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

Our Reward Comes From God

Sermon Topic 6/30/13 Elder Chris Moran Our Reward Comes From God
What things do we set our hearts on?
Have we lost our focus on the eternal reward we hope to receive one day from the Lord?
Do we turn blessings from God and rewards in this life into idols? … this life is a vapor (James 4:14 msl); we must be READY.
Earthly rewards:
Pay raise
Powerful job position (Matthew 18:1-4 … humble yourself as this little child; Luke 14:1, 7-11 … the Pharisees at the banquet, exalting themselves) …are we striving to be humble as a servant of God?
Physical objects … there is nothing wrong with trophies … i have a golf trophy; but do we worship them?
Retirement
Recognition from others (Colossians 3:22-25 … fear God, and do everything heartily, as unto the Lord)
An inheritance (Luke 12:13-21 … the young man who demanded that Christ arbitrate between him and his brother over their inheritance; the rich man who decided to hoard his wealth and take his ease)
Anything else?
“My mother used to tell me man gives the award, but God gives the reward, i don’t need another plaque.” –Denzel Washington
Is our heavenly reward more important than earthly pleasures?
Matthew 19:16-30 … the young man who had great possessions (or did the possessions have him? msl) … those who leave all they have in this life, will receive a hundred fold
Alma 10:107 … Amulek, having forsaken all his possessions and having been rejected by his family
Do we set our hearts on earthly or future treasure?
Matthew 6:19-21 … lay not up treasures for yourself on earth (see also Helaman 5:23-29 msl)
2 Kings 20:12-18 …Hezekiah boastfully showed the ambassadors from Babylon all the treasure he had; the prophet Isaiah told him that all that would be taken by the Babylonians in the future; 24:10-13 … the prophecy fulfilled
Are we like Hezekiah – do we boast of our possessions?
How do we spend our time?
Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 … Solomon boasting of his great works … There are things in life that the Lord has given us for our joy, but we need to keep everything in perspective and evaluate the use of our time (note the number of times the word “vanity” occurs in this book msl) We can have temporary joy and pleasure from the things in life, but:
We should consider the needs of the Church of Christ
Are we meeting the needs of our family?
We should always remember that things in this world will not last
Helaman 4:47-55 … the Nephites very quickly slid back into pride and wickedness … they were not focused on the Lord – they lost the vision of their eternal reward. If it can happen to the people of Nephi, it can happen to us!
One of my girls took baton lessons this year … part of their year-end performance was the song “Famous” (lyrics below msl) We need to work hard unto the Lord, not to become “famous” (Colossians 3:23 and Matthew 5:16)
The things of the earth will pass away
2 Peter 3:10 … the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
1 Corinthians 3:8-14 … we are God’s building (Strong’s G3619, oikodome … along with 3618, oikodomeo – these are the words translated “edify” in Ephesians 4:12 and all thru the New Testament) … all our works done in this life will be tried by fire – is our life worthy of rewards? http://www.amazon.com/Life-God-Rewards-Everything-Matters/dp/1576739767/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372623062&sr=1-1&keywords=Bruce+Wilkinson+A+Life+God+Rewards
God will reward the righteous
Proverbs 11:18, 13:13, and 24:19-20
Alma 1:127-129
Daniel 12:2-3
Revelation 2:7, 11,17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21 … they that overcome will receive rewards
The goal of our eternal reward requires suffering
John 12:24-26
Matthew 5:10-12 (and John 15:18-16:3 msl) … those who are persecuted for His name
After making some bad choices in high school and hanging with the wrong friends … i chose to do right. My “friends” asked me one day “why aren’t you fun anymore?”
What are we willing to put first? (picture illustration – Abraham and his family leaving Ur of the Chaldees
Matthew 10:34-42 … I did not come to bring peace, but separation
Mansions in heaven … Strong’s G3438, mone, an abode – from G3306, meno, to stay (the English word “mansion” is from Latin manere, to stay)
John 14:2-3 (also Ether 5:38)
Crowns (Strong’s G4735, stephanos – from stepho, to twine or wreathe)
1 Corinthians 9:24-5 … an incorruptible crown (as opposed to a corruptible earthly crown)
2 Timothy 4:6-8 … crown of righteousness
James 1:12 … crown of life
1 Peter … crown of glory
1 Thessalonians 2:9-20 … crown of rejoicing
Revelation 3:11 … hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown
The Joy of the Lord
Matthew 25:14-23 … we want to hear, “well done, good and faithful servant”
Revelation 21:1-8 … he that overcometh
I came up with this certificate:
God’s Kingdom
Excellence Reward
Presented to
_____________
Revelation 22:12 … I come quickly, and my reward is with Me….

What is the Sin of Gluttony and Drunkenness?

What is the Sin of Gluttony and Drunkenness?
Why in the scriptures is gluttony mentioned together with a drunkard?
Matthew 15 : 11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man…. 16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? 17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? 18 But those things which proceed out of mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil
thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
Romans 15 : 14-15 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But
if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
Glutton - Strong's H2151 - zalal (Old Testament)
1) to be worthless, be vile, be insignificant, be light a) (Qal) 1) to be worthless, be insignificant 2) to make light of, squander, be lavish with 2) to shake, tremble, quake a) (Niphal) to shake, quake AV — flow down 2, vile 2, glutton 2, riotous eaters 1, riotous 1
Gluttonous - Strong's G5314 - phagos 1) a voracious man, a glutton (New Testament)I.E. English meaning for voracious: Wanting or devouring great quantities of food
Drunkard - Strong's H5433 - caba' to drink heavily or largely, imbibe a) (Qal) 1) to imbibe 2) wine-bibber, drunkard (participle) (subst)
Examples where they are mentioned together
Deuteronomy 21 : 18- 20 18 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will
not hearken unto them: 19Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; 20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. 21And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.
Proverbs 23 : 21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
Matthew 11 : 19 4 Jesus answered and said unto them,…. 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
Luke 7 : 34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
All other examples where - Strong's H2151 - zalal (Glutton) is used
Scriptures where Glutton, Strong's H2151, is Translated to a Different English Word
Proverbs 28 : 7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
Proverbs 23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
Lamentations 1 : 11 All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul: see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile.
Jeremiah 15 : 19 therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.
Isaiah 64 : 1, 3 Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,…3 When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.
Riotous Living translated from a different Greek word in the case of Luke
[Mosiah 7 : 20-21 And it came to pass that he placed his heart upon his riches, and he spent his time in riotous living with his wives and his concubines; and so did also his priests spend their
time with harlots. 21 And it came to pass that he planted vineyards round about in the land; and he built wine presses, and made wine in abundance; and therefore he became a winebibber, and also his people.]
Luke 15 : 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
Riotous Strong's G811 - asōtōs dissolutely, profligately I.E. prof·li·gate (pr f l -g t, -g t ). adj. 1. Given over to dissipation; dissolute. 2. Recklessly wasteful; wildly extravagant. n. A profligate
person; a wastrel. Dissolutely: Lacking moral restraint; indulging in sensual pleasures or vices
Seriousness of the Sin of being a Drunkard
I Corinthians 6 : 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
I Corinthians 5 : 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
Why such harsh judgment on the drunkard?
Scriptures on Excessive Alcohol
Alma 25 : 43 And all those things were done in a profound silence. But had they awakened the Lamanites, behold they were drunken and the Nephites could have slain them. 44 But behold this was not the desire of Moroni. He did not delight in murder or bloodshed; but he delighted in the saving of his people from destruction; and for this cause he might not bring upon him injustice, he would not fall upon the Lamanites and destroy them in their drunkenness.
Alma 25 : 55- 60 55 And it came to pass that the Nephites began again to be victorious, and to reclaim their rights and their privileges. 56 Many times did the Lamanites attempt to encircle them about by night, but in these attempts they did lose many prisoners. 57 And many times did they attempt to administer of their wine to the Nephites, that they might destroy them with poison or with drunkenness. 58 But behold, the Nephites were not slow to remember the Lord their God, in this their times of affliction. 59 They could not be taken in their snares; yea, they would not partake of their wine; yea, they would not partake of wine, save they had firstly given to some of the Lamanite prisoners. 60 And they were thus cautious, that no poison should be administered among them; for if their wine would poison a Lamanite, it would also poison a Nephite; and thus they did try all their liquors.
I Peter 4 : 1-3 1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings*, and abominable idolatries: (* a drinking, carousing)
Isaiah 5 : 11 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
Ephesians 5 : 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
I Timothy 3 : 1-3, 8 1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine*, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; …8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre
Titus 1 : 5-7 5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine*, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; * 1) given to wine, drunken
I Timothy 5 : 23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
Titus 2 : 1-4, 8 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,…
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
I Thessalonians 5 : 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
We believe that ministry and membership should abstain from the use of tobacco, intoxicating liquors and narcotics, and should not affiliate with any society which administers oaths or covenants in conflict with the law of God, or which interferes with their duties as free men and citizens. (1 Cor 3:16-17; Eth 3:86-98) Number 25. Articles of Faith and Practice

Good Leadership or Stewards

Sermon Topic Sunday, 6/23/13 Good Leadership or Stewards?
We are living in a world condition today that is fast approaching a vacuum, where leadership is misleading, self-serving, or void of understanding. Standing upon good moral principles has become archaic and mythological.
We are being governed by polls … by public opinion.
Are each of us doing all we should be doing? This morning in Sunday School, we studied the passage in Alma 3 in which Alma preached to the people of the church in Zarahemla and thru all the land. Alma Jr. had given up his judgement seat to Nephihah, and set out to “stir them up in remembrance of their duty” (Alma 2:26)
Nowadays good deeds are being frowned upon and scrutinized beyond reason … doers of good deeds are being judged as to why they are doing them, probably only for themselves.
Matthew 5:13-16 … you are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world. Let that light shine … so others will glorify God. We get wake-up calls sometimes … but do we just “hit the snooze button”? If the salt have lost his savor … or could we say, if the salt has lost his SAVIOR….
Alma was talking to those of the CHURCH (Alma 3:2) … but had they walked away from what they should be believing and doing?
There have been many kinds of leaders over time – good and bad. Some have led their followers to great accomplishments; some have led them to great calamity and destruction.
There are times of judges governing the people in both the Bible and Book Of Mormon, and great leaders in both Books.
Some nations have done wrong even when led well.
Judges 2:8-19 … after the death of Joshua, a new generation of Israelites arose which did not know God or remember what He had done for Israel. They forsook God and worshiped Baal and Ashtaroth (Ishtar). They provoked the Lord to anger, and reaped judgement (v.14) … our own gentile nation was set up by God to be that light on the hill. The Lord removed His hand of protection from Israel when they forsook Him, and other nations conquered them.
God raised up judges who delivered the Israelites, but the people continued to serve other gods. Do we see that today in our own country? our own lives? The Scriptures make a statement, but also beg the question of each of us.
Proverbs 29:18 … Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Our brother Dennis last week talked about rules … we need instruction, the virtues that God’s Spirit puts in our lives. When we don’t let Him, what happens? Do we want blessings/healings/liberty in this land?
We have the Spirit of the Living God in our lives. We have a vision of the way we live our lives … even in our finances, etc.
Matthew 15:14 … blind leaders of the blind. Back in verse 11, what is it that defiles us? Not what goes into us, but what comes out from our mouths (also Matthew 12:34-35 msl). Verse 12, the Pharisees were offended by Jesus’ saying … well, so what? Verse 13 … every plant not planted by the Father will be rooted up. We have sight, knowledge, vision, revelation, and the fullness of the Gospel. We are not to be partakers with them (the blind), but to be knowing and making a difference.
Ezekiel 33:1-9 … the watchman … God sent Israel prophets, and promised that the people would know that a prophet had been among them. You, Ezekiel, are My watchman on the wall. If you do not warn the wicked, their blood will be on your hands.
What are we doing? Have we been salt? We are to edify (build up) one another in love. Are we watching out for the people? Or do we go along to get along? Are we wearing the world’s camouflage? Do we say “it’s none of my business”?
1 Thessalonians 1:2-7 … ensamples (Strong’s G5179, tupos – a stamping die; a model) to the believers. Stewards and caretakers. Being an ensample does not mean believing one thing and doing another. V. 3 … your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope … do we work and pray without ceasing for our brothers in the mission field?
The Gospel is not to be used as a sledgehammer or a bulldozer, but to build up people. And opportunity can come at an inconvenient time! … but we are called on to deliver.
1 Peter 4:10-11 … the manifold grace … we have received the gift, now minister the same as good stewards of the manifold grace. Having the saving Gospel, we must be a good example.
Speak as the oracles of God … Spiritually led. The mouthpiece of God, which is how we got our Scriptures. Are your words Spiritually directed?
Are people watching the path? Where does it lead? Broad is the way to destruction, and many go that way. Are people being warned? Alma Jr. … are you Spiritually led? – good followers?
John 8:12 … he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness (in verse 11, Jesus told the woman taken in adultery to “go your way, and SIN NO MORE”.
I AM the light of the world … be a good FOLLOWER of God, and His way. Be a good example to follow, show the Light in your life, don’t walk in darkness.
2 Peter 1:3- … partakers of divine nature … having ESCAPED the corruption that is in the world thru lust … add these things (listed in vv. 5-7). He that lacketh them is BLIND (back to Matthew 15:14)
2 Corinthians 5:20 … ambassadors for Christ … are we representing Him? Have we walked the walk in humility? Have we made that covenant with Him?
1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 … Children of the day, not in darkness! That day will come as a thief in the night … either for us individually, when He calls us to Him, or for all at that day when He comes in the clouds. Let us not sleep (Strong’s G2518 katheudo, to lie down to rest, to fall asleep) but WATCH (Strong’s G1127, gregoreuo, keep awake, be watchful) and be sober (Strong’s G3525, nepho, to abstain, to be sober, to watch).
We are witnessing about that day. Why would anyone want to gamble with their life? …but some do.
Ephesians 5:1-2 … as dear children … FOLLOWERS. Let our lives, our works, and our words show that we are followers … let our lights shine so others will glorify God!

Is Gambling a Sin?

Tuesday Night Scripture Study 6/18/13
Elder Chris Moran
IS GAMBLING A SIN?
Definition of “gamble”
1 a : to play a game for money or property
b : to bet on an uncertain outcome
2 : to stake something on a contingency : take a chance
There is no direct mention of gambling for money in scripture, but scripture does provide principles that can be applied to gambling.
One thing we do find in scripture:
John 19:23-24 – “23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.”
Are there any other examples of gambling in scripture?
Article: “Pastor warns Christians not to play Mega Millions lotto”
March 30, 2012
From:
http://blog.chron.com/believeitornot/2012/03/pastor-warns-christians-not-to-play-mega-millions-lotto/
Evangelical leader and pastor John Piper, like Americans across the country, couldn’t ignore the Mega Millions mania. But instead of joking about the odds or going in on a ticket for the $640 million jackpot, Piper warned followers of the dangers of gambling saying it should be considered “spiritual suicide.” If you win, “don’t tithe your lottery winnings to our church. Christ does not build his church on the backs of the poor,” he said. “Pray that Christ’s people will be so satisfied in him that they will be freed from the greed that makes us crave to get rich.” Piper listed seven reasons why Christians shouldn’t play the Mega Millions, calling it a destructive habit that wastes God’s money, preys on the poor and builds up foolish hopes. Texas pastor Jim Denison highlighted the plague of lottery winners who have gone on to make destructive choices and ruin their lives. Even “ministers are not immune from the lottery curse,” Denison wrote. “Billy Bob Harrell, Jr. was a preacher who won $31 million in Texas’ lottery in 1997. Some 20 months later, after divorcing his wife and buying a half-dozen homes for relatives, he took his own life with a shotgun.”
When we gamble, are we relying on God’s provision in our lives?
Matthew 6:25-34 – “25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
Jarom 1:19-22 – “19 And we multiplied exceedingly, and spread upon the face of the land, and became exceeding rich in gold, and in silver, and in precious things, and in fine workmanship of wood, in buildings, and in machinery, and also in iron, and copper, and brass, and steel, making all manner of tools of every kind to till the ground, and weapons of war; 20 Yea, the sharp pointed arrow, and the quiver, and the dart, and the javelin, and all preparations for war; 21 And thus being prepared to meet the Lamanites, they did not prosper against us. 22 But the word of the Lord was verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying, That inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land.”
1 Kings 3:5-13 – “5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6 And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10 And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.”
The Nephites in the Book of Mormon where blessed temporally at times because of their obedience (but also fell into temptation time and time again because they eventually focused on these things more than the Lord).
QUESTION: Do you think it’s alright to sell tickets for a raffle at church for raising money? If not, how should money in the church be raised?
Our struggles with money benefit our character
Romans 5:1-5 – “1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
James 1:2-4 – “2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
If we gamble and win, will our hearts become set on riches?
Matthew 19:16-24 – “16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. 23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
What would happen if we did when the lottery and become rich? Would it be difficult to keep those things from taking the place of God? Do we know for sure we can withstand the temptation to not lust over money when we gamble?
James 1:13-15 – “13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
1 Peter 5:8-9 – “8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
1 Timothy 6:6-10 – “6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
When we do buy a lottery ticket, and lose, is there any shred of disappointment, or do we simply say to ourselves “no problem” and move on? It’s difficult not to be disappointed and have your thoughts turn to covetousness.
Will winning as a result of gambling truly solve all of our problems?
Ecclesiastes 5:10 – “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.”
1 Timothy 6:17 – “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;”
Proverbs 13:11 – “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.”
Proverbs 15:6 – “Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.”
Proverbs 28:22 – “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.”
James 5:1-3 – “1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. 3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.”
QUESTION: If you play in the lottery and win money, but later wonder if you should keep it, would you keep it, return the money, give it all to charity, give it to church, throw it away, or other?
If we gamble, we may covet money, and the things that this money can buy
When we gamble, are we tempted to covet?
Exodus 20:17 – “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.”
Hebrews 13:5 – “5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Luke 12:13-21 – “13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. 14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
Covetousness has SERIOUS consequences
Ephesians 5:5 – “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – “9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
Can the example of my gambling cause another brother or sister to become addicted?
1 Thessalonians 5:22 – “22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
How would you feel if you walked up to a lottery vending machine, purchased a ticket, and then found out that the next person right behind you that purchases a ticket has a gambling addiction. This person’s gambling addition has destroyed their family. Are we tempting that person as a result of our example? If that person knows you are a Christian, will that give them more justification for doing it?
Gambling can create a recipe for envy between those that lose, and those that win (though envy is a personal decision)
Galatians 5:19-21 – “19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
When we gamble, are we yoking ourselves with unbelievers and those that lust for money?
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 – “14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
Many things that are associated with gambling (particularly casinos) are not wholesome in nature (drunkenness, showgirls, the lust of money, greed, etc.).
We should be wise stewards of our money and not risk losing it
Could our money be used in better ways?
Acts 20:35 – “35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Mormon 4:50 – “For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.”
Jacob 2:22-24 – “22 Think of your brethren, like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all, and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. 23 But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. 24 And after that ye have obtained a hope in Christ, ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them, for the intent to do good; to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick, and the afflicted.”
2008 Focus on the Family Study
From: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/socialissues/social-issues/gambling/cause-for-concern.aspx
SMR Research Corporation called gambling "the single fastest-growing driver of bankruptcy." Professors from Georgetown University and Purdue University performed research on the link between gambling and bankruptcy. They concluded, "We found statistically significant increases at the county level in the number of personal bankruptcy filings due to the introduction of casino gambling." The U.S. Department of Justice and The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) found a correlation between high levels of criminal activity related to pathological gambling. The percentage of pathological gamblers among arrestees was three to five times higher than the general population, and compulsive or pathological gamblers were significantly more likely to have sold drugs than arrestees who fit the other gambling types. In a report titled Casinos, Crime and Community Costs (2004), university researchers found that a casino's effect on crime is low shortly after it opens and grows over time. Casino counties had notably higher crime rates than non-casino counties, and, for most offenses, the statistically significant differences tend to appear two or three years after casinos open. In a survey of nearly 400 Gamblers Anonymous members, 28 percent reported being either separated or divorced as a direct result of their gambling problems. In the National Gambling Impact Study, the lifetime divorce rates for problem and pathological gamblers were 39.5 percent and 53.5 percent, respectively; the rate in non-gamblers was 18.2 percent. In Indiana, a review of the state's gaming commission records revealed that 72 children were found abandoned on casino premises during a 14-month period. A University of Nebraska Medical Center study concluded that problem gambling is as much a risk factor for domestic violence as alcohol abuse. Domestic violence murders in at least 11 states have been traced to gambling problems since 1996. Three years after casinos were legalized in Deadwood, South Dakota, felony crimes increased by 40 percent, child abuse increased 42 percent, and domestic violence and assaults rose 80 percent. One in five pathological gamblers will attempt suicide, while one in ten of their spouses will attempt suicide. In Gulfport, Mississippi, suicides increased by 213 percent (from 24 to 75) in the first two years after casinos arrived. In neighboring Biloxi, suicide attempts jumped by 1,000 percent (from 6 to 66) in the first year alone. A survey of nearly 200 Illinois Gamblers Anonymous members found that 66 percent had contemplated suicide, 79 percent had wanted to die, 45 percent had a definite plan to kill themselves, and 16 percent had actually attempted suicide.
Summary
If we gamble, will we do any of the following?
1. Trust in money more than God for our provision
2. Covet
3. Have our hearts turn to greed
4. Love and our money more than God
5. Regret when we loose
6. Be tempted to envy the ones that win
7. Be yoked with unbelievers and the things of the world
8. Be a bad example to those that may severely struggle with gambling
9. Become addicted
If gambling results in any of the above, then gambling becomes a sin.
An excellent study, particularly thought-provoking for us in Michigan. More and more casinos are being built, including one about a mile from the Bradley Church, and the lottery is big business here with revenue promised to fund education.

 http://blog.chron.com/believeitornot/2012/03/pastor-warns-christians-not-to-play-mega-millions-lotto/