This week the story of the father bringing his ill son to Jesus to be healed has caused me the most reflection. The disciples could not heal him. Jesus responds with “O faithless and perverse generation”. Seems a bit harsh. And then proceeds to heal the boy.
I immediately start asking myself questions about the level of my faith. Naturally, like the disciples, my faith is not going to be the same as the Saviours. And I cannot expect it to be in any short time. But maybe step by step, miracle after miracle it could be.
The manual asks the following questions.
What did the Spirit teach you as you read about this miracle? How has Heavenly Father helped you increase your faith? What can you do to build upon the faith you already have?
Matt 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29
As I ponder this story more I get caught up thinking that our lack of faith has resulted in a cultural teaching we often fall victim to. If it be God’s will this person will be healed. But I’m less convinced it is about Gods will.
We don’t read stories in the scriptures of Jesus blessing someone then they don’t get healed. Every person Jesus blesses is healed. Often people are healed in mass. Was it God’s will that they be healed? I suspect God would want all his children to be healed.
One might say that “the population of 2,000 years ago needed the healing miracles more than we do today. What would happen to our faith if everyone we blessed was healed?” I suppose their faith would also increase. That’s not a bad thing.
After pondering this story I’m now more convinced that if I bless someone, and they are not healed, it is more a reflection of my lack of faith. I do believe that over time and after repeatedly exercising faith it is possible to eventually gain the same faith.
So who’s faith is it that heals the sick and afflicted? The one giving the blessing (as I’m implying) or the recipient of the blessing, a third party, maybe one praying on another’s behalf, or a combination of all three? And if all three to what degree does each participants faith contribute to the effectivity of the blessing?
I don’t know. Maybe it is different in all circumstances. Maybe my faith as one giving the blessing is sufficient to override ones lack of, or lesser, faith as implied in the verse below suggestion that the Saviours faith is sufficient to fill the gap.
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Matt 9:24
The saviour teaches that “if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Basically saying if your faith is strong enough, you can do anything, it makes no mention of God’s will.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Mar 25-31
Matthew 14-15; Mark 6-7; John 5-6
Matthew 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Similar to last weeks question, do I worship in vain? In much that same way that it is possible to pray in vain, do I worship in vain?
I didn't realise, all these years, the loaves and fishes miracle was preformed twice (at least). Once in Matt 14;15-21 (Mark 6;35-44) then again in Matt 15;32-39.
1st account.
Desert
5 loaves
2 fishes
12 baskets of fragments
5,000 people
2nd account
Mountain
7 loaves
2 little fishes
7 baskets of fragments
4,000 people
He can make a little go a long way.
He can also amplify our resources.
Matthew 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Similar to last weeks question, do I worship in vain? In much that same way that it is possible to pray in vain, do I worship in vain?
I didn't realise, all these years, the loaves and fishes miracle was preformed twice (at least). Once in Matt 14;15-21 (Mark 6;35-44) then again in Matt 15;32-39.
1st account.
Desert
5 loaves
2 fishes
12 baskets of fragments
5,000 people
2nd account
Mountain
7 loaves
2 little fishes
7 baskets of fragments
4,000 people
He can make a little go a long way.
He can also amplify our resources.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Mar 18-24
Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13
Parables and the seed.
As I initially listened to these chapters I was brawn to the parable of the sower and the seed.
We often here the parable and we often like to think of ourselves as the the good soil that accepted the seed and allowed it to grow and bring forth good fruit. See Matt 13:8
But it was verses 20-23 that caught my attention.
But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
This got me thinking. If I really was like verse 23 where is my fruit? Am I bringing forth fruit? If not, if I'm not changing, if I'm not progressing, then am I actually just receiving the word with joy on Sundays and at home and then just continuing on with daily life as if I learned nothing new. Am I more like verses 20-22 than I care to admit?
Parables and the seed.
As I initially listened to these chapters I was brawn to the parable of the sower and the seed.
We often here the parable and we often like to think of ourselves as the the good soil that accepted the seed and allowed it to grow and bring forth good fruit. See Matt 13:8
But it was verses 20-23 that caught my attention.
But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
This got me thinking. If I really was like verse 23 where is my fruit? Am I bringing forth fruit? If not, if I'm not changing, if I'm not progressing, then am I actually just receiving the word with joy on Sundays and at home and then just continuing on with daily life as if I learned nothing new. Am I more like verses 20-22 than I care to admit?
Monday, March 11, 2019
March 11-17
Before going into this weeks content I wanted to share a couple of other ideas.
If you don't mind, I'd like to do an experiment. I heard this on a podcast about a month ago. I thought it was interesting. Don't answer now but maybe think about your answer during the lesson and I will ask for a sample of answers at the end.
If you were to describe the Bible in one word, what would that word be?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was sat in the chapel during testimony meeting. I was pondering how I could encourage members to read the weeks material. The following thought came to me.
"Read the scriptures like your life depended upon it."
I then wondered if this was an overstatement.
If I was talking about my mortal life then obviously this is an overstatement. However, we have a life that is of greater value to us than our mortal life. Our spiritual life. Our spiritual life does depend greatly on whether we read the scriptures.
Reading and digesting the word of God is like food for our soul. It will sustain us an keep us alive, in Christ.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another idea I had relating to reading the scriptures was based on the idea that we liken the scriptures to ourselves. For example when we read the scriptures we can often pause and reflect on moments in our lives that related to what we have read.
But it works the other way around. How many times have you been able to relate an experience to something you read just the other day, giving you clarity and greater perspective? If you do not read the scriptures, you are depriving your life of these moments.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For example, this week we read about the saviour calling his 12 apostles. Then, at the same time we see on LDS.org (soon to be church of Jesus Christ .org) articles of the 1st presidency and quorum of the 12 apostles at the Rome, Italy temple.
Modern Apostles Bear Witness of Jesus Christ
Those of you who are extra observant among you will have noticed something about the picture in the article. The picture of the brethren in front of the Christus stature. Who's in the background? The 12 statues in the background are the original apostles.
So before getting in to serious stuff.
Can anyone who read this weeks reading tell me who the original 12 are. Answers found in v2-4.
1. Simon Peter
2. Andrew
3. James (son of Zebedee)
4. John
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew
7. Thomas
8. Matthew
9. James (son of Alphaeus)
10. Lebbaeus
11. Simon (the canaanite)
12. Judas Iscariot)
And for bonus points, todays apostles and prophets?
1. Russell M Nelson
2. Dallin H Oaks
3. Henry B Eyring
4. Russell M Ballard
5. Jeffery R Holland
6. Dieter F Uchtdorf
7. David A Bednar
8. Quentin L Cook
9. D Todd Christofferson
10. Neil L Anderson
11. Ronald A Rasband
12. Gary E Stevenson
13. Dale G Renlund
14. Gerritt W Gong
15. Ulisses Soares
When Christ calls his apostles what does he commission them to do? Matt 10:7 Preach. Testify of Christ and that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
What did the apostles do in the video posted on lds.org? Testify of Christ.
Apostle - Gospel Topic : Serve as witnesses of Jesus Christ to all the world.
Did anybody find any comfort in recognising that we have the same leadership with the same charge on the earth today as the church did in Christs day?
What is their significance in your life?
How do you feel about the lord calling appostles today like he did when he was on the earth before?
Did anybody else have any thoughts about the calling of the 12 they wish to share?
One of the thoughts I had was that there are times when I cannot hold back how excited I feel about something. That might be a principle of the gospel, or it might be something secular like how amazing the latest Ben & Jerry's flavour ice-cream is. Imagine feeling that passionate about the gospel and the need to share it all the time. Maybe during general conference next month we will be able to hear (or feel) the desire the apostles have for us to understand and believe.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Matt 10 is seems to me we find our 1st reference to the saviour discussing how hard you will find it to preach in his name.
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves.
Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to the councils.
Ye shall be hated of all men.
Can anyone relate to some of the instructions or warnings in v5-31?
In my opinion, it seems as though the criticism and plotting of the scribes and Pharisees intensifies from this point.
It also has one on my fave verses 39. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt 11:19, 27, 12:32, Luke 7:34
We find reference to the Son of Man a lot in these chapters. In short. When he is referring to man, he is referring to the ultimate man, The man, the one we are trying to be like, The Father. The son of man, being himself. He is also reminding all that God is a man. A principle that tends to get overlooked here.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Matt 11:28-30, as illustrated in the manual, we have the verses about yoke. I did wonder whether I should spend any time of these verses because they do seem to be focused on every time we cover the new testament. And I feared going over the same old stuff.
But, alas, I did decide to give it some thought, in case the opportunity came to discuss them.
Matt 11:28-30 reads as follows
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Before I turn to the manual to start looking for guidance on this, I 1st start asking myself the following types of questions. Some I have answers for, some I do not.
I have repeatedly borne my testimony from the stand and shared how I believe life is hard. I still believe this now. But if I am finding life hard, am I therefore doing something wrong, have I not taken His yoke upon me properly? Or have I missed something here?
Did/does anyone else have similar thoughts?
Does it say life will not be hard, even if you are yoked with Christ?
As I re-read these verses I'm now looking for answers. Maybe a new perspective. And here's my clue.
...all ye that...are heavy laden...
What might we associate the term 'heavy laden' with? Sin. The weight of sin. Maybe these verses are not about everyday struggles, but more specifically about coming to christ seeking forgiveness.
The manual states we all carry burdens, either because of our sin, or because of the sins of others. We yoke ourselves to Christ through covenants. The manual then asks the following questions.
How do my covenants yoke me to and with the Savior?
What do I need to do to come unto Christ?
In what sense is the Savior’s yoke easy and His burden light?
Lets simplify and consider how just the covenant of baptism yokes us to the saviour?
By becoming part of his family and part of the church family.
We promise to keep his commandments which keep us on the strait and narrow.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 7:2-10
I like the story of the centurion. He came to Jesus, asked, and it was given him. He didn't receive laying on of hands, or any kind of physical contact. Just faith. And what's more his faith healed another. How can we relate to this story? Do we ever pray for others? In some instances a blessing is not possible. Can my faith make you whole?
I particularly like v9 where it says even Jesus marvelled.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 7:11-17
Jesus raises the son of a widow from the dead. His fame increased.
Is there really no miracle he cannot perform?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 7:36-50
This is a special story. Why? Why does it make you feel the way it does? Is it because it gives hope? Maybe you can relate to how she might feel.
Consider all the questions in the book.
Do you see yourself in the account in these verses of the Savior’s visit to Simon the Pharisee?
Are you ever like Simon?
What can you do to follow the woman’s example of showing humility and love for Jesus Christ?
When have you experienced the tenderness and mercy that the Savior showed the woman?
What do you learn from these verses about how forgiveness strengthens our love for the Savior?
The one that stood out to me, was the one about love.
What do you learn from these verses about how forgiveness strengthens our love for the Savior?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There may be value in reviewing some of the recent instructions from the church leadership regarding sabbath day worship. It is good to do good on the sabbath.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Does anyone wish to share what word they though defines the Bible?
Mine is forgiveness. Hope being a close second.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, action points.
Does anyone wish to share any personal commitments they have made this week as a result of their study.
If you don't mind, I'd like to do an experiment. I heard this on a podcast about a month ago. I thought it was interesting. Don't answer now but maybe think about your answer during the lesson and I will ask for a sample of answers at the end.
If you were to describe the Bible in one word, what would that word be?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was sat in the chapel during testimony meeting. I was pondering how I could encourage members to read the weeks material. The following thought came to me.
"Read the scriptures like your life depended upon it."
I then wondered if this was an overstatement.
If I was talking about my mortal life then obviously this is an overstatement. However, we have a life that is of greater value to us than our mortal life. Our spiritual life. Our spiritual life does depend greatly on whether we read the scriptures.
Reading and digesting the word of God is like food for our soul. It will sustain us an keep us alive, in Christ.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another idea I had relating to reading the scriptures was based on the idea that we liken the scriptures to ourselves. For example when we read the scriptures we can often pause and reflect on moments in our lives that related to what we have read.
But it works the other way around. How many times have you been able to relate an experience to something you read just the other day, giving you clarity and greater perspective? If you do not read the scriptures, you are depriving your life of these moments.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For example, this week we read about the saviour calling his 12 apostles. Then, at the same time we see on LDS.org (soon to be church of Jesus Christ .org) articles of the 1st presidency and quorum of the 12 apostles at the Rome, Italy temple.
Modern Apostles Bear Witness of Jesus Christ
Those of you who are extra observant among you will have noticed something about the picture in the article. The picture of the brethren in front of the Christus stature. Who's in the background? The 12 statues in the background are the original apostles.
So before getting in to serious stuff.
Can anyone who read this weeks reading tell me who the original 12 are. Answers found in v2-4.
1. Simon Peter
2. Andrew
3. James (son of Zebedee)
4. John
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew
7. Thomas
8. Matthew
9. James (son of Alphaeus)
10. Lebbaeus
11. Simon (the canaanite)
12. Judas Iscariot)
And for bonus points, todays apostles and prophets?
1. Russell M Nelson
2. Dallin H Oaks
3. Henry B Eyring
4. Russell M Ballard
5. Jeffery R Holland
6. Dieter F Uchtdorf
7. David A Bednar
8. Quentin L Cook
9. D Todd Christofferson
10. Neil L Anderson
11. Ronald A Rasband
12. Gary E Stevenson
13. Dale G Renlund
14. Gerritt W Gong
15. Ulisses Soares
When Christ calls his apostles what does he commission them to do? Matt 10:7 Preach. Testify of Christ and that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
What did the apostles do in the video posted on lds.org? Testify of Christ.
Apostle - Gospel Topic : Serve as witnesses of Jesus Christ to all the world.
Did anybody find any comfort in recognising that we have the same leadership with the same charge on the earth today as the church did in Christs day?
What is their significance in your life?
How do you feel about the lord calling appostles today like he did when he was on the earth before?
Did anybody else have any thoughts about the calling of the 12 they wish to share?
One of the thoughts I had was that there are times when I cannot hold back how excited I feel about something. That might be a principle of the gospel, or it might be something secular like how amazing the latest Ben & Jerry's flavour ice-cream is. Imagine feeling that passionate about the gospel and the need to share it all the time. Maybe during general conference next month we will be able to hear (or feel) the desire the apostles have for us to understand and believe.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Matt 10 is seems to me we find our 1st reference to the saviour discussing how hard you will find it to preach in his name.
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves.
Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to the councils.
Ye shall be hated of all men.
Can anyone relate to some of the instructions or warnings in v5-31?
In my opinion, it seems as though the criticism and plotting of the scribes and Pharisees intensifies from this point.
It also has one on my fave verses 39. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt 11:19, 27, 12:32, Luke 7:34
We find reference to the Son of Man a lot in these chapters. In short. When he is referring to man, he is referring to the ultimate man, The man, the one we are trying to be like, The Father. The son of man, being himself. He is also reminding all that God is a man. A principle that tends to get overlooked here.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Matt 11:28-30, as illustrated in the manual, we have the verses about yoke. I did wonder whether I should spend any time of these verses because they do seem to be focused on every time we cover the new testament. And I feared going over the same old stuff.
But, alas, I did decide to give it some thought, in case the opportunity came to discuss them.
Matt 11:28-30 reads as follows
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Before I turn to the manual to start looking for guidance on this, I 1st start asking myself the following types of questions. Some I have answers for, some I do not.
I have repeatedly borne my testimony from the stand and shared how I believe life is hard. I still believe this now. But if I am finding life hard, am I therefore doing something wrong, have I not taken His yoke upon me properly? Or have I missed something here?
Did/does anyone else have similar thoughts?
Does it say life will not be hard, even if you are yoked with Christ?
As I re-read these verses I'm now looking for answers. Maybe a new perspective. And here's my clue.
...all ye that...are heavy laden...
What might we associate the term 'heavy laden' with? Sin. The weight of sin. Maybe these verses are not about everyday struggles, but more specifically about coming to christ seeking forgiveness.
The manual states we all carry burdens, either because of our sin, or because of the sins of others. We yoke ourselves to Christ through covenants. The manual then asks the following questions.
How do my covenants yoke me to and with the Savior?
What do I need to do to come unto Christ?
In what sense is the Savior’s yoke easy and His burden light?
Lets simplify and consider how just the covenant of baptism yokes us to the saviour?
By becoming part of his family and part of the church family.
We promise to keep his commandments which keep us on the strait and narrow.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 7:2-10
I like the story of the centurion. He came to Jesus, asked, and it was given him. He didn't receive laying on of hands, or any kind of physical contact. Just faith. And what's more his faith healed another. How can we relate to this story? Do we ever pray for others? In some instances a blessing is not possible. Can my faith make you whole?
I particularly like v9 where it says even Jesus marvelled.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 7:11-17
Jesus raises the son of a widow from the dead. His fame increased.
Is there really no miracle he cannot perform?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 7:36-50
This is a special story. Why? Why does it make you feel the way it does? Is it because it gives hope? Maybe you can relate to how she might feel.
Consider all the questions in the book.
Do you see yourself in the account in these verses of the Savior’s visit to Simon the Pharisee?
Are you ever like Simon?
What can you do to follow the woman’s example of showing humility and love for Jesus Christ?
When have you experienced the tenderness and mercy that the Savior showed the woman?
What do you learn from these verses about how forgiveness strengthens our love for the Savior?
The one that stood out to me, was the one about love.
What do you learn from these verses about how forgiveness strengthens our love for the Savior?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There may be value in reviewing some of the recent instructions from the church leadership regarding sabbath day worship. It is good to do good on the sabbath.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Does anyone wish to share what word they though defines the Bible?
Mine is forgiveness. Hope being a close second.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, action points.
Does anyone wish to share any personal commitments they have made this week as a result of their study.
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