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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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?
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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.
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Does anyone wish to share what word they though defines the Bible?
Mine is forgiveness. Hope being a close second.
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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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