In 500-600 words please give any insights you have gained after reading the book of Romans.
Paul was not writing to all Romans, but rather the members of the Church in Rome who had an understanding of the gospel. Paul teaches the Jewish Christians that the gospel law replaces the law Mosiac Law and further explains that law alone is not enough to save them. That is the reason for Christ and the Atonement – without that act, we would all fall short. Paul points out that the way to become right with the law, or justified, is to exercise faith, repent and keep the commandments.
In Romans 2, Paul taught the Jewish Christians that circumcision and other outward signs of righteousness mean little if they didn’t have faith and obedience. The same can be said of Church members today. If we have the outward signs of obedience but fail to internalize them, it is not enough.
In Romans 4 Paul reminds them that Abraham did not have the Mosiac law, yet still was righteous and faithful. Due to disobedience, the law of Moses was added later so they could live that law before living a higher law. Paul also taught that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and not the Mosiac law was the key to righteousness.
In Romans 6:4 we read, “Therefore we are aburied with him by bbaptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the cdead by the glory of the Father, even so we also shoulddwalk in enewness of life.” Elder M. Russell Ballard sheds some light on this scripture, “The Savior’s gift of immortality comes to all who have ever lived. But His gift ofeternal life requires repentance and obedience to specific ordinances and covenants. Essential ordinances of the gospel symbolize the Atonement. Baptism by immersion is symbolic of the death, burial, and Resurrection of the Redeemer” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 47; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 35).
Romans 8 speaks of being joint-heirs with Christ. The profound meaning of this is expounded by a quote by the Prophet Joseph Smith: “[You] shall be heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. What is it? To inherit the same power, the same glory and the same exaltation, until you arrive at the station of a God, and ascend the throne of eternal power, the same as those who have gone before” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 347). The fact that in verse 17 we find that we have the ability to be joint-heirs with Christ tells so much of our potential. We have the capacity to become like God.
In chapter 13 we read in verse 8-13. “aOwe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that bloveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit aadultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not bsteal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not ccovet; and if there beany other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy dneighbour as thyself. aLove worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the blaw. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high atime to awake out of bsleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the aday is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of bdarkness, and let us put on the carmour of dlight.
Let us walk ahonestly, as in the day; not in brioting and cdrunkenness, not in dchambering and wantonness, not in strife and eenvying.
But aput ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the blusts thereof.”
Paul tells the Jewish Christians to get up and live the gospel as it is easy to become casual about complacent. Here, in these verses he gives ideas on how to be more valiant in the faith.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Prompt # 5
In 400-600 words explain your feelings regarding 1 Corinthians 13 on faith, hope, and charity.
In First Corinthians chapter 13 verse 8, “Charity never faileth”. This is a bold statement and principle. I love this phrase as it brings hope. Even though you may be frustrated, tired, or discouraged – Charity never faileth. So even though you may be saddened or incensed or someone strongly annoys you, if you have Charity, you can’t fail. Even though you may be at your wits end and struggling to remain positive about a situation, or may be struggling to love someone – you can take hope and comfort in knowing that Charity never faileth. Even though often times it seems that nothing will make the situation better or fix that person’s annoying habit – Charity never faileth. This is an important key to remember. This principle is true and I’ve seen in magnified many times in my life. Sometimes I will be frustrated with someone and the decisions they make or the lifestyle they live – but if I develop and have charity towards them, I will be able to overcome and love them, as Christ loves them.
In verse 3 of chapter 13 it reads, “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the apoor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” . The acts that he describes in the first part of the verse are acts that most people would consider acts of service and full of charity. But Paul tells us in a slightly more roundabout way, that those activities are not charity. Charity is more than these acts. Charity is more than service and sacrifice. Charity is the pure love of Christ. Charity is being filled with the love of Christ and seeing others and treating others as He would see and treat them.
In verse 2 of the same chapter it states, “And though I have the gift of aprophecy, and understand all bmysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” Charity is one of the most important qualities we can develop. Even if we attain large amounts of worldly knowledge or prestige, it profits us nothing if we have not charity. We can spend a lot of time and money developing other gifts and obtaining knowledge and even developing faith, but if we don’t take the effort to develop charity, it is in vain.
Paul takes the time and space to write 283 words on the topic of Charity in this chapter. In a time where space was valuable and keeping records was not as easy feat, I believe he is showing us the importance of Charity both in words and in principle.
In First Corinthians chapter 13 verse 8, “Charity never faileth”. This is a bold statement and principle. I love this phrase as it brings hope. Even though you may be frustrated, tired, or discouraged – Charity never faileth. So even though you may be saddened or incensed or someone strongly annoys you, if you have Charity, you can’t fail. Even though you may be at your wits end and struggling to remain positive about a situation, or may be struggling to love someone – you can take hope and comfort in knowing that Charity never faileth. Even though often times it seems that nothing will make the situation better or fix that person’s annoying habit – Charity never faileth. This is an important key to remember. This principle is true and I’ve seen in magnified many times in my life. Sometimes I will be frustrated with someone and the decisions they make or the lifestyle they live – but if I develop and have charity towards them, I will be able to overcome and love them, as Christ loves them.
In verse 3 of chapter 13 it reads, “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the apoor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” . The acts that he describes in the first part of the verse are acts that most people would consider acts of service and full of charity. But Paul tells us in a slightly more roundabout way, that those activities are not charity. Charity is more than these acts. Charity is more than service and sacrifice. Charity is the pure love of Christ. Charity is being filled with the love of Christ and seeing others and treating others as He would see and treat them.
In verse 2 of the same chapter it states, “And though I have the gift of aprophecy, and understand all bmysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” Charity is one of the most important qualities we can develop. Even if we attain large amounts of worldly knowledge or prestige, it profits us nothing if we have not charity. We can spend a lot of time and money developing other gifts and obtaining knowledge and even developing faith, but if we don’t take the effort to develop charity, it is in vain.
Paul takes the time and space to write 283 words on the topic of Charity in this chapter. In a time where space was valuable and keeping records was not as easy feat, I believe he is showing us the importance of Charity both in words and in principle.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
prompt # 4
Prompt:
In 400-500 words discuss what Paul taught about preparing for the Second Coming and how we apply his teachings today
Response:
In Thessalonians, Paul teaches about the Second Coming. He teaches to build for the short haul while preparing for the long haul. He also teaches not to be paralyzed by the idea of the Second Coming soon, yet still keep up hope and live for today. In 1st Thessalonians chapter four, Paul describes how some people have stopped working in preparation for the Second Coming, and some people are knowingly sinning as they believe Christ can cleanse them of their sins when he returns.
One sign of the Second Coming which Paul mentions is that described in Acts 20:28-31. Paul is Melitas and he doesn’t have a lot of time, but he is teaching them.
“ 28 ¶ Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the aflock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you boverseers, to feed the cchurch of God, which he hath purchased with his own dblood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall agrievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking aperverse things, to bdraw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to awarn every one night and day with tears.”
Paul tells them the flock will not be spared. Paul teaches the apostasy is happening now, and it’s not new information. He has been preaching the Apostasy for three years now.
Another topic that can be found in Thessalonians is that many of the members of the first century church think that the end of the world is happening now, not realizing that it is just the end of the first century church.
Also, thanks to Constantine, the first century church is now the favorite religion. This brings an interesting perspective to the church as before you had to be nuts to join the church and forsake everything and be persecuted. Now, there are different motives for joining the church and it becomes very difficult to tell who the “good guys” are.
As we move to Second Thessalonians, they begin to better understand they were living the last days of the first century church.
The best part is the Restoration. This shows the love of God for His children. Just a short time after Christ left the Jews and Gentiles in the Jerusalem area they were already asking when He would come again. God did not hide himself away forever, he reached out again with the Restoration because he love us.
In 400-500 words discuss what Paul taught about preparing for the Second Coming and how we apply his teachings today
Response:
In Thessalonians, Paul teaches about the Second Coming. He teaches to build for the short haul while preparing for the long haul. He also teaches not to be paralyzed by the idea of the Second Coming soon, yet still keep up hope and live for today. In 1st Thessalonians chapter four, Paul describes how some people have stopped working in preparation for the Second Coming, and some people are knowingly sinning as they believe Christ can cleanse them of their sins when he returns.
One sign of the Second Coming which Paul mentions is that described in Acts 20:28-31. Paul is Melitas and he doesn’t have a lot of time, but he is teaching them.
“ 28 ¶ Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the aflock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you boverseers, to feed the cchurch of God, which he hath purchased with his own dblood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall agrievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking aperverse things, to bdraw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to awarn every one night and day with tears.”
Paul tells them the flock will not be spared. Paul teaches the apostasy is happening now, and it’s not new information. He has been preaching the Apostasy for three years now.
Another topic that can be found in Thessalonians is that many of the members of the first century church think that the end of the world is happening now, not realizing that it is just the end of the first century church.
Also, thanks to Constantine, the first century church is now the favorite religion. This brings an interesting perspective to the church as before you had to be nuts to join the church and forsake everything and be persecuted. Now, there are different motives for joining the church and it becomes very difficult to tell who the “good guys” are.
As we move to Second Thessalonians, they begin to better understand they were living the last days of the first century church.
The best part is the Restoration. This shows the love of God for His children. Just a short time after Christ left the Jews and Gentiles in the Jerusalem area they were already asking when He would come again. God did not hide himself away forever, he reached out again with the Restoration because he love us.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Prompt # 3. Special Collections
Prompt: In 450-500 words discuss an aspect of your Special Collections experience.
Response:
Visiting the Special Collections in the Harold B. Library was amazing. Russ Taylor made it very interesting. I had no idea that BYU had that many fascinating artifacts. He (Russ) started by explaining how someone took the time to write the words of Jesus.
We talked about scribes and what they wrote on and that evolved. First record of writing besides in caves they have was cuneiform on tablets. These date back to 2055 B.C. and are mainly records of business keepers with inventories. Then, there are metal plates that were often written on bronze. These served as discharge documents for Roman soldiers and to prove Roman Citizenship. We then talked about papyrus and how they can last thousands of years if they are kept out dry and out of the sun. We got to touch pieces of papyrus, which was awesome.
Then we talked about how people would write on animal skins. We got to touch a replica of a turtle shell they would have written on. We looked at books where they took the outside of the skins on one page and then on the other side would be a lighter page from the inside of the skin of the animal. If the page of animal skin had nicks, they would write around the oval and wrap the words around the hole. And if they ever wanted to erase (which they did with many of Archimedes works), they would use a knife or pumice. The best skins were made from young unborn fetus’ of animals. The parchment was the most expensive part of making the book. Russ showed us a bible from 1468 that took 11 years to produce.
Then we talked about Gutenberg and his invention of the printing press. We talked about the origin of paper; it came from China to Europe through Muslims, mainly Spain at first. We then looked at 700 year old book whose front and back covers were made out of solid oak. We also passed around movable types that Gutenberg invented. Gutenberg was really good at working with metals. Because of Gutenberg, book making became faster, cheaper, and more reliable. John Wycliffe was75 years before Gutenberg which may help explain why his ideas didn’t catch on as much as Martin Luther, who came 75 years after Gutenberg (150 after Wycliffe).
Russ then showed us a version The King James bible which was huge, massive, book. He then showed us the Geneva Translation that was smaller and had a lot of footnotes. It is also known as the “breeches” (britches) version because in this version, Adam and Eve made “breeches” for themselves.
Then he showed us one of the original 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon. And lastly, he showed us forage art, where they draw incredible pictures on the side of the book.
It was an amazing experience. I had no idea BYU had such an incredible resource of history. The books were incredible to see (and sometimes touch!) and Russ Taylor made it extremely interesting.
Response:
Visiting the Special Collections in the Harold B. Library was amazing. Russ Taylor made it very interesting. I had no idea that BYU had that many fascinating artifacts. He (Russ) started by explaining how someone took the time to write the words of Jesus.
We talked about scribes and what they wrote on and that evolved. First record of writing besides in caves they have was cuneiform on tablets. These date back to 2055 B.C. and are mainly records of business keepers with inventories. Then, there are metal plates that were often written on bronze. These served as discharge documents for Roman soldiers and to prove Roman Citizenship. We then talked about papyrus and how they can last thousands of years if they are kept out dry and out of the sun. We got to touch pieces of papyrus, which was awesome.
Then we talked about how people would write on animal skins. We got to touch a replica of a turtle shell they would have written on. We looked at books where they took the outside of the skins on one page and then on the other side would be a lighter page from the inside of the skin of the animal. If the page of animal skin had nicks, they would write around the oval and wrap the words around the hole. And if they ever wanted to erase (which they did with many of Archimedes works), they would use a knife or pumice. The best skins were made from young unborn fetus’ of animals. The parchment was the most expensive part of making the book. Russ showed us a bible from 1468 that took 11 years to produce.
Then we talked about Gutenberg and his invention of the printing press. We talked about the origin of paper; it came from China to Europe through Muslims, mainly Spain at first. We then looked at 700 year old book whose front and back covers were made out of solid oak. We also passed around movable types that Gutenberg invented. Gutenberg was really good at working with metals. Because of Gutenberg, book making became faster, cheaper, and more reliable. John Wycliffe was75 years before Gutenberg which may help explain why his ideas didn’t catch on as much as Martin Luther, who came 75 years after Gutenberg (150 after Wycliffe).
Russ then showed us a version The King James bible which was huge, massive, book. He then showed us the Geneva Translation that was smaller and had a lot of footnotes. It is also known as the “breeches” (britches) version because in this version, Adam and Eve made “breeches” for themselves.
Then he showed us one of the original 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon. And lastly, he showed us forage art, where they draw incredible pictures on the side of the book.
It was an amazing experience. I had no idea BYU had such an incredible resource of history. The books were incredible to see (and sometimes touch!) and Russ Taylor made it extremely interesting.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Prompt # 2 N.T.
Prompt: In 350-400 words explain why Paul was concerned about circumcision.
Response:
In Galatians chapter 2 we read Paul's letter to the Galatians. In verse 6 he is almost incredulous. He is angry and shocked and it is one of (if not the most) incensed letters we have record of him writing. The context is that Saul and Barnabas have already taught them the gospel. Later, men (also known as troublemakers) come along and teach the gentiles that they need to be circumcised to be saved. This concerns Peter as it is not a matter of circumcision itself, but the belief behind the reasoning. These men, who we will refer to, like Peter does, as troublemakers, teach that circumcision is vital for salvation. It’s not practice itself that incenses Peter, but the principle behind it. By teaching that circumcision is necessary after coming to a knowledge that Christ is the Messiah and being taught His gospel is teaching that Christ isn’t sufficient. It is, in short, preaching another, separate religion – not just adding to it. This is the frustrating aspect for Peter. By preaching mandatory circumcision they are disregarding Christ and His Atonement. They are teaching salvation by law, rather than what Christ taught – salvation by faith. In Galatians 2:16 we read, “Knowing that a man is not ajustified by the works of the blaw, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the cfaith of Christ, and not by the dworks of the elaw: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be fjustified.”
This is too important of an issue for Peter to ignore or even pretend to disregard. He wants to nip this false doctrine in the bud. He becomes angry to the point that in Galations 5:12 he states, “ I would they were even cut off which trouble you.” Which is awesome, as he basically is saying go emasculate yourselves. It shows a fun sense of humor as well as his hatred for what they are teaching. All in all, it’s not the practice of circumcision that concerns Peter, but the principles behind what the troublemakers were teaching.
Response:
In Galatians chapter 2 we read Paul's letter to the Galatians. In verse 6 he is almost incredulous. He is angry and shocked and it is one of (if not the most) incensed letters we have record of him writing. The context is that Saul and Barnabas have already taught them the gospel. Later, men (also known as troublemakers) come along and teach the gentiles that they need to be circumcised to be saved. This concerns Peter as it is not a matter of circumcision itself, but the belief behind the reasoning. These men, who we will refer to, like Peter does, as troublemakers, teach that circumcision is vital for salvation. It’s not practice itself that incenses Peter, but the principle behind it. By teaching that circumcision is necessary after coming to a knowledge that Christ is the Messiah and being taught His gospel is teaching that Christ isn’t sufficient. It is, in short, preaching another, separate religion – not just adding to it. This is the frustrating aspect for Peter. By preaching mandatory circumcision they are disregarding Christ and His Atonement. They are teaching salvation by law, rather than what Christ taught – salvation by faith. In Galatians 2:16 we read, “Knowing that a man is not ajustified by the works of the blaw, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the cfaith of Christ, and not by the dworks of the elaw: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be fjustified.”
This is too important of an issue for Peter to ignore or even pretend to disregard. He wants to nip this false doctrine in the bud. He becomes angry to the point that in Galations 5:12 he states, “ I would they were even cut off which trouble you.” Which is awesome, as he basically is saying go emasculate yourselves. It shows a fun sense of humor as well as his hatred for what they are teaching. All in all, it’s not the practice of circumcision that concerns Peter, but the principles behind what the troublemakers were teaching.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Prompt # 1 N.T.
Prompt for New Testament # 1: What do you believe are some of the significant points found in Acts Chapter 2.
Answer:
In verses four through six of Acts chapter 2 we read, "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language."
This is significant to me as it illustrates that the Spirit was present and additionally "the gift of tongues" was there. To me, these verses show that when you are filled with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost, miracles can, and often times, will happen. Miracles such as understanding languages other than your native tongue with little or no study, is a miracle to me. Especially, when such a phenomenon happens to the entire crowd. ("They were ALL... EVERY man.").
Additionally, in Deuteronomy 21 we read that the Jews believed that those who were crucified were cursed of God. If they were innocent, God would intervene. In verses 22 through 24 we can read Peter’s belief on Jesus’ crucifixion was that the people who crucified Christ were wicked and they went against God. Jesus appeals to a higher court (in Heaven) and God reverses the lower court’s decision by raising Him from the dead.
Also, in verse 32 they witness that Jesus was raised up. With this knowledge and witness they bear testimony that Jesus is Lord (Jehovah) and not just the Messiah as He was lifted on the cross, raised from the dead, and was exalted on the right hand of God (see verse 36).
In verses 37 and 38 we can see that the spirit was there. “Now when they heard this, they were apricked in their bheart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, cwhat shall we do? Then Peter asaid unto them, bRepent, and be cbaptized every one of you in the dname of Jesus Christ for the eremission of sins, and ye shall receive the fgift of the gHoly Ghost.” They were pricked by the spirit and light of Christ so they could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
In verse 41 we read about the marvelous missionaries Peter and the other apostles were. “Then they that gladly areceived his bword were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about cthree thousand souls.” As we see in previous verses, they had the spirit with them and were not afraid to open their mouths and testify. Then the Lord could work through them to bless his other children and bring them to a remembrance.
These points, along with many others, are treasures of knowledge that can be found in the second chapter in the book of Acts.
Answer:
In verses four through six of Acts chapter 2 we read, "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language."
This is significant to me as it illustrates that the Spirit was present and additionally "the gift of tongues" was there. To me, these verses show that when you are filled with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost, miracles can, and often times, will happen. Miracles such as understanding languages other than your native tongue with little or no study, is a miracle to me. Especially, when such a phenomenon happens to the entire crowd. ("They were ALL... EVERY man.").
Additionally, in Deuteronomy 21 we read that the Jews believed that those who were crucified were cursed of God. If they were innocent, God would intervene. In verses 22 through 24 we can read Peter’s belief on Jesus’ crucifixion was that the people who crucified Christ were wicked and they went against God. Jesus appeals to a higher court (in Heaven) and God reverses the lower court’s decision by raising Him from the dead.
Also, in verse 32 they witness that Jesus was raised up. With this knowledge and witness they bear testimony that Jesus is Lord (Jehovah) and not just the Messiah as He was lifted on the cross, raised from the dead, and was exalted on the right hand of God (see verse 36).
In verses 37 and 38 we can see that the spirit was there. “Now when they heard this, they were apricked in their bheart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, cwhat shall we do? Then Peter asaid unto them, bRepent, and be cbaptized every one of you in the dname of Jesus Christ for the eremission of sins, and ye shall receive the fgift of the gHoly Ghost.” They were pricked by the spirit and light of Christ so they could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
In verse 41 we read about the marvelous missionaries Peter and the other apostles were. “Then they that gladly areceived his bword were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about cthree thousand souls.” As we see in previous verses, they had the spirit with them and were not afraid to open their mouths and testify. Then the Lord could work through them to bless his other children and bring them to a remembrance.
These points, along with many others, are treasures of knowledge that can be found in the second chapter in the book of Acts.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
new post
So I decided to make a new post. Don't you just love my title? You can't really get more un-original than that. Basically, I realized that I haven't posted in a few months and I got inspired by my co-worker Amy who is an avid blogger and I epiphanized I was making a grave mistake. I am missing out on informing the interested readers about my thoroughly un-exciting life. This is a dire sin that I need to repent of. So, to all of you intersted readers, I apologize of not writing faithfully and pledge to better than my past. Knowing that I can't get much worse than my past (not writing for 4 months), I hope I will succeed with my resolution. :) Basically, that's all for now. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)