The Savior's instruction about the Holy Ghost

Choice 2: John 14:15-17, 26-27; 15:26-27; 16:7-8, 13-14. The Savior’s instructions about the Holy Ghost

As you study the following verses, make a list of 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

1. Holy Ghost is a comforter and will abide with you forever

2. Keep the commandments

• John 14:26-27

1. Holy Ghost is the comforter who shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance
2. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid - have peace according to God’s peace

*John 15:26-27

1. Holy Ghost will testify of me
2. Ye shall bear witness of me

*John 16:7-8

1. Holy Ghost will reprove the world of sin and righteousness and of judgment
2. The Savior must go away and when he departs he will send the comforter

John 16:13-14

1. Spirit of truth will guide you into all truth, will not speak of himself, will shew you things to come, glorify the Savior, receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you
2. Will speak of what he hears

Add to your list above as you study the following resources:

Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “The Holy Ghost Brings Man to His Fullest Potential.”

The Holy Ghost quickens all intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, for and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart. light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being. In the presence of such persons, one feels to enjoy the light of their countenances, as the genial rays of a sunbeam. Their very atmosphere diffuses a thrill, a warm glow of pure gladness and sympathy, to the heart and nerves of others who have kindred feelings, or sympathy of spirit. (Parley P Pratt)

“As a Messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost Teaches Faithful Members

His mission is to instruct and enlighten the minds of those who, through their faithfulness have obeyed the commandments of the Father and the Son. He bears witness of the truth, quickens the minds of those who have made covenant and reveals to them the mysteries of the kingdom of God. He is a special messenger from teh Father and the Son and carries out their will (Joseph Smith)

Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost” (p. 704)

Convincing witness that the gospel is true. Gives one a testimony of Jesus Christ and of his work and the work of his servants upon the earth. It acts as acas a cleansing agent to purify a person and sanctify him from all sin. Power of the Holy Ghost carries a conviction of the truth into the hart of the hearer. The Holy Ghost knows all things and can lead one to know of future events.

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 testified of truth the the hearer. Bore witness of the truth, taught all things and bring all things to your remembrance. Holy Ghost will reprove the world of sin and righteousness and of judgment. He will Glorify the Savior.

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

I personally love it when the Holy Ghost testifies of secular truths. I love to teach, especially my children and I can see when they know something is a truth. I feel the Holy Ghost testify to them that those things are true. I also love it when the Holy Ghost testifies of the Savior, I am particularly grateful for that role of the Holy Ghost. The the Holy Ghost will testify of the Savior. I am inspired daily by the Holy Ghost. I love the quote from Parley P Pratt speaking about how the Holy Ghost increases, enlarges and expands, it tends to health and invigorates the mind and senses. It is the marrow to the bones, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears and life to the whole being. The Holy Ghost makes me feel full of life.

The Institution of the Sacrament

Matt 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20. The Institution of the Sacrament.

1. What was the relationship between the Passover and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

For several hundred years faithful Jews, obedient to the command of Jehovah, had offered up the paschal lamb in remembrance of the Lord’s mercy to them in Egypt. Jesus’ death would be the “great and last sacrifice” and would end sacrifice by the shedding of blood as required by Mosaic law. (New Testament Manual P 159)

1. What is the relationship between the sacrament and the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

He gave a portion of bread to each apostles saying “This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Then taking a cup of wine, He gave thanks and blessed it and gave it unto hem with the command : “Drink ye all of it for this is my blood of the new testament. (New Testament Manual P161)

1. How does John 4: 13-14; 6:48-53 add to an understanding of the symbolism of bread and water?

Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

I am that bread of life. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

1. Considering the Savior’s instructions in Luke 22:19; 3 Nephi 18:7, why do you think we are commanded to partake of the sacrament weekly?

I think we are commanded to partake of the sacrament weekly because we need to “always remember Him.”

1. How does Mosiah 5:13 apply to this idea?

It applies in the way that if we do not serve and are a stranger to the Lord and our thoughts and intents of our hearts are far from him we do not know him. Taking the sacrament weekly helps us to always remember Him.

Part 2 Carefully look at the additions and corrections in the Joseph Smith Translation of Matt 26:26;28 (see Matthew 26:26 footnote b, and Matthew 26:28 footnote a). Write responses to the following questions and tasks:

1. What important truths do we gain from these verses of the Joseph Smith Translation?

Take eat; this is in remembrance of my body which I give a ransom for you. He gave his life as a ransom for us.

2. What does ransom mean?

the redeeming or release of a captive or of seized property by paying money or complying with other demands; the price thus paid or demanded

1. How does properly participating in the ordinance of the sacrament ransom us?

We are redeemed by taking the sacrament our sins are forgiven we properly take of the sacrament.

1. Make a list of what you want to remember about the Savior the next time you partake of the sacrament.

I want to remember the last supper, and the love with which he ministered to the apostles. I want to remember how it personally affects me. I want to remember the physical reasons for the sacrament, and how re gave a ransom for us and how partaking of the sacrament is an ordinance and is a forgiving of our sins. I want to think of how I can always remember him. I want to think of how grateful I am for the atonement.

Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming

Mark 13; Luke 21:5-38; Joseph Smith-Matthew. 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.

13:5 Take heed least any man deceive you

13:9 Take heed to yourself

13:23 But take heed: behold, I have foretold you all things

13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray

13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh.

13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

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

D & C 87:8 Stand in holy places and be not moved

Joseph Smith Matthew 1:32 Fulfillment of the prophecies.

Joseph Smith Matthew 1:37 Treasure up His word, and be not deceived. He shall send his angles before him with the great sound of a trumpet

Joseph Smith Matthew 1:46-50 Blessed is the servant whom is found doing good when the Lord cometh - Be ready for he comes when ye think not. Watch always.

D & C 33:17 Be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready.

D & C 45:56-57 They that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived will not be hewn down and cast into the fire.

Overview of the Last Week of the Savior's Mortal Ministry

Overview of the Last Week of the Savior’s Mortal Ministry

Day 1

*Jesus arrived at Jerusalem. He rode a donkey into the city of Jerusalem. Those who knew him placed palm branches in his way and greeted him with a hosanna shout. He went to the temple, returned to Bethany.

Day 2

Went again to the temple and drove away the money changers, returned to Bethany.

Day 3

Jesus went to the temple again and the priests challenged him and Jesus responded by relating a series of parables. The scribes and Pharisees challenged him again, Jesus openly denounced them and condemned them as hypocrites. From this point on he only taught the Twelve. Jewish leaders consulted about how to bring about Jesus death.

Day 4

This day is silent from the record of the gospel writers. Jesus spent the day outside the city, perhaps at Bethany.

Day 5

Introduced the ordinance of the sacrament, and prophesied of his death and indicated who would betray him. Jesus offered his great intercessory prayer. Jesus suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas betrayed Jesus and without resistance Jesus was brought to an illegal trial.

Day 6

Jewish leaders wanted to discredit Jesus before his people, by charging him with blasphemy, ( he said he was the son of God) and political indictment ( he claimed to be the King of the Jews). Pilate gave the clamor to crucify Jesus. Jesus was executed by the brutal roman practice of crucifixion. In the afternoon he voluntarily gave up his spirit. Jesus’ body was removed from the cross and buried in a sealed tomb by two revering disciples.

Day 7

Jesus’ body remained in the tomb, but in spirit he ministered in the realm of departed spirits.

Day of Resurrection

Sunday - Jesus Christ emerged alive from the tomb, and appeared before Mary.

Luke 16:1-12, 19-31; 17:11-19; 18:1-14.

Parables and Accounts That Teach Eternal Truths

Study the following parables and accounts along with the accompanying commentary from the institute student manual. Describe in writing what you feel is the major principle the Lord wants us to understand from each of the parables:

1. Luke 16:1-12, the parable of the unjust steward.

The saints of God should prepare for their own eternal salvation.

1. Luke 16:19-31 the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

Between the time of the crucifixion of Christ and the Resurrection, the Savior went to the spirit world to teach the gospel. In that visit he bridged the gap between spirit paradise and spirit prison.

1. Luke 17:11-19 the ten lepers.

The leper who thanked the Savior was a Samaritan showing that all men are accepted unto the Lord

1. Luke 18:1-8 the parable of the unjust judge

God does not work as man works, God who is just and merciful will hear and answer our prayers.

1. Luke 18:9-14 the parable of the Pharisee and the publican.

Self Righteousness will not save us, he that humble himself will be exalted.

Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ

Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ

Luke 10:38-42; 11:1-13; 12:13-40; 13:23-24; 14:16-33

1. Read Luke 10:38-42; 11:1-13; 12:13-40; 13:23-24; 14:16-33 and the institute student manual commentary for Luke 1:5-13, “The Parable of the Friend at midnight.” 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.

Forsake all that you have

Lay down his life for Him

Whosoever doth not bear up his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple

Follow Him

Keep his commandments

Pray

Listen to His words

Seek Him

Take no thought for your life but seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you

Strive to enter in at the straight gate

Forsake the world

Avoid Hypocrisy

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.

In the manual it says about the Parable of the Friend at Midnight Luke 11:5-13 “The Lord’s lesson was, that if man, with all his selfishness and disinclination to give, will nevertheless grant what his neighbor with proper purpose asks and continues to ask in spite of objection and temporary refusal, with assured certainty will gGod grant what is persistently asked in faith and with righteous intent. No parallelism lies between man’s selfish refusal and God’s wise and beneficent waiting. There must be a consciousness of real need for prayer, and real trust in God to make prayer effective; and in mercy the Father sometimes delays the granting that the asking may be more fervent.” (Talmage, Jesus The Christ p 435). I love this comparison that Talmage makes about prayer, there must be a consciousness of real need for prayer and real trust in God, and that we are delayed not for selfish reasons but it is merciful, and that our asking may be more fervent. So for my life, first an understanding of why our answers are often delayed, and second more fervent prayers, accompanied by and increased trust in God wisdom. The difference it will make in my life will be tremendous, first I will trust in God giving me more peace, which will allow me to go forward with confidence. Second, in what way will I not be benefited by having more fervent prayers?

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

We must forsake all that he hath, offer our whole soul to him, fast and pray, endure to the end and render to him all that we have.

How to know the truth of the Savior's doctrine. John 7:16-17

John 7:10-17. How to know the truth of the Savior’s Doctrine

1. Review John 7:10-17. Then answer the following questions in writing:

• What were the different reactions of the people about the Savior.

Some said, “He is a good man and other said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.”

• How do these reactions compare to the way people think of Jesus Christ today?

Pretty much the same, some think he was good, others think he deceived the people.”

*What questions did the Jews ask about the Lord?

They marveled, “saying, How knoweth this man letters letters, having never learned?

*How do the following verses help explain the difference between where the Jews’ wisdom came from and where Jesus’s wisdom came from: Jacob 4:14; Colossians 2:8; Doctrine and Covenants 93:11-17?

Jacob 4:14; the jews sought for things that they could not understand. Wherefore because of their blindness which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall.

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

D&C 93:11-17 And I, John, bear record that I beheld his glory, as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father full of grace and truth , even the Spirit of truth, which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us.

12 And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace;

13 And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness;

The Jews received their knowledge from the world, and Jesus received his from the Spirit, little by little until he gained the fulness.

*What did the Savior instruct the people to do to gain a personal knowledge of the truthfulness of His teachings.

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or wether I speak of myself.

1. Read the institute student manual commentary for John 7:16-17, “What test did Jesus Prescribe to know the truthfulness of His Doctrine?” (p. 108).

If any man will do his will he shall know of the doctrine. “This test is most sound. IT is most philosophical. It is the most simple test to give knowledge to an individual of which the human mind can conceive. Doing a thing, introducing it into your very being, will convince you whether it is good or whether it is bad. You may not be able to convince me wf that which you know, but you know it because you have lived it. That is the test that the Savior gave to those men when they asked him how they should know wether the doctrine was of God or wether it was of man” (David O. McKay).

*Write a Paragraph about a time in your life when you came to know the truth of a gospel principle by living it.

It is hard to pick on specific time, it happens all the time. I learn and relearn principles as I actively do them. The most recent however is the law of the fast. I have been pregnant or nursing for a while and haven’t been able to fast. Now that I am not, I found it hard to exercise that faith again. I have to fervently pray for help to fast, physically. It is not easy for me (like it is for anyone). But I have found that when I do and I ask for help I am given it. I have an added measure of the spirit as I do fast, and come to know the Lords will for me. It is always a great experience and I am grateful for the opportunity.