Week of July 20, 2014

 Unit One

Topic Choices (Choose One)

Choice 2: Matthew 25. Three Parables of Preparation

1. The Parable of the Ten Virgins. Study Matthew 25:1–13 and the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 25:1–13, “What Is the Meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins?” (pp. 154–155). Then, write responses to the following questions:
• Who does the bridegroom represent?

    Christ

• Who did President Harold B. Lee say the virgins represent?

    Believers of Christ who were waiting for him to come. 

• What does the wedding represent?

    The Second Coming

• Why did the bridegroom come at “midnight,” while the wedding guests “slumbered and slept”? How does this apply to our waiting for the Savior’s Second Coming?

    He came at midnight because it was an example of how he is going to come when we least expect it, and when nobody knows.  It applies to us waiting because we need to always be ready and have our hearts in the right place, because we never know when it is going to be the time of his second coming. 

• What did five of the virgins do that was foolish (See Matthew 25:3)? How might a Church member today make the same error as the foolish virgins? What would the consequences be?

    They took their lamps without extra oil.  There are innumerable ways that a church member today can make that same error.  We could know in the back of our mind what our true desires our, but procrastinating our repentance or our preparation to get closer to him would be similar to that.  We would end up unprepared and feeling panicked, just like those virgins did when their lamps didn’t work.  It also wouldn’t reflect the love that many of us have for the savior.  They did have oil, just not enough.  There are plenty of people like that who do have testimonies, but that run out in times of hardship. 

• What should we learn from the actions of the five wise virgins?

    We need to always be prepared. We can remind our friends, and try to help them, but when that day comes, we won’t have the ability to share our oil with them anyways.  We also can’t let the negative activities of lack of preparation from others hinder us from what we know we need to do to be ready for his coming. 

• Keeping in mind that the oil in the parable represents spiritual preparation for the Second Coming, what are some ways we can add “oil” to our “lamps”? What does Doctrine and Covenants 45:56–57 teach about ways to add oil to our lamps?

    Well, the doctrine and covenants says that we can be wise, gain knowledge and keep the spirit with us always.  We can do things like attend church meetings, take the sacrament, read scriptures, go to the temple, keep good friends, have FHE, spend time with people who are good influences, have conversations about Christ, always remember him.  If we do those things and more then we will be more prepared for the second coming, even though we won’t be expecting it, it won’t matter because we will always be living like it would be tomorrow.

2. The Parable of the Talents. After studying Matthew 25:14–30 and the institute student manual, “An Explanation for the Parable of the Entrusted Talents” (p. 155), write responses to the following questions:
• Although a talent was a sum of money in New Testament times (see talent under “Weights and Measures” in the Bible Dictionary, p. 789), it can also represent all that the Lord has given us. List the rewards each of the three men received in the parable of the talents and explain why each man received that reward. What mattered more than the number of talents or gifts each received?

	What He Received	What He Ended Up With	Why He Ended Up With That
First Man	5 Talents	10 Talents	He showed good stewardship over the things he had been given, and he was given more.
Second Man	2 Talents	4 Talents	He was also a good steward over his talents, and they were multiplied.
Third Man	1 Talent	None	This man was not trusted by the Lord because he did not handle his one talent well, so it was taken from him.

    The most important thing is what the man did with what he was given.  The Lord could have multiplied them at any time, so the importance of how many was not even remotely important.  They should have realized that and used their talents to help with the Lord’s work and developing themselves because he had the power ultimately. 

• What reason did the third man give for hiding his talent?

    He said that he was afraid of losing his talent, so he hid it. 

• What teachings in 2 Timothy 1:7; Proverbs 3:5–6; Doctrine and Covenants 3:7–8; 6:33–37 can help us overcome our fears and to develop and use the talents given to us from the Lord?

    2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that feelings of fear are not from the Lord.  He gives us feelings of power and love and a sound mind, which is the opposite. 

    Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us that if we trust the Lord, and rely on him even when we lack understanding, he will direct us. 

    D & C 3:7-8 tells us that we shouldn’t fear man because even though that seems more prevalent right now maybe, God is way more important.  If we are faithful he will help us and support us against anything the adversary will throw our way.  He tells us that we will never be left alone in times of trouble. 

    D & C 6:33-37 tells us that we don’t need to worry about earth and hell combining against us, because if we are built upon his rock we will make it through.  We need to look to him with every thought and doubt not and fear not.  If we are faithful, and keep his sacrifice in mind and follow the commandments then we will inherit the kingdom of God. 

• Outline a plan whereby you can better develop and use two of the gifts the Lord has given to you.

    I know from experience, and from my patriarchal blessing that two of my gifts that he has given me are the gift of discernment and the gift to mourn with the mourning.  My patriarchal blessing talks a lot about both of those.  It says that is when I mourn with those that mourn I will be able to feel the veil the most thin.  So, I have spent a lot of time thinking about this in the last few years since I got my blessings, especially recently. 

    I know that by working with special needs people I feel myself enlarging my gifts. 

    I know that as I continue to do that, and to pray and humble myself I will have both of those gifts grow. 

    I also know that reading the scriptures can help me become more familiar with the Lord’s voice and communication, which will allow me to become more able to discern. 

3. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. After studying Matthew 25:31–46 and Mosiah 2:17, write responses to the following questions:
• What difference does the way we treat others make to the Lord?

    Well, the scripture tells us that when we treat our other brethren a certain way, it is the same as treating our savior that way.  Anything we do to other people is like we are doing it unto Christ. 

• List the six actions found in Matthew 25:35–36 that permitted “the sheep” to receive their reward at the King’s right hand.

    They gave him meat.

    They gave him drink.

    They gave him shelter.

    They gave him clothes.

    They visited him while he was sick.

    They visited him while he was in prison.

•  What are some spiritual or physical needs people have around you that are similar to those listed in the parable?

    I can think of at least one person that needs each one of those things, and plenty more.  I have many friends who just need emotional needs met also.  Where I live I see many homeless people because I live on the beach, and the weather is good year round so it attracts many people without homes.  I feel like they need a lot of those needs met. 

• How will following the principles of this parable about preparation for the Second Coming help someone prepare for that event?

    It prepares someone because in order to be ready for the second coming, we need to truly love our neighbor and serve him as Christ would serve him and does serve us.  In order to be ready for that day, we need to try to become the most like him that we possibly can. 

Unit Two

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

1. 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:

	What the Savior Taught	What the Disciples must do to Receive the Holy Ghost
John 14: 15-17	He taught that we can have the Holy Ghost if we keep his commandments.  He prays for to his Father for us and asks him to send the Holy Ghost to us and comfort.	We must keep his commandments.
John 14: 26-27	He teaches that the Holy Ghost can bring us peace, and that we should not be afraid because he is with us.	We must not be afraid and we trust him.
John 15: 26-27	The spirit that will be sent to us will testify of Jesus	We need to bear witness because we have been with him from the beginning.
John 16: 7-8	He teaches that he needed to go away so that we could have the comforter with us.  We will always have one of them with us.  When he is done, he will reprove the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment.	We need to repent and use the Holy Ghost while we have him with us.
John 16: 13-14	He will guide us into all truth, and what the Lord wants.  He will glorify the savior, and tell us the things he wants him to.	We need to be worthy to always have the Holy Ghost with us.

2. 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” (p. 168)

When we are trying and listening, the holy ghost can help us to understand more.  As our understanding grows, we will grow closer to him and we will be able to follow our savior. 

• Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “As a Messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost Teaches Faithful Members” (p. 168)

The Holy Ghost will reveal mysteries of heaven to us, and carry out the will of God.  He is our messenger that will teach truth and bear witness of the savior.  However, he can only teach the people who are righteous and following, so we have to do our part too. 

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

It says: “The third member of the Godhead. He is a personage of Spirit, not having a body of flesh and bones. The Holy Ghost is often referred to as the Spirit, or the Spirit of God.The Holy Ghost performs several vital roles in the plan of salvation. (1) He bears witness of the Father and the Son. (2) He reveals the truth of all things. (3) He sanctifies those who have repented and become baptized. (4) He is the Holy Spirit of Promise.The power of the Holy Ghost can come upon a person before baptism and witness that the gospel is true. But the right to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, whenever one is worthy, is a gift that can be received only by the laying on of hands by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder after authorized baptism into the true Church of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught that all sins could be forgiven except blasphemy against the Holy Ghost.”

3. 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 helped the Apostles to fulfill their missions after the death and resurrection of the savior because without him, it wouldn’t have been possible for them to continue their work.  When they lost contact with him, they needed a messenger so that they could continue teaching the things that he wanted to be taught.  He told them truths and allowed them to keep their testimonies strong even when intense threats were given to them.  The savior promised them he would never leave them alone, and that they would have the Holy Ghost when he left them. 

• 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 had an experience a few years ago where I was very impressed to pull over the car for a few minutes and switch seats with the driver while I was in Montana.  I had no idea but about a minute in front of us a very bad car accident occurred where someone swerved over into our lane, and it resulted in 3 fatalities.  My friend and I were the first ones there and waited and talked to the people while the paramedics were on their way, but I couldn’t help think that the savior had protected me that day.  Sometimes I think he tells us things that may seem so weird and random, and we may not even realize it is him, but if we are living our lives in a righteous way, then we will listen to them and he will protect us.