Purpose
To draw near to the Savior by repenting of our sins, keeping our baptismal covenants, and withstanding temptation.
Scriptures
Scripture Chain
Additional Reading
- Mark 1:1–13
- Luke 3:1–22
- Luke 4:1–14
- John 1:19–34
- John 2:1–25
- 2 Nephi 31
- Bible Dictionary, “Baptism,” 618–19
- Bible Dictionary, “John the Baptist,” 714–15
- Bible Dictionary, “Repentance,” 760–61
Lesson Resources
- Teacher's Manual
- Class Member Study Guide
- Meridian Magazine
- LDS Living
- Brother Beardall's Outline
- James E Neumann Institute
- BYU Study Series
- Seminary Manual: John 1
- Seminary Manual: Matthew 3-4
- Institute Manual: John 1
- Institute Manual: Matthew 1-4
Additional Images/Video
- John the Baptist Baptizing Jesus (John Baptizing Jesus) (image)
- John Preaching in the Wilderness (image)
- The Baptism of Jesus (video)
- Finding The Lamb (video)
Additional Talks
- D. Todd Christofferson, “Reflections on a Consecrated Life,” Oct. 2010 general conference.
- Quentin L. Cook, “Let There Be Light!” Oct. 2010 general conference.
- Henry B. Eyring, “Help Them on Their Way Home,” Apr. 2010 general conference.
31 comments:
Does anyone else have a problem motivating their class members? I teach GD so you would think adults would know better, but they are like kids. They wander the halls after sacrament meeting, socialize and come in 15 minutes late, don't read their lessons, can't participate because they don't even read....here we are on the MB all studying together and we go in so prepared and enthused, having really put time into these lessons, and then the ward members couldn't care less. I ask a question related to the reading which was only 2 chapters, and they stare at me like I'm speaking Chinese. Most weeks I can deal with it, but this was not one of those weeks. And it seems pretty church wide from other teachers I talk to....any ideas? P.S. Should be noted here that the Bishop conducts all of his interviews and the RS has their presidency meetings during that hour, so that is one problem here....every leader is saying by their actions, "studying the scriptures is not important!" Please, anyone with a different ward experience PLEASE send ideas. I'm putting together a survey of sorts to meet with our bishopric and turn this around.
nylifecoach
Hmmm......last year I was in the GE class but I really want to learn more about the NT so Im taking GD. I have only been to two classes. First time I missed most of the class cuz I had to take my baby out. 2nd time the bishop wanted to see me. Just to note that my bishop went to the GD class when we were done talking.
Most of the time in our class its always the same people who comment. I think the reason I dont is cuz I am afraid. I will say soemthing stupid. I make comments in RS but GD is different. Even though I read the lesson and read the threads here I am still clueless.
Im sure this wont help ya but thanks for letting me get my 2 pennies in.
Also I cant wait to get reading the lesson and learn some more. If I hear things over and over and over and over and over and over again, they will eventually sink in to my brain.
huri
Hey, NYLC
I don't think you need to make your class feel motivated. I mean, yeah, it would be nice, but as long as you present a good lesson, even though it seems like no one is listening or cares, your lesson WILL touch someone. It may be a small seed, or a large answer to prayer. Keep your chin up! I HATE going to GD because the teacher is not only BORING but he kind of does "the gosple accoding to him". He's been teaching it FOUR years and just had major surgery, so you'd think they'd release him! On top of this we have one gal who practically takes over the lesson w/ all her "gospel according to her" comments. So honestly, I think I'd take your quiet GD over mine! LOL
gshreeve
I wanted to respond to NYlifecoach, and then couldn't find the stream, after finally entering all the info. so that I could actually reply after, yes, lurking, here and there for the last couple of months. I have tried one other time but absolutely could not think of a nickname. It was intimidating to me that I could never, no never, change it.
Anyway, to respond--our GD teacher has started handing out short assignments at the end of the lesson--scriptures to read and talk about for next week's lesson. It isn't the whole lesson, but at least those people assigned are reading some of it. She will ask for a man or a woman, or someone younger, etc., someone she feels that scripture might touch. We are not hearing as much from her, but I'm thinking that her goal is to get more people reading the assignment.
I am actually shaking, this has been so nerve-wracking for me to actually write something here. I'm really not a nervous person, but for some reason, this scares me.
valible
I think there are two possible solutions to getting your students participating in GD.
I'd just been called to teach the NT course in GD last time round and I was petrified because for a zillion years I'd only taught children and youth.
I think the attention span of some adults is far less than that of a 5 year old!
The first week was okay but I wasn't getting the interaction I was used to, SO...
I decided they were only bigger kids and so they just needed more activity and attention getters.
I had the chairs moved around (bit difficult if you have to share a building or you have a mega big class) but it really helps stir things up a little.
I did all the little things I'd do for the kids One example which they really liked was finding a miniature candy bar wrapped in a spiritually focused home-made wrapper which I'd hidden and taped under their seats. Its a different way to ask questions or have them read scriptures and quotes;
Sometimes it's necessary to view your class as a big family who've all got so many different needs and capacities for understanding.
The other solution or idea takes a bit of confidence and knowledge of your class to be able to do this.
My DH has a style of teaching all of his own and was very successful with it. In fact the Primary Pres was found sneaking out of Primary on a few occasions so she could get in on the lesson. There were no corridor walkers whatsoever!
Anyway, it's like you have to play devils' advocate in a way, or make a statement like, "Why do we need a Prophet if we all get revelation ourselves?" DH was so convincing that at the beginning of the lesson, some of them thought he was for real but it got them firing out the answers left right and center!
I guess you'd have to be careful there because you only need to have someone who's half listening to go home with half the facts! Hmmm - could be a bit iffy!
There's my 2 penn'th for today.
ladyrodnoc
Our dear valible, Here is a big hug for you. Thank you for posting. It is hard to put your thoughts and feelings out here for all to read. I can assure you that you will feel loved here. I know this from personal experience. I am sure that you have seen many of the good things that happen here as you have "lurked". I hope now that you have made this first wonderful post that you will feel more confident to post away!
lorig
Thanks everyone for your answers. I appreciate your thougts.
gshreeve, I had to laugh about your teacher teaching for 4 years - I am on my 20th year! Maybe that is the problem! we have a very transient ward so very few have had ME for 20 years.
huri, don't be afraid! Your very presence here on this board shows you would like to learn. If you don't feel you have anything to contribute, ask a question in class. I would love it if someone besides me said "How do you do this in your life?" Like this weeks lesson is to INSPIRE class members (scary) to draw closer to the Savior. I would love it if someone in my class said, I want to but I don't know how. How do you do it? That would get a good discussion going! You have more to contribute than you know. come to my class - we'll have fun!
Valible - THANK YOU!!!! Oh, that just made my day.....2 scared people spoke up! And you are right - assigning out parts of the lesson is a perfect solution. One of the youth teachers gave assignments to 3/4 of my class yesterday so they all went to her class. They showed up in my class for the last 5 minutes.....I guess I'll just assign them all something this week!! And BE BRAVE - we are all wonderful here and would love to hear more out of you!
Why in this church are we not more enthused about scriptures? My sister is an evangelical Christian and she is at bible study groups 3x a week! Weekdays - in addition to church! they have huge groups of ladies that get together to study! LDS won't even read 1 chapter for church...I find it mind boggling.
nylifecoach
Hi Valible!
I felt the same way as you when I first posted a message!
Lovely to have you here. You'll just have to post loads more and then you'll get over your shakes.
I mean - which would you rather do - post on here or give a talk in Sacrament meeting???
Hugs (((U)))
ladyrodnoc
Thank you for your kind welcoming words. I had to leave for a bit to deep breathe and sort laundry.
A quick non-answer--I don't know why members aren't more excited about the scriptures, although I see young people much more knowledgeable about and interested in them than I was at their age. If we read the words of our leaders in conference talks, church magazines, lessons, etc we should be realizing how important they are. Sunday School, unfortunately doesn't get the attention it deserves, but thank you to whitlarson for her encouragement. I have served many years in Young Women and Primary, and always tried to keep up with the lessons in GD and RS--it helped me feel more connected to the sisters, and more a part of the "whole picture."
valible
NYLC, I am really not sure about how to get people to participate more. I have been having a similar experience in my calling. Recently, Elder Bednar gave an EXCELLENT talk that has helped me. It was directed at CES educators. The link is:
http://www.lds.org/broadcast/misc/0,18210,5003-1-121-961,00.html
Maybe there will be some ideas that you can draw from! If not - you will certainly enjoy the talk!! :O)
WOW! It was so good to come on and read everyone's replies. What a loving group this is. Again, I am just so grateful!
valible - I, too, would like to extend my hand in welcome!! How wonderful that when you finally feel comfortable speaking it is to help someone. I am sure that says a lot about you as a person. Thanks for joining us!! :O)
huri - I definitely agree with NYLC... speak up!! I love it when I'm in a GD class and it really gets going! It doesn't happen NEARLY enough. One of the main reasons I wanted to start this thread was because I want to see more of that. I want people to come on and say things that the rest of us are missing or that we respond to or that we already know but love hearing it in that new way or...
NYLC - WE are excited about the scriptures!! Maybe our enthusiasm will spread???
valible - Don't be scared! We are all friendly here. I know what you mean though. It was hard for me to make that first post. This is definitely a place you can feel comfortable and safe. Keep posting! Ü
I am one who doesn't speak up much in class. It's just hard for me for some reason. I feel like I have a hard time expressing what I'm thinking. Or having things come across in the right spirit. I know if I just do it I'll get better. Or at least it will get easier even if I don't get better! I do speak up more in R.S. I think it's easier to post here because I can take my time deciding exactly what I want to say.
sarizona
NYLC,
Is it any wonder that the children of these parents struggle with the same thing in seminary each morning? It is hard for them to get enthused about studying the scriptures when they don't see their parents doing it. I know one mom whose child is going through a small rebellion phase right now. However, this wise mother will find something in her daily scripture study to form question that she can ask her child, as well as the rest of the family, at dinner each evening. While they may not be doing formal scripture study, they are discussing and this youth is having an opportunity to share his impressions each day. Any doubt in this child's mind that the scriptures are important to his mother?
As far as suggestions for your concern, in my seminary inservice meetings we have really been hitting this very thing hard this year. It is hoped that every student has read the material we are covering prior to coming to class as well. However, this is most often not the case, as with GD. I'm sure you do not do this in your class, but every GD class I have ever gone to has spent VERY little time in the scriptures themselves. As seminary teachers (which I know is a bit different than GD) we are encouraged to have the students in the scriptures as much as possible with discussion stemming from that. One way that I have found is to introduce my class to 'statement starters'. Here is a list that came from a CES video:
1. "I really like that verse because . . . "
2. "Hey, Look! I found a cool principle . . ."
3. "Here's a great power phrase, punch line, or kicker! It's a great sentence sermon!"
4. "A-ha! I just had an epiphany (a sudden realization of the meaning of something)!"
5. "Wait a minute. I have a question about that."
6. "I am not sure I understand. Can you help me understand the meaning?"
7. "I know a great cross-reference for that verse."
8. "I know this verse is true because . . . "
9. "This verse really helped me one time when . . . "
10. "I think this verse is teaching us to . . ."
11. "I know a scripture mastery verse that goes with that . . ."
12. "I just found a really cool footnote!"
13. "This verse makes me feel . . ."
14. "I want to testify this verse of scripture is true!"
15. "Wow, I just struck Gold! Look at this principle!"
This is all so new for my students and it is the end goal to get them to the point that they doing these statements on their own by the end of the four years in seminary. To show them how to do this, I use these as a guide for outlining my lessons. I have found that I get a lot more discussing if I give them some verses and ask them to look for and mark _______. i.e. today we studied D&C 89 - after talking about verse 3 (which, by the way, I used the look for the 'power phrase' when were on this verse) - principle and the promise - we turned to verses 18-21 and I had half the class look for and mark the principles and the other half mark the promises. Because they were reading with a specific purpose in mind, they got a lot more out of those verses than if I would have just had them read those verses.
We do not read the verses together very often at all in class. Instead I have the kids read it themselves. The result is that they are much more vested in the discussion that follows because they have something to contribute. Even splitting the class in half, the kids are paying attention to both discussions.
Well, I've rambled on waaay too long. You have hit on a subject that I am very passionate about as a parent, a teacher and a student. The scriptures should be a part of us, but like you said, unfortunately with too many of our faith they are just something that the haul to church each week and open only if absolutely necessary.
~Kim
Questions to ponder:
What does it mean to repent?
As you read about the Savior’s encounter with Satan in the wilderness, what do you learn about withstanding temptation?
What can we do to invite others to “come and see” the Savior? (see John 1:43-46 ... http://scriptures.lds.org/john/1/43-46#43)
Sometimes I don't reply or ask questions in Sunday school because I'm not exactly sure what the person is asking. Often I'll restate the question - if I'm really confused - and then try to find an answer to it.
When I was teaching GD and RS, I would think about where I wanted them to be at the end of the lesson. Then formulated questions that I could ask to get them there.. or at least on the road there. I'd also write out different ways to ask the questions that I thought might be confusing. The list helped me when there were big silences of no participation.
Also, don't be afraid to wait for an answer. I've done this when teaching school also. I've asked a question and a minute silence to me feels like an eternity, but to the class members maybe they're trying to find the right words to put together to answer. If they feel that you're going to wait for an answer, instead of answering it yourself, maybe they'll participate more. :)
ctr2002
Here's a great talk by Elder Holland:
http://tinyurl.com/y9fjk5r
if that doesn't work... it's in the Feb 1984 Ensign and can be reached on lds.org through the gospel study link. :)
ctr2002
WONDERFUL talk. Thank you so much. Here is another great one by Elder Holland. After reading your talk, I decided to see if I could find a recording and found another fabulous talk by Elder Holland. It is called "The Bitter Cup and the Bloody Baptism" and so good....
http://speeches.byu.edu/freefiles/provider1/type1/Holland_Jeffrey_01_1987.pdf
Again, thank you so much.
A great talk - if you're looking for one to listen to this week while driving or working or whatever is "The Savior, the Sacrament, and Self-Worth" by Truman Madsen. Here is the link to listen:
http://byubmp3.byu.edu/wconf99/tmadsen.mp3
And here is the link to read:
http://ce.byu.edu/cw/womensconference/archive/1999/madsen_truman.htm
I hope to have time to come on later and discuss some of the things I'm thinking and feeling - I hope you will all do the same. I love your comments. :O)
Thank you ALL for your answers and suggestions for teaching ideas. I have done a lot, and try to constantly vary the ideas. My VT was over the other day telling me she likes the variety and that no 2 lessons are ever alike. I just still feel deep distress over their lack of interest in the scriptures AT ALL and the importance of them in their lives. Whit, I listened to that David Bednar talk. Very good!! Made me realize the class has to pay their own price for gaining truth. Like Elder Merrill's Jan. Ensign artcile. Even Jesus himself could not interest the Jews in the synagogue in Nazareth. But in my mind, hope springs eternal and I keep hoping someone will get a spark. They do on some weeks.
Anyway, on to your discussion questions. How do we withstand temptation? I like how Jesus always answered Satan back with scriptures. (Here I go again) He knew them and used them and lived them and internalized them. So when Satan came, Jesus was prepared with truth. He didn't have to say, "Oh, let me look this up and see if there is a scripture about that. I just know there was one in Matthew somewhere....."
In the last CR there is a great talk by Elder Todd Christopherson about being men, and how the Savior was the example of true manhood. The stories he uses are all in this week's assignment. HA! I just thought of an idea.....give a lesson on REAL MEN do this and this......" If men knew the power that Christlike behavior has on women they would be much different. Really, sisters, tell me what you think on this one. Don't you think there is something just so attractive about a righteous man who knows the scriptures and is smart and knows how to treat women and acts like Elder Christopherson is describing? I guess most people don't think of the Savior in that way, but I have often thought as I see him being the rebel he was and going against the customs of the day that, if I lived at his time, I would have found him very attractive. Truly. Whit is probably thinking, "Get off my thread!" But it is true, and men like him are very attractive. Hey, Elder Christofferson brought it up....
nylifecoach
I agree. Nothing more attractive than a righteous Priesthood holder!
-whit
posting from my wii is weird and slow!
Thoughts today:
The first thought as I was studying these scriptures was the uniqueness of John the Baptist. It reminded me that each of us has a unique calling and ministry. It's okay that I'm not just like my my neighbor - in fact, it's GREAT. I think of John the Baptist with his "raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins" and I think of the Savior and I think what different men they must have been. But both did exactly what they were sent to do.
As for the rest of the scriptures - and pondering on the Sacrament and repenting of our sins and withstanding temptation (still keep thinking of the talk posted by Elder Holland on the temptations of Christ - SO good)...
Last year I focused a lot of study on the Holy Ghost. I learned SO much. This lesson reminds me of a few of the thoughts from those studies. First, it reminded me of the talk by President Packer from 2003 - recently published in the August 2006 Ensign where he says, "We sometimes speak of baptism for the remission of sins. The remission, if you will read the scriptures carefully, comes through the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost."
I focused on what this means. I read and re-read his talk:
http://tinyurl.com/3ywf6n
And then I read this:
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/moses/6/59-68#59
Oh, how I love this scripture. I had studied for months and there was my answer in the scriptures - first the Ensign and then the Pearl of Great Price (which it surely is).
We know that baptism is symbolic of rebirth - but our BAPTISM consists of more than just the water part. The 60th verse says, "For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified." This sounds a lot like the Sacrament, doesn't it?
Water and bread. Blood and body. Obedience, justification, sanctification. So many amazing thoughts to ponder. Baptism of our bodies, baptism of our spirits? Baptism of our souls. That is what baptism is to me. So much more than a rite of passage. How grateful I am for a church with the power from God to perform true baptism on earth. How grateful I am for a Savior who paid the price in His blood that I might be sanctified.
I have a difficult time trying to put it into words. It reminds me of a dear friend who recently was talking about her scripture study and she said she feels so excited to share and she says things like, "Prayer is good. Really good! We should pray more!" Here the Spirit has given her a witness of a great thing and it sounds so simplistic and the feeling is not there. I know how she feels.
I can't wait to take the Sacrament this week!
You are amazing--what a wealth of knowledge and resources. I used Elder Packer's August 2006 talk for FHE in August, and have been thinking a lot about it since--when I read about baptism and the Holy Ghost, and have noticed more how they are mentioned together in the scriptures.
I am going back a couple of weeks (or more), but also wanted to mention the talk about the Atonement that you referred to, by Thomas Griffiths. A friend had asked me if I received BYU Magazine, because she had read that article and wanted to get a copy of it. I went to the BYU Website, found it and e-mailed it to her, and then read it myself, and will not look at the Atonement, the Savior's appearance to the Nephites, or the Sacrament the same way again. I was telling two of my children about his talk, and found out that he had been their Stake President at BYU, and they both told of experiences in his Stake that bear out the effects of keeping the Atonement in mind in everything we do.
While I am off the subject of GD Lesson 4, could I go back to Lesson 2--or maybe I should find the stream for that lesson. No, I'll just say it here. When I was reading about the Angel's appearance to Mary, telling her about the awesome responsibility she was to have, I was touched by the fact that after he had told her how this was all to happen, he told her that her cousin, Elizabeth, would also be bearing a child. It was after she heard about her cousin that she said "Behold the handmaid. . ." (Luke 1:35-38)
I don't know that the timing was exactly as recorded, but it touched me that maybe hearing this gave her a little more confidence--knowing that a friend would be sharing in this incredible event.
Thank you for your encouragement to read these scripture assignments. And now, on to this weeks's!
valible
valible - (I always think VALUABLE when I read your name)
We are all amazing!! Daughters of God - what a concept!! I love coming here to study with all of you.
What a neat thing that your children know Brother (President) Griffith! I just can't (and hope I never do) get over how wonderful that talk was/is!
I loved your comments on Mary and Elizabeth. I am sure that you are right and they did give each other great strength and comfort going through that experience together!
How's everybody doing with this week's study? Hopefully you are all enjoying the reading as much as I am!!
Well, OK, I'll take it to the top again. I read the assignment this morning, and nothing really stood out to me--at least no more than has already been mentioned above, very eloquently, I might add. Oh, except the difference that reading the JST makes in understanding what is said.
My hat is off to GD teachers, because there is much more in the lessons than anyone could ever hope to cover on their best day. I'm not sure why, but I have a teacher's manual, so let my DH take the student one. I'm not sure that having the teacher's manual is a good idea, because I keep coming up with things that I would like to talk or hear about in the lesson, and then am a little frustrated when they are not.
Thank you to all who have written--much food for thought and motivation to get into the scriptures.
valible
I don't know if you've had the opportunity to listen to or read Truman Madsen's talk, but I wanted to post this quote from it that I loved so much (and goes along with our studies this week):
"Sisters, in His sacrament, the Lord gives us glimpses of ourselves. And in self-examination we are most blessed when we see ourselves as we are seen by Him and know ourselves as we are known by Him, then, knowledge of the Savior and self-knowledge increase together. In this world, we do not really grasp who we are until we know whose we are. And week after week the Master invites us to take upon us His name so that we will never forget whose we are. We are His. Isaiah asks, "Can a woman forget her nursing child that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?" Sadly, the answer is: yes. She may forget. But the Lord says, "I will not forget you. I have graven you on the palms of my hands" (Isaiah 49:15)."
Don't you think that is one of the greatest talks, especially at the end, how he talks about women.
Valible, you are right. This just is way too much to even study. I think I am finding a workable pattern as I study.
The idea, prepare ye the way of the Lord. Why did he need preparation? Couldn't he just start teaching? I looked up "prepare" in the topical guide and was shocked how often the word prepare comes up in the scriptures. I was surprised how much He prepared for US, for our teaching, for the atonement, for the last days, etc.....read the list. It is remarkable!! So I came to a conclusion after thinking about it that preparing the way for the LOrd is removing all of the obstacles that would prevent us from getting to the celestial kingdom. He prepared for us by setting the example of being baptized, showing us how to prepare for and overcome temptation, to be obedient, and to reverence the temple. We prepare by repenting and clearing the way in our hearts for him to teach us. Even the idea of honoring our parents (marriage feast of Cana) showed how he prepared all things for the care and well being of his mom. By caring for our parents and by doing work in the temple for others, we prepare for the needs of others, and for their well being. When we bring others to Christ and tell them to come and see, we are helping to prepare them. So, Christ prepares for us, we prepare ourselves, and then we prepare others. But everyone's goal is to clear the roadblocks that get us back to the celestial kingdom.
Do you know this all made great sense studying it this morning. I tried to do the readers digest version of my 6 pages of notes and it does not translate well. Whit, I'll look into that conference call line for our group to work on lessons. What is the best time to get together for everyone? Days, nights, Sat? Talking about this would be easier than writing!
nylifecoach
PART 1
I have so enjoyed reading all your comments this week. I took some time this morning to read this week's assignment. As I was reading, and in the time since, the thought keeps running through my head, "What am I doing to prepare for the Savior?" Now I wish that I had read NYLC's comments before reading.
It was very interesting reading this block this morning. We have spent the last several days this week studying D&C 93 in our seminary class. I was amazed at how much I was drawn to reflect back on verses from this section, after studying it so intensely this past week, as I studied the SS reading this morning.
Living where I have the last few years I have had the privilege of being around several people during their conversion, baptism and immediate time after their baptism. They have all reached a point in their lives where they are ready to make the necessary changes to be baptized. Almost without fail, every one of them have hit a real challenging period in their lives within a few months of being baptized. One of my friends phrased it as it was like once she was baptized she felt like she had extra protection for a while and then the Lord knew that she could handle a little more on her own. However, Satan knew that she was still so green and sent a huge temptation her way in hopes of steering her away.
I cannot imagine the spiritual level Christ must have been on after spending 40 days fasting and communing with God. As I read this again this morning, I immediately thought of my friend again and the spiritual cocoon she had felt around her for a short time following her baptism. She was trying to do what she was suppose to, but Satan knew to keep a close watch for just the moment to slip in and tempt her. Generally speaking, I don't believe that most of us go looking for temptation. I really appreciate the JST correction of Matthew 4:1. Christ did not go looking to be tempted. I believe it was Bruce R. McConkie that said, in reference to these verses, that righteous men (women) do not seek out temptation.
I have a quote glued into my scriptures by Neal A. Maxwell that I love: "Instead of dismissing temptations as Jesus did, it is giving heed to them which gets so many in trouble! My mission president used to say we many not always be able to keep an evil thought from entering our minds, but we don't have to offer it a chair and invite it to sit down." ("I Will Arise and Go to My Father, Ensign, Sept. 1993, 67)
This week as we studied section 93 in our seminary class, the thought came to me that this was a section given to us to help us make better decisions. It is a continuation of the light and truth theme that was started in D&C 88. There is a lot of knowledge and doctrine given to us in the beginning of the section. (Another interesting side note is that a lot of this knowledge and information came from John the Baptist's record). At the end of this segment of teaching, in verse 39, we are told that Satan's mission is to take away light and truth. This is the direct opposite of verse 36 which says that God's glory is light and truth.
Then the key for us is in verse 37 - light and truth (what we are looking to obtain if we are 'trying to be like Jesus') forsake the evil one. In other words, the more we work to understand and be like the Savior, the more resistance we will have for temptation.
So how do we get that light and truth in our lives so that we have greater resistance? D&C 93:28 - keeping the commandments. It is that line-upon-line, precept-upon-precept learning (or as this section calls it - grace-to-grace learning). When we use our agency to choose to keep a commandment, we invite the Holy Ghost to bring us more light and teach us more truth. When we then choose to obey the new truth we have then been taught, we invite the Holy Ghost to bring us more light and teach us more truth.
PART 2
My Ah-ha moment this week came when I realized that, just like beginning a new physical exercise program, I can set an intention to improve my spiritual exercise program. I may fall off the wagon now and again, but I can easily pick myself back up and start again. By setting aside time each day to study and ponder the words of the Lord, I can invite the Holy Ghost to teach me truth and bring more light in my life. By doing this, I gain more spiritual 'muscles' and thus have a greater resistance to the temptation that will come.
~Kim
I just read Elder Holland's "Inconvenient Messiah", and Truman Madsen's talk, both of which you linked on your posts. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I don't have time to comment now on everything--I guess I don't need to comment on everything--so just thanks for the links.
I wish I could share all this wonderful inspiration about the Sacrament with a friend who is not active. She thinks that she can be just as spiritually fed by being outside, communing with God through His creations, and I know that we can do that as well, but there are so many reasons to meet together and partake of the Sacrament together. Thank you again to all of you for your insights and ability to share them.
valible
You know what I like in these readings...the idea of wilderness experiences. What are people taught and what all goes on in a wilderness experience? Before prophets calls they always have this experience. Even Elizabeth hid herself 5 months to be alone, and I believe taught, before her experience of preparing John for his mission. Huge portions of the scriptures happen in the wilderness. Blaine Yorgason wrote a great book called Spiritual Progression in the Last Days. It tells all about the wilderness experience for Jesus, Moses, Adam, Lehi, Ether, Moroni, and the Kirtland saints. Then he describes how we also have wilderness experiences when the Lord separates us from worldly people and attractions and we have a quiet time with him for tutoring. We can't relocate so it happens spiritually. You may be the only member in your family. Or by divine intervention lose a job, financial reversals, loss of health, death of a loved one, or any experience that makes the day to day worldly things unattractive. It is a very lonely period. We are tutored and prepared for upcoming missions. And tested for our obedience. If you have been in one of those periods you know it. The book is great. Just goes to show wilderness training is as important as ever.
nylifecoach
NYLC - I've been trying to think of a time to do the call and I hate to admit I'm a bit stumped. I typically catch 10-15 minutes here and there throughout the day for the MB... I LOVE the concept of getting together on the phone. I am not sure about it in reality. HOWEVER, I'd LOVE it to work - so if you set it up I'll make every effort to be there.
m3kp - LOVE your comments. THANKS!! I am definitely trying to better exercise my spirit and my body this year!!
NYLC - I am going to have to read that book. I gained a testimony of wilderness experiences several years ago. Hmmm... I'll go add it to my Amazon list. THANKS!!
Preparation... wilderness... progression... baptism... sacrament... grace-to-grace... justification... sanctification... so many words going through my head tonight.
In reading this week I have thought of the "first principles and ordinances" - FAITH in the Lord Jesus Christ. We have talked about that these past few weeks - it is the theme for Primary this year so I will be focusing on it all year. Can we spend too much time discussing faith? Faith is ACTIVE - we EXERCISE our faith. REPENTANCE - have you read the BD definition? It is SO good (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bd/r/23) ! It makes me think of that MIGHTY CHANGE (see Alma 5 and Mosiah 5). I think of the talks I've read this week. The beautiful dreams talked about by Truman Madsen... BAPTISM - Well, I already talked about my thoughts on baptism this week. But, I LOVE how this is included with the gift of the HOLY GHOST. President Packer's talk means so much to me. This week's lesson goes on to talk about resisting temptation. We do this through that precious gift.
I have loved this lesson and studying these scriptures.
At the end of the week, the scripture standing out in my head is from 2 Nephi, chapter 32.
"19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is fone God, without end. Amen."
Thank you so much for studying with me, ladies!! Have a beautiful Sabbath!!
Just something to think about the spelling of this word and how it is used in Vs. 19
Straight having no bends or deviations
strait a narrow passage of water
"19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
I have to go get ready for church but wanted to add this.
Also think about how the word is used. "gotten into"
Hope you all have a wonderful Sabbath day
yarngirl
I ran across a quote last night when I was preparing my lesson that I think applies to this discussion about withstanding temptation. Just so you understand the context of this, it is in reference to D&C 97 where the saints were commanded to build a temple in Missouri speedily.
"God was, if we may say so reverently, anxious that His people should rear a Temple in which they could be endowed with power from on high before the conflict with the adversary. The history of Temples teaches us that the people of God have been strong, or weak, in proportion to the faithfulness with which they have attended to their sanctuaries. . . . Since the completion of the Salt Lake Temple, the adversary has had less power to injure the Church than he had before. If we remember that the Temples are the palaces of God, where His Presence is manifested, we can understand why, when the adversary was marshalling his forces against the Church [in Missouri], our Lord urged the Saints to build the Temple speedily. We can also understand why the evil one planned to have them scattered before they could rear that sacred edifice.”
(Hyrum M. Smith and Janne M. Sjodahl, The Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, rev. ed. [1972], 612)
~Kim
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