, who would speak for Him and who would show them what would be.

“… It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16:7)

 “...when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

“He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” (John 16:13–14).

How has the Holy Ghost Blessed my Life?

Just over two years ago, my husband (who has been a member of the Church all his life), and I were meeting with our Ward missionaries- they were teaching me. During our lessons, we talked many times about my being baptized and I would know when it was the right time for me. There were some questions that I had that still had not been answered, and I knew, when the time was right, that the Holy Ghost would guide me--that I would feel the power of the Holy Ghost. I felt that power for the first time at a special Stake Conference, in which Elder David A. Bednar talked. As he spoke, it was as if he were speaking to me directly. I felt the Spirit that day, and my husband did as well. We knew I had my answer. I felt the Holy Ghost again a short time later when I was prompted to buy a book after visiting the Salt Lake Temple. In that book, I found the other answers I needed. I was baptized by my husband a week later.

In the Bible Dictionary, we read, "The power can come upon one before baptism and is the convincing witness that the gospel is true. By the power of the Holy Ghost a person receives a testimony of Jesus Christ and of His work and the work of His servants upon the earth.”

Since the day my husband baptized me and I received the gift of the Holy Ghost, I have blessed every day. I start the day asking that my heart be open to the promptings of the Spirit, so that I might hear that still small voice and do what is asked of me. And, I find opportunity most every day; in serving others, in sharing the Gospel, and in loving my family and our Savior, Jesus Christ.