Quran

Tuesday night Scripture Study Elder Chris Moran
Some information below taken from the following sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quran
http://quran.com/ (Noble Quran translation)
http://www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=8&article=1585
“Answering Islam – The Crescent in the Light of the Cross”, Norman L. Geisler & Abdul Saleeb
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_by_country
What is the Quran?
The Quran is pronounced KOR-AHN and is also spelled as “Koran”
It is the central religious text of the Islam religion (the ‘Bible’ for the religion of Islam)
Muslims believe to be the verbatim word of God (Allah is the Arabic word for God)
Muslims believe the Quran to be verbally revealed through angel Gabriel from God to Muhammad
It was supposedly revealed over a period of approximately 23 years beginning on 22 December 609 AD, when Muhammad was 40, and concluding in 632 AD, the year of his death
The angel commanded Muhammad to recite the Quran
Quran literally means ________
Muslims regard the Quran as the main miracle of Muhammad, the proof of his prophethood
Muslims believe the Quran is the final revelation from God to man in a series of divine messages that started with the messages revealed to Adam, regarded in Islam as the first prophet, and continued with the Scrolls of Abraham (lost body of scripture according to Muslims), the Torah (or Pentateuch) of Moses, the Book of Psalms of David, and the Gospel of Jesus
The Quran assumes familiarity with major narratives recounted in Jewish and Christian scriptures, summarizing some, dwelling at length on others and in some cases presenting alternative accounts and interpretations of events
Muslims believe that Allah will personally protect the Quran from corruption (Quran 15:9)
Construction of the Quran
Consists of 114 chapters of varying lengths
Each chapter is called a surah
Each chapter is named (i.e. “The Opening”, “The Calf/Cow”, “The Family of Imran”, “The Women”, etc.)
The shortest chapter has 3 verses and the longest 286 verses
86 of the chapters were supposedly revealed in Mecca while the other 28 in Medina
The total number of verses is 6,236
The arrangement of chapters in the Quran is not in sequence to when the revelations were revealed
Content of the Quran
Discussion regarding the existence of God
Discussion regarding the resurrection
Narrative regarding the early prophets
Historical events
Discussion regarding charity and prayer
Exhortations regarding right and wrong
Central Themes
Monotheism (one God, or the oneness of God)
God is living, eternal, omniscient (all knowing), and omnipotent (all powerful)
God is the creator of everything
All human beings are equal in their utter dependence upon God
Human well being depends upon God
It is estimated that around a full one-third of the Quran deals with the afterlife in the next world and with the day of judgment at the end of time
Relationship with the Bible
The Quran recounts stories of many of the people and events recounted in the Bible, although it differs in many details
Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Lot, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Jethro, David, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Jonah, Aaron, Moses, Zechariah, John the Baptist, and Jesus are mentioned in the Quran as prophets of God
________ is mentioned more in the Quran than any other individual
Jesus is mentioned more often in the Quran than Muhammad
Mary is mentioned in the Quran more than the New Testament
Muslims believe that the original Christian or Jewish texts were authentic divine revelations given to prophets
The Islam Religion
According to Wikipedia, Islam is the second largest religion after Christianity. According to a 2010 study, Islam has 1.62 billion adherents, making up over 23% of the world population.
WHAT DOES THE QURAN TEACH THAT IS CONTRADICTORY TO CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE?
The Quran does not approve of one Godhead in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost)
Quran 4:116
Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly gone far astray.
Quran 4:171
O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, "Three"; desist - it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.
Quran 5:73
They have certainly disbelieved who say, "Allah is the third of three." And there is no god except one God. And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict the disbelievers among them a painful punishment.
What scripture states:
2 Nephi 13:32 – “And now behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.”
3 Nephi 5:27 – “And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name, for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one.”
John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 10:30 – “I and my Father are one.”
John 15:26 – “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:”
1 John 5:7 – “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
Etc.
Within Islam, a concept of plurality within God is a denial of monotheism, and foreign to the revelation found in Muslim scripture. The act of ascribing partners to God, whether they be sons, daughters, or other partners, is considered to be blasphemous in Islam. The Qur'an repeatedly and firmly asserts God's absolute oneness, thus ruling out the possibility of another being sharing his sovereignty or nature.
The Quran teaches that Christ was not begotten of God
Quran 9:30
The Jews say, "Ezra is the son of Allah"; and the Christians say, "The Messiah is the son of Allah." That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved [before them]. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?
(Muslims argue that some Jews believe or believed Ezra was the son of God.)
Quran 18:1-5
[All] praise is [due] to Allah, who has sent down upon His Servant the Book and has not made therein any deviance. [He has made it] straight, to warn of severe punishment from Him and to give good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a good reward In which they will remain forever And to warn those who say, "Allah has taken a son." They have no knowledge of it, nor had their fathers. Grave is the word that comes out of their mouths; they speak not except a lie.
Quran 19:34-35
That is Jesus, the son of Mary - the word of truth about which they are in dispute. It is not [befitting] for Allah to take a son; exalted is He! When He decrees an affair, He only says to it, "Be," and it is.
Quran 19:88-95
And they say, "The Most Merciful has taken [for Himself] a son." You have done an atrocious thing. The heavens almost rupture there from and the earth splits open and the mountains collapse in devastation That they attribute to the Most Merciful a son. And it is not appropriate for the Most Merciful that He should take a son. There is no one in the heavens and earth but that he comes to the Most Merciful as a servant. He has enumerated them and counted them a [full] counting. And all of them are coming to Him on the Day of Resurrection alone.
Quran 112:1-4
Say, "He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent."
What scripture states:
Jacob 3:16 – “Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him, through the atonement of Christ, his only begotten Son.”
Psalm 2:7 – “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.”
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Mathew 3:16-17 – “16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Etc.
The Quran rejects the divinity of Christ
Quran 5:75
The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded.
What scripture states:
John 1:1-2 – “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.”
Mosiah 8:28 – “And now Abinadi saith unto them, I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people;”
The Quran rejects Jesus’ death and resurrection
Quran 4:157-158
And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah ." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.
What scripture states:
Matthew 27:46-50 – “46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. 48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. 50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.”
Matthew 27:1-7 – “1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.”
The Quran approves of polygamy
Quran 4:3
And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].
Quran 4:129
And you will never be able to be equal [in feeling] between wives, even if you should strive [to do so]. So do not incline completely [toward one] and leave another hanging. And if you amend [your affairs] and fear Allah - then indeed, Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.
Quran 30:21
And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.
Quran 33:50
O Prophet, indeed We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have given their due compensation and those your right hand possesses from what Allah has returned to you [of captives] and the daughters of your paternal uncles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and the daughters of your maternal uncles and the daughters of your maternal aunts who emigrated with you and a believing woman if she gives herself to the Prophet [and] if the Prophet wishes to marry her, [this is] only for you, excluding the [other] believers. We certainly know what We have made obligatory upon them concerning their wives and those their right hands possess, [but this is for you] in order that there will be upon you no discomfort. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.
What scripture states:
Jacob 2:33-37 – “33 Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives, and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord , 34 Wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm, that I might raise up unto me a righteous branch from the fruit of the loins of Joseph. 35 Wherefore, I, the Lord God, will not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old. 36 Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none: For I, the Lord God, delighteth in the chastity of women. 37 And whoredoms are an abomination before me: thus saith the Lord of hosts.”
The Quran authorizes divorce for any reason
Quran 33:49
O You who have believed, when you marry believing women and then divorce them before you have touched them, then there is not for you any waiting period to count concerning them. So provide for them and give them a gracious release.
Quran 2:226-232
For those who swear not to have sexual relations with their wives is a waiting time of four months, but if they return [to normal relations] - then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. And if they decide on divorce - then indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing. Divorced women remain in waiting for three periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have more right to take them back in this [period] if they want reconciliation. And due to the wives is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable. But the men have a degree over them [in responsibility and authority]. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise. Divorce is twice. Then, either keep [her] in an acceptable manner or release [her] with good treatment. And it is not lawful for you to take anything of what you have given them unless both fear that they will not be able to keep [within] the limits of Allah. But if you fear that they will not keep [within] the limits of Allah, then there is no blame upon either of them concerning that by which she ransoms herself. These are the limits of Allah, so do not transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah - it is those who are the wrongdoers. And if he has divorced her [for the third time], then she is not lawful to him afterward until [after] she marries a husband other than him. And if the latter husband divorces her [or dies], there is no blame upon the woman and her former husband for returning to each other if they think that they can keep [within] the limits of Allah . These are the limits of Allah, which He makes clear to a people who know. And when you divorce women and they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or release them according to acceptable terms, and do not keep them, intending harm, to transgress [against them]. And whoever does that has certainly wronged himself. And do not take the verses of Allah in jest. And remember the favor of Allah upon you and what has been revealed to you of the Book and wisdom by which He instructs you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Knowing of all things. And when you divorce women and they have fulfilled their term, do not prevent them from remarrying their [former] husbands if they agree among themselves on an acceptable basis. That is instructed to whoever of you believes in Allah and the Last Day. That is better for you and purer, and Allah knows and you know not.
What scripture states:
Matthew 19:3-9 – “3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? 4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”
The Quran authorizes war and bloodshed in the name of Allah
Is Islam really a religion of peace and love?
Quran 9:29
Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth from those who were given the Scripture - [fight] until they give the jizyah* willingly while they are humbled.
Quran 4:74-76
So let those fight in the cause of Allah who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter. And he who fights in the cause of Allah and is killed or achieves victory - We will bestow upon him a great reward. And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, "Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?" Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve fight in the cause of Taghut. So fight against the allies of Satan. Indeed, the plot of Satan has ever been weak.
Quran 9:111
Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allah, so they kill and are killed. [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur'an. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment.
Quran 8:12-13
[Remember] when your Lord inspired to the angels, "I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so strike [them] upon the necks and strike from them every fingertip." That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. And whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger - indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
Quran 47:4
So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure their bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allah - never will He waste their deeds.
Quran 5:33-34
Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land. That is for them a disgrace in this world; and for them in the Hereafter is a great punishment, Except for those who return [repenting] before you apprehend them. And know that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Quran 8:67-69
It is not for a prophet to have captives [of war] until he inflicts a massacre [upon Allah 's enemies] in the land. Some Muslims desire the commodities of this world, but Allah desires [for you] the Hereafter. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise. If not for a decree from Allah that preceded, you would have been touched for what you took by a great punishment. So consume what you have taken of war booty [as being] lawful and good, and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Quran 9:1-5
[This is a declaration of] disassociation, from Allah and His Messenger, to those with whom you had made a treaty among the polytheists. So travel freely, [O disbelievers], throughout the land [during] four months but know that you cannot cause failure to Allah and that Allah will disgrace the disbelievers. And [it is] an announcement from Allah and His Messenger to the people on the day of the greater pilgrimage that Allah is disassociated from the disbelievers, and [so is] His Messenger. So if you repent, that is best for you; but if you turn away - then know that you will not cause failure to Allah. And give tidings to those who disbelieve of a painful punishment. Excepted are those with whom you made a treaty among the polytheists and then they have not been deficient toward you in anything or supported anyone against you; so complete for them their treaty until their term [has ended]. Indeed, Allah loves the righteous [who fear Him]. And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Quran 61:4
Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in a row as though they are a [single] structure joined firmly.
What scripture states:
Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Matthew 5:44-45 – “44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Matthew 26:51-52 – “51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”
Romans 12:19-21 – “19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Alma 21:135-136 – “135 Now the Nephites were taught to defend themselves against their enemies, even to the shedding of blood, if it were necessary; 136 Yea, and they were also taught never to give an offense; yea, and never to raise the sword, except it were against an enemy, except it were to preserve their lives;”
The Quran authorizes violence against those that sin
Quran 24:2-5
The [unmarried] woman or [unmarried] man found guilty of sexual intercourse - lash each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not be taken by pity for them in the religion of Allah, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment. The fornicator does not marry except a [female] fornicator or polytheist, and none marries her except a fornicator or a polytheist, and that has been made unlawful to the believers. And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses - lash them with eighty lashes and do not accept from them testimony ever after. And those are the defiantly disobedient, Except for those who repent thereafter and reform, for indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
What scripture states:
Galatians 6:1-2 – “1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Other contradictions with the Bible
Quran 11:42-43
And it sailed with them through waves like mountains, and Noah called to his son who was apart [from them], "O my son, come aboard with us and be not with the disbelievers." [But] he said, "I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water." [Noah] said, "There is no protector today from the decree of Allah , except for whom He gives mercy." And the waves came between them, and he was among the drowned.
What scripture states:
Genesis 6:10 – “And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.”
Genesis 7:13 – “In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark;”
Quran 11:44
And it was said, "O earth, swallow your water, and O sky, withhold [your rain]." And the water subsided, and the matter was accomplished, and the ship came to rest on the [mountain of] Judiyy. And it was said, "Away with the wrongdoing people."
What scripture states:
Genesis 8:4 – “And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.”
Quran 6:74
And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father Azar, "Do you take idols as deities? Indeed, I see you and your people to be in manifest error."
What scripture states:
Genesis 11:26 – “And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.”

Quran - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org

The Quran (Englishpronunciation:/kɔrˈɑːn/[n 1]kor-AHN; Arabic: القرآن al-qurʼān, IPA: [qurˈʔaːn],[n 2] literally meaning "the recitation", also romanisedQurʼan or Koran) is the central

Defending Your Faith

Sermon Topic Saturday 7/13/13 Elder Dennis Trudgen – Defending Your Faith
More and more the world is telling us that there is no one truth, there is nothing is bad or evil … with one exception, Christianity – anything goes but that. The world says that there is truth in all religions, you just have to be a “good person” (but what is the definition of “good”? msl)
What is our responsibility and duty to defend our faith?
2 Timothy 3:1-8 … the falling away, and the perilous times that result
2 Timothy 4:1-3 … we must purge ourselves from false doctrines. Moses had to set things in order … and Paul also, in his time. We can confuse “be not contentious” (1 Corinthians 1:11, for example … Strong’s G2052, eritheia,from 2054, eris – strife, wrangling) with “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude verse 3, Strong’s G1864 epagonizomai, to struggle for).
The coming apostasy … we’re already there. We say “we’re more religious than ever” … we’re more tolerant … they always put the apostasy into the future. All of the modern churches have a charismatic movement, that say that the apostasy happened in the past, and does not have to be future.
Galatians 1:6-9 Contend, but don’t be contentious. They were “so soon removed” … by their actions, perverting the Gospel … you can remove yourself from His grace. Paul made the statement twice here, that if anyone preached any other gospel to them than what he had preached, let him be accursed. It’s not JUST because we believe, that we are saved … even the demons believe (James 2:19).
2 Nephi 2 … these two books, the King James Bible and the Book of Mormon, put down false doctrine and bring Israel to the house of God. How? WE have a duty and responsibility. It is we that will convert the house of Israel and confound false doctrine. What do we believe?
Hebrews 13:8-9 … this is in the Scriptures 6 times (God does not change, so be not carried about by false doctrines). What does it mean? The plan of salvation is constant, unchanging. We are the same church organization that existed then … there was a falling away, and God restored.
He is the SAME ON SIN. We will not back down on sin.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-7 … the apostasy (Strong’s G646), a defection … that would happen after the time of Paul. “Let” in the KJV is “to hinder”. These people lived in the time of the 4th beast of Daniel 7:7-8. Later church fathers agreed with that:
Tertullian … 2nd and 3rd centuries AD … the Roman State, by being scattered into 10 kingdoms, shall introduce the antichrist upon its own ruins (Antenicene Fathers Vol. 3 Ch. 32)
Tertullian … Pray for the stability of the Roman Empire. Why would he say this when the Roman Empire persecuted the Church? … he believed that after the fall of the Roman Empire would come a spiritual falling away and death.
Irenaeus of Lyons … 10 kings who would arise after the fall of the Roman Empire
Hippolytus … the Roman Empire was the 4th beast of Daniel 7
Lactantius Firminianus, Cyril of Jerusalem … the fall of the Roman Empire would bring in the antichrist.
John Chrysostom … “he who letteth will continue to let….” Who could this be, but the Roman Empire? … when the Roman Empire is taken out of the way, then the antichrist would emerge.
Jerome (translator of the Vulgate Bible msl) … held to the traditional interpretation that at the end of the world, 10 kings would partition the Roman Empire, then an insignificant 11th would rise and subdue 3 of them.
Augustine of Hippo … he who now holdeth (letteth), refers to the Roman Empire
Almost all of the early church fathers stated that the Roman Empire was “he who letteth”
What about the early Protestant leaders?
Alexander Campbell, John Wesley, Martin Luther, Roger Williams, John Calvin, Thomas Cranmer, Cotton Mather, John Knox, John Wycliffe … and others … all founders of Protestant denominations … all stated that the office of the Papacy was the antichrist.
Alexander Campbell, founder of the Disciples of Christ, stated that all Christian sects are more or less apostate, and the primitive Gospel is yet to shine … the worshipping establishments now in operation are the legitimate daughters of the church of Rome.
Roger Williams, founder of the first Baptist Church in America … there will be no recovery out of that apostasy until Christ shall send forth new apostles to plant churches anew.
The translators and publishers of the Bible were suppressed and killed.
John Bunyan, the Congregationalist church … a cry that was effected by some sudden and marvelous awakening. They knew there had been an apostasy, but that God’s Kingdom was coming back.
John and Charles Wesley, founders of the Methodists … yet the wise men can see no signs … one of their hymns called on the Lord to “send forth … new apostles”.
Martin Luther … perceived that the ancient and primitive church must, on the one hand, be restored…. (D’Aubigne’s History)
William Ward, the Episcopalian … taught that 1830 would be a year of spiritual revival and triumph (the end of the 1260 years, from 570 [Catholic Encyclopedia], the beginning of papal primacy)
What do we believe?
The powers and gifts of the everlasting Gospel … the world says they believe in those; every church has their charismatics (from Greek “charisma” [Strong’s G5486], “gifts”) … but there was a time in the past when they denied the power thereof.
Origen … since that time (early church), these signs have diminished, and just traces are left.
Celsus … there are no prophets bearing any resemblance to the ancient prophets … we seldom hear of them after that fatal period when the Emperor Constantine called himself a Christian.
From this time, they almost totally ceased. The cause of this was not that there was no more occasion for them … but not the 20th part of them was even nominally Christian, and there was only a dead form left.
In 2009, a majority of Americans reported having had a spiritual dream. In 1900, that number was almost 0; in 1962, 22%. At that time, other churches did not believe in the gifts, the Church of Christ was the only one claiming these gifts.
We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all men may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel … as in Hebrews 6:1-2.
Martin Luther … If the primitive Gospel would come again, God would have to speak from Heaven.
Alexander Campbell … the primitive Gospel … is yet to shine out in its original splendor….
We want the old Gospel back, and sustained by the ancient order of things; for one to serve in the ministry and perform the associated sacred ordinances.
Hebrews 5:4 … they must be called of God by revelation, and ordained by those having authority … to enable them to preach the Gospel and administer the ordinances thereof … and these men should work with their own hands for their living.
Apostolic Constitutions 7.429 (390 AD) … neither do we permit the laity to perform (those ordinances) … this passage referred to the punishment of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16) being visited on usurpers.
Apostolic Constitutions 7.499, 500 … not all who WILL are ordained … a man either receives it from God, as Melchisidec and Job, or from the High Priest, as Aaron from Moses
Roger Williams … There is no regularly constituted church on earth, nor any person authorized to administer any church ordinance, nor can there be
2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 … withdraw from anyone that walks disorderly … work with quietness, and eat one’s own bread.
1 Corinthians 4:9-12 … laboring with one’s own hands, as did King Benjamin (Mosiah 1:46) and Paul, who worked as a tentmaker … we still use that term today, for a working missionary
Viola Frank, straight talk to the Elders … Brothers, it wasn’t til the fourth century, under Constantine the Roman Emperor who converted to Christ, that the church had a paid clergy….
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel, and restoration of the 10 “lost” tribes … Isaiah 11:11-12; Jeremiah 16:14-16, 31:10-12; Ezekiel 36:21-28; Romans 11:25=26; and 3 Nephi 10:1-7.
From Augustine to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, it was taught that the church “replaced” Israel … in the 1900’s, other churches accepted that that was not the case.
Martin Luther, “On The Jews And Their Lies” … “their synagogues and schools should be burned"
At the end of the apostasy in 1830, as predicted by the early Protestant fathers, the Lord did establish His Church and His authority to minister; He restored the Gifts of the Spirit etc., the belief in a 1000-year reign of Christ on earth, the belief that Israel would become a nation again and believe in Christ … all these things were absent during the reign of antichrist.

The Gospel has Many Precious Things

Sermon Topic 7/13/13 New York Reunion Elder Adam Porter
The Gospel has many precious things for us … like that gem in the parable (Matthew 13:45-46). And like a diamond, that a cutter cuts facets into to bring out the sparkle, the Gospel has many facets, each with its own sparkle … it is a priceless jewel.
It takes a reunion like this to help us to appreciate the Gospel.
Thinking about looking at our own reflections in a mirror … how do others view us, and our Father?
The fellowship we share helps us evaluate ourselves … who we are in the eyes of God. There is a spiritual manifestation in each reunion that we grow on – the testimonies, callings, etc.
The perfect Gospel was in the mind of God … delivered thru the Son … to imperfect people. Pray that the Spirit helps His servants … as in 2 Peter 1:21, to move them to speak.
God has a vested interest in each of us, and in our families … not only to our eternal salvation, but how we interact with one another and how we hear and witness that Gospel. We’re learning joy in prayer and worship.
Philippians 2:1-3 … living outside ourselves, preferring one another. We’re all asking each other how we’re doing … can’t believe how this time is over so quickly … we have concern for each other.
Philippians 2:4-11 … EVERY tongue shall confess … the sacrifice each of you made to be here, the concern for one another – lifts up the name of Jesus, the Author of this assemblage.
We want to adorn ourselves with the Gospel in this reunion … we are endeavoring to absorb the character of Christ.
Our testimony is not going to come from a pristine pulpit and fancy clothes … at an inopportune time, maybe in an inopportune mood … we can be called to give a reason for the hope that lies within us (1 Peter 3:15 msl). We believe that He will give us what to say.
Philippians 3:13-15 … looking ahead … I’ve been thinking about that verse, the high calling, for the last two weeks.
You here have heard that calling … that character is being developed in you. At times as we read that, we may realize that we’ve been given a better understanding … and should be willing to take hold and depart from long-held traditions. Spiritual discernment – abiding in His will and His desire – that can be hard. The sacrifices that we make in the name of Jesus Christ are a sweet savor to God.
The high calling of enduring and pressing forward … Paul had a lot of baggage in his past, and now and then expressed it, but also expressed joy at his turning and calling to bear the Gospel.
Priest Bruce Haines closed with Moroni 6:9 … and stated that the word “testify” could be in there.

Jesus Never Changes

Sermon Topic Friday 7/12/13 New York Reunion
Apostle Buzz Brickhouse
I’m not going to preach anything new, it’s the same old Gospel … Jesus NEVER changes, He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. His Word is for all of us as well as those of old times.
How fortunate we are to have this Second Witness (Deuteronomy 17:6 msl) of Christ … it’s so wonderful to have the Book of Mormon for our edification and teaching. We are to be the light of the Gospel to those around us.
From the beginning of time, God had His plan all worked out … that we would have eternal life. He provided the sacrifice. He walked among us, and showed us how to live in Him, follow Him and endure.
We are out there enduring; we come to be edified (built up msl) We enjoy the blessings here, both physical and spiritual.
Pray for the ministry, to be led of God.
YIELD to the enticings of the Holy Spirit … come to Him with a broken heart and contrite spirit. The natural man is an enemy to God, and we always will be unless we invite that Spirit in, tell God we want to be like His Son, listen to Him with that contrite heart.
We have so many distractions … we need to take time and think on Him.
You don’t have to be a theologian to understand; His Word is plain and simple – follow Christ’s example, receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, endure to the end (Moroni 8:3 msl), and be ready to be that example and that light … that is what is expected of us.
Ephesians 6:11 … put on that armor … protect yourselves against the things the enemy throws at us. Wrestle not among ourselves, but against the devices of the enemy – his temptations and efforts to drag us away from the things of God. We may have to live in our culture, but we must rise above and be that light … use the things God has given us.
God will NEVER forsake us if we humble ourselves before Him, with a broken heart and contrite spirit.
Isaiah 55:1 … Ho, everyone!! COME; yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and I will bless you … spend time with the things that last forever.
Hearken DILIGENTLY … think about it and put it into practice. Pray for understanding, search His words out, and put them into practice and action.
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God … leave the things of the world, which are of no value. His ways are higher than our ways.
We are the body of Christ … His sons and daughters. He calls out to us and gives us examples. He blessed Israel, and they departed from Him … we forget Him too, but God provides all things. We must yield and change our lives, and endure to the end.
Are we ready for the Lord’s Spirit? Are we ready for the responsibility we took on, on the day of our baptism?
1 Peter 2:9 … Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood. Do we remember the darkness we walked in before we came to Christ? …the things we thought were “fun”? … they brought no joy; but the assurance of Christ brings us joy.
Ephesians 6:14 … stand therefore. Stand for what the Church believes … be ready to state what and why we believe … why there’s a difference – the plain and simple Gospel, and the joy we have from attending these services.
We get our strength from meeting together … we need to take advantage and invite others – network – tell others that we want them to have that hope in the resurrection.
2 Nephi 13:14-17 … repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized … he that is baptized will be given the Holy Ghost … do the things which ye have seen Me do … acting no hypocrisy before God … you will speak like the angels …. We know these things, I’m just reminding you.
Repentance and baptism is the strait and narrow gate into the path that leads to eternal life. Some just teach that you merely have to believe, and you’ll be saved … is that what Scripture says? V. 27 … is all done? no … press forward with steadfastness, not just milling around. Put pressure on the enemy. Continue to humble ourselves, be an example. Are we ready to press forward with steadfastness, having that brightness of hope, saying “enemy, you can do anything you want; i’m going to put my faith in Jesus Christ”?
The promises of God never change … the pure Word of the Gospel … come, partake, endure, have hope --- written in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
Are we ready to explain why we believe the Book of Mormon is the Word of God? Deuteronomy 17:6 … at the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses …
He gives us His promises; if we will incline our ear and put them into practice. Reach out so that others may have the same joy and even more. Testifying, telling about answers to prayers, letting our light shine (Matthew 5:16 msl), singing praises .. use the gifts God has given us, whatever that is. Praying, teaching … maybe writing a letter … every day we should wake up and say “Lord, what would you have me to do?”
1 Peter 3:12-15 … the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous … but His face is against those that do evil. Sanctify the Lord in your hearts, and BE READY….
John 14 … love Him, and keep His commandments … v. 16 … He will send the Comforter.
Ask for His provision; thank Him and praise Him; but ask what He will have us to do. Overshadow the enemy, bring joy and praise to those around us.
Tribulation is coming, but we can rejoice that God has a plan to show love and compassion, and gather the righteous to a place of refuge.
Ether 6 … Ether told the people all things from the beginning, and that the Lord would have all to serve Him (2 Peter 3:9 msl) …This continent is the place of the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven (Revelation 21:2); but that there would also be a city of New Jerusalem built on this continent by the children of Joseph (during the millennium).
I believe that there will come a time when this building will overflow with the Mohawk people … the Lord has seen fit to touch the hearts of many around the world, to fulfill the prophecy that the Gospel would be preached to all the world for a witness. Some of these events are taking place, some are yet future. If we look about us, we can see that we are in those end times. We need to stand, be strong, and press forward with a sterling example. Put on that armor and fight … we’re called to go forth.
I’m thankful for each of you and your example … we need to reach out to Native Americans and to Israel … to ask God to give us understanding … to yield and come. Remember the day of your baptism; and the song “i’ll go where you want me to go”.
Encourage and strengthen the body of Christ … and remember that God never changes.
Preach the old Jerusalem Gospel, not what’s being preached in other churches, that it doesn’t matter what you believe. Expect the Lord’s Spirit to be among us … and yield to the Spirit. I’m thankful to be here, for this local here, and those who have worked so hard to prepare for this event.

Being One

Tuesday night Scripture Study ... Elder Dennis Trudgen
Being One
Question: “3rd Nephi 5:27, where Jesus talks about The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost being one. When using "one", is it like a marriage, where the Husband and Wife become "one"? Like a unit?”
Comments from the study group:
“Both. It is a covenant & a union, agreement. Jesus is the son of God & God himself gave Jesus the authority to do what he needed to do. When he says "I & the father are one" again in agreement/covenant to do Gods will, not his own. God chose Jesus to be the only way to the father.”
III Nephi 5 : 25-28 25 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying: Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 26 And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water. 27And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name, for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one. 28 And according as I have commanded you, thus shall ye baptize.
Genesis 2 : 24 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Matthew 19 : 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Woman 1) woman, wife, female a) woman (opposite of man) b) wife (woman married to a man) c) female (of animals) d) each, every (pronoun)
Scriptures where the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost are referred to as ONE
(Three different parts to complete a perfect whole, God)
II Nephi 13 : 32 And now behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.
Book of Mormon 3 : 29 And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day, hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end.
Matthew 28 : 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mosiah 8 : 32 And thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to the Father, being one God, suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by his people.
John 10 : 30 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no
man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
Alma 8 : 104 And shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.
One in their Testimony and Witness
III Nephi 5 : 36-38 36 Verily, verily I say unto you, that this is my doctrine; and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me, believeth in the Father also; 37 And unto him will
the Father bear record of me; for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost; 38 And thus will the Father bear record of me; and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost, are one.
John 8 : 17-19 17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. 19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
I John 5 : 5-9 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
Ether 2 : 3 And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shewn forth the power of God, and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost beareth record; and all thisshall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day.
Ether 5 : 41 And now I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be, and abide in you for ever. Amen.
“ Three - Signifies completion or perfection, and unity.
Many significant events in the Bible happened "on the third day" (Hosea 6:2).
• Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish (Matthew 12:40).
• Jesus' earthly ministry lasted three years (Luke 13:7).
John 2:19
Jesus answered them, "19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." http://christianity.about.com/od/biblefactsandlists/qt/Bible-
Numerology.htm
• “Three denotes divine perfection;
• Seven denotes spiritual perfection;
• Ten denotes ordinal perfection; and
• Twelve denotes governmental perfection.”
http://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/3.html
The Father in the Son, the Son in the Father
III Nephi 4 : 45 I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.
John 14 : 10-11 Believest thou not that I am in the father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.11 Believe me that I am in the father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
The Son in Us
Romans 8 : 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
I Corinthians 3 : 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and
that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
John 15 : 26-27 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send
unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: 27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
John 16 : 13-14 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
We are also made one with Christ. His Spirit dwells within us but how do we dwell in him?
I Corinthians 8 : 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
John 14 : 16-17, 20 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you…20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
I John 2 : 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
John 15 : 4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Galatians 3 : 16, 26-29 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
One with the Father and Son
John 17 : 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be
one, as we are.
John 17 : 20-23 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
III Nephi 13 : 22-23 22 Yea, your joy shall be full, even as the Father hath given me fullness of joy; and ye shall be even as I am, and I am even as the Father; and the Father and I are one; 23
And the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and the Father giveth the Holy Ghost unto the children of men, because of me.
Marriage of the Lamb
II Corinthians 11 : 2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Espoused Strong's G718 - harmozō 1) to join, to fit together a) of carpenter's, fastening together beams and planks to build houses, ships, etc. 2) to betroth a daughter to any one a) to join to one's self, i.e. to marry the daughter of any one b) to betroth, to give one in marriage to any one
Ephesians 5 : 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Revelation 19 : 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the Marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made
herself ready.
Matthew 22 : 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king,
which made a Marriage for his son, Joel 2 : 16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the Bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

http://christianity.about.com/od/biblefactsandlists/qt/Bible

christianity.about.com

What is your potential?

Sermon Topic Sunday 7/7/13 Elder Dennis Trudgen
What Is Your Potential?
What can you achieve? What are your goals?
(Dennis showed pictures of The White House, a large mansion, CEO Magazine, and a child with a crown)
Alma 5:31-34 … Alma, coming off somewhat of a disappointment in Zarahemla, where he had to restore order to the church … now in Gideon. He sees that the people there are in the path of righteousness. How would the ministry of the Church of Christ think about the Bradley Local? Actually, we seem to be doing pretty well …
Alma 5:24-28 … ye must repent and be born again, baptized unto repentance … so there were those in Gideon that had not made that commitment yet. Likewise today….
Alma 5: 36-43 … The Lord does NOT dwell in unholy temples, and NO unclean thing will enter His Kingdom. Faith, hope, and charity will produce good works. Sermons are part of that process … we all fall away at times, we are NOT perfect … preaching is part of that edifying (building up) process.
What are we doing right?
A Fellowship … getting along with each other
B Most of the members are coming regularly or tuning in on the internet
C There was a baptism last July, an ordination recently, a transfer, and people tuning in from Texas to Alaska
D The children are being raised in the Church and in the nurture and admonition of the Lord
Dennis showed pictures from years ago, of Bradley Local members and other members … we are here because of those members from years ago
Proverbs 22:6 … train up a child.
E We work out our differences in love
F We have put away gross sin from among us
G We are a very active church … great participation, many members working in all areas of the church
Matthew 25:14-30 … the parable of the talents. The talent mentioned in this passage is a weight unit … in verse 18, the word “money” is Strong’s G694, argurion (silver). In our time, we think of talent in terms of the gifts God has given us in the form of abilities … this is our spiritual treasure. The fellow that got 5 talents of silver used and increased them; the fellow that got 1 turned out to be lazy, and squandered what he was given.
Nobility … is it an evil?
Proverbs 8:16 … By HIM, princes and judges rule. Would God set up something evil? He is King … is He evil? … no! It is not wrong to want to achieve great things … just remember that “By Me” in the verse.
John 4:46,50, 53 … the nobleman of Capernaum … he believed the Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:26 … not many mighty, not many noble, are called … the calling is to SALVATION.
Alma 15:18 …none receive, save the truly penitent and humble seeker of joy
Power … is it wrong/evil to have power?
2 Timothy 4:8 … God is the Righteous Judge
Isaiah 1:26 … God will restore Israel’s judges
Alma 19:78 … Alma’s command to his son Corianton to judge righteously
It is not wrong to be a judge.
Mosiah 13:64 … Alma (Jr.) judged righteous judgements … a bad king will judge otherwise (King Noah [Mosiah 7], e.g.)
Revelation 5:10 … the song of the 24 elders … we have been made kings and priests and kings unto God, and shall reign on the earth.
Righteous kings … David, Solomon, Benjamin, Mosiah, Hezekiah
Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely
2 Kings 18:1-9, 20:12-13 … Hezekiah was arguably the best king Judah had … and yet he fell to pride. God told him he was to come home, and Hezekiah begged to stay … God granted his petition, though He knew what would result … Hezekiah sired Judah’s worst king ever (Manasseh), and then in his pride showed the Babylonian entourage all of his wealth.
Riches
Helaman 2:139 … the Lord had blessed the Nephites with the riches of the world, and they fell to pride and lust for gain. God would not give us something inherently evil … but we set our hearts on riches, which is evil (1 Timothy 6:10 msl)
Matthew 6:19-34 … we set our hearts on treasure, instead of on Him. “Take no thought…” is commanded directly 3 times, and indirectly (“why take ye thought?” … “which of you by taking thought…?” 2 times.
Does this mean that we stop working? No! … those who will not work, should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10) … but we are not to make THINGS our sole aim in life. We are to lay up our treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:20).
Jacob 2:23-24 … Before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) … THEN ye shall obtain riches … but we must seek them with the intent to do good to others.
How do we lay up treasures in Heaven? … by being a follower, laboring here, using our talents.
Are your treasures the things given from God, such as spiritual gifts, blessings, callings?
Colossians 2:2-3, Romans 11:33 … treasures of wisdom and knowledge … how do we come by these treasures from Heaven? By hope and desire:
1 Corinthians 12:31 … covet the best gifts.
1 Corinthians 14: 1 … desire spiritual gifts.
1 Corinthians 14:39 … covet to prophesy.
By our desires and prayers comes wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. By thanksgiving comes knowledge and revelation.
Jarom 8-9 … those who are not stiff-necked, have faith … these have communion with the Holy Spirit, which maketh manifest.
By belief comes revelation and the ministry of angels
Omni 44 … believe.
By desire, faith, and prayers comes a multitude of gifts
Alma 7:29-31
By searching diligently, and much prayer and fasting, comes revelation, prophecy, and the power to teach
Alma 12:4-7 (and don’t forget those Bereans, Acts 17:11 msl)
By repentance and good works (faithfulness), and praying continually, come the mysteries of God and revelations for the purpose of bringing others to Christ
Alma 14:103-104 … for the purpose of bringing souls to repentance, and edifying (building up) the body
These gifts are given by our desire, repentance, prayers, fasting, good works, faith, faithfulness (a choice, we are not robots!), and to those who search the Scriptures.
Are our goals/desires spiritual or earthy? Are you on the path that leads to the Kindom of God, or a crooked path? Did God lead us to follow the path, or to the TV? To inappropriate entertainment? Do you think God would lead you to that??
Elder Adam Porter, in closing, asked us if that is the last sermon we should ever hear? Of course not! …we need that edifying (building up) every week!

12 Apostles vs. 12 Disciples

Questions
“In 3rd Nephi 5:44, where it says Jesus called and gave the power and authority to baptize to 12, does that mean he appointed apostles? And if He did, what happened to the original 12? Were there 2 sets of apostles? And if the answer is yes - will that happen again?”
“I heard you say that numbers are important to God. So why do we have twelve? Is there a difference between the word Apostle and Disciple? What can an Apostle do that an Elder can't”
What Nephi is told early in the Book of Mormon
1 Nephi 3:86-98, 112-116 – “86 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying, Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record. 87 And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross, and slain for the sins of the world. 88 And after that he was slain, I saw the multitudes of the earth, that they were gathered together to fight against the apostles of the Lamb; for thus were the twelve called by the angel of the Lord. 89 And the multitude of the earth was gathered together; 90 And I beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building which my father saw. 91 And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying, Behold the world and the wisdom thereof; 92 Yea, behold, the house of Israel hath gathered together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 93 And it came to pass that I saw and bear record, that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; 94 And it fell; and the fall thereof was exceeding great. 95 And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying, Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 96 And it came to pass that the angel said unto me, Look and behold thy seed, and also the seed of thy brethren! 97 And I looked and beheld the land of promise; 98 And I beheld multitudes of people, yea, even as it were in number as many as the sand of the sea. … 112 And I saw the heavens open, and the Lamb of God descending out of heaven; and he came down and he shewed himself unto them. 113 And I also saw and bear record that the Holy Ghost fell upon twelve others, and they were ordained of God, and chosen. 114 And the angel spake unto me, saying, Behold the twelve disciples of the Lamb, which are chosen to minister unto thy seed. 115 And he saith unto me, Thou remembereth the twelve apostles of the Lamb? Behold they are they which shall judge the twelve tribes of Israel. 116 Wherefore, the twelve ministers of thy seed shall be judged of them; for ye are of the house of Israel; and these twelve ministers which thou beholdest, shall judge thy seed.”
In the above, the 12 in Jerusalem are referred to as “apostles”, and the 12 in the Americas are referred to as “disciples” and “ministers”. There were never two sets of apostles, but there was a set of apostles (12) and a set of disciples (12) at one point in time. The 12 disciples in the Book of Mormon are never called apostles, though their duties in general were the same.
Some have referred to the 12 disciples in the Americas as elders. Apostles are also elders as we will see.
Moroni 3:1 – “The manner which the disciples, which were called the elders of the church, ordained priests and teachers.
What Alma writes
Alma 21:9-15 – “9 And these are the words: Behold, I perceive that this very people, the Nephites, according to the spirit of revelation which is in me, in four hundred years from the time that Jesus Christ shall manifest himself unto them, shall dwindle in unbelief; 10 Yea, and then shall they see wars and pestilences, yea, famines and bloodshed, even until the people of Nephi shall become extinct; 11 Yea, and this because they shall dwindle in unbelief, and fall into the works of darkness and lasciviousness, and all manner of iniquities; 12 Yea, I say unto you, that because they shall sin against so great light and knowledge; yea, I say unto you, that from that day, even the fourth generation shall not all pass away, before this great iniquity shall come; 13 And when that great day cometh, behold, the time very soon cometh that those which are now, or the seed of those which are now numbered among the people of Nephi, shall no more be numbered among the people of Nephi; 14 But whosoever remaineth, and is not destroyed in that great and dreadful day, shall be numbered among the Lamanites, and shall become like unto them, all, save it be a few, who shall be called the disciples of the Lord; 15 And them shall the Lamanites pursue, even until they shall become extinct. And now, because of iniquity, this prophecy shall be fulfilled.”
Therefore, the 12 disciples in the Americas were hunted down and became extinct with the exception of the 3 that would tarry (more on that later).
Jesus calls twelve apostles in Jerusalem
Luke 6:12-13 – “12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;”
In the above, the 12 in Jerusalem were called disciples, but were also specifically given another title “apostles”. This was specifically pointed out by Luke.
Matthew 10:1-4 – “1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.”
Matthew 19:27-28 – “27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Again, the 12 apostles in Jerusalem will judge the 12 tribes of Israel (including the 12 disciples in the Americas).
12 apostles in Jerusalem were replaced with others
Judas was replaced with Matthias – Acts 1:15-26
Paul (Saul) and Barnabas were apostles – Acts 13:2, 14:14
James, the Lord’s brother (who is not to be confused with James, the Brother of John, and who were the sons of Zebedee; nor with James, the son of Alphaeus)
Galatians 1:19 – “But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.”
Possibly Silvanus and Timotheus
1 Thessalonians 1:1 – “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 2:5-6 – “For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.”
Andronicus and Junia
Romans 16:7 – “Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.”
Possibly Apollos
1 Corinthians 4:6,9 – “6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another… 9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.”
Jesus calls twelve disciples in the Americas
3 Nephi 5:44-46 – “44 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi, and to those which had been called (now the number of them which had been called and received power and authority to baptize, were twelve), 45 And behold he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto them, saying, Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve which I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants; 46 And unto them I have given power, that they may baptize you with water, and after that ye are baptized with water, behold I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost;”
3 Nephi 6:1-2 – “1 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, he looked upon the twelve whom he had chosen, and saith unto them, Remember the words which I have spoken. 2 For behold, ye are they which I have chosen to minister unto this people.”
3 Nephi 9:4 – “4 And it came to pass that on the morrow, when the multitude was gathered together, behold Nephi and his brother whom he had raised from the dead, whose name was Timothy, and also his son, whose name was Jonas, and also Mathoni, and Mathonihah, his brother, and Kumen, and Kumenonhi, and Jeremiah, and Shemnon, and Jonas, and Zedekiah, and Isaiah: now these were the names of the disciples whom Jesus had chosen.”
See mural posted below ... this is the Quetzalcoatl mural in the National Palace depicting the white god in the mist of dark skinned natives. Notice the 12 surrounding Quetzalcoatl in the mural (and that three are standing separate from the others msl)
John the apostle and 3 disciples in the Americas will tarry until Christ returns
John 21:20-23 – “20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. 23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?”
3 Nephi 13:12-24 – “12 And it came to pass when Jesus had said these words, he spake unto his disciples, one by one, saying unto them, What is it that ye desire of me after that I am gone to the Father? 13 And they all spake, save it were three, saying, We desire that after we have lived unto the age of man, that our ministry, wherein thou hast called us, may have an end, that we may speedily come unto thee, in thy kingdom. 14 And he saith unto them, Blessed are ye, because ye desire this thing of me; therefore after that ye are seventy and two years old, ye shall come unto me in my kingdom, and with me ye shall find rest. 15 And when he had spoken unto them, he turned himself unto the three, and said unto them, What will ye that I should do unto you, when I am gone unto the Father? 16 And they sorrowed in their hearts, for they durst not speak unto him the thing which they desired. 17 And he saith unto them, Behold, I know your thoughts, and ye have desired the thing which John, my beloved, which was with me in my ministry, before that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me; 18 Therefore more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death, but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father, unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled, according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory, with the powers of heaven; 19 And ye shall never endure the pains of death; but when I shall come in my glory, ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, from mortality to immortality; and then shall ye be blessed in the kingdom of my Father. 20 And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow, save it be for the sins of the world; 21 And all this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand; and for this cause ye shall have fullness of joy; and ye shall sit down in the kingdom of my Father; 22 Yea, your joy shall be full, even as the Father hath given me fullness of joy; and ye shall be even as I am, and I am even as the Father; and the Father and I are one; 23 And the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and the Father giveth the Holy Ghost unto the children of men, because of me. 24 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, he touched every one of them with his finger, save it were the three which were to tarry, and then he departed.”
Like the 12 apostles in Jerusalem, the 12 disciples in the Americas were originally replaced with others
4 Nephi 1:15-16 – “15 And it came to pass that the seventy and first year passed away, and also the seventy and second year; yea, and in fine, until the seventy and ninth year had passed away; yea, even an hundred years had passed away, and the disciples of Jesus, whom he had chosen, had all gone to the paradise of God, save it were the three which should tarry; 16 And there were other disciples ordained in their stead; and also many of that generation which had passed away.”
Disciples persecuted in the Americas
4 Nephi 1:31-35 – “31 And again, there was another church which denied the Christ; and they did persecute the true church of Christ; because of their humility, and their belief in Christ, and they did despise them, because of the many miracles which were wrought among them; 32 Therefore they did exercise power and authority over the disciples of Jesus which did tarry with them, and they did cast them into prison; 33 But by the power of the word of God, which was in them, the prisons were rent in twain, and they went forth doing mighty miracles among them. 34 Nevertheless, and notwithstanding all these miracles, the people did harden their hearts, and did seek to kill them, even as the Jews at Jerusalem sought to kill Jesus, according to his word, 35 And they did cast them into furnaces of fire, and they came forth receiving no harm; and they also cast them into dens of wild beasts, and they did play with the wild beasts even as a child with a lamb; and they did come forth from among them, receiving no harm.”
Only the 3 that tarry eventually remain on the earth
Mormon 1:12-17 – “12 And it came to pass that they did have in this same year a number of battles, in the which the Nephites did beat the Lamanites, and did slay many of them. 13 And it came to pass that the Lamanites withdrew their design, and there was peace settled in the land, and peace did remain for the space of about four years, that there was no blood shed. 14 But wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease, because of the iniquity of the people. 15 And there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief. 16 And I, being fifteen years of age, and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted, and knew of the goodness of Jesus. 17 And I did endeavor to preach unto this people, but my mouth was shut, and I was forbidden that I should preach unto them; for behold they had willfully rebelled against their God, and the beloved disciples were taken away out of the land, because of their iniquity.”
Mormon 4:11-12 – “11 And now behold, I say no more concerning them, for there are none, save it be the Lamanites and robbers, that do exist upon the face of the land; 12 And there are none that do know the true God, save it be the disciples of Jesus, which did tarry in the land until the wickedness of the people was so great that the Lord would not suffer them to remain with the people; and whether they be upon the face of the land, no man knoweth.”
What Mormon writes regarding judgment
Mormon 1:82-84 – “82 Therefore I write unto you, Gentiles, and also unto you, house of Israel, when the work shall commence, that ye shall be about to prepare to return to the land of your inheritance; 83 Yea, behold, I write unto all the ends of the earth; yea, unto you, twelve tribes of Israel, which shall be judged according to your works, by the twelve whom Jesus chose to be his disciples in the land of Jerusalem. 84 And I write also unto the remnant of this people, which shall also be judged by the twelve whom Jesus chose in this land; and they shall be judged by the other twelve whom Jesus chose in the land of Jerusalem.”
Will there be a total of 24 disciples / apostles again?
Due to geographical constraints at the time of Christ, Christ ordained 12 among the Nephite/Lamanites and another 12 among those in Jerusalem. With the restoration of the Church of Christ, and the global representation that it now has, it is no longer necessary to have more than 12 in the Church of Christ.
Note that Christ also visited other lands besides the Americas after his resurrection, and it is entirely possibly that Christ appointed even others to the ministry beside these 24 disciples / apostles.
3 Nephi 7:23-26 – “23 But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me, and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among them which the Father hath given me. 24 And verily, verily, I say unto you, that I have other sheep, which are not of this land; neither of the land of Jerusalem; neither in any parts of that land round about, whither I have been to minister. 25 For they of which I speak, are they which have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them. 26 But I have received a commandment of the Father, that I should go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold, and one shepherd; therefore I go to shew myself unto them.”
Again, duties of 12 disciples in Americas similar to that of 12 apostles in Jerusalem
There are some that do believe the 12 disciples in the Americas should be referred to as “apostles” since their duties were the same, and also because of the following verse:
Moroni 2:1-3 – “1 The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples, the twelve whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them. 2 And he called them by name, saying, Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after that ye have done this, ye shall have power that on him whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles. 3 Now Christ spake these words unto them at the time of his first appearing; and the multitude heard it not, but the disciples heard it, and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost.”
The phrase “for thus do mine apostles”, should be taken as a reference to the apostles in Jerusalem. At the same time, the 12 disciples did have the same duties as the 12 apostles with the exception of primary authority in Christ’s church that existed among different locations. As we saw previously, the 12 apostles in Jerusalem will judge the 12 disciples in the Americas and the lost tribes of Israel. In this way, the 12 apostles were given authority over the 12 disciples and they were in that way ‘different’. The 12 apostles had more authority than the 12 disciples.
The Book of Mormon time and time again refers to the 12 in the Americas as “disciples” and that is the term we should use.
Note that in Revelation we are told that there are 12 that sit at the head of the church under Christ (not 24):
Revelation 12:1 – “1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:”
Others have been called “disciple”
Matthew 27:57 – “57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:”
Strong’s Greek G3100 is the word in Matthew 27:57:
mathéteuó: to be a disciple, to make a disciple
Original Word: μαθητεύω Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: mathéteuó Phonetic Spelling: (math-ayt-yoo'-o) Short Definition: I make disciples, make into disciples Definition: I make a disciple of, train in discipleship; pass: I am trained, discipled, instructed.
Another form of the word “disciple”:
Strong’s Greek G3101:
mathétés: a disciple
Original Word: μαθητής, οῦ, ὁ Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: mathétés Phonetic Spelling: (math-ay-tes') Short Definition: a learner, disciple, pupil Definition: a learner, disciple, pupil.
Joseph of Arimathaea was instructed and followed Christ’s teaching. In that way, he was a disciple, but he was not one of the 12 disciples (apostles) in Jerusalem.
Other uses of the term “disciple”:
Acts 6:1-2 – “1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.”
Acts 9:36 – “36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.”
Etc.
The disciples were later called Christians:
Acts 11:26 – “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
A disciple is someone that has been instructed and trained in Christian teachings and is a follower of Christ. The 12 disciples in Jerusalem were both disciples and Apostles (having oversight of the church), but not all disciples are apostles.
Duties of Apostles vs. Elders
Church of Christ Articles of Faith and Practice #13:
“We believe in the same church organization as existed in the time of Christ and His Apostles. The highest office in the church is that of an apostle, of whom there are twelve, who constitute special witnesses for Jesus Christ. They have the missionary supervision and the general watchcare of all of the churches.”
Strong’s definition of an apostle, G652:
apostolos: a messenger, one sent on a mission, an apostle
Original Word: ἀπόστολος, ου, ὁ Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: apostolos Phonetic Spelling: (ap-os'-tol-os) Short Definition: an apostle, a messenger, an envoy, a delegate Definition: a messenger, envoy, delegate, one commissioned by another to represent him in some way, especially a man sent out by Jesus Christ Himself to preach the Gospel; an apostle.
Strong’s definition of an elder, G4245:
presbuteros: elder
Original Word: πρεσβύτερος, α, ον Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: presbuteros Phonetic Spelling: (pres-boo'-ter-os) Short Definition: elder Definition: elder, usually used as subst.; an elder, a member of the Sanhedrin, an elder of a Christian assembly.
An elder and apostle have the same duties, with the exception of missionary responsibilities and general oversight of the entire Church of Christ (duty of the apostles). Both an apostle and elder baptize, lay on the hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, ordain other ministers, administer the sacrament, and teach. Elder is a term that has been used even in Old Testament times. In the Church of Christ (both early and present), in general, it represents those exercising oversight of the flock.
Reference “Priesthood_offices_study.doc” for additional information regarding apostles and elders.
Note that Peter and John both acknowledge that they were not only apostles, but also elders:
1 Peter 5:1 – “1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:”
2 John 1:1 – “1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;”
3 John 1:1 – “1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.”
Note again what we find in Moroni, where the 12 disciples in the Americas were referred to as elders:
Moroni 3:1 – “The manner which the disciples, which were called the elders of the church, ordained priests and teachers.
Summary:
An apostle is an elder and disciple of Christ’s teachings.
An elder is a disciple, but not necessarily an apostle.
A disciple is not necessarily an elder or apostle. Disciples were later called Christians.
What’s so significant about the number 12?
The number 12 is said by many Bible commentators to represent perfection of government. Twelve is the number used for both the House of Israel (the 12 sons of Jacob-Israel / the 12 tribes) and the 12 apostles of Christ’s church.
The number 12 has been selected by God to achieve his purposes. This is not something that man has construed, but God Himself. In God’s wisdom, He believes that 12 is the number required to provide foundation, and enough support to get the job done. Consider a rope with 2 strands instead of 3 strands. Also consider having 4 or 5 apostles, instead of 12. Twelve seems to be not too less, not too many, but just right in the eyes of God.
Consider other occurrences of the number 12:
Twelve signs of the zodiac
The product of the number three (perfection of divinity) x four (the number of the earth – earth, air, fire, water)
Twelve months in a year
Twelve pillars were erected at Mt. Sinai – Exodus 24:4
Twelve pillars were erected in the Promised Land – Joshua 4:1-9
Twelve statues of oxen held up the water basin in Solomon’s Temple – 1 Kings 7:25
Twelve men were selected by God to conduct the census of the tribes – Numbers 1:2-16
Twelve princes of Israel brought gifts to the Sanctuary on twelve days – Numbers 7:10-83
Twelve spies sent to Canaan – Numbers 13:1-15
Jesus is twelve years old when He questions the scholars in the Temple – Luke 2:42
Twelve legions of angels – Matthew 26:53 144,000 servants of God (12 times 12) – Revelation 7:4
Twelve gates of the New Jerusalem – Revelation 21:12 Twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem – Revelation 21:16,17
The Trees of Life in the new creation will bear twelve kinds of fruits – Revelation 22:2