Post #128 – Come,
Follow Me Week # 26-- 'Ye
Shall Be Witnesses unto Me'
Dear Family and Friends
As you have read this week’s chapters
Acts 1-5 you have probably noted that there are many meaningful passages and
principles in these chapters. You may have come up with some awesome way
to help your family and friends to discover which of these meaningful passages
and principles are the most valuable and relevant to them. If so, that is
wonderful! If you have not, our instructor said one great way is to ask them to
tell you what stood out to them as they read and studied these chapters😊
As you have gathered your family and friends
and have sang your opening song and have said your opening prayer. You might tell
them that you will give them a few minutes to review Acts chapters 1-5, with
this question in their minds as they review: ‘
Which of these verses stand out in my
mind as something that I feel that the Lord is speaking to me that He wants me
to share with my family and friends?’
If they are a bit shy to share what the
Lord has shared with them in their hearts during their study, you may want to
lead off and share with them what the Lord has impress you with through the
Holy Ghost.
Jesus Christ directs His Church through the
Holy Ghost.
Whenever we read about the experiences of
the Apostles it can help you and your family members and friend to see how they
can receive power and guidance from the Holy Ghost in their Church callings. This
is directed towards members of the church who hold callings, but I think it should
apply to each one of us, because we each need to have the companionship of the
Holy Ghost in our lives to help us every day whether or not we have a calling
or not.
For those of you who are not as yet
members of the Church, I think maybe you cannot have the continuous
companionship of the Holy Ghost without baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. I believe that everyone can have access to the Light of
Christ in our lives. Okay, so I wanted to give you correct information about
this question that I had, so I looked it up for you. This is what I found out about the Holy Ghost. I hope
that it is helpful to some of you😊
Holy Ghost --- Overview
The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a
personage of spirit, without a body of flesh and bones. He is often referred to
as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or
the Comforter.
Roles
of the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost works in perfect
unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, fulfilling several roles to help
us live righteously and receive the blessings of the gospel.
He “witnesses of the Father and the Son” (2 Nephi 31:18) and reveals and teaches “the truth
of all things” (Moroni 10:5). We can receive a sure testimony of
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ only by the power of the Holy Ghost. His
communication to our spirit carries far more certainty than any communication
we can receive through our natural senses.
18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
As we strive to stay on the path
that leads to eternal life, the Holy Ghost can guide us in our decisions and
protect us from physical and spiritual danger.
Through Him, we can receive gifts of the Spirit for our benefit
and for the benefit of those we love and serve (see Doctrine and Covenants 46:9–11).
9 For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.
10 And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.
11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
He is the Comforter (John 14:26). As the soothing voice of a loving parent
can quiet a crying child, the whisperings of the Spirit can calm our fears,
hush the nagging worries of our life, and comfort us when we grieve.
The Holy Ghost can fill us “with hope and perfect love” and “teach [us] the peaceable things of the kingdom” (Moroni 8:26; Doctrine and Covenants 36:2).
26 And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God.
2 And I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom;
The Holy Ghost can fill us “with hope and perfect love” and “teach [us] the peaceable things of the kingdom” (Moroni 8:26; Doctrine and Covenants 36:2).
26 And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God.
2 And I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom;
Through His power, we are sanctified as we repent, receive the
ordinances of baptism and confirmation, and remain true to our covenants (see Mosiah 5:1–6; 3 Nephi 27:20; Moses 6:64–68).
20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.
1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had thus spoken to his people, he sent among them, desiring to know of his people if they believed the words which he had spoken unto them.
2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.
3 And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things.
4 And it is the faith which we have had on the things which our king has spoken unto us that has brought us to this great knowledge, whereby we do rejoice with such exceedingly great joy.
5 And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by the angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God.
6 And now, these are the words which king Benjamin desired of them; and therefore he said unto them: Ye have spoken the words that I desired; and the covenant which ye have made is a righteous covenant.
20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.
64 And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out of the water.
65 And thus he was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man.
66 And he heard a voice out of heaven, saying: Thou art baptized with fire, and with the Holy Ghost. This is the record of the Father, and the Son, from henceforth and forever;
67 And thou art after the order of him who was without beginning of days or end of years, from all eternity to all eternity.
He is the Holy Spirit of Promise (see Ephesians 1:13; Doctrine and Covenants 132:7, 18–19, 26).
7 And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power (and I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred), are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead.
In this capacity, He confirms that the priesthood ordinances we have received and the covenants we have made are acceptable to God. This approval depends on our continued faithfulness.
7 And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power (and I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred), are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead.
18 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife, and make a covenant with her for time and for all eternity, if that covenant is not by me or by my word, which is my law, and is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this power, then it is not valid neither of force when they are out of the world, because they are not joined by me, saith the Lord, neither by my word; when they are out of the world it cannot be received there, because the angels and the gods are appointed there, by whom they cannot pass; they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory; for my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God.
19 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.
26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man marry a wife according to my word, and they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, according to mine appointment, and he or she shall commit any sin or transgression of the new and everlasting covenant whatever, and all manner of blasphemies, and if they commit no murder wherein they shed innocent blood, yet they shall come forth in the first resurrection, and enter into their exaltation; but they shall be destroyed in the flesh, and shall be delivered unto the buffetings of Satan unto the day of redemption, saith the Lord God.
In this capacity, He confirms that the priesthood ordinances we have received and the covenants we have made are acceptable to God. This approval depends on our continued faithfulness.
The Gift of the Holy Ghost
All honest seekers of
the truth can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost, leading them to Jesus
Christ and His gospel. However, the fulness of the blessings given through the
Holy Ghost are available only to those who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost
and remain worthy.
After a person is
baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one or more
Melchizedek Priesthood holders lay their hands on the person’s head and, in a
sacred priesthood ordinance, confirm him or her a member of the Church.
As part of this ordinance, called confirmation, the person is given the gift of the Holy Ghost.
As part of this ordinance, called confirmation, the person is given the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The gift of the Holy
Ghost is different from the influence of the Holy Ghost. Before baptism, a
person can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost from time to time and through
that influence can receive a testimony of the truth.
After receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, a person has the right to the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead if he or she keeps the commandments.
After receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, a person has the right to the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead if he or she keeps the commandments.
You can find more information about the Holy Ghost here:
One way to review the experiences
in that you have found in Acts 1-5 would
be to make a chart of a sort (for us visual learners😊) Simply
write at the top of the page the following start to a sentence. The Holy Ghost can help me in my calling by:_______
and then together with your family members and friends you can search Acts 1:1-8; 2:36-39; and 4:1-16, 31-33, looking for ways to finish the sentence. Here are more questions for you: Why did the Apostles need the Holy Ghost? Why do you think we too need the Holy Ghost?
and then together with your family members and friends you can search Acts 1:1-8; 2:36-39; and 4:1-16, 31-33, looking for ways to finish the sentence. Here are more questions for you: Why did the Apostles need the Holy Ghost? Why do you think we too need the Holy Ghost?
As you have your family members and
friends gathered together for this lesson, you can also explore how Jesus
Christ directs His Church in our day through the Holy Ghost.
To do this, you could visit with a couple of your family members and friends ahead of time for the lesson and ask them to review the accounts in Acts 1:1?8; 2:37?39; 4:1?16, 31?33 and come prepared to share some of their personal experiences that are similar to those of the Apostles.
To do this, you could visit with a couple of your family members and friends ahead of time for the lesson and ask them to review the accounts in Acts 1:1?8; 2:37?39; 4:1?16, 31?33 and come prepared to share some of their personal experiences that are similar to those of the Apostles.
The example our instructor gave was that
they could share about a time when the Holy Ghost helped them to testify of a
gospel principle or answer someone’s question. (this might only apply to your
older family members and friends). Then, he said to ask them the following
question: What had you done to seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost?
The Apostles of Jesus
Christ are called by God through revelation.
Something else that might be helpful your
family members and friends is to note that new members of the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles in the ancient Church were called by revelation, just as they
are today.
You could ask an adult family member or friend to explain how a business might go about choosing a replacement for an executive position, such as looking at the educational background of each person, or looking at their work and life experience, and so on.
You could ask an adult family member or friend to explain how a business might go about choosing a replacement for an executive position, such as looking at the educational background of each person, or looking at their work and life experience, and so on.
Then you could ask them to contrast this
with how the Apostle Matthias was called in Acts 1:15-26 (see
also 1 Samuel 16:1-13).
How might the following quotation by President Gordon B. Hinckley add to the understanding of your family members and friends?
How might the following quotation by President Gordon B. Hinckley add to the understanding of your family members and friends?
The calling of a member
of the Twelve.
Gordon B. Hinckley
shared the following insights about the process of calling a new Apostle: The
procedure is peculiar to the Lord’s church.
There is no seeking for office, no jockeying for position, no campaigning to promote one’s virtues.
Contrast the Lord’s way with the way of the world. The Lord’s way is quiet, it is a way of peace, it is without fanfare or monetary costs. It is without egotism or vanity or ambition.
Under the Lord’s plan, those who have responsibility to select officers are governed by one overriding question: Whom would the Lord have There is quiet and thoughtful deliberation.
And there is much of prayer to receive the confirmation of the Holy Spirit that the choice is correct? (“God Is at the Helm,”) Ensign, May 1994, 53).
There is no seeking for office, no jockeying for position, no campaigning to promote one’s virtues.
Contrast the Lord’s way with the way of the world. The Lord’s way is quiet, it is a way of peace, it is without fanfare or monetary costs. It is without egotism or vanity or ambition.
Under the Lord’s plan, those who have responsibility to select officers are governed by one overriding question: Whom would the Lord have There is quiet and thoughtful deliberation.
And there is much of prayer to receive the confirmation of the Holy Spirit that the choice is correct? (“God Is at the Helm,”) Ensign, May 1994, 53).
The following reference was also given in class: (Russell M.
Nelson, ‘Sustaining the Prophets,’ Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 74-77). How does this knowledge
affect our faith in the leaders whom the Lord has called? How have you gained
your witness of modern apostles and prophets?
You can watch or read his talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/10/sustaining-the-prophets?lang=eng
We receive the blessings of the Atonement as
we live the first principles and ordinances of the gospel.
Our Instructor said to us
as a class – “This question is for all of you parents out there ( and of course
all of you who teach the children😊) --
How can those you teach find power and meaning in the simple truths Peter and John taught?
How can those you teach find power and meaning in the simple truths Peter and John taught?
·
faith in Jesus Christ
·
repentance
·
baptism
·
the gift of the Holy Ghost, and
·
enduring to the end
When our instructor
talked about this, he said one way we could do this might be to explore the
importance of these principles and ordinances. These principles and ordinances
are sometimes referred to as the doctrine of Christ (see 2 Nephi 31). https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31?lang=eng
In explaining this to
your family members and friends you could bring five posters to the lesson and
write at the top of each poster one of the following aspects of the doctrine of
Christ: Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism, Gift of the Holy
Ghost, Endure to the End. Divide your family and friends into five
groups- if you have that many family members and friends there for the lesson -
and give each group one of the posters.
Ask the groups to review the definition of their topic on their poster in Guide to the Scriptures
Ask the groups to review the definition of their topic on their poster in Guide to the Scriptures
specific topics are found as follows:
Gift of the Holy Ghost – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/gs/gift-of-the-holy-ghost?lang=eng
Faith in Jesus Christ –
The gospel of Jesus
Christ begins with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Having faith in Christ
includes having a firm belief that He is the Only Begotten Son of God and the
Savior and Redeemer of the world.
It is to believe there is no “salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
There are other things that we need to believe if we are to have faith in Christ (see 3 Nephi 27:13–15).
It is to believe there is no “salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
There are other things that we need to believe if we are to have faith in Christ (see 3 Nephi 27:13–15).
13 Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.
14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—
15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.
We recognize that we
can return to live with our Heavenly Father only by relying on His Son’s grace
and mercy. When we have faith in Christ, we accept and apply His Atonement and
His teachings. We trust Him and what He says.
We know that He has the power to keep His promises. We can develop faith in Christ through humility and doing His will and keeping His commandments. Heavenly Father blesses those who have faith to listen to and obey His Son.
We know that He has the power to keep His promises. We can develop faith in Christ through humility and doing His will and keeping His commandments. Heavenly Father blesses those who have faith to listen to and obey His Son.
Repentance— Repentance
through the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Repentance through the Atonement of Jesus Christ is another
important principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our faith in Christ and our
love for Him lead us to repent, or to change our thoughts, beliefs, and
behaviors that are not in harmony with His will.
Repentance includes forming a fresh view of God, ourselves, and the world. When we repent, we feel godly sorrow and return to Him with full purpose of heart.
We stop doing things that are wrong and continue doing things that are right. Bringing our lives in line with God’s will through repentance and faith on Jesus Christ is a central purpose of our lives.
We can return to live with God the Father only through Christ’s grace and mercy, and we receive Christ’s mercy on the condition of repentance.
Repentance includes forming a fresh view of God, ourselves, and the world. When we repent, we feel godly sorrow and return to Him with full purpose of heart.
We stop doing things that are wrong and continue doing things that are right. Bringing our lives in line with God’s will through repentance and faith on Jesus Christ is a central purpose of our lives.
We can return to live with God the Father only through Christ’s grace and mercy, and we receive Christ’s mercy on the condition of repentance.
To repent, we recognize our sins and feel remorse, or godly
sorrow. We confess our sins to God. We also confess very serious sins to God’s
authorized Church leaders, who will support us as we truly repent.
We ask God to forgive us. We do all we can to correct the problems our actions may have caused; this is called restitution. As we repent, our view of ourselves and the world changes.
As we change, we recognize that we are children of God and that we need not continue making the same mistakes over and over. If we sincerely repent, we turn away from our sins and do them no more. We resist any desire to commit sin. Our desire to follow God grows stronger and deeper.
We ask God to forgive us. We do all we can to correct the problems our actions may have caused; this is called restitution. As we repent, our view of ourselves and the world changes.
As we change, we recognize that we are children of God and that we need not continue making the same mistakes over and over. If we sincerely repent, we turn away from our sins and do them no more. We resist any desire to commit sin. Our desire to follow God grows stronger and deeper.
Sincere repentance brings several results. We feel God’s
forgiveness and His peace in our lives. Our guilt and sorrow are swept away. We
feel the influence of the Spirit in greater abundance. And when we pass from
this life, we will be more prepared to live with our Heavenly Father and His
Son.
Even after we have accepted Christ and repented of our sins, we
may fall short and sin again. We should continually try to correct these
transgressions, remembering we “can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth” us (Philippians 4:13).
In addition, we should continually improve—develop Christlike qualities, grow in knowledge, and serve more effectively. As we learn more about what the Savior wants for us, we will want to show our love by obeying Him.
Thus, as we repent daily, we will find that our lives will change and improve. Our hearts and our behavior will become more Christlike. We will come to feel great joy in repenting daily.
In addition, we should continually improve—develop Christlike qualities, grow in knowledge, and serve more effectively. As we learn more about what the Savior wants for us, we will want to show our love by obeying Him.
Thus, as we repent daily, we will find that our lives will change and improve. Our hearts and our behavior will become more Christlike. We will come to feel great joy in repenting daily.
Baptism – Baptism, Our First
Covenant with God
Faith
in Jesus Christ and repentance prepare us for the ordinances of baptism and
confirmation. An
ordinance is a sacred ceremony or rite that shows that we have entered into a
covenant with God.
God
has always required His children to make covenants. A covenant is a binding and
solemn agreement between God and His children. God promises to
bless us, and we promise to obey Him. God sets the terms of gospel
covenants, which we either accept or reject. Keeping covenants brings blessings
in this life and exaltation in the life to come.
Covenants
place us under a strong obligation to honor our promises to God. We should desire to worthily
receive the covenants that God offers us and then strive to keep them.
Our covenants remind us to repent every day of our lives, relying upon Jesus Christ. By loving the Lord, keeping His commandments, and loving and serving others we receive and retain a remission of our sins through “him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” (Revelation 1:5).
Our covenants remind us to repent every day of our lives, relying upon Jesus Christ. By loving the Lord, keeping His commandments, and loving and serving others we receive and retain a remission of our sins through “him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” (Revelation 1:5).
Covenants
are usually made by means of sacred ordinances, such as baptism. These ordinances are administered
by priesthood authority in the name of Jesus Christ. Through the ordinance of
baptism, for example, we covenant to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus
Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments.
As we keep our part of the covenant, God promises the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, a remission of our sins, and being born again.
As we keep our part of the covenant, God promises the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, a remission of our sins, and being born again.
Through
sacred ordinances, such as baptism and confirmation, we learn about and
experience God’s power (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:20). Jesus taught that we
must be baptized by immersion for the remission, or forgiveness, of our sins.
Baptism is an essential ordinance of salvation. No person can enter the kingdom of God without being baptized by the Lord’s authorized servant. Christ set the example for us by being baptized.
Baptism is an essential ordinance of salvation. No person can enter the kingdom of God without being baptized by the Lord’s authorized servant. Christ set the example for us by being baptized.
Baptism
by immersion is a symbol of the death, burial, and Resurrection of the Savior.
In a similar way, it represents the end of our old life of sin and a commitment
to live a new life as a disciple of Christ. The Savior taught that baptism is a
rebirth.
When we are baptized we begin the process of being born again and become spiritual sons and daughters of Christ (see Mosiah 5:7–8; Romans 8:14–17).
When we are baptized we begin the process of being born again and become spiritual sons and daughters of Christ (see Mosiah 5:7–8; Romans 8:14–17).
We
must be baptized to become members of His kingdom on earth, The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, and to eventually enter the kingdom of heaven.
This ordinance is a law of God and must be performed by His authority and in
His name (see Matthew 28:19–20). A bishop or mission president must
give a priesthood holder permission to perform a baptism or confirmation.
Little
children do not need to be baptized and are redeemed through the mercy of Jesus
Christ (see Moroni 8:4–24). They are not to be baptized until they
reach the age of accountability, which is eight years of age (see Doctrine and Covenants 68:27).
Before
baptism we show our willingness to enter a covenant to keep all the
commandments for the rest of our lives. After baptism we show our faith by keeping
our covenant. We also regularly renew the covenant we make when baptized by
partaking of the sacrament.
Partaking of the sacrament weekly is a commandment. It helps us remain worthy to have the Spirit with us always. It is a weekly reminder of our covenant. Jesus Christ introduced this ordinance to His Apostles just before His Atonement. He restored it through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
The Savior commanded that priesthood holders should administer the sacrament in remembrance of His body and His blood, which was shed for us. By partaking of the sacrament worthily we promise always to remember His sacrifice, we renew our promises, and we receive anew the promise that the Spirit will always be with us.
Partaking of the sacrament weekly is a commandment. It helps us remain worthy to have the Spirit with us always. It is a weekly reminder of our covenant. Jesus Christ introduced this ordinance to His Apostles just before His Atonement. He restored it through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
The Savior commanded that priesthood holders should administer the sacrament in remembrance of His body and His blood, which was shed for us. By partaking of the sacrament worthily we promise always to remember His sacrifice, we renew our promises, and we receive anew the promise that the Spirit will always be with us.
Gift of the Holy Ghost –
Jesus
taught that we must be baptized of water and also of the Spirit. Baptism by
water must be followed by baptism of fire and of the Spirit or it is incomplete
(see 2 Nephi 31:13–14).
Only when we receive baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost can we receive a remission of our sins and become completely spiritually reborn. We then begin a new spiritual life as disciples of Christ.
13 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.
14 But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me.
Only when we receive baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost can we receive a remission of our sins and become completely spiritually reborn. We then begin a new spiritual life as disciples of Christ.
The
Holy Ghost has a sanctifying, cleansing effect upon us. Through the gift and
power of the Holy Ghost, we can receive and retain a remission of sins through
continued faith in Christ, repentance, and following the will of God and
obedience to His commandments.
Those
who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and remain worthy can enjoy His
companionship throughout their lives. The Holy Ghost testifies of Christ and
helps us recognize the truth. He provides spiritual strength and helps us do
what is right. He comforts us during times of trial or sorrow. He warns us of
spiritual or physical danger.
The Holy Ghost provides the power by which we teach and learn. The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of our Heavenly Father’s most precious gifts. Through the power of the Holy Ghost we can feel God’s love and direction for us. This gift is a foretaste of eternal joy and a promise of eternal life and exaltation.
The Holy Ghost provides the power by which we teach and learn. The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of our Heavenly Father’s most precious gifts. Through the power of the Holy Ghost we can feel God’s love and direction for us. This gift is a foretaste of eternal joy and a promise of eternal life and exaltation.
After
a person is baptized by water, one or more authorized priesthood holders lay
their hands upon the person’s head and confirm the person a member of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They then confer the gift of the
Holy Ghost.
which was lost centuries ago through the death of the
Savior’s Apostles, was restored through angelic administration to a modern
prophet, Joseph Smith. Only through membership in The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints can one receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, the right to
have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. This authority makes
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints different from any other religion in the world. By the Lord’s own declaration, it is “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30).
30 And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints different from any other religion in the world. By the Lord’s own declaration, it is “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30).
30 And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually
Endure to the End –
The
gospel of Jesus Christ includes obtaining and increasing our faith in Jesus
Christ, repenting of our sins through the Atonement of Jesus Christ,
being baptized by immersion by an authorized servant of the Lord in the name
of Jesus Christ, receiving baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost by the
laying on of hands, and enduring to the end.
Enduring
to the end does not simply mean holding on until we die. Enduring to the end
includes obtaining Christlike attributes through the Savior’s Atonement.
Enduring to the end includes following the Father’s will and obeying His
commandments, fasting, prayer, scripture study, observing the Sabbath day,
repenting, and making and keeping sacred temple covenants.
Then they could review Peter’s teachings
in Acts 2:22-47; 3:13-26; and 4:5?12 and
write on their poster examples of their assigned topic from the scriptures.
After you have gotten this far, it’s time
for another couple of questions:
·
How do these principles and ordinances of
the gospel help us obtain the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement?
·
What roles do these principles and
ordinances play in Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation?
Now if you have some full-time missionaries,
or maybe a recently returned missionary, or ward missionaries that are in your Ward you could ask them if
they would be willing to take a few minutes to explain to your family and friends
how they have taught others about the doctrine of Christ using lesson 3 in Preach My Gospel.
Are you ready for a couple more
questions? If you don’t know the answers, I am sure the missionaries you have
chosen will be happy to help you answer them or show you where to fin the
answers in the scriptures. 😊
·
Why is the doctrine of Christ the main
message of our missionaries?
·
How does someone who has already been baptized
and received the gift of the Holy Ghost continue to apply the doctrine of
Christ?
If you are not a member of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints you can contact some missionaries here: https://www.comeuntochrist.org/belong/church-community/how-to-become-a-latter-day-saint
Just click the button that says ‘meet with
missionaries, let them know that you have questions and they will contact you😊
The Holy Ghost inspires
us to act on what we learn.
You know that as we
study the scriptures in our lessons together
here on my blog and in our homes with our families and as well when we study
the scriptures in our classes each week, we may often feel ‘pricked in their
heart’ (in our individual hearts)(Acts 2:37).
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Individually we may feel inspired to help
our family members and friends to go a step further by asking, ‘What shall we do”
(Acts 2:37). Read Acts 2:37-47 together
with your family and friends as we did in our class for this lesson. Our instructor
asked us, and you could ask your family members and friends to search
individually or all together – we were in groups for our class.
We were asked to look for things this
group of 3,000 people did as a result of Peter’s invitation. Then he had someone
from each group share ways they have acted on inspiration from their study of
the word of God. This is something you could do with your family members as
friends too😊 towards the end of the lesson and our
class period he said that we should each ask ourselves – individually the
question ‘What shall I do” and then said we should record our impressions.
Despite being arrested
and beaten, Peter boldly preached the gospel.
As we are filled with
the Holy Ghost, we can share the gospel with boldness.
·
I believe that reading this account of
Peter and John boldly testifying of Jesus can inspire your family members and
friends to not fear what others think as they share their witness of the
gospel.
·
What impresses you and/or your family
members and friends about the boldness of Peter and John in Acts 3; 4:1-21; and 5:12-42?
·
What
is the relationship between receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and our
ability to testify boldly?
The accounts of these chapters are
dramatized in the videos ‘Peter Preaches and Is Arrested,’ ‘Peter and John Are
Judged,’ and ‘Peter and John Continue Preaching the Gospel’ (LDS.org). You and/or your family members and friends might
also have experiences to share in which they, or someone they know, boldly
defended or testified of the gospel. I think it might be okay if you did not have
your own experiences that you could use one from the scriptures😊
I challenge each of you to think about
how we individually would react if we knew that living the gospel could result
in losing their lives. Did you know that in our
next week’s reading in Acts 6--9 we
will read about someone who was willing to die for his faith. This is a really
good question to ask ourselves – Would we, you or I, individually be willing to
die for our faith?
Oh my, dear Family and Friends, here we
are again at the bottom of our lesson and the end of my blog. I hope and pray
that each one of you has learned something new from our lesson today. I challenge
each one of you to look up all of the scriptures referenced in our lesson as well
as learning more about the Holy Ghost😊 How the time certainly does fly!!
Especially when you are enjoying what you
are doing. I love to read and study my scriptures!!!😊
And I do enjoy sharing them with you. I hope and pray that each one of you are
making new discoveries as we study the New Testament together😊 I
love learning about gospel topics and characters in the scriptures. You know that
they were real people just like us, only they lived in a different time and
places than we are living now.
I think it is good to do some comparisons
between the way that the people in the scriptures lived and the way that we are
able to live because of their sacrifices. I think it also helps us to count our
blessings because of the freedoms that we have. Or the conveniences that we
have I our lives. You know the ones that make our lives so much easier than theirs
ever were😊
It is also a good practice to get into to
take a subject or topic that you are studying and find our as much as you can
about it. I have even made a book about a subject before – recording in the
book all of the scripture references about that topic as well as talks or
quotes that pertain to the topic. Oh geez, I do think I must be rambling again☹
well, I guess it isn’t a bad thing to ramble if you are sharing important
things, right?
As always, dear Family and Friends, remember
who you are, keep the commandments, keep studying the scriptures and learning
more about Jesus Christ each day than you knew the day before😊 Keep
a prayer in your heart all day long. Say your prayers –remember that is how you
speak to your father in heaven – through your prayers😊
I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, that He is the Only Begotten of the Father, that He is the Christ, the Messiah that they were seeking all those years ago and the one that each one of you should be seeking also😊 Until my next post, don’t forget to make it a spectacular week!!!
I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, that He is the Only Begotten of the Father, that He is the Christ, the Messiah that they were seeking all those years ago and the one that each one of you should be seeking also😊 Until my next post, don’t forget to make it a spectacular week!!!
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