The Savior's Instructions about the Holy Ghost

1. As you study the following verses, make a list about what the Savior taught about (1) what the Holy Ghost does and (2) what disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost. John 14:15-17, 26-27; John 15:26-27; John 16:7-8; John 16:13-14.

The Holy Ghost is a comforter and will be with us as long as we keep the commandments. The Holy Ghost will bring things to our remembrance and teach us things; the Holy Ghost gives us peace. The Holy Ghost also testifies of Christ, and we should too because we have felt the Spirit within us. He reproves the world of sin, and of righteousness and judgment. The Holy Ghost does not speak of his own mind, but the will of the Father. We must make sure that we are always living righteously in order for the Holy Ghost to dwell with us.

2. Add to your list above as you study the Bible Dictionary definition of "Holy Ghost" pg. 704.

"The Holy Ghost is manifested to men on the earth both as the power of the Holy Ghost and as the gift of the Holy Ghost. The power can come upon one before baptism, and is the convincing witness that the gospel is true. It gives on a testimony of Jesus Christ and of his work and the work of his servants upon the earth...The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost."

3. Review your list of what the Holy Ghost does. Then write responses to the following tasks:

Describe how the Holy Ghost helped the Apostles fulfill their missions after the Savior's death and resurrection.

The Holy Ghost helped the Apostles fulfill their missions after the Savior's death and resurrection by testifying of Christ, and helping them gain a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel.

Write a paragraph about a time when the Holy Ghost blessed you in one of the ways mentioned above. Give an example of how the Holy Ghost has inspired you.

The Holy Ghost blesses me every day. He gives me a feeling of comfort and peace, and testifies of Christ. I have had many experiences when I am going through difficult trials, but I always know that things will get better because the comfort I receive from the Holy Ghost. I have also noticed promptings that I have gotten from the Holy Ghost, which have kept me from doing things that I would later regret doing.

The Savior Taught the Disciples about Leadership

1. Study John 13:1-17; Luke 22:24-30; Mark 10:43-45. Write a paragraph or two about how the application of these teachings makes leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ different from what the world usually describes as leadership.

These scriptures teach about Christ and how He set the example for everyone on how to be a leader. Even though He is our Savior and our Master, He still was humble and served everyone and even died for us. In our Church, leaders such as the prophet, apostles, bishops, etc. lead in the same way. They are just ordinary people who have been called of God to help lead us in the right direction. These leaders are not paid; they do it out of faith in Heavenly Father and they do it out of love. Most leaders in the world want to be above everyone else and feel entitled to certain things because of their leadership position. But the leaders in the Church try to stay at everyone else's level and they try to serve us instead of always wanting others to serve them.

2. Write a paragraph or two about a time when one of your Church leaders or someone in the scriptures served and led in the way Jesus Christ taught.

I did not know him personally, but a man named Clay Sannar who grew up in my hometown is an example to me of what a true leader is. Clay served as a bishop in California until one day he was shot and killed inside a Church building. When the intruder came in, Clay made an effort to get everyone out of the building while he was left alone with the man with a gun. He tried to help others to safety when he could have just tried to get away himself. His life was unfortunately taken away from him, right inside his office in the church. This story was almost unbelievable to me the first time I heard it. He is a great example to me of what a leader should be. He didn't expect others to help him get out safely just because he was the bishop, he instead took charge and put his own safety last. He is a great example of a follower of Christ, and I hope that I can live my life in a way that he did, faithfully serving our Savior Jesus Christ.

Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming

1. Review Mark 13:5, 9, 23, 33, 35, 37 and identify the words take heed and watch in each verse. List at least three things from this chapter that believers could watch for in order to be prepared to meet the Lord. In order to be prepared to meet the Lord, believers need to watch for false prophets, rumors of war, and natural disasters.

2. Explain in writing any other additional truths that are taught in the following references about how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

• Doctrine and Covenants 87:8: Stand in holy places
• Joseph Smith - Matthew 1:32: Abominations of desolation will take place
• Joseph Smith - Matthew 1:37: Read the scriptures and treasure the Lord's words
• Joseph Smith - Matthew 1:46-50: Watch for the Lord and be prepared, be faithful
• Doctrine and Covenants 33:17: Have faith and be prepared
• Doctrine and Covenants 45:56-57: Listen to the Holy Spirit and use Him as a guide

The Widow's Mites (Mark 12:41-44)

1. Review Mark 12:41-44. Write an explanation of how the widow lived what the Savior taught in Mark 12:28-30. Verses 28-30 teach us that the first commandment is to love the Lord thy God with all our heart. The widow lived this by giving up all she had as a sacrifice unto the Lord. She showed love by having faith that if she made that sacrifice that she would be blessed for it. She knew what the Lord asked of her was more important than any worldly possession.

2. Even though the widow gave less money than wealthier people gave, according to Mark 12:44, how much of what she had did she give? Write a paragraph describing what this teaches about what constitutes an acceptable offering to the Lord. How does 2 Nephi 25:23 apply to what the widow did? The widow gave all that she had, she gave her whole living. The widow teaches us that we must have enough faith and love for the Lord that we would be willing to give up all that we have. Even though she only gave two mites, it was worth more than the rich man's great treasure because it was everything she had. The Lord accepts the offerings that we make when it is made with great love and faith. Just like in 2 Nephi 25:23, the widow is setting an example for everyone else about how we can show our love and faith to Christ. Christ gave up His life for us, so we are in great debt to Him.

3. Write two or three sentences describing a way, aside from the donation of money, that you could better follow the widow's example of sacrifice and obedience. I can better follow the example of the widow by dedicating more time during my day toward worshiping my Savior. I know that if I spend more time reading my scriptures and pondering the atonement during the day that I will be more able to have the Spirit with me and show my love to Him. He has done so much for me and I owe Him so much.

Earthly and Heavenly Rewards (Matthew 19:16-30; 20:1-16)

1. Review Matthew 19:16-30 and write responses to the following questions and tasks:

• What indications can you find that suggest why the young man decided not to follow the Savior? How does Matthew 6:19-24 help explain his choice? The young man decided not to follow the Savior because he was not willing to give up his worldly posessions.



• What blessings did the Savior promise to those who make sacrifices to follow Him? The Savior promises eternal life to those who sacrifice to follow Him, and that they will be able to sit upon a throne with the Savior.



• Based on the Savior's response to Peter, write a paragraph that could help you put the Lord first in your life. I can put the Lord first in my life by sacrificing more of my time for others. Too often I get caught up in the things I have to do in my own life that I forget about others and the trials that they may be going through. But I know that if I learn to serve others instead of myself that I will ultimately be serving my Savior.
  

2. Review the parable in Matthew 20:1-16 and consider what rewards come to those who serve in the Lord's kingdom. From this parable I learned that it doesn't matter if you serve more than other people; you will still get the same rewards as they who did less. Service is not about the reward you receive, but it's about who you serve and the feeling that you get from that service.

3. Respond to the following questions:

• What do we learn from this parable about serving in the Lord's kingdom? From this parable we learn that it's not about the amount of service we do, or about the reward we will receive after our service. It is about serving and helping others become better people, which will make us better people as well.



• What message of comfort can this parable have for converts to the Church? Converts can find comfort in this parable because they have not been members their whole lives, but that doesn't mean that they won't be able to receive the same blessings as those of us who were born into the Church. Converts can expect the same blessings as every other member of the Church.



• What would you tell someone who feels it is unfair for each of the laborers to be paid equally? I would tell them that it is great that they have put in so much effort into serving others, but that it doesn't entitle them to greater rewards. Those who still serve others but in smaller amounts still deserve the Lord's love and acknowledgement.

Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ

1. Read Luke 10:38-42; 11:1-13; 12:13-40; 13:23-24; 14:16-33. Make a list of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and what the Savior taught about counting the costs of following Him.

• Praying to Heavenly Father
• Not having a doubtful mind
• Be an example to others
• Be prepared for when the Savior comes again
• Bring other souls unto Christ through missionary work
• Stay on the straight and narrow path
• Keep the commandments

2. Identify one of the teachings from your list that you would like to apply more fully in your life. Write a paragraph about how you could apply that teaching and what difference you believe it would make in your life.

I think something that I need to work on is becoming prepared for when the Savior comes again. No one knows when the day will come when Christ comes to earth, and so it could be at any time. There are so many things that I need to improve on in my life that sometimes I wonder if I would be ready if He came to earth today. Food storage is something that I could work on as well. It's hard to have food storage when you are in college because you barely have enough money for every day food. But I know that food storage is important because we have been commanded to do it. I think that if I work every day to become a better person that I can be better prepared for when the Savior comes. I know if I keep God's commandments and do my best to stay on the straight and narrow path, the Lord will bless me and give me opportunities to do good.

3. Read Luke 14:33; Omni 1:26; Mosiah 2:34; Matthew 13: 44-46. Explain in writing what is ultimately required to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

To be a disciple of Jesus Christ we must be willing to submit everything we have to the Lord. No worldly possessions that we have on this earth mean as much as returning to our Heavenly Father in heaven, so why let those get in the way? We will not be able to take those possessions up to heaven. Our character defines who we are, not the things we own. Being willing to sacrifice everything we have shows our Heavenly Father that we worship Him, and not the world.

Matthew 18:1-14 "Become as Little Children"

1. Review Matthew 18:3-4 and Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-18. Explain in writing the ways we are like little children. In these verses, how does the Lord say He will help us?

These scriptures tell us that we are like little children when we have humility and meekness. We can also become like children when we show love to everyone, and by not judging others. I think children are the best example of not judging others, and we can all learn from their example. Children are so close to being like our Savior and ultimately that is who we want to be like. The Lord says that He will help us by guiding and directing us in this life. He has given us the Holy Ghost to help us stay on the right path.

2. Read Mosiah 3:19 and list the ways in which we are to become like little children.

We become like children by being submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

The picture above is of my nephews Ethan and Brycen. I love them so much! They are both so full of love and happiness, and I know that that love comes from the Savior. If I strive to become like these sweet little boys, I know that my Savior will guide me along in this life and help me return to Him.

Walking on the Sea; Matthew 14:22-33

1. Review Matthew 14:22-33. Identify in writing what the reaction of the Apostles was when they first saw the Savior walking on the water toward them.

"And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear." The Apostles were frightened when they first saw Christ walking toward them. They didn't know it was him, but thought it was some kind of Spirit.

2. What did Peter's response indicate about him?

Peter's response indicated that he trusted Christ and that he had faith that what Christ said was truth.

3. According to Matthew 14:30, why did Peter begin to sink?

Peter began to sink because he began to feel the strong winds against him and he lost faith t hat he would still be able to walk across the water. This can also be related to how we sometimes lose faith in our Savior when our own trials come upon us.

4. What did Peter do when he began to sink? What word in the verses describes the expediency or the timing when Jesus responded to Peter's request?

When Peter began to sink he said, "Lord, save me." The word immediately describes the Savior's timing when Peter asked for help. I love this verse! Whenever we need help from Christ, he is always right there to grab our hand and save us from whatever is troubling us.

5. Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:67. Write a paragraph describing what principle from this verse relates to what Peter did to successfully walk on the water. How can this same principle be applied to your life to assist you in walking over the storms of life?

For Peter to successfully walk on water, he had to have faith that Christ would not let him fall, and that Christ had the ability for this to occur. Peter's eyes were "single to His glory", just like D&C 88:67 says. This verse can apply to my own life in many ways. I have realized that the lowest times in my life, and the times when I am filled with the most despair, is when I am not doing all that I can to stay close to Christ. But when I am close to Him, praying to Him and reading my scriptures, that is when I am able to get through the hard times with more strength and courage. Jesus Christ is my light; He carries me through my trials. Without Him I would be nothing, and I know that He lives!

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The Lord Often Taught with Parables

Matthew 13:24-48

In your own words, explain the definition of a parable.

• A parable to me is a type of analogy or comparison. The stories that are told are not meant to be literal, they are meant to teach a moral. Parables are understood by those who have faith and a religious intelligence. But to those of "the dull and uninspired it is a mere story" (Bible Dictionary).

Read the following parables: parable of the tares (Matt. 13:24-30); parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matt. 13:47-50); parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matt. 13:44-46); parable of the gospel net (Matt. 13:47-50). Next to each of the following questions write the name of the parable that best answers that question.

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  What describes the future growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? -Parable of the gospel net



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  Why does the Church send out so many missionaries? -Parable of the gospel net



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  How do you explain the remarkable growth of the Church, considering that it is fairly new compared to most world religions and smarted small in the American frontier? -Parable of the gospel net



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  Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership of the church? - Parable of the treasure and the pearl of great price



• Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church? -Parable of the tares

Write answers to the following questions:

• Considering the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price, what sacrifices would you be willing to make to obtain the treasure of the gospel? What sacrifices have you or those you know already made for the gospel?

I honestly think that I would sacrifice a lot of my possessions in order to obtain the treasure of the gospel. My whole life revolves around the gospel, and without it I would have nothing. People sacrifice every day for the gospel, especially those who decide to go on a mission. Missionaries sacrifice two years of their lives for the gospel, and I have so much respect for that.

• What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea? What does it mean to be gathered into the net? What is represented by the action of gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away?

The net represents the kingdom of heaven, and to be gathered into the net means to be make it back to Heavenly Father's presence. I think that the gathering of the good into vessels means that Heavenly Father only allows those who have been obedient here on earth to enter the Celestial Kingdom, but those who have not been obedient he has to reluctantly turn them away.

Miracles are Evidence of Faith and God's Power

Matthew 8-9, Mark 2

1. Using the following references, write a brief description of the miracles the Lord performed, then list those who exercised faith for the miracle to occur.

2. Explain how it affects your faith to know that God has this kind of power.

1. Matthew 8:1-4:

• Miracle Performed: Jesus Christ heals a man with leprosy who has much faith
• Who demonstrated faith: The man with leprosy who said, "Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean."

Matthew 8:5-13

• Miracle Performed: Christ heals a centurion's son who is sick of palsy
• Who demonstrated faith: Centurion (boy sick with palsy's father). And he said, "Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed."

Matthew 8:14-15

• Miracle Performed: Touched a woman's hands and healed her from fever
• Who demonstrated faith: Paul's wife's mother

Matthew 8:16

• Miracle performed: Casted out evil spirits
• Who demonstrated faith: Possessed individuals

Matthew 8:23-27

• Miracle performed: Calmed the storm and the seas
• Who demonstrated faith: Jesus Christ, and He said, "'Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?' Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm."

Matthew 8:28-34

• Miracle performed: Christ cast out spirits into a herd of swine
• Who demonstrated faith: Jesus Christ

Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34

• Miracle performed: Christ heals a woman with a blood hemorrhage
• Who demonstrated faith: The sick woman who said, "If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole."

Matthew 9:27-31

• Miracle performed: Christ healed two blind men
• Who demonstrated faith: The blind men who said, "Thou Son of David, have mercy on us."

Mark 2:1-12

• Miracle performed: Christ healed a man sick of palsy
• Who demonstrated faith: Man with palsy and his friends who took him to Christ. In verse 10 the Lord says, "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins."

2. Reading these scriptures has reminded me what great power God really has, and how he gave that power to the Lord while he was here on earth so that He could perform miracles in order for others to believe in Him. It made me think about what miracles He performs today, and there are so many! Even though they aren't performed by Christ here on earth, they still happen. Heavenly Father has put prophets and apostles on this earth so that we can have the Priesthood on the earth. Miracles happen through Priesthood blessings every day. And even though I did not live on earth the same time as the Lord, I am still able to see and recognize the miracles that He performs on the earth today.

The Birth of John the Baptist, Luke 1:5-80

Read Luke 1:14 and write what Zacharias was told about the birth of his son, John the Baptist. Study Luke 1:5-25, 39-45, 56-80, and the Bible Dictionary entry, "John the Baptist" (pp. 714-15). Write a paragraph summarizing the reasons many people would rejoice over John the Baptist's birth and mission.

• Luke 1:14-15 "And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb."




• There are many reasons why people rejoiced over the birth of John the Baptist. Some of these reasons are:

1. He was a miracle because his mother was of old age and never able to bear a child.


2. Zacharias' tongue was loosed when he was born.


3. He was born to prepare the way for the Savior and to make ready the people to receive him.


4. He was the bearer of the Aaronic Priesthood.


5. Jesus said of John, "There is none who was greater." (Matt. 11:7-11)


6. He was entrusted with the mission of baptizing the Savior of the world.

John the Baptist was never able to perform miracles as Jesus did, but he allowed Jesus to do these things by preparing the way for Him. John the Baptist did so much for the Savior of the world, and I'm grateful that I am able to read of him in the scriptures and to feel of his spirit and of his faith.

Matthew 3:13-17

Why was John hesitant to baptize Jesus?
John was hesitant to baptize Jesus because John knew that he needed to be baptized by Jesus, but he didn't think that Jesus would need to be baptized because He was the Savior, and completely perfect. John wanted to be cleansed of his own sins, and be able to be born again. He didn't know that Jesus would be baptized himself to be an example for everyone else.

What is taught here about the Holy Ghost?
In verse 16 it says, "...and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him." From this verse we learn that a dove is the sign of the Holy Ghost, but that it is not the Holy Ghost himself. The Holy Ghost descended from heaven as his own personage.


Jesus Christ said he must be baptized to "fulfill all righteousness". List three reasons why Jesus Christ was baptized (see 2 Nephi 31:6-11).
Jesus Christ was baptized because:

1. He was obedient to God in keeping His commandments.


2. To set an example for us. We look to Christ as the perfect example, and we try to emulate His life through our own. So he needed to be baptized in order for us to follow in his footsteps.


3. When we ourselves are baptized, we need to be baptized in Christ's name.

What evidence is found in Matthew 3:16-17 that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate personages in the Godhead?
The voice from heaven was from God, Jesus Christ was being baptized by John, and the Holy Ghost descended from heaven.