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.

A New Commandment- John 13:34-35

How can others know if we are disciples of Jesus Christ? (John 13:34-35)
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

As I read these scriptures, the principle I thought of was that if we love one another, we will radiate the light of Christ and others will know Him. This reminded me of a story that one of the Sisters in Relief Society shared this past Sunday. 

She said that when her son was in kindergarten, some thirty years ago, there were three other children who were members of the Church, along with him, in their class. The teacher was not a member, but she could see how these children were different and how happy they were- she could see His light illuminating from them. There was something there, something more that these children had and, she wanted to know more, so she began looking into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She soon became a member. It was because of their love for one another, that she was converted. They brought her to Jesus Christ, simply by loving one another.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, how might one respond in the following situations, in accordance with this "new commandment"given us? (John 13:34-35) 

• Someone you know is ridiculed or made fun of because of the way he or she dresses. As a disciple of the Savior, I would ask why they feel they should judge someone for the way they dress. I would then provide comfort that explain that it is not what we are wearing but who we are that matters. Elder Oaks of the Seventy, once said,"The real person is the one who will stand before the all-knowing Lord on Judgment Day. The Lord will see quickly into our hearts and discern who we really are.” (Apr 2003) 

• You see a new person at church. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I would approach the new person and make them feel welcome and see if there was anything that they needed or that I could do to help them feel more comfortable. I would make sure they knew who to contact should they need anything and give them my contact information. One of the many things I love about the Church is that, no matter where you are, you can attend Sacrament Meeting and the other Sunday meetings and will always feel welcomed- always feel that you are home. 

Do people know that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ by the way I treat them?

I sure hope so! As do the small children I had mentioned earlier, I believe that we do radiate the light of Christ and that people can tell that we are disciples of our Savior. That may not know exactly what that light is that they see, but they know that we love them as Christ loves us all. I hope that as I serve others, they feel His love through me. 

Children's Hymn: "Love One Another" (Hymn 308)

As I have loved you,

Love one another.

This new commandment:

Love one another.

By this shall men know

Ye are my disciples,

If ye have love

One to another

There is a family member I have in mind, whom I will show the kind of love the Savior would show over the coming week (and for weeks to come). Below is a short list of the things I can do to show this love for them:

• Pray for them
• Show compassion
• Show them understanding
• Show them kindness
• Be patient
• Serve them
• And, most importantly…love them

Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming- Mark 13; Luke 21:5-38; Joseph Smith-Matthew

We do not know when the Savior will return, but we do know that He will return. When that day comes, we must be prepared to meet Him; we must be righteous; and, we must be His faithful disciples.

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (Luke 21:36)

How will we know of Jesus' Second Coming?

As Jesus sat with His disciples on the mount of Olives, they asked Him what they should do in preparation of His return. He told them of false prophets and of those who would be posing as the returned Christ. He also told of those who would persecute those who believed in Him. And He shared that no one, not even He knew when this day would be, except for the Father. (Matthew 24:36) 

As we read these scriptures and of the signs that He gave the disciples, we can feel comfort in knowing, "Behold, I have foretold you all things.” (Mark 13:23)

"Take heed lest any man deceive you" (Mark 13:5)
"Take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them" (Mark 13:9)
"Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning" (Mark 13:35)
"And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch" (Mark 13:37)

How do we prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?

To prepare for the Second Coming, we must make sure that we are in a "holy place" spiritually and virtuously. (D&C 87:8)  We must be faithful, true to our covenants, righteous in our thoughts and in our actions. We must be witnesses of our Savior and our Father in Heaven, hold fast to our beliefs. And, we mustn't procrastinate, for we do not know when this day will come. We must always be ready for His return.

"And again shall the abomination of desolation, spoken of by 
Daniel the prophet, be fulfilled” (JS-M 1:32) 

"And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived, for the Son of Man shall come, and he shall send his angels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the remainder of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (JS-M 1:37)
"And what I say unto one, I say unto all men; watch, therefore, for you know not at what hour your Lord doth come” (JS-M 1:46)

Blessed is that servant whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing; and verily I say unto you, he shall make him ruler over all his goods” (JS-M 1:50)
"Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom” (D&C 33:17)
"And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. (v56) For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day” (v57) (D&C 45:56–57)