Jesus The Christ Reading...Chapters 20-21

There were four things in particular that I learned or that stood out to me in these chapters. First, I learned that the Jews regarded the border or hem of the garment of their outer robes as of particular importance...supplied with a band of blue, as a reminder to them of their obligations as the covenant people. It added new meaning to the story, which I love, of the woman with her long-standing malady who with incredible faith reached out in the crowd to touch the hem of His robe, knowing that she would be healed.

Second, The Jews had specific expectations of the Messiah and His coming, and Jesus did not measure up to those popular and traditional standards. As a result they could not see Who stood before them. This made me think of how often I build up expectations in my mind, of how things ought to be ... how my life should be or how my prayers should be answered etc. Most often, our idea is not the best. The Lord knows what we need most in our lives and how it should happen. I want to be more aware of Who stands before me...be worthy of His guidance and let Him guide... accepting and trusting what happens, knowing that He is aware of me and loves me.

Third, I believe strongly in Talmages words ..."Those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart". This reminded me of a favorite quote by C.S. Lewis..."What we do is evidence of who we are."

Fourth...Read the description of faith ...note 9, chapter 21! I loved it! It is wonderful!

Parables and Miracles (Jesus the Christ Chp 19-20)

I am learning so much as I am reading this amazing book. But I have to admit to being about 100 pages behind the reading schedule. But no matter. I am going to plug along because slow and steady always finishes. The parables and miracles of Christ are some of my favorite parts of the New Testament. What could be better than studying the lessons of a master teacher and learning of his power to heal.

As I read I was reminded of two things: 1) parables can be understood on so many levels depending upon our readiness to receive (how rich is the soil of the heart) and 2)the order in which they are given according to Joseph Smith teaches about the gathering of Israel. Elder Bednar in his most recent conference address stated that the sequence of events is often instructive. So what can we learn about the gathering of Israel from these parables or on a more personal level, how do we make sure that we are among those who are gathered in. Here are my ideas:

1) The Sower = Christ brings the gospel --> what is the condition of my heart? Am I open to learning the gospel principles and doctrines?

2) Wheat and Tares = Apostasy --> How am I staying firmly planted to prevent my testimony from weakening?

3) Mustard Seed = Restoration --> What changes (small) am I making to help me be more like Christ and will result in my greater growth of testimony and faith?

4) The Leaven = Testimony/Witness --> What am I doing to stand as a witness of Christ in all places and at all times?

5) Treasure in field = Center place --> Do I value the gospel and its teachings enough to center my life around them and give all that I have to posses them.

6) Pearl of Great Price = Expansion of Stake --> How devoted am I to learning more and increasing my knowledge of the gospel? After what am I seeking?

7) Dragnet = Judgement --> What am I doing to ensure that I am part of the "good" portion that is kept? (Think of what we've recently learned about those things that qualify us for the celestial kingdom.)

I love Elder Talmage's explanation of how parables teach. It is only after time and experience have shaped our character and deepened our thoughts that the "living kernel of gospel truth" is found in "the husk of a simple tale." I want to have those kernels burst to life.

I realized anew the amazing power that Christ possesses to heal. My faith and hopes were renewed as I thought of how my life has been changed because of the healing power of the gospel. The healing can be spiritual, mental, or physical.

I have always been drawn to the incident where Christ calms the storm. I can relate (maybe too well) to the apostle's fears. At times I've felt overwhelmed by circumstances and too have cried out, "Don't you care?" in my heart. There isn't a single instance when I've done so that peace (in some form) hasn't come. The trial has not been removed, but my heart has calmed. "Peace, be still" is one of my favorite phrases. In thinking about the incident this time, I had to consider how I express my faith during times of trial. Do I give up or give in early on? Do I murmur that it's "just too hard"? Or do I place my trust in Christ and move forward step by step (no matter how small they may be). I don't want to be asked, "Where is thy faith?".

I found another great example of faith in Jairus. He'd come seeking Christ's help but on their way to Jairus' home they were waylaid. He didn't show impatience, according to the account, at the delay (something I surely would have done). But demonstrated trust in Christ's power no matter what. Even when he received news that his daughter had indeed died, he didn't give up. Jesus, in his infinite love and wisdom, provided just what was needed at the time with His encouragement, "Be not afraid, only believe." How often do I let fear or impatience drive out my trust and faith. The instruction to "Be not afraid...." is one that speaks calmness amidst the storm---Peace.

The miracles of healing the women with an issue of blood and the blind men are both based on the faith of the individual. Elder Talmage notes that faith is a principle of power and when we demonstrate sufficient faith, the Lord is bound by eternal laws to bestow a blessing. The hard part comes when what we've envisioned as the blessing isn't given. I came to realize a few years ago that when "healing" doesn't come it may not be due to a lack of faith, but that Christ is giving me an opportunity to develop more faith and that that knowledge can be gained in no other way.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn more of my Savior. I know that He lives. He wants to help us learn all that we can so that we can become as He and Father are. He is the giver of Peace amidst any storm.

Please take the opportunity to share what you learned from these chapters. What a blessing it is to learn from each of you.

Love,
Karri Hoyt

The Divine Gift of Repentance

Book of Mormon Reading

Mosiah 23-Alma 2

This weeks reading of the Book of Mormon was full of wonderful teachings, so much so I wouldn't have enough space to write what I learned. This week I want to focus on Alma the Younger and relate his experience with Elder Christofferson recent General Conference talk on "The Divine Gift of Repentance." In Mosiah 27, it described Alma the Younger as 'a very wicked and idolatrous man. A man of many words who did speak flattery to the people; therefore he led may of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities.' Alma the Younger 'rebelled against God and His teachings' to the point that an angel of the Lord appeared to help correct Alma's actions.. I'm grateful for that angel, he was the catalyst (next to the many prayers in Alma's behave) of his repentance process. Alma took this GRAND invitation of repentance and described it as 'being redeemed from the gall of bitterness and becoming a new creature.' Part of Alma's repentance process was to 'zealously strive to repair all the injuries which he had done to the church, confessing all his sins and publishing all the things he had seen. He became an instrument in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth of their Redeemer, Jesus Christ.'

In Elder Christopherson conference talk, he mentioned that the false teachings of the world is to rationalize and justify all the things we do. The worlds teachings give us liberty to indulge in any appetite or desire without the concern for consequences. When we are told to repent by our prophets (or angel in Alma's case), we should receive this invitation with JOY. Without repentance, there is no real progress or improvement in life. I don't think Alma the Younger could have been the great leader, prophet, teacher, parent and person he was without accepting the divine gift of repentance. I'm so glad Alma the Younger repented and became an instrument in the Lord's hand. All of his teachings and experiences in the Book of Mormon have inspired me and drawn me closer to my Savior. The same thing can happen to us! When we repent, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, in the words of Elder Christopherson and Alma the Younger,' points us to freedom, confindence and peace.' ' I could remember my pains no more and oh, what marvelous light... my soul was filled with joy (Alma 36)!

What did you learn about repentance from the example of Alma the Younger?

Your friend~

Staci Dearden-Parleys 7th Ward

Book of Mormon Reading

Mosiah Chapters 7-22

I am so grateful for this assignment. Sad but true, when an assignment is given I tend to pay more attention to my reading. I don't allow words to flow in and out of my brain quite as fast as normal. In these chapters I am overwhelmed by the "meat" in this account. I could highlight the entire section. Ammon sets off to find the people of Lehi-Nephi. He finds King Limhi and finds the record of Zeniff. The record of King Noah and Abinadi are contained in these plates. There is so much to be learned through this reading. Abinadi gives one of the most wonderful sermons and calls to repentance in all the scriptures.

One of my favorite sciptures is in Mosiah 10:11 as Ammon is setting out to find his bretheren. I have skimmed over this before as just a "set up" scripture to another story of Laminite and Nephite fighting. However this reading I was struck by how much this pertains to me and how I approach assignments. It reads "Now, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the strength of the Lord, therefore they depended upon their own strength. Yet they were a strong people, as to the strength of men." How often do we rely on our own strengths instead of including the Lord's strength in our assignments and jobs. How much more effective and powerful could we be if we would remember to add God's strength in all we do.

I was also stricken this time with the idea that as Abinadi called King Noah to repentance, he also was a missionary to all who could hear his sermon. It is clear that Alma heard Abinadi and was converted as he listened. The scriptures do say that it caused Alma to plead for Abinadi's life to King Noah. I am not sure if Abinadi ever knew that upon the strength of his tesimony he brought Alma and therefore hundred of others to the waters of baptism. Abinadi may have gone to his death only knowing that he did not change King Noah's heart. Did he have any idea of the lives he did change?

We may never know the effectiveness of bearing witness to the truthfulness of the gospel. We may touch just one heart and in turn many others. I need to step up and bear witness of what I know to be true.

Teri Lyn Baucom

Parley's 5th Ward

Jesus the Christ - Chapters 15-16

     I am going to begin by looking at Chapter 16 - "The Chosen Twelve". This chapter gives us insight into the calling of the 12 that served with the Savior in Jerusalem and a greater appreciation for those men who are called as special witnesses right now. One of the first things that we are told is that the Savior spent the night before their calling in solitary prayer and then called his disciples up and from among them he chose his twelve apostles. Though seven of them had received the call to "Come, follow me", until that day they had not been "ordained or set apart to their sacred office". Elder Talmage then introduces us to each member of the quorum and gives us insight into their character - as far as we know. 
     A couple of points - We know that Peter was "impulsive and stern…had many human weaknesses, yet in spite of them all he..overcame…and served his Lord…". Can we be inspired to overcome our frailties and become what the Lord expects of us? We learn of the importance of the connection with Peter, James and John - the events to which they alone were witness and their importance in this dispensation of "the restoration of the Holy Apostleship with all its ancient authority and power of blessing". The apostles were ordinary men called to a calling "at once exalted and specific, comprising as a distinguishing function that of personal and special witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ as the one and only Redeemer and Savior of mankind." I read those words and the warmth of the Spirit affected me the same way it does in General Conference when one of the brethren looks into my eyes and proclaims his calling as as an especial witness of the Savior. It is the same calling today as it was on that day when the Savior called His twelve to serve with Him!
     Chapter 15,  "The Lord of the Sabbath" had a far more personal effect on me than some of the other chapters in my reading thus far. One of the first things in this chapter is the observation that Israelites are distinguish from other peoples, "for the holiness of the Sabbath was made a mark of the covenant between the chosen people and their God"
     Sabbath keeping as a "mark of the covenant" is a sobering thought. In the Bible Dictionary we learn that, "The importance of a sacred day for man to rest from his temporal labors, contemplate the word of the Lord, and assemble for public worship is a major item in a person’s spiritual development. Furthermore, a decay in the national religious life always follows any tendency toward carelessness in the matter of Sabbath observance. (italics added) The existence of a weekly holy day is a most important safeguard; it leaves a constant reminder to the individual of his need for spiritual sustenance and his duty before God, and serves as a witness to the world that there is such a thing as revealed religion." (Bible Dictionary, Sabbath)
     This most important commandment brought the Savior to the attention of the Pharisees, for they criticized the Lord for His inappropriate Sabbath activities! As Brother Talmage gives us a brief history of the Sabbath (I loved the explanation of the more expanded view of the Sabbath - every 7 years the land was rested, the jubilee year where you lived off what had been accumulated in the prior 50 years during seasons of plenty, including redemption from mortgage and bond and debt - cool!) we are reminded  that "The Sabbaths established by the Lord, whether of days of years, or of weeks of years, were to be times of refreshing, relief, blessing, bounty, and worship." Is that the Sabbath that we live? We are also reminded that long before the Savior came, the Sabbath had been reduced to a list of rules - "smothered under the weight of rabbinical injunction".  In contrast, the Savior affirms that He "was the being through whom the Sabbath had been ordained" and that "it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days".
     As I thought about this chapter, I was aware of how easy it is to get caught up in our lists of do's and don'ts for Sabbath observance instead of focusing on our Sabbath being a mark of the covenants that we have made with Him. Sisters, I hope we can all truly see the sabbath as a day of "refreshing, relief, blessing, bounty, and worship" and that we remember our covenants and whose day it truly is.


Janice Rampton  

Book of Mormon: Jacob 6--Mosiah 6

The scriptural text that comprises Jacob 6 through Mosiah 6 are ones that repeatedly testify of the transformative power of the Atonement. Reflecting on this, I am left in awe for both the immensity of the gift the Savior has given us as well as the hope he provides for each one of us—not matter where we are in our spiritual progress.

Jacob, Enos, and King Benjamin each exercise great faith in the Lord’s power to save and transform. Through their faith, miracles happen. Jacob talks directly to us as he pleas for us to repent and return to the Lord “with full purpose of heart” and “cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you” (Jacob 6:5). Jacob’s powerful testimony confounds the anti-Christ, Sherem, and ultimately leads Sherem to be able to confess the truth before he dies (Jacob 7).

Enos’ faith was evidenced by his pleading for forgiveness for his own sins and the Lord’s affirmation that his faith had made him whole. But the Atonement did more than “swept away” Enos’ guilt. Enos describes that he then began to feel “a desire for the welfare of my brethren.” It seems that the Savior’s Atonement expanded Enos’ concerns for more than just his own welfare; it opened him up to having Christ-like love for his fellow man (Enos 1).

King Benjamin’s faith leads him to give probably one of the greatest sermons ever given. As he testifies of service, repentance, and the atoning mission of the Savior’s life, the Spirit so testifies of these truths to Benjamin’s people that they want to enter into a new covenant, having “no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2). How wonderful would it be if all could have hearts as pure as Benjamin’s people?

The Savior’s Atonement changes the hearts of the most vile sinners as well as those who are already seeking to live a Christ-like life. I would like to add my testimony that as we seek Him, will have our “hearts changed through faith on his name” (Mosiah 5:7).

Shannon Callister

Take a minute and watch this beautiful video about the impact of the Book of Mormon in a single life…How does the Book of Mormon impact your life?

Book of Mormon Message