As I’ve been studying this New Testament, we’ve learned that the Book of Acts was written by Luke. It is actually a continuation of his gospel. This is important to know because when we take the two books together we learn more about the ministry of Jesus Christ and his apostles. We can easily see that the purpose of Luke’s gospel is to testify of Jesus Christ. He focuses on what Christ did and said. But what is the purpose of the Book of Acts? How does it work with the Gospel of Luke?
In Acts chapter 9, we read of Paul’s conversion. The Lord Jesus Christ appears to him on the road to Damascus, and he is struck blind. Shortly after, the Lord appears to Ananias in a vision telling him of Paul. The Lord commands Ananias to seek Paul, and says “Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentile and kings and the children of Israel: for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake (15, 16).” Ananias was afraid of Paul because Paul had power to through him in prison. But he goes to seek Paul anyway.
In these few words, I believe we get the purpose of why Luke is writing the Acts of the Apostles. Luke wanted people to know of this prophesy concerning Paul. He was a vessel of the Lord, and he was to bear Christ’s name to the Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel. The Book of Acts shows how Christ spread his gospel and how Christ prophesied of Paul’s mission. I believe Luke is pointing out that this was no accident.
Later in the Book of Acts we read of Paul teaching the gospel in Macedonia. He preached to the Gentiles, people who were not Jewish. In Acts, we also read of Paul preaching to the Jews throughout the western Mediterranean in places like Ephesus. When Paul was coming back to Jerusalem, he is arrested. After sometime, he was taken to Caesarea and preached to King Agrippa. As can be plainly seen, prophesy about Paul came true, and Luke wanted people to know how it came true.
Paul was a powerful missionary for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Luke writes about Christ’s life and then how it spread throughout the ancient world. As it says in Act 28:30-31“Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” He spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ his entire life.
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
What is the Apostasy?
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, I believe in something called the Apostasy. This is something that can be easily misunderstood. In fact, I don’t know a lot about the subject. I feel early Christianity is a very difficult subject which many people don’t know about. I’ve tried to learn more about it as I’ve been attending Brigham Young University but I still have much more.
LDS church doctrine states that God always calls prophets and apostles through whom He talks to man. We have many examples of this such as Moses, Abraham, and Isaiah. There have been periods of time when mankind listened to God’s prophets and time when mankind has not listened to them. When people don’t listen to God’s apostles and prophets, they reject them. This act of rejecting God’s messengers is called an Apostasy or a turning away from truth. Just like other periods of time when God’s children turned from the God, we believe that there was a great Apostasy after the death of Jesus Christ.
In Acts 20: 25, Paul is talking to the elders of Ephesus. He says, “And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have done preaching the Kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.” Paul knew that he was not going to be preaching the gospel any more to people in the Eastern Mediterranean. Shortly after Paul talked to the elders of Ephesus, enemies of Paul framed him and he was arrested and never preached the gospel among the people in the Eastern Roman Empire. However what is more startling than Paul’s confession is what he says in verses 28 through 31.
He says, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall me arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”
Paul says that wolves will enter the flock meaning evil men will enter the church “speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.” Paul had even been teaching this for three years “night and day with tears.” Paul understood that the church would crumble in the first century. One may argue that this was only in Ephesus and not the entire church which the Apostles were directing. There were many more people throughout the empire who believed in “the Way” or in Jesus Christ.
If we look more carefully at the passage it says, “wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves…” What gives me pause is the “also.” It seems that one of the Elders stated, “No not us.” And Paul replied, “Also your own selves.”
But also in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Paul wrote about the same apostasy. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, no by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”
The people of Thessalonica worried about the second coming of Jesus Christ. They wanted to know when it was going to happen. They wanted it to happen. Paul corrects them and says that it will not happen “except there come a falling away first.” This is the same apostasy that Paul taught later to the Ephesians. He really had told people night and day what was going to happen.
Thankfully, God and Jesus Christ established their church once again on the earth. They called a new prophet and more apostles to testify of Jesus Christ and to direct the church. I know that They called Joseph Smith to be a prophet and we can know that he was Their prophet by reading the Book of Mormon which Smith translated by the power of God. We can also know this is true by praying and asking God for ourselves what He did to save His children.
LDS church doctrine states that God always calls prophets and apostles through whom He talks to man. We have many examples of this such as Moses, Abraham, and Isaiah. There have been periods of time when mankind listened to God’s prophets and time when mankind has not listened to them. When people don’t listen to God’s apostles and prophets, they reject them. This act of rejecting God’s messengers is called an Apostasy or a turning away from truth. Just like other periods of time when God’s children turned from the God, we believe that there was a great Apostasy after the death of Jesus Christ.
In Acts 20: 25, Paul is talking to the elders of Ephesus. He says, “And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have done preaching the Kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.” Paul knew that he was not going to be preaching the gospel any more to people in the Eastern Mediterranean. Shortly after Paul talked to the elders of Ephesus, enemies of Paul framed him and he was arrested and never preached the gospel among the people in the Eastern Roman Empire. However what is more startling than Paul’s confession is what he says in verses 28 through 31.
He says, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall me arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”
Paul says that wolves will enter the flock meaning evil men will enter the church “speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.” Paul had even been teaching this for three years “night and day with tears.” Paul understood that the church would crumble in the first century. One may argue that this was only in Ephesus and not the entire church which the Apostles were directing. There were many more people throughout the empire who believed in “the Way” or in Jesus Christ.
If we look more carefully at the passage it says, “wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves…” What gives me pause is the “also.” It seems that one of the Elders stated, “No not us.” And Paul replied, “Also your own selves.”
But also in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Paul wrote about the same apostasy. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, no by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”
The people of Thessalonica worried about the second coming of Jesus Christ. They wanted to know when it was going to happen. They wanted it to happen. Paul corrects them and says that it will not happen “except there come a falling away first.” This is the same apostasy that Paul taught later to the Ephesians. He really had told people night and day what was going to happen.
Thankfully, God and Jesus Christ established their church once again on the earth. They called a new prophet and more apostles to testify of Jesus Christ and to direct the church. I know that They called Joseph Smith to be a prophet and we can know that he was Their prophet by reading the Book of Mormon which Smith translated by the power of God. We can also know this is true by praying and asking God for ourselves what He did to save His children.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
How Christ Interceeds
2 Quick Facts about the Epistle to the Romans
1. Longest of the Pauline Epistles and therefore first in the New Testament
2. Scholars think it is the only book that is a word for word dictation
The first thing I found interesting in the Epistle to the Romans is in verse one of chapter one. It reads, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ…” I think it is interesting how Paul thought himself as a slave. In Exodus 19 verse 5 and 6 we read, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine” and verse 6, “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.”
When we obey the words of God we become his priests. In other words, when we are the servants of God we become priests or inherit the kingdom of God. What does it mean to be a servant of God? Paul served God by sharing the gospel. I think we can do the same.
I also really liked chapter 8 of Romans. In verse 31 through 35 we read, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared no his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
First I like that Paul says, “Christ… who also maketh intercession for us.” How does that work? What is it like for Christ to make intercession for us with God? I found this scripture in Doctrine and Covenants section 45 verses 3 through 5. It reads, “Listen to him [Christ] who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.” Can you imagine standing in a court of law with God being the judge. God says you are condemned. Then Christ steps forward and says, “Behold the blood, suffering and death of me, save this soul.” How powerful! How wonderful!
Paul goes on to say, “Who will separate us from the Love of Christ?” The love is that moment when we are being judged, Christ will step forward and say, “Look at what I suffered.” “Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or peril, or sword” hold us from that love or charity of Christ? No! We shall believe in him no matter what we pass through in this life.
1. Longest of the Pauline Epistles and therefore first in the New Testament
2. Scholars think it is the only book that is a word for word dictation
The first thing I found interesting in the Epistle to the Romans is in verse one of chapter one. It reads, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ…” I think it is interesting how Paul thought himself as a slave. In Exodus 19 verse 5 and 6 we read, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine” and verse 6, “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.”
When we obey the words of God we become his priests. In other words, when we are the servants of God we become priests or inherit the kingdom of God. What does it mean to be a servant of God? Paul served God by sharing the gospel. I think we can do the same.
I also really liked chapter 8 of Romans. In verse 31 through 35 we read, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared no his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
First I like that Paul says, “Christ… who also maketh intercession for us.” How does that work? What is it like for Christ to make intercession for us with God? I found this scripture in Doctrine and Covenants section 45 verses 3 through 5. It reads, “Listen to him [Christ] who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.” Can you imagine standing in a court of law with God being the judge. God says you are condemned. Then Christ steps forward and says, “Behold the blood, suffering and death of me, save this soul.” How powerful! How wonderful!
Paul goes on to say, “Who will separate us from the Love of Christ?” The love is that moment when we are being judged, Christ will step forward and say, “Look at what I suffered.” “Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or peril, or sword” hold us from that love or charity of Christ? No! We shall believe in him no matter what we pass through in this life.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Faith hope and charity are like the bread, butter, and jam of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. O.k., I know it's a terrible analogy, but why are these virtues so essential?
When we truly believe these virtues, they cause us to live differently. For example, when we have faith in Jesus Christ, we want to be baptized because of his commandment. When we have hope, we live life joyfully. When we have charity, we treat others kindly. These three virtues govern how we live our lives. If they don’t, we aren’t truly living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In 1 Corinthians chapter 13 we read this
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels,
and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass,
or a tinkling cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries,
and all knowledge; and though I have all faith,
so that I could remove mountains,
and have not charity, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,
and though I give my body to be burned,
and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not;
charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own,
is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail;
whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge,
it shall vanish away.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect is come,
then that which is in part shall be done away.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child,
I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:
now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
And now bideth faith, hope, charity, these three;
but the greatest of these is charity."
Since faith, hope and charity are the bread and butter of the Gospel, why does Paul praise charity more than faith or hope? Are they not just as important?
In the Book of Mormon, a second testimony of Jesus Christ which we believe to be divinely given scripture, says “But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him (Moroni 7:41).”
According to Moroni, Charity is the ‘pure love of Christ’ and it endures forever. This makes me reflect on the mission of the Savior of the World. Jesus Christ came to earth, he lived among men; preformed many miracles; completed the Atonement; died; resurrected; and lives again. In my mind, Christ’s greatest love was to perform the Atonement. The Atonement was when Christ took upon himself the sins of the world. It caused him so much pain that he dripped blood from every pour as we read in the bible. I’ve always wondered how it worked. Somehow, some way, he experienced pain—the pain that I would have to had suffered had I not believed in his Atonement.
This act freed men from the consequences of sin. When we have faith in Jesus Christ, we can repent and his pain makes up for our mistakes. Maybe this is why Charity greater than Faith and Hope. If Charity, the pure love of Christ or the Atonement had not happened, there would be nothing to have faith in. I’m grateful for my Savior—grateful He suffered for my sins that I may be saved.
When we truly believe these virtues, they cause us to live differently. For example, when we have faith in Jesus Christ, we want to be baptized because of his commandment. When we have hope, we live life joyfully. When we have charity, we treat others kindly. These three virtues govern how we live our lives. If they don’t, we aren’t truly living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In 1 Corinthians chapter 13 we read this
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels,
and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass,
or a tinkling cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries,
and all knowledge; and though I have all faith,
so that I could remove mountains,
and have not charity, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,
and though I give my body to be burned,
and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not;
charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own,
is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail;
whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge,
it shall vanish away.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect is come,
then that which is in part shall be done away.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child,
I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:
now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
And now bideth faith, hope, charity, these three;
but the greatest of these is charity."
Since faith, hope and charity are the bread and butter of the Gospel, why does Paul praise charity more than faith or hope? Are they not just as important?
In the Book of Mormon, a second testimony of Jesus Christ which we believe to be divinely given scripture, says “But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him (Moroni 7:41).”
According to Moroni, Charity is the ‘pure love of Christ’ and it endures forever. This makes me reflect on the mission of the Savior of the World. Jesus Christ came to earth, he lived among men; preformed many miracles; completed the Atonement; died; resurrected; and lives again. In my mind, Christ’s greatest love was to perform the Atonement. The Atonement was when Christ took upon himself the sins of the world. It caused him so much pain that he dripped blood from every pour as we read in the bible. I’ve always wondered how it worked. Somehow, some way, he experienced pain—the pain that I would have to had suffered had I not believed in his Atonement.
This act freed men from the consequences of sin. When we have faith in Jesus Christ, we can repent and his pain makes up for our mistakes. Maybe this is why Charity greater than Faith and Hope. If Charity, the pure love of Christ or the Atonement had not happened, there would be nothing to have faith in. I’m grateful for my Savior—grateful He suffered for my sins that I may be saved.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Second Coming of Christ
In first Thessalonians, the early Christians were worried about the second coming of Christ. Ever since Christ promised to come back, the second coming has always been a question among followers of Christ. When will it be? How will we know?
The early Christians had similar questions. Paul answers some of their questions in his epistle to the Thessalonians. He says, “We ourselves glory in you in the churches of God your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure (2 Thess 1:4).”
They must have been wondering when it would end because Paul goes on to say that they “who are troubled rest with us, when the lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day (2 Thess 1:7-10).”
Paul is promising the early believers that rest from their tribulations will come. But when? He answers the when in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. In verses 1-3 Paul writes, “Now we beseech you, brethren by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed the son of perdition.”
We learn a couple things from these verses. First, there were other proselytizing Christians who were sending false letter preaching that the second coming was coming near. Paul refutes this by saying, “be not…shaken...by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.” He then says, “there come a falling away first.” As a Latter-Day Saint, I believe there was a falling away, meaning that the early church of Jesus Christ, that he established with his apostles, fell into an apostasy. The early Christian church was lost in the first century of the new millennium. However, we also believe that God restored his church again, through a new prophet called Joseph Smith.
So what do we do as Christians waiting for the second coming? Paul says, “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness, therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober… but let us… be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet the hope of salvation (1 Thess 5:5-8).”
We are to look forward, be faithful, hopeful of the future but not forgetful of the present. That is Paul’s call for Christians waiting for the second coming.
The early Christians had similar questions. Paul answers some of their questions in his epistle to the Thessalonians. He says, “We ourselves glory in you in the churches of God your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure (2 Thess 1:4).”
They must have been wondering when it would end because Paul goes on to say that they “who are troubled rest with us, when the lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day (2 Thess 1:7-10).”
Paul is promising the early believers that rest from their tribulations will come. But when? He answers the when in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. In verses 1-3 Paul writes, “Now we beseech you, brethren by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed the son of perdition.”
We learn a couple things from these verses. First, there were other proselytizing Christians who were sending false letter preaching that the second coming was coming near. Paul refutes this by saying, “be not…shaken...by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.” He then says, “there come a falling away first.” As a Latter-Day Saint, I believe there was a falling away, meaning that the early church of Jesus Christ, that he established with his apostles, fell into an apostasy. The early Christian church was lost in the first century of the new millennium. However, we also believe that God restored his church again, through a new prophet called Joseph Smith.
So what do we do as Christians waiting for the second coming? Paul says, “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness, therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober… but let us… be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet the hope of salvation (1 Thess 5:5-8).”
We are to look forward, be faithful, hopeful of the future but not forgetful of the present. That is Paul’s call for Christians waiting for the second coming.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Circumcision or Not? That is the Question
I have been continued to read the second half of the New Testament. One of the issues at divided the early Christians centered on the conversion of Jews and non-Jews. The question was this: should a non-Jew before converting to Christianity first have to become a Jew by circumcision or can a gentile directly become a Christian bypassing circumcision?
In Acts 15:1-2 it says, “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren and said, except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.” Why were Paul and Barnabas so upset?
We can find the answer in Galatians. In this epistle, Paul is writing about this very question. Other Christian proselytizers had come to the people or place of Galatia after Paul had already taught them. These other Christians, as Paul writes, “pervert the gospel of Christ” and “called... unto another gospel (Galatians 1:6-7).” Later Paul writes in chapter 4, “God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons, and because ye are sons, God hath sent forth his Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying Abba, Father. Wherefore, thou are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
The other Christians were teaching that Christ was not powerful enough to make a gentile a Christian. Rather, converts first had to become a Jew then a Christian to be saved. This angered Paul. These Christians in a sense were saying that the Atonement of Jesus Christ had only power to save Jews. This is completely untrue! These teachers were cheapening and lowering the sacrifice of Christ. Paul taught that God sent forth his Son, Jesus Christ, who saves men and makes them sons of God. Paul testified and knew the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
How is this important in our lives? Do we forgive others? If we don’t, are we not in a sense saying that the Atonement of Christ is not powerful enough to make someone perfect? Do we forgive ourselves? If we don’t, are we not in a sense saying that the Atonement of Christ is not powerful enough to make us perfect? How do we feel about the Savior of the World?
In Acts 15:1-2 it says, “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren and said, except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.” Why were Paul and Barnabas so upset?
We can find the answer in Galatians. In this epistle, Paul is writing about this very question. Other Christian proselytizers had come to the people or place of Galatia after Paul had already taught them. These other Christians, as Paul writes, “pervert the gospel of Christ” and “called... unto another gospel (Galatians 1:6-7).” Later Paul writes in chapter 4, “God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons, and because ye are sons, God hath sent forth his Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying Abba, Father. Wherefore, thou are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
The other Christians were teaching that Christ was not powerful enough to make a gentile a Christian. Rather, converts first had to become a Jew then a Christian to be saved. This angered Paul. These Christians in a sense were saying that the Atonement of Jesus Christ had only power to save Jews. This is completely untrue! These teachers were cheapening and lowering the sacrifice of Christ. Paul taught that God sent forth his Son, Jesus Christ, who saves men and makes them sons of God. Paul testified and knew the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
How is this important in our lives? Do we forgive others? If we don’t, are we not in a sense saying that the Atonement of Christ is not powerful enough to make someone perfect? Do we forgive ourselves? If we don’t, are we not in a sense saying that the Atonement of Christ is not powerful enough to make us perfect? How do we feel about the Savior of the World?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The New Testament
I’ve started reading Acts. I’ve always wanted to know more about the New Testament, especially after the gospels. I hear a lot about the 4 gospels but I never hear much about Acts through Revelation. One reason why I have not studied Acts through Revelation much is because often times I don’t understand what I read. I’ve made a commitment to myself to make it through. Along with my reading, I’ve started a class at BYU that deals with these writings. I’ve very excited and here is my first blog post.
Acts Chapter 2.
First I find the parallels between Moses and the apostles cool. After the children of Israel had been released from Egypt, they wandered through the wilderness. Fifty days later, Moses went to the top of Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments. Much like the foreshadowing of Moses, Christ died releasing us from spiritual prison or Egypt. Exactly 50 days later, Pentecost occurred; it was an amazing spiritual outpouring much like what happened when Moses received the Ten Commandments.
I always wondered where Pentecost took place. In Acts chapter 1, all the Apostles are gathered into the upper room. I always thought that the scene carried through to chapter two. However, my professor said that Pentecost would have happened on the Temple Mount, or Al-Haram al-Sharif. In verse 1 it says, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” I always took that to be the upper room with all the followers of Christ and then I was confused when so many people from all over the Mediterranean Basin were included. But now, If it were on the temple mount, all those people would have come to Jerusalem for the festival and it makes so much more sense.
What makes chapter 2 so good is Peter’s speech to all the people. I love verse 38 which says, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ of the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” We have been talking in class that most of the apostles do not fully understand the mission of Jesus Christ. Not until after the resurrection do they understand that Jesus is the Messiah. Then, when they understood, the Apostles, who were well versed Jews in the Tanahk and Jewish scriptures, were able to see the fulfillment of prophecy. And verse 38 is the climax of Peters understanding. He is saying that only through the name of Jesus Christ, meaning only through belief and faith in him, can men be saved. During this one testimony of Peter, 3000 people were baptized. What power must Peter have had in testifying of Jesus Christ.
Acts Chapter 2.
First I find the parallels between Moses and the apostles cool. After the children of Israel had been released from Egypt, they wandered through the wilderness. Fifty days later, Moses went to the top of Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments. Much like the foreshadowing of Moses, Christ died releasing us from spiritual prison or Egypt. Exactly 50 days later, Pentecost occurred; it was an amazing spiritual outpouring much like what happened when Moses received the Ten Commandments.
I always wondered where Pentecost took place. In Acts chapter 1, all the Apostles are gathered into the upper room. I always thought that the scene carried through to chapter two. However, my professor said that Pentecost would have happened on the Temple Mount, or Al-Haram al-Sharif. In verse 1 it says, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” I always took that to be the upper room with all the followers of Christ and then I was confused when so many people from all over the Mediterranean Basin were included. But now, If it were on the temple mount, all those people would have come to Jerusalem for the festival and it makes so much more sense.
What makes chapter 2 so good is Peter’s speech to all the people. I love verse 38 which says, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ of the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” We have been talking in class that most of the apostles do not fully understand the mission of Jesus Christ. Not until after the resurrection do they understand that Jesus is the Messiah. Then, when they understood, the Apostles, who were well versed Jews in the Tanahk and Jewish scriptures, were able to see the fulfillment of prophecy. And verse 38 is the climax of Peters understanding. He is saying that only through the name of Jesus Christ, meaning only through belief and faith in him, can men be saved. During this one testimony of Peter, 3000 people were baptized. What power must Peter have had in testifying of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
What's after Life?
I’ve been reminded twice during the past week about how different LDS theology and practices can be. My wife has a good friend who has been living in France for about six months. He is LDS and is dating a French woman who is not. Besides the fact that he does not drink, smoke, or have pre-marital relations the relationship is going well. She is exploring a completely different realm as she tries understand the membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Today, I was reminded again about points of LDS theology that differs from what other churches believe. While most churches believe that there is a heaven and a hell, LDS doctrine says there’s more. I’ve always thought that I as a member of the LDS Church was different because I don’t smoke or drink or party like other American young men. However, this week made me pause because I realized that some doctrines which I believe are very different compared to what others may believe.
As a Latter-day Saint, I believe that after I die, I will go to a place called the spirit world which is divided into two parts—spirit heaven and spirit paradise. It is much like the heaven and hell in which most Christians believe. However, after I been to the spirit world, for how long I don’t know, I’ll be resurrected, like all mankind, by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Resurrection means that my body will be reunited with my spirit and they will never part again. Then I’ll be judged by God and inherit a kingdom of glory. This is where LDS theology differs from doctrine of other churches.
Mormons believe that after we have been resurrected and judged, we will inherit one of three different degrees of glory. The first we call the Celestial Kingdom; the second is called the Terrestrial Kingdom; the third is called the Telestial Kingdom. Each differs from the other in how much glory exists within each. Figuratively, one can compare the glory of the kingdoms to that of the sun, moon, and stars, each being magnificent, but the sun is the most glorious just like the Celestial Kingdom is the most glorious of the three. Each person on the Earth will be in one of these kingdoms for eternity based on what we choose, do, and desire during our life on earth and time in the spirit world.
We believe that most of this knowledge was lost from the Earth but restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. Much of what we believe about the life hereafter can be found in section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of scripture that we believe was received as revelation by the prophet Joseph Smith. But also, the Bible also has some references about such an after-life. One may be Matt 5:12 which says, “for great is your reward in heaven.” It seems from this little fragment that heaven is not the reward but the reward is what is in heaven. Christ doesn’t elaborate further but it does leave a question. Of course, great meaning placed on a small word, although Luke in chapter 6 verse 23 has similar language. In 1st Corinthians 15: 40-42 Paul writes about resurrected bodies that differ in glory much like the sun, moon, and stars. The Book of Mormon too has many scriptures about heaven and what comes after life. All we must do is search, ponder, and pray to find if it is true.
Today, I was reminded again about points of LDS theology that differs from what other churches believe. While most churches believe that there is a heaven and a hell, LDS doctrine says there’s more. I’ve always thought that I as a member of the LDS Church was different because I don’t smoke or drink or party like other American young men. However, this week made me pause because I realized that some doctrines which I believe are very different compared to what others may believe.
As a Latter-day Saint, I believe that after I die, I will go to a place called the spirit world which is divided into two parts—spirit heaven and spirit paradise. It is much like the heaven and hell in which most Christians believe. However, after I been to the spirit world, for how long I don’t know, I’ll be resurrected, like all mankind, by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Resurrection means that my body will be reunited with my spirit and they will never part again. Then I’ll be judged by God and inherit a kingdom of glory. This is where LDS theology differs from doctrine of other churches.
Mormons believe that after we have been resurrected and judged, we will inherit one of three different degrees of glory. The first we call the Celestial Kingdom; the second is called the Terrestrial Kingdom; the third is called the Telestial Kingdom. Each differs from the other in how much glory exists within each. Figuratively, one can compare the glory of the kingdoms to that of the sun, moon, and stars, each being magnificent, but the sun is the most glorious just like the Celestial Kingdom is the most glorious of the three. Each person on the Earth will be in one of these kingdoms for eternity based on what we choose, do, and desire during our life on earth and time in the spirit world.
We believe that most of this knowledge was lost from the Earth but restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. Much of what we believe about the life hereafter can be found in section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of scripture that we believe was received as revelation by the prophet Joseph Smith. But also, the Bible also has some references about such an after-life. One may be Matt 5:12 which says, “for great is your reward in heaven.” It seems from this little fragment that heaven is not the reward but the reward is what is in heaven. Christ doesn’t elaborate further but it does leave a question. Of course, great meaning placed on a small word, although Luke in chapter 6 verse 23 has similar language. In 1st Corinthians 15: 40-42 Paul writes about resurrected bodies that differ in glory much like the sun, moon, and stars. The Book of Mormon too has many scriptures about heaven and what comes after life. All we must do is search, ponder, and pray to find if it is true.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Moses and Brigham Young: Exoduses
When you look at the world, what do you see first? Water, the continents, your favorite country, or the ice caps? I've started thinking and I've noticed how similar Utah, in the United States is similar to Israel in geography and climate. Both of these places have a saltwater lake connected to a fresh water lake with a river in between. Here are some pictures.
Can you tell which one is the Great Salt Lake in Utah? They look so similar. After studying for a semester in Israel, at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies, I've come to realize how simliar the regions are. Both are deserts; both receive snow; both have a salty lake.
That is what brings me to the next similarity. God led his people to both regions by a prophet. In my last post, I mentioned how Brigham Young and Moses were similar. American Historians even call Brigham Young the American Moses because he led thousands of people across the plains into the Great Salt Lake Valley and settled many place in the intermountain west. Las Vegas even started as a Mormon settlement.
Why is this important? What is the coincidence that a man in America, who claimed to be a prophet, would lead his people to a similar place as the promised land in the Bible? Either God works in patterns, or Brigham Young studied the Bible and American geography really well.
There are certain parallelisms between the two narratives that are hard to ignore. A Prophet, receiving the law on a mountain or temple, an exodus, a journey, a salt water lake, a river, a promised land.
But what does it represent? That we can be saved from our bondage or sin and led to the promised land by Christ our Savior. He lived on the earth, he died for our sins, and he was resurrected with a body. It is great to know the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Can you tell which one is the Great Salt Lake in Utah? They look so similar. After studying for a semester in Israel, at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies, I've come to realize how simliar the regions are. Both are deserts; both receive snow; both have a salty lake.
That is what brings me to the next similarity. God led his people to both regions by a prophet. In my last post, I mentioned how Brigham Young and Moses were similar. American Historians even call Brigham Young the American Moses because he led thousands of people across the plains into the Great Salt Lake Valley and settled many place in the intermountain west. Las Vegas even started as a Mormon settlement.
Why is this important? What is the coincidence that a man in America, who claimed to be a prophet, would lead his people to a similar place as the promised land in the Bible? Either God works in patterns, or Brigham Young studied the Bible and American geography really well.
There are certain parallelisms between the two narratives that are hard to ignore. A Prophet, receiving the law on a mountain or temple, an exodus, a journey, a salt water lake, a river, a promised land.
But what does it represent? That we can be saved from our bondage or sin and led to the promised land by Christ our Savior. He lived on the earth, he died for our sins, and he was resurrected with a body. It is great to know the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Religious Art
This past week I went to the Museum of Art here on Brigham Young University campus. We looked at part of the religious collection that was on display. One of them was the this Carl Bloch painting of Jesus at the pools of Bathesda. Having been in Jerusalem, the pools were one of my favorite spots in the city. It is a peaceful place with little tourist traffic. There is a great church next to the pools that is simple and clean. It was under construction when I was there but it was still quiet.
It was interesing to contemplate what happened there. How many people would go to the pools for the market or to be healed? How busy was it? What was it like? Then there came a day when Jesus came. He told this invalid, take thy bed up and walk. Christ healed him.
How many times are we waiting at the pool and we can't get up? We all have problems, questions, distractions. We only have turn to the savior who is sitting there waiting to heal us.
Brigham Young University owns the original painting. Any reproduction has does little justice to the real painting. I would like to thank www.carlbloch.com for the image which is posted on my blog. What a wonderful painting by a gifted artist.
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