False Teachers

Characteristics of false teachers according to 2 Peter:

False prophets bring in damnable heresies

Deny the Lord that bought them

Speak evil of truth

Covetousness

Walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness

Despise government

Selfwilled

They are not afraid to speak evil of dignities

Speak evil of the that which they do not understand

Take pleasure in riots

Eyes full of adultery

Cannot cease from sin

Speak of vanity

Allure through the lusts of the flesh

Promise liberty, but  are the servants of corruption

This lists helps us to recognize false teachers today. They will not be following the commandments. They will encourage sin. They themselves will be unable to resist temptation. They will preach against our savior.

The dangers of returning to the pollutions of the world after having the gospel and truth in your life is great. 2 Peter 2:21 says that it would have been better for them to not “have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them”. It would be better to never know the truth and to remain in sin, than to have come from sin, and known truth, and then turn to sin again. It is like a dog turned to his own vomit. 

D&C 82:3 says “for of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.” In verse seven is goes on to say that “ I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith the Lord your God.” 

Christ

Christ is superior to:

1. the angels
2. Moses
3. the high priests of the law of Moses

Three truths Paul taught about the Savior Jesus Christ:

1. Christ made worlds
2. Is the express image of Heavenly Father
3. Is above the angels

Why Christ came to earth to experience mortality:

1. To taste death for every man
2. to bring many sons unto glory
3. that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.
4. that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.
5. so that we may have mercy, and find grace through him
6. to suffer pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind so that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
7. to take on death so that he will loose the bands of death which bind his people.
8. to take on their infirmities that his bowels may be filled with mercy
9. so that he will know according to the flesh how to succor his people
10. to take on the sins of his people that he might blot out their transgressions

The Spirit

People argue over petty matters. It is up to us to resolve these matters by humbling ourselves. It is important to eliminate our potential addition to the argument. Our pride will only make petty arguments, which often lead to deactivation, worse.

Many youth feel that their parent’s testimony is sufficient for them. But we cannot rely on our parents forever. A person must work out his own salvation. If we do not we will be in trouble in times of trial. A testimony borrowed by another’s faith is weak and will not withstand the blows that bring heartache and temptation.

An investigator sometimes has to choose between his family’s acceptance, and joining the church. This is a difficult situation. We know that we can turn to Heavenly Father. God will reveal the things we need, and comfort us in ways others cannot. We must be followers of Christ. Know that you “can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil 4:13).

These questions are an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3. When we search the scriptures, ask and pray for answers, we can receive them. The words of Christ will tell us all things what we should.

Refrain Judgement

Nearer is our salvation than we believed.

We must continue to be righteous. We cannot commit iniquity or we shall die. Keep the commandments, endure to the end. The reward is eternal life, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God. 

There are many things we can do that will lead us to salvation:

Serve

Do not conform to the ways of the world

Renew your mind

Prove what is good

Love

Abhor evil

Cleave to good

Be hospitibal

Be of the same mind one toward another

Mind not high things

Condescend to men of low estate

Be now wise in your own conceits

Overcome evil with good

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers

Do good

Do not get into debt

Love one another

Do not commit adultery

Do not kill

Do not steal

Do not bear false witness

Do not covet

Love they neighour as thyself

Paul gave cautions about judging. They are: to not judge! We live unto the Lord, we die unto the Lord. We are the Lord’s, and so it is he that will judge. We will all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. Don’t worry about what another person is doing, worry about what you are doing. You don’t have time to judge other people. 

We that are strong should bear the infirmities of the weak, and not act to please ourselves. Please your neighbour. Christ did not please himself. Be like Christ, but let him worry about the judgement of others.

Reading Doctrine and Covenants 38:25-27 provides more insight on this. Esteem your brother as yourself. Be one. If you are not, you are not Christ’s. 

Paul frequently calls the members of the church in his day Saints.

Baptism and Freedom

Before baptism can occur sin must be done away with. We must allow the body of sin to die when we are baptized. Our “old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Rom 6:6).

An event from Christ’s life that is symbolized in baptism is his crucifixion. The savior died, his mortal body gave up the ghost. Three days later he was resurrected. As Romans 6:6 says, our old man is crucified with him. When we are baptized our body, full of sin dies. It is put away with, washed clean when we go under the water. When we raise up above it again, our bodies are resurrected without blemish to begin again.

Sprinkling is not a sufficient form of baptism. The symbolism of full emersion of the body is important. Every piece of skin, every strand of hair must be buried. A sprinkling of water cannot symbolize death of the whole body. The water must touch every part of a person’s being, the whole thing must go down under the water as a body is buried in the soil at death.

We can maintain the newness of life by reckoning ourselves “to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ out Lord” (Rom 6:11). We put sin aside, and we live according to the will of our God. “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are live from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God” (Rom 6:12, 13). Become an instrument of the Lord, and do good. Shun that which is wicked.

According to Mosiah 3:19, the part of us that would die at baptism is the natural man. We must become as little children, humble and submissive. We must become a saint through the atonement of Christ. 

We know who’s servants we are. We know this if sin does not or does have dominion over us. We know who we are servants to by whom we obey. When we free ourselves from sin we become the servants of righteousness. The fruit we produce from our works will show us if we are servants of good or evil. Our reward in the end will also show us for the “wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 6:23).

The true source of freedom is from doing righteousness, and keeping the commandments. When we give in to temptations and evil, we become a slave to those things. Addiction is slavery. Harmful substances become our masters, sex becomes our master, thievery, lying, cheating, they become our masters if we give in to them. But if we follow the spirit of the Lord, if we do that which he has commanded, we are a slave to nothing. We do what is good for us not because it is a commandment, but because the rewards of being obedient is freedom. 

Forgiveness

Forgiveness

If any have caused grief, the people of Corinth were commanded to forgive the person that caused their grief. Confirm your love in him that hurt you. The Lord will forgive whomever he will, but we are required to forgive all men. 

We see so many blessings if we forgive. If we forgive others we will be forgiven by God. 

James E. Faust said: If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self esteem and well-being.

Forgiveness is not always instant. Most times, especially when the crime committed against us is particularly terrible, we don’t think about forgiveness. We respond with anger.  But Dr. Sidney Simon said that, “forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strength we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves.”

People don’t often think of the benefits of forgiving. Those who hold grudges are often unaware that to courageously forgive another person is wholesome and therapeutic. 

There is danger in failing to forgive. If we do not forgive we will be swallowed up in sorrow. Satan will have an advantage over us. Heavenly Father will not be inclined to forgive us our trespasses as we have not forgiven others. It is a greater sin to not forgive than for that person that did wrong to have committed their sin. 

President Brigham Young said: every calamity that can come upon mortal beings will be suffered to come upon the few, to prepare them to enjoy the presence of the Lord. ...Every trial and experience you have passed through is necessary for your salvation.” So be grateful for your trials. Forgive those that have wronged you. Though they are the source of sorrow and grief, it is also by them that we are prepared for the coming of our Savior.

Sources: 

2 Cor 2: 1-11

Matt 6: 14-15

D&C 64: 9-10

The Healing Power of Forgiveness 

James E. Faust

Live by Example

Corinthians 4:2, 9-17; 8:9-13

There are many things required of the servants of the Lord. In 1 Cor 4:2 we are told specifically that man must be found faithful (especially in stewards: a person who manages another’s property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others.) People who claim to be servants of the Lord must have faith. Without faith (confidence or trust in a person or thing) a person cannot expect to be able to fulfill the needs of the Lord. 

Throughout the history of the church--ancient and new--there have been groups depended upon to be selected examples for good and bad. The group in 1 Cor 4: 9-17 who were selected to be examples are the apostles. The apostles are “fools for Christ’s sake”. They were persecuted and went under much stress of hatred. They are an example to us, to endure what little or great we may suffer in being faithful to what we know, and who we know is our God. 

Being a good example applies to more than this group. We need to be like the apostles, to follow their example and be examples. It doesn’t matter what religion you are. So long as you live according to what you know is right you will be blessed. Live righteously and become examples like the apostles. We must be careful to not be led away by vain or foolish things. We cannot let the devil lead us away in our hearts after those things which are wicked. 

It is not enough to know what is right. When we claim to be a part of something that is good and true, and we do not live by those standards, we weaken or demise the truth of that which we claim to be a part of. It is like Corianton in the book of Alma who’s father was a respected mouthpiece of God. When he, Corianton, the son of a man who preached righteousness, chased after harlots, his father would not be listened to. If we do what we know is against the laws of God, we are likely to lead others astray through our poor example.  

There is additional power to those who live what they know. 3 Nephi 8:1 says that “there was not any man who could do a miracle in the name of Jesus save he were cleansed every whit from his iniquity.” If we live according to the truth we know, we can perform miracles, and be miracles. A servant of the Lord, a follower of the Savior, can do many amazing things. But he or she will need the aid from the Lord. We cannot earn, deserve, or hope to have that aid if we are not living according to what we know is true. 

Paul and the Corinthians

Acts 19: 1-12; 20: 7-12

During his ministry with the Corinthians Paul performed at least five priesthood ordinances:

1.      Re-baptized the Corinthian saints.

a.       they Corinthians had been baptized by Paul for repentance.

2.      Laid his hands on their heads to give the Holy Ghost.

3.      Did miracles by the Lord.

4.      Healed the sick.

5.      Forced evil spirits out of men.

1.      Paul re-baptized the Corinthian saints because he hadn’t been done right the first time.

2.      This shows that if a person is baptized in the wrong way, through the wrong authority, of a different principle, then it must be done again according to the right authority, priesthood, and for the right reason.

3.      Paul bestowed the gift of the Holy Ghost by laying his hands upon them.

4.      The saints met on the first day of the week. The day was changed because it was the day that Christ returned to the Jews.

The Example of Paul and Barnabas

Paul started his mission in east Antioch. He and Barnabas also preached in Salamis, Paphos, Attalia, Perga, and in many other cities.

Three things that could help a discouraged missionary are:

1.      Fast with the combination of prayer.

2.      Let the Holy Ghost guide.

3.      Preach truth.

Barnabas was the name for son of consolation. He was Joseph, a Levite of Cyrpus. He sold his possessions and gave the proceeds to the apostles. He was in the service of Saul after Saul was converted. He was sent by the apostles to Antioch where he continued to work with Saul. As his name suggests, he was a source of consolation for Saul in their hardships during their preaching of the gospel. Though he was not one of the twelve, he was still considered an apostle. While teaching with Paul he was given the name Jupiter, the most powerful of Roman gods due to his commanding manner, dignified appearance, and his physical prowess. He was a good man and hard worker, who earned a living for himself, rather than throw his needs on the church.

Blessings and advantages for the Lord sending to men on a mission: a person who is preaching such things as the gospel, which often goes against the way people are living their lives is a hardship. To have a companion to rely on, to share this message with is vital. With two people supporting each other the likelihood of success and survival is greater. It is in the best interest of a person to have a supporting system that is physical. When Paul is hurt Barnabas is there to help him. It is also important to have two people preaching the same thing. One person may be thought to be crazy, but with a back up, or second testimony, the message is stronger.

Paul and Barnabas were able to help a man who was crippled. They blessed him so that the man may be able to walk again because of his faith to be healed. When the people saw what was done they praised Paul. They were convinced that he and Barnabas were gods that had come down in the likeness of men. They called Barnabas Jupiter, and Paul Mercurius. When the priests of Jupiter came to perform sacrifices for them Paul and Barnabas rent their clothes. They were full of sorrow for being mistaken for God. They corrected the people without hesitation. They told them that they were men. They took no credit for the miracle that had been performed through the. They preached of Heavenly Father. They prevented the people from performing sacrifices for them.

Paul and Barnabas in 14: 19-22 were treated poorly. They were persuaded to stone Paul until they were sure he was dead. But Paul was not dead. He arose up, and with Barnabas departed to Derbe. They suffered much tribulation, but knew that it had to be done if they were to enter into the kingdom of God.  In 14: 8-13 they were praised and worshiped. When the people thought that Barnabas and Paul were gods they were prepared to offer up sacrifices unto them. When they learned the truth, and when Barnabas and Paul made the people understand that they were mere mortal, the people wanted nothing to do with them save remove them from their presence. Pauls states in verse 22 that only through tribulation will we enter into the kingdom of God. The first tribulation he and Barnabas suffered was to be mistaken for what they were not. They were honest and faithful to God in giving him the credit for what they had done. As a result they were attacked and suffered much.

Life is an interesting thing. It's the first week of school and already I've learned a lot, and not actually from my classes. We are taught in the scriptures that the Lord has his own time table, that the things that he does are done according to his will. Not always do we understand where he is guiding us, but it is important to have faith, and to know that we will not be blind for long. 

Herod, the King killed James, the brother of John. Herod’s motivation, and the reason for him also descending upon Peter, and imprisoned him, was because it pleased the Jews. Herod was led by the will of man rather than that of God’s. 

But Herod could not keep Peter imprisoned. It was not the will of God. So when Herod found Peter gone, he ordered that the soldiers that had been guarding Peter be put to death. He handled his sin with more violence. He demeaned and put down all people. He took the credit of others for himself. He was unfair and unjust.

When it came time to make peace, because of the desire of natural goods, King Herod took credit for the bounty. He arrayed himself in fine apparel. But because Herod did not give the credit to God, the angel of the Lord smote him. He was eaten by worms, and gave up the ghost. God would not tolerate Herod’s evil, and so he destroyed him.

Peter, the Prophet was directed by an opposite power. The Lord was his guide. An angel was sent to free him. Peter was obedient to the instructions of God. Peter knew that it was the Lord that delivered him from Herod and the people.

Peter was kind to others. When his friends feared him, because they thought him dead, he beckoned to them peace. He told them of how the Lord had saved him. He gave the credit of his life to he who was responsible for it. He asked his friends to “shew these things unto James, and to the brethren.” He left, and was saved from the evil of Herod.

The deciding factor in the fate of both of these men is so simple. One let the spirit guide him, and gave credit to the Lord. The other sinned, he let the voice of the people be his motivation, and he took the credit for the plentifulness of his land. In result he was punished. Peter lived to continue serving the Lord, Herod died to be an example to those that would sin and fight against the will of the God. 

Not always will we suffer such horrible consequences for not doing that which God knows is best. But there are consequences, and we must face them. Better to obey, and walk blindly to soon see, and be blessed, than to travel a dark path unguided to cause our own demise in the end.