In 2 Peter chapter 2 he warns us against false prophets and gives us signs and characteristics to look for in them. Some of those signs and characteristics include worldy, lusting after uncleanliness, despise government, not afraid to speak evil, adulterous, unable to cease sin, and seek out the "unstable souls". These are just a few of the many things seen in false prophets and wicked men. We must watch carefully and judge prayerfully- seeking wisdom from God to know who is truthful and who is not.
Peter goes on to say that we must "escape the pollutions of the world" through the gospel of Christ. But, he warns us too that we will be worse off if we then return back to the ways of the world after having a testimony of the gospel of Christ. It is as if we know the rules and disobey willingly, as opposed to someone who disobeys without even knowing the rules. Therefore, we must watch ourselves and remember to act in a way that is in accordance with what we have learned through the scriptures, church, leaders, and personal revelation. In this way, we may be spotless before God at the last day.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Faith without Works is Dead
Faith requires work. There is nothing else about it. You cannot simple say "I believe" and think all is well. The Lord requires action on behave of our faith. We ACT on the gospel BECAUSE of our faith, or to strengthen our faith. Matthew 7:21 says, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." it is those that DO the will of God, that will be received unto God. We DO because we have faith. James chapter 2 is all about faith and works combined. In verse 17 he states, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." In verse 26 he also says, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." We must act on our faith to prove to our Father in Heaven that we believe in that which we cannot see and that we obey because we trust him.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Works of Righteousness
"Let brotherly love continue." We never know who we are really in the company of when in the company of a stranger. There have been many stories about people who unknowingly assisted an angel in disguise. Why not treat everyone as an angel in need of assistance. We all suffer so we all need to help each other through it.
Marriage is looked up as an honorable thing. In this age and time I think its meaning has degraded to nothing more than a friendship. We need to remember the sacredness of it.
As for covetousness, we need to just be grateful for the things we DO have instead of dwelling on those we dont. Those who covet put material things above the Lord and need to remember what is more important in life. The Lord will not stand for coveters.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever. He is ever constant in all that he does.
We have been sanctified through the blood of Christ, and no other way is sufficient. We owe our lives and our salvation to Him. We can never repay him.
We all live under the rule of others. There is always someone who is watching over us (Parents, Spouse, Family, Friends, etc.) We need to be obedient and joyful, that we may stand righteous at the last day.
Paul asks the people to pray for him. I find that interesting because he is an apostle of the Lord, you would think that he's got it all. He's as spiritual as they come. But he is also still human, and still needs the Lord's strength and mercy to be great. We need to remember our leaders in our prayers so that might have the spirit to be with them to give us the instruction we need when we need it
Marriage is looked up as an honorable thing. In this age and time I think its meaning has degraded to nothing more than a friendship. We need to remember the sacredness of it.
As for covetousness, we need to just be grateful for the things we DO have instead of dwelling on those we dont. Those who covet put material things above the Lord and need to remember what is more important in life. The Lord will not stand for coveters.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever. He is ever constant in all that he does.
We have been sanctified through the blood of Christ, and no other way is sufficient. We owe our lives and our salvation to Him. We can never repay him.
We all live under the rule of others. There is always someone who is watching over us (Parents, Spouse, Family, Friends, etc.) We need to be obedient and joyful, that we may stand righteous at the last day.
Paul asks the people to pray for him. I find that interesting because he is an apostle of the Lord, you would think that he's got it all. He's as spiritual as they come. But he is also still human, and still needs the Lord's strength and mercy to be great. We need to remember our leaders in our prayers so that might have the spirit to be with them to give us the instruction we need when we need it
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Epistle of Obedience
Titus was converted to the gospel by Paul somewhere along his first or second mission to Antioch. Titus was a missionary and helper for Paul. Paul sends him a letter telling him that his duty had been in Crete to set up the church and to organize and ordain elders in every city. Paul must have had lots of faith and trust in Titus to leave him up to organize the church and ordain leaders.
So basically, Titus was a bishop in Crete. In Paul's letter to Titus he outlines to duties and characteristics of a bishop: calm, charitable, hospitable, loving all men, sober, just, holy, temperate, and faithful. This is the kind of man that has been left to teach the people of Crete. Paul goes on to talk about the faults of the people in Crete that Titus is in charge of, saying they are vain, unruly, dishonest, and teaching false doctrine for "filthy lucre". Paul advices Titus to rebuke the people and bring them back to righteousness.
Paul tells Titus to preach to them the things that become sound doctrine, the basic principles. He says that the aged will be humble and sober, they will be faithful, charitable, and patient. The aged will be able to teach the young and set examples for them.
We too sometimes get impatient with people who do not just listen, but we must remember that we have all had to find our own testimony at some point in our lives and that the Lord had mercy on us. We must have mercy on them, they will learn, and we must help them. For it is by the Lord's grace that we will be saved, after all we have done to prove our faith.
It does not help to ask foolish questions that don't have any real meaning to the plan of salvation or the gospel. There is no point asking our selves doubting questions when they don't really matter. They are only a ploy of Satan to distract us from the real importance and our faith. We must follow the commandments and laws with faith and an eye single to the glory of God.
So basically, Titus was a bishop in Crete. In Paul's letter to Titus he outlines to duties and characteristics of a bishop: calm, charitable, hospitable, loving all men, sober, just, holy, temperate, and faithful. This is the kind of man that has been left to teach the people of Crete. Paul goes on to talk about the faults of the people in Crete that Titus is in charge of, saying they are vain, unruly, dishonest, and teaching false doctrine for "filthy lucre". Paul advices Titus to rebuke the people and bring them back to righteousness.
Paul tells Titus to preach to them the things that become sound doctrine, the basic principles. He says that the aged will be humble and sober, they will be faithful, charitable, and patient. The aged will be able to teach the young and set examples for them.
We too sometimes get impatient with people who do not just listen, but we must remember that we have all had to find our own testimony at some point in our lives and that the Lord had mercy on us. We must have mercy on them, they will learn, and we must help them. For it is by the Lord's grace that we will be saved, after all we have done to prove our faith.
It does not help to ask foolish questions that don't have any real meaning to the plan of salvation or the gospel. There is no point asking our selves doubting questions when they don't really matter. They are only a ploy of Satan to distract us from the real importance and our faith. We must follow the commandments and laws with faith and an eye single to the glory of God.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Life's Challenges
Sometimes people argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week. Paul would counsel those to love others as Christ does and to esteem others higher than yourself. Be humble and charitable towards others. It doesn't matter what others say to us, but what we do about it.
Many youth lean on the testimonies of their parents as enough for them. Paul would say that each of us must, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" so that we might shine as a light before others. We must figure out our own salvation. You cannot get by to the celestial kingdom with the faith and testimony of a parent or friend. Each must strive for salvation and exaltation individually.
An investigator is considering joining the church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does. This would be one of the most terrible decision to have to make. Family is the most important unit on this earth and to have to choose between family and the gospel... it would be so hard. But the gospel is true no matter what, even when your family may be wrong. Paul says we must put our faith in Christ and not look to the past, but to the future. He also says that through faith in Christ, He will give us the strength we lack to accomplish His will. The Lord will give us strength to do that which we find unbearable.
There are many life situations in which we need to turn to the Lord, and if we will just open the scriptures and read the gospel, we will find answers to any of our dilemmas, crisis, pain, joy, troubles, etc.
Many youth lean on the testimonies of their parents as enough for them. Paul would say that each of us must, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" so that we might shine as a light before others. We must figure out our own salvation. You cannot get by to the celestial kingdom with the faith and testimony of a parent or friend. Each must strive for salvation and exaltation individually.
An investigator is considering joining the church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does. This would be one of the most terrible decision to have to make. Family is the most important unit on this earth and to have to choose between family and the gospel... it would be so hard. But the gospel is true no matter what, even when your family may be wrong. Paul says we must put our faith in Christ and not look to the past, but to the future. He also says that through faith in Christ, He will give us the strength we lack to accomplish His will. The Lord will give us strength to do that which we find unbearable.
There are many life situations in which we need to turn to the Lord, and if we will just open the scriptures and read the gospel, we will find answers to any of our dilemmas, crisis, pain, joy, troubles, etc.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Live As Saints Should Live
In Romans 13:11 it says that "now is our salvation nearer than when we believed". Based on that scripture we can all be worried that the end is coming and we wont be prepared. So, what can we do to be prepared? As members of this church we are given the tools and knowledge to make it to the celestial kingdom. We have been instructed to live obediently and endure to the end so that we might be able to receive salvation and exaltation.
Paul gave many examples of what would help bring us to salvation. He said to keep our bodies holy, as an offering unto God. Be in the world, but not of the world. We need to "renew our minds" to what is good and acceptable to the Lord. We need to let love fill our lives and our actions. Giving service and kindness to those in need. Uplift and help others on the same path to reach the same goals you are. We need to be humble and remember who is the Almighty. Do good always and do not stand in debt. And then of course, to keep the commandments of God.
In Romans 14 and 15 Paul cautions the members from judging others. We are not the eternal judges of others, God, the Father, is. We are all equal in God's love and we all deserve respect and love. We need to treat each other as God would. By doing this, we avoid the wrath of God, and we gain greater understanding of God's love for us. Paul cautions that whatever standard we judge others, is how we will be judged in the end. People may have different opinions and practices, but it is important to remember that we are all children of God and we are all here for the same purpose, to return again to our Father in Heaven.
Repeatedly, Paul refers to us as saints. What are you doing today to be a true latter day saint?
Paul gave many examples of what would help bring us to salvation. He said to keep our bodies holy, as an offering unto God. Be in the world, but not of the world. We need to "renew our minds" to what is good and acceptable to the Lord. We need to let love fill our lives and our actions. Giving service and kindness to those in need. Uplift and help others on the same path to reach the same goals you are. We need to be humble and remember who is the Almighty. Do good always and do not stand in debt. And then of course, to keep the commandments of God.
In Romans 14 and 15 Paul cautions the members from judging others. We are not the eternal judges of others, God, the Father, is. We are all equal in God's love and we all deserve respect and love. We need to treat each other as God would. By doing this, we avoid the wrath of God, and we gain greater understanding of God's love for us. Paul cautions that whatever standard we judge others, is how we will be judged in the end. People may have different opinions and practices, but it is important to remember that we are all children of God and we are all here for the same purpose, to return again to our Father in Heaven.
Repeatedly, Paul refers to us as saints. What are you doing today to be a true latter day saint?
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Baptism
In Romans 6 Paul talks a lot of baptism and coming unto Christ. He says that we must forsake sin and "walk in newness of life" before being baptized. Paul makes several analogies to baptism and events in Christ's life. The first analogy was of Christ's resurrection and of how Christ was buried and then raised again from the dead. So are we baptized to leave behind sin and be lifted again unto new life. The second analogy was of Christ's crucifixion and how "the body of sin might be destroyed" so that we can be free from sin and worldly things. In both of these examples the ENTIRE body undergoes change. This is exactly why we must be baptized by immersion and not just by sprinkling. Christ was not sprinkled with dirt to be buried, nor was he sprinkled with blood and agony. He was immersed in it. So are we to be immersed by water to symbolize being "born again". So how can we maintain the "newness of life"? We must remember that we are the rulers of our lives and we must not let our lives be overrun by sin. We must remember also what Christ has done for us. According to Mosiah 3:19 the natural man must be put off in order to live according to the gospel of Christ and be baptized.
We can know whose servants we are by the choices we make and the things we allow to run our lives. When we allow sin to run our lives we are servants to Satan. But when we can break free from sin and live righteously we are servants to the Lord. Being binded by sin is no way to live. We may have agency to choose which path to take, but when we choose sin we are bound by the crippling effects of sin. When we choose sin over righteousness, we stop our ability to grow spiritually. True freedom is to choose righteous living and have the opportunity to receive eternal life.
We can know whose servants we are by the choices we make and the things we allow to run our lives. When we allow sin to run our lives we are servants to Satan. But when we can break free from sin and live righteously we are servants to the Lord. Being binded by sin is no way to live. We may have agency to choose which path to take, but when we choose sin we are bound by the crippling effects of sin. When we choose sin over righteousness, we stop our ability to grow spiritually. True freedom is to choose righteous living and have the opportunity to receive eternal life.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Be Separate From the World
As we read on in the New Testament Paul continues to preach to people he's taught before through letters. He continues to encourage righteous living and faithful members of the church. In 2 Corinthians 6 there are a couple of phrases that are a little... unusual. The first one says, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers...". If you look down in the footnotes for the word "yoked" you find that its meaning is "interfaith marriage or temporal marriage" So what I got from this line is that the members should not bind themselves in marriage to those that are not of the same faith. At first, I found this line to be slightly shocking and blunt. But when you think about it a little further you find that it is completely valid! As the footnotes state, giving yourself in marriage to someone of another faith means only a temporal marriage. You cannot have an everlasting marriage with them. If we are all striving to be the best and live as righteously as possible, then we will want to have a forever marriage- not one that will end with death.
The second line says, "come out from among them, and be ye separate..." At first I thought that this line meant to have nothing to do with those who are not of our faith, but after thinking about it some more I think that there is more to it. The Lord does not want us to withdraw form others completely, how would we spread the gospel? I think that it's like the line "be in the world, but not of the world". We need to separate ourselves from the WAYS of those that do not believe. We must associate ourselves with those of the same faith so that we can uplift and edify each other. Living the gospel is so much easier when you surround yourself with others who are trying to live the same principles.
The third and final line in this chapter says, "touch not the unclean thing". The world is becoming more and more filthy, yet we are sent here to be tested and to find our own way back to our Father in Heaven. He has given us all the tools that we need to get there it's just a matter of faith and avoiding temptation. The unclean things of the world can sometimes be a temptation to us all. But we must avoid it at all cost! We must be strong and continue to try our best to live righteously. The Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. It's all the same. The Lord expects us to live a high standard and if we don't, we will not be able to live with him in the highest degree of glory again.
All these things are for our benefit in living a more righteous life and trying to resist temptation so that we can once again live with our Father in Heaven some day.
The second line says, "come out from among them, and be ye separate..." At first I thought that this line meant to have nothing to do with those who are not of our faith, but after thinking about it some more I think that there is more to it. The Lord does not want us to withdraw form others completely, how would we spread the gospel? I think that it's like the line "be in the world, but not of the world". We need to separate ourselves from the WAYS of those that do not believe. We must associate ourselves with those of the same faith so that we can uplift and edify each other. Living the gospel is so much easier when you surround yourself with others who are trying to live the same principles.
The third and final line in this chapter says, "touch not the unclean thing". The world is becoming more and more filthy, yet we are sent here to be tested and to find our own way back to our Father in Heaven. He has given us all the tools that we need to get there it's just a matter of faith and avoiding temptation. The unclean things of the world can sometimes be a temptation to us all. But we must avoid it at all cost! We must be strong and continue to try our best to live righteously. The Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. It's all the same. The Lord expects us to live a high standard and if we don't, we will not be able to live with him in the highest degree of glory again.
All these things are for our benefit in living a more righteous life and trying to resist temptation so that we can once again live with our Father in Heaven some day.
Friday, January 28, 2011
The Impact of Example
In 1 Corinthians 4:2 Paul outlines the requirements for servants of the Lord. Paul says that you must renounce any dishonesty, never try to be sneaky or deceitful. You must also manifest the truth and always stand as a witness of God. He then goes on in this chapter to basically say that the apostles and prophets and disciples have been selected to stand as examples for the world. But I think it goes much further than that. I think we too as ladder day saints have been selected to stand as examples for the world. It is not enough just to know and believe. We must act upon our beliefs. In Alma 39:11-12 he talks about how we must watch our actions because we never know who may be impacted by what we say or do. We could have lasting effects on someone without even realizing it. Then in 3 Nephi 8:1 we read that by living according to the ordinances and principles we believe in, we will be blessed and given miracles beyond imagination. I know that by stepping up to the calling of standing as a witness will greatly bless anyone who takes the challenge. I hope that I can be more like Paul and devote more of my life to living the way God would have me live. I know that by so doing the Lord will bless me and protect me from evils.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Counsel for Members
While reading through 1st and 2nd Thessalonians I came up witha list of attributes that Paul advice the members of the church to improve upon.
-love one another even as the Lord loves you
-abstain from fornication
-sanctify and honor your bodies
-endeavor in good works earnestly
-be honest
-always be prepared- not lazy
-edify one another
-comfort the feebleminded
-support the weak
-be patient with all men
-pray without ceasing
-give thanks to God always
-listen to the prophets
-abstain from all appearances of evil
-increase your faith
That's a lot of things to be told to improve upon. But one thing that I noticed while making this list is that this list has been the same for generations and generations! It is still the same list today that we are asked to continually work on. None of these should come as a surprise to anyone!
There are a couple of these attributes that stand out a little more than the rest to me. First is to sanctify and honor your body. 1Corinthians 3:16-17 says, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of Gof dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." So how can I santify and honor my body? By following the word of wisdom found in D&C 89. I can be more careful about what I expose my body too- both in environment, food, people, etc. You would not watch an inappropriate movie in the temple or on holy ground or subject yourself to bad people or environments. I need to be better about the things I watch on TV or in movies. Not that I watch anything terrible, but sometimes I think we get desensitized to things that perhaps we should really stear clear of.
Second one that stood out to me was to pray without ceasing. "Without ceasing" sounds like a TON of praying to me! But I think it's more than just being on your hands and knees in constant prayer. Having a prayer in your heart can be just as effective. I need to be better about this one. I think that I need to be better at saying my prayers morning AND night. Because then it will help me remember throughout the day what it is my goals are and what it is I need help with. I'm going to try to be better about this one.
The third one was to endeavor in good works earnestly. I think I'm a fairly good person, but what does that even mean in the eyes of the Lord. What makes me a good enough person to enter into the Kingdom of God in the next life? I need to go above and beyond the ordinairy kindness. If someone is lost, dont just point in a general direction, but walk with them. If someone is hungry, dont just give them some of my meal, buy them their own meal! If someone is sad, don't just give ask if they are okay, but stay and listen. There is so much we can do as humans, yet we hold back when it comes to strangers. But we need to remember that even the most distant stranger is still a loved child of God who deserves some respect and kindness. Good works come in all types. But if I could just start by going above and beyond the usual kindness each day at least once- I think that's a start!
-love one another even as the Lord loves you
-abstain from fornication
-sanctify and honor your bodies
-endeavor in good works earnestly
-be honest
-always be prepared- not lazy
-edify one another
-comfort the feebleminded
-support the weak
-be patient with all men
-pray without ceasing
-give thanks to God always
-listen to the prophets
-abstain from all appearances of evil
-increase your faith
That's a lot of things to be told to improve upon. But one thing that I noticed while making this list is that this list has been the same for generations and generations! It is still the same list today that we are asked to continually work on. None of these should come as a surprise to anyone!
There are a couple of these attributes that stand out a little more than the rest to me. First is to sanctify and honor your body. 1Corinthians 3:16-17 says, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of Gof dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." So how can I santify and honor my body? By following the word of wisdom found in D&C 89. I can be more careful about what I expose my body too- both in environment, food, people, etc. You would not watch an inappropriate movie in the temple or on holy ground or subject yourself to bad people or environments. I need to be better about the things I watch on TV or in movies. Not that I watch anything terrible, but sometimes I think we get desensitized to things that perhaps we should really stear clear of.
Second one that stood out to me was to pray without ceasing. "Without ceasing" sounds like a TON of praying to me! But I think it's more than just being on your hands and knees in constant prayer. Having a prayer in your heart can be just as effective. I need to be better about this one. I think that I need to be better at saying my prayers morning AND night. Because then it will help me remember throughout the day what it is my goals are and what it is I need help with. I'm going to try to be better about this one.
The third one was to endeavor in good works earnestly. I think I'm a fairly good person, but what does that even mean in the eyes of the Lord. What makes me a good enough person to enter into the Kingdom of God in the next life? I need to go above and beyond the ordinairy kindness. If someone is lost, dont just point in a general direction, but walk with them. If someone is hungry, dont just give them some of my meal, buy them their own meal! If someone is sad, don't just give ask if they are okay, but stay and listen. There is so much we can do as humans, yet we hold back when it comes to strangers. But we need to remember that even the most distant stranger is still a loved child of God who deserves some respect and kindness. Good works come in all types. But if I could just start by going above and beyond the usual kindness each day at least once- I think that's a start!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Paul's First Mission
First of all, can I just say that I LOVE Paul/Saul's story! He is such a great example to us all! How he went from being anti- to full-time missionary overnight, basically! It's so great!
Now, in Acts 13-14 we read about Paul's first mission! He starts out in Antioch on the east side of the Mediterranean Sea and then travels to the island Cyprus to preach to Salamis and Paphos then on to the Northern Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Lystra again, Antioch again, and back home.
Throughout Paul's mission he had plenty of reasons to be discouraged and to give up but in Acts 13:1-5 he gained strength from fasting and praying. We are advised time and time again in the scriptures that we will be blessed and strengthened for fasting and praying with intent and purpose. Paul's story is only one example of the hundreds in the scriptures. They are such great examples to me.
Now Paul, like all missionaries, had a companion whose name was Barnabas. Barnabas was a levite and when he heard the gospel of Christ he sold all his possessions and gave all the proceeds to the church! How amazing is this man's faith! If we had faith like Barnabas, there would be far fewer problems in this world! Even though Barnabas was never ordained as an apostle, he was very much regarded as one (Acts 14:4, 14). Barnabas was faithful, loyal, devote, and hardworking. All the qualities of a good mission companion.
There is a story in Acts 14:8-18 thats tells of a certain incident in Lystra where Paul and Barnabas healed a man that couldn't walk and when the people found out about it they believed Paul and Barnabas to be Gods and wished to make sacrifices unto them! In verse 14 it reads, "Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people crying out," When Paul and Barnabas heard about the sacrifices I get the feeling they were shocked and distressed about the mistake these people were making. Here they are trying to show the people miracles of God and stand as witness of God and the people think that they ARE God. But they are humble and righteous men and were able to turn the focus back to Christ and God.
That incident is on one fanatic side of the spectrum. On the other extreme side we have an incident were Paul is stoned for his preachings and thrown out of the city- supposedly dead. What a difference! Luckily by the grace of God, he lived and went on to preach in Derbe with Barnabas.
One principle that Paul taught (acts 14:22) was that, "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." As I've been rehearsing to you, Paul didn't have the easiest of missions. There were some really hard times. But he was able pull through and become and more faithful and steady apostle of the Lord. It's a good thing he had Barnabas with him also to help him out and give support. I know that my trials have never been this extreme, but that each one is a lesson from God that I must learn from and come away a better person. That is my choice that I make and I know that I will be a better person for it.
Now, in Acts 13-14 we read about Paul's first mission! He starts out in Antioch on the east side of the Mediterranean Sea and then travels to the island Cyprus to preach to Salamis and Paphos then on to the Northern Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Lystra again, Antioch again, and back home.
Throughout Paul's mission he had plenty of reasons to be discouraged and to give up but in Acts 13:1-5 he gained strength from fasting and praying. We are advised time and time again in the scriptures that we will be blessed and strengthened for fasting and praying with intent and purpose. Paul's story is only one example of the hundreds in the scriptures. They are such great examples to me.
Now Paul, like all missionaries, had a companion whose name was Barnabas. Barnabas was a levite and when he heard the gospel of Christ he sold all his possessions and gave all the proceeds to the church! How amazing is this man's faith! If we had faith like Barnabas, there would be far fewer problems in this world! Even though Barnabas was never ordained as an apostle, he was very much regarded as one (Acts 14:4, 14). Barnabas was faithful, loyal, devote, and hardworking. All the qualities of a good mission companion.
There is a story in Acts 14:8-18 thats tells of a certain incident in Lystra where Paul and Barnabas healed a man that couldn't walk and when the people found out about it they believed Paul and Barnabas to be Gods and wished to make sacrifices unto them! In verse 14 it reads, "Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people crying out," When Paul and Barnabas heard about the sacrifices I get the feeling they were shocked and distressed about the mistake these people were making. Here they are trying to show the people miracles of God and stand as witness of God and the people think that they ARE God. But they are humble and righteous men and were able to turn the focus back to Christ and God.
That incident is on one fanatic side of the spectrum. On the other extreme side we have an incident were Paul is stoned for his preachings and thrown out of the city- supposedly dead. What a difference! Luckily by the grace of God, he lived and went on to preach in Derbe with Barnabas.
One principle that Paul taught (acts 14:22) was that, "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." As I've been rehearsing to you, Paul didn't have the easiest of missions. There were some really hard times. But he was able pull through and become and more faithful and steady apostle of the Lord. It's a good thing he had Barnabas with him also to help him out and give support. I know that my trials have never been this extreme, but that each one is a lesson from God that I must learn from and come away a better person. That is my choice that I make and I know that I will be a better person for it.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Vision Of Peter
An angel of God appeared to Cornelius to tell him that His prayers have been heard and to send men to Joppa to find Peter who would tell them what they should be doing. He must Have been a very righteous man to have had an angel appear to him to give him instruction! Wouldn't it be nice if we all could get this once in awhile :)
Meanwhile, Peter has been praying to the Lord and during his prayer he sees a vision where the Lord tells Peter to kill and eat of an animal that Peter deems unclean. At first, Peter is surprised and refuses to partake of any unlcean animal. This happens three times and the vision is lifted. Peter is confused and unclear about the meaning of the dream. Wouldn't we all? It's hard to break patterns we've forever followed. I think Peter was confused as to whether this dream was literal or open for interpretation. Spiritual things can usually be interpreted in different ways. It would be a bit daunting to have to interpret such an important vision from God.
Just as Joseph Smith recieved a vision three times, so did Peter. I though this point was very interesting! The number three occurs many times in scriptural and spiritual references. Three visions, three witnesses, three in the presidency of the church, three in the God Head. I think that this vision to Peter, as was the vision to Joseph Smith, was repeated 3 times to be sure that they heard right, to be sure they understood, and to be sure they wouldn't forget! Repetition is the best way to remember things.
When Peter is then taken to Joppa to see Cornelius he says, "Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean." (acts 10:28) It is here that Peter understands the meaning of the dreamand that it is the Lord's will that Peter should preach unto this household and to not judge them by their nationality, race, ethnicity, etc. A little further in the chapter in verse 34 Peter says, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." God does not segregate us. We are all His children and we all have the right to receive His truth and gospel.
When the Jewish Saints heard the thing that Peter had done, they were shocked! But after Peter explained to them all that had happened they were filled with the spirit and accepted that it was now time to take the gospel to the gentiles. They had great faith to follow Peter and do things they had thought unclean all their lives. What a blessing it is to have living Prophets on the earth to guide and direct us in these last days! I am so greatful for their guidance!
Meanwhile, Peter has been praying to the Lord and during his prayer he sees a vision where the Lord tells Peter to kill and eat of an animal that Peter deems unclean. At first, Peter is surprised and refuses to partake of any unlcean animal. This happens three times and the vision is lifted. Peter is confused and unclear about the meaning of the dream. Wouldn't we all? It's hard to break patterns we've forever followed. I think Peter was confused as to whether this dream was literal or open for interpretation. Spiritual things can usually be interpreted in different ways. It would be a bit daunting to have to interpret such an important vision from God.
Just as Joseph Smith recieved a vision three times, so did Peter. I though this point was very interesting! The number three occurs many times in scriptural and spiritual references. Three visions, three witnesses, three in the presidency of the church, three in the God Head. I think that this vision to Peter, as was the vision to Joseph Smith, was repeated 3 times to be sure that they heard right, to be sure they understood, and to be sure they wouldn't forget! Repetition is the best way to remember things.
When Peter is then taken to Joppa to see Cornelius he says, "Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean." (acts 10:28) It is here that Peter understands the meaning of the dreamand that it is the Lord's will that Peter should preach unto this household and to not judge them by their nationality, race, ethnicity, etc. A little further in the chapter in verse 34 Peter says, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." God does not segregate us. We are all His children and we all have the right to receive His truth and gospel.
When the Jewish Saints heard the thing that Peter had done, they were shocked! But after Peter explained to them all that had happened they were filled with the spirit and accepted that it was now time to take the gospel to the gentiles. They had great faith to follow Peter and do things they had thought unclean all their lives. What a blessing it is to have living Prophets on the earth to guide and direct us in these last days! I am so greatful for their guidance!
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