So this week, I studied Titus 1-3 the Epistle of Obedience. Titus was born to Greek parents and coverted to the Gospel by Paul who took him under his wing. Titus labored with Paul to help spread the Gospel and organize the church. He was left in charge of  leading the branch in Crete in the face of much opposition and was given the responsibility to call new bishops to the island.

While there, Titus receives a letter from Paul instructing and strengthening him in his assignment. The men he calls to be bishops must have certain characteristics in order to qualify for this leadership position in the church. Here is a list I complied from my reading in Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7: blameless, only having one wife, have faithful children who are obedient and not riotous or unruly, a steward of God, not self willed or arrogant, quick tempered or angry, not one who drinks or is drunken, no striker or a bully or violent person, no filthiness,obtaining money through dishonest means hospitable, lover of goodness, sober, vigilant, of good behavior, apt to teach, not greedy, patient, not a brawler, not covetous, just, holy, temperate or self-controlled, one that ruleth well his own house having his children in subjection (meaning being a good father and husband and taking care of his responsibilities in the home towards them)otherwise how well can he rule in the church? Also, not a novice in the Gospel ( not a new convert) that he won't be lifted up with pride and fall into condemnation of the devil, holding fast to the faithful word he has been taught so he will be able to exhort and teach to convince the gainsayers and those that deny the truth of the doctrine.  Well, that is one tall order to become a bishop! I think the only way to have those qualifications is with time and faithfulness to the teachings of the true Gospel principles.
There were many problems that existed among the Saints in Crete. The Cretians had gained a reputation of being greedy liars who  were dishonest and lazy, gluttonuos people. The saints had been lead to believe in some Jewish teachings that certain things ( rituals) were either pure or unpure and had to be corrected in knowing that if they were pure, they would remain spiritually pure no matter what they touched. 
In Titus 2:1,Paul encouraged Titus to speak of and teach things of true and sound doctrine and that this will help guide the behavior of the saints. It will help the "aged" men and women have a desire to be true followers of Christ and set an example to the young men and women in the church who will then also follow Christ and His teachings. the teachings of true doctrine, understood,  can change many  behaviors such as: being sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, charity, and patience. It can also help them become holy, not false accusers, teachers of good things, to love their spouses and children, to be discreet, chaste, for womento be keepers at home, good, obedient, havinga pattern of good works, uncorruptness, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned. Sharing a favorite quote from  President Boyd K. Packer further illustrates the power of teaching through the spirit the true doctrine of the Gospel: “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.

“The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. Preoccupation with unworthy behavior can lead to unworthy behavior. That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel” (“Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).

When new members of the church do or say things that may be contrary to the teachings of the doctrine, we can be patient with them and remember that we were once in their shoes and "babes in the Gospel" not knowing or fully understanding the teachings and doctrine and help them through our faith and diligence and examples. 

Through studying Titus 3:5-7; 2 Nephi 2:6-8; 10:24; Moroni 6:4; 10:32-33, and D&C 45: 3-5 I learned that the Role that the Lord's grace plays in our lives is that he is our advocate to our Father, pleading our case before Him as long as we have faith in Him who is mighty to save and repent and show our humble obedience and good works. it is only through and by Him and His merits and mercy that we will be saved.

In Titus 3:9, it talks about "foolish questions, genealogies, and contentions. I think this means that we need to avoid those that would oppose our believes and want to stir us up and cause contention. We need to not revile against them and keep the peace, not getting into disputes about doctrine we don't fully understand and just have faith.

I can stay grounded in sound doctrine and avoid "foolish questions" by staying close to the Lord and following His example. I will listen to the prophet and use the leaders of the church as my guides to teach me sound doctrine and go to the scriptures and kneel in humble prayer for answers to my questions allowing the influence of the spirit to guide me to truth and not any other.

Well, this week, I am reading about Paul's courage and conviction. I don't know that any of us get away in this life without an opportunity to take a stand and be firm and immovable in something that we not only strongly believe in, but that we know we must go forward and act upon -even when those around you think otherwise, or would fear for their lives and back down when faced with the same circumstance.
In acts 21:10-14,22-25, we read that a prophet named Agabus prophesies that Paul would be bound by Jews if he enters Jerusalem. Upon hearing this, Those who were near Paul tried to persuade him not to go, but Pail said not only was he prepared to be bound, but die also for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This showed conviction and unwavering dedication and determination and commitment to Christ. When his friends saw that he would not be persuaded and saw his valiance and courage, they backed down and said, " The will of the Lord be done".
So then, Paul goes to Jerusalem and upon entering the Temple, is taken, beaten, bound, and arrested. The accused Him of teaching the people against "the law" and brought Greeks into the Temple.
After that, Paul was persecuted and there was concern because of who he was-a Roman. The lord Visits him again and comforts him Saying," Be of good cheer." Wouldn't that be an awesome experience to have Christ Himself come and speak such comforting words to us when we are going through tough times? I remember one time in my life right after my brother died. I was really missing him and thought I needed him still, but then I had an amazing experience that comforted me as I knew that another brother- even Christ my Savior would be there for me instead and actually gave me a forewarning of things to come that would be painful-even worse than my brother's death.It was long before I realized the truth in this and there were times when I felt like I was not alone as I felt this great warmth surround me and a peace wash over me. It was when I felt so alone and helpless and thought I couldn't go on and cried out in mighty prayer that I would experience this. So anyways, back to Paul's experience- The Lord let him know that because he obeyed and came into Jerusalem to preach, he will also bear witness in Rome. I think that would be comforting because he knew then that he wouldn't be killed. Paul was then taken to see Felix, the Governor at the time. Paul preaches to him of righteousness, temperance, and the judgement to come which caused  Felix to tremble, but even though he wanted to have an excuse to let Paul go, he still chose to bind him as he wanted to please the Jews. When Paul appeals unto Caeser, Festus commands him to be kept until he can be sent to Caeser and talks to King Agrippa who is a Jew and he wants to hear Paul. When King Agrippa hears Paul, Festus, being a Roman.  thinks he is mad, but the king, being a Jew almost believes him. I think that when people hear truth and want to believe it, they hesitate because if it requires them to change their lifestyle or friends, it can be hard thing to give up.
I think Paul showed the greatest courage when he chose to go to Jerusalem in spite of a prophet telling him what would happen and his friends trying to tell him not to go. That takes exceptional courage because they are your peers. What they think of him  and how they feel matters  and affects him.
I can testify that we, too, can develope this kind of courage as we follow the Savior and become like him. we can be lead and be on His errand to be instruments in his hands to do great and marvelous things. When we know that we have his blessing and He has commanded us to act on His behalf, we can know, just like Nephi that we can go forward with faith and "go and do the things...know[ing] the Lord giveth no commandment save he shallprepare a way...". ( 1 Nephi 3:7 in the Book of Mormon)
Paul journeys to Rome in a ship. When sailing bacame dangerous, Paul admonishes the Master of the ship and the Centurion that the voyage could be deadly. The Centurion believes teh Master over Paul and they continue. You know, I ti s so easy to think that because one with the knowledge and expertise has so much experience, we can have a tendency to listen to them instead of lestening to leaders in the church. I think this especially happens when there doesn't seem to be any reason at teh time to follow their counsel that we can immediately see. I remeber when I moved to Califlronia and had food storage. we got ants and called for an exterminator. He told me it was rediculous to have so much food that we would never eat and wouldn't need for so long and advised me that the best thing to do was get rid of all of it. I chose not to and followed in faith teh counsel I received from our leaders in the church and instead, went and bout plastic containers to put it all in! Because Paul was one of God's apostles, he was told by an angel that all on the ship would be saved, but not the ship. He prophesied this to the captain and that is exactly what happened. They came to an island and used a boat from the ship to land there and the ship was then destroyed. While in Melita, Paul uses his preisthood power to heal the sick there. this power is given for the healing of the sick and those with whom have the faith to be healed.Once Paul got to Rome, He took every opportunity while he was imprisoned there to preach of Christ. For two years, he was a faithful witness of Christ even though he was under house arrest and was nor free. I thnk that shows that we can chose to find happiness and purpose in all that we do what ever circumstance we find ourselves in as we strive to be an example and witness of the truth s that we know from Christ. This has been inspiring to me as I see Paul reach his destination in Rome and see him be able to fulfill his purpose as he is guided by the Savior. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to read this passage and be riminded to be happy in our journey and trials and look for opportunities to serve Him.

2 Corinthians 2:1-11  Forgiveness

This week, I studied 2 Corinthians 2:1-11 and also read in Matthew 6:14-15 and D&C 64:9-10.These verses teach of the importance of forgiving others and that as we forgive others, we will be forgiven of our sins. It is the Lord that has the right to condemn, but we are required to forgive all men-if not, then we are condemned.
The people of Corinth were commanded to forgive those that had caused grief. The blessings we receive when we forgive is peace and love in our hearts toward those who have wronged us. Also, as we cause others grief, we are forgiven.The danger in failing to forgive is that we can become bitter and we actually cause those who have trespassed against us to be hindered in their progress. C Max Caldwell and  Leun G. Otten discussed this danger, “When we take the position of withholding forgiveness from our fellow men, we are attempting to block his progress towards salvation. This position is … not Christlike. We are endeavoring to impede the progress of a living soul and deny him the forgiving blessings of the atonement. This philosophy is saturated with impure motives that are designed to destroy the soul”.One other important point to remember is that when we don't forgive, it remains in us and we become greater of a greater sin-that of an unforgiving heart. 
A great book that has helped me understand this principle better is "The Peace Giver" by James L. Ferrell. Also, there is a beautiful portrait that depicts the true nature and meaning of forgiveness by Greg Olsen. It has also helped remind me of the importance of forgiveness. The fact is, If we don't forgive, then we allow Satan to win, not once but twice, or multiple times if many take offense and keep it in their hearts. We need to understand that this is just one of the ways Satan seeks to mislead us.  Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “Satan’s most strenuous opposition is directed at whatever is most important to the Father’s plan. Satan seeks to discredit the Savior and divine authority, to nullify the effects of the Atonement, to counterfeit revelation, to lead people away from the truth, to contradict individual accountability, to confuse gender, to undermine marriage, and to discourage childbearing (especially by parents who will raise children in righteousness)” (“The Great Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 72).
There are so many aspects of the Atonement, but one that I have learned well is that we can rely on His strength in the Atonement because He knows our pain and suffering when others have wronged us. One thing that has comforted me and was something that helped me in my last steps in the process of forgiveness (for I have learned that it truly is a process depending on the severity of the grievance)during one of the greatest painful times in my life was that if those who wrong you and repent, ( or don't repent) don't or are not able to restore completely that which they destroyed and took from you, He will Atone for them and you are given back all that was taken through Christ. He will repay you. I don't know about you, but I find that amazing and wonderful. It gives hope and faith and fills me with great joy to know that He will bless me with all I lost and more as I remain true and faithful to Him. I love my Savior and can testify of the truths found in these scriptures. I have found a greater capacity to love as I have been able to forgive especially those who have trespassed against me.

New Testament Studies on Increasing Attributes of Being a True Disciple of Christ.

So, Apparently, I started this blog as an assignment in one of my courses the first year I started college, and forgot all about it! Now, as another assignment for another course in another college (as I have since graduated form the previous one-that's how long ago it was), I am making a new post to my recently discovered blog.

I am reading the New Testament in  my religious course and have written a list of attributes I derived from the Apostle Paul that he counseled members to improve,  being disciples of Christ in His church:

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13; 4:1-12; 5:1-22; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-6,11

- Increase and abound in love one to another and all men (continued spiritual growth and improvement more and more in efforts to please God)
A quote from Henry B. Eyring tells us how important this principle is in our day:  “As the forces around us increase in intensity, whatever spiritual strength was once sufficient will not be enough. And whatever growth in spiritual strength we once thought was possible, greater growth will be made available to us. Both the need for spiritual strength and the opportunity to acquire it will increase at rates which we underestimate at our peril” (“Always,” Ensign, Oct. 1999, 9).

- Have hearts "...unblameable in holiness before God..." and separate ourselves from unholy and unclean things.
This comes through our efforts and God's work of purifying our hearts: “Holiness … comes by faith and through obedience to God’s laws and ordinances. God then purifies the heart by faith, and the heart becomes purged from that which is profane and unworthy” (“Standing in Holy Places,”Ensign or Liahona, May 2005, 62).

- We need to be chaste and “abstain from fornication,” “possess [their] vessel” (control their bodies), and choose not to give in to “lust of concupiscence” (lustful passions).
I found this excellent quote from Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles which stated: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a single, undeviating standard of sexual morality: intimate relations are proper only between a man and a woman in the marriage relationship prescribed in God’s plan. Such relations are not merely a curiosity to be explored, an appetite to be satisfied, or a type of recreation or entertainment to be pursued selfishly. They are not a conquest to be achieved or simply an act to be performed. Rather, they are in mortality one of the ultimate expressions of our divine nature and potential and a way of strengthening emotional and spiritual bonds between husband and wife. We are agents blessed with moral agency and are defined by our divine heritage as children of God—and not by sexual behaviors, contemporary attitudes, or secular philosophies” (“We Believe in Being Chaste,” Ensign orLiahona, May 2013, 42).
What I really liked about this quote is that it reflects my own thoughts and feelings on the matter and refutes any and all attempts and explanations of deviating from this standard. What people don't get in this sex saturated world is that by living a lower standard and law, they are missing out on a very sacred powerful aspect of sexual relations. Only in and through marriage can it be achieved.It is the true ultimate experience that those who participate in any version other than God's appointed plan seem to be seeking, searching, and chasing around and around with insatiable appetites always missing the mark, getting further and further from it.Only to find themselves empty, lonely, and wanting-even as they are enraptured in their newest and latest escapade.What is this ultimate experience you ask? It is the fusion of all aspects of this most wonderful, God inspired sexual intimacy, in the  ultimate spiritual, emotional, and physical expression and bonding that can only be achieved through God's approval.The key, the missing element, the very thing that cannot be present to achieve this when not used in God's way or for self gratifying purposes is the spiritual aspect. It can only be through and by giving of oneself - in marriage- as man and wife ultimately come together to serve one another and have their hearts unified with love and sacrifice, and centered on Christ.

-Live a quiet life serving and communing with God.
 Elder Bruce D. Porter of the Seventy taught: “Personal prayer, study, and pondering are vital to the building up of the kingdom within our own souls. It is in quiet moments of contemplation and communion with the Almighty that we come to know and love Him as our Father” (“Building the Kingdom,” Ensign, May 2001, 81).
-Don't meddle in other's lives needlessly

-Work with your own hands and be honest, don't be dependent on others for that which you are capable of doing yourself. 

-We must honor others and not take advantage or wrong them, don't render evil for evil only follow that which is good.

-Pray without ceasing and rejoice.

-In everything give thanks.

- We need to stay in the light of the Gospel and not the darkness and drunkeness of the world, watch and be sober. Be ready ( not waiting to prepare), paying heed to the words of Christ and his apostles for Christ's Second Coming will be at a time when many will not be ready for it.

- Have on the Breast Plate of Faith and the Helmet of Hope.

-"Know and "esteem" leaders in the church and sustain them.

-"Quench not the Spirit" Elder David A. Bednar states that we should avoid activities that will drive the spirit away:

“If something we think, see, hear, or do distances us from the Holy Ghost, then we should stop thinking, seeing, hearing, or doing that thing. If that which is intended to entertain, for example, alienates us from the Holy Spirit, then certainly that type of entertainment is not for us. Because the Spirit cannot abide that which is vulgar, crude, or immodest, then clearly such things are not for us. Because we estrange the Spirit of the Lord when we engage in activities we know we should shun, then such things definitely are not for us.

“… As we become ever more immersed in the Spirit of the Lord, we should strive to recognize impressions when they come and the influences or events that cause us to withdraw ourselves from the Holy Ghost” (“That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us,”Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 30).

-Keep the peace

-Be patient towards all men and serve and comf0rt others, warning those that are out of line.

- “prove all things”—meaning to distinguish between good and evil—and to “hold fast that which is good”

-“Abstain from All Appearance of Evil” 

This exerpt is from the Institute New Testament Manual: "... or in other words, from all “kinds” of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22, footnote b). Church officials have also used 1 Thessalonians 5:22 to teach that we should avoid appearing as though we are doing something evil. For example, President James E. Faust taught: “I strongly urge you that if there is any question in your minds or hearts about whether your personal conduct is right or wrong, don’t do it. It is the responsibility of the prophets of God to teach the word of God, not to spell out every jot and tittle of human conduct. If we are conscientiously trying to avoid not only evil but the very appearance of evil, we will act for ourselves and not be acted upon” (“The Devil’s Throat,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2003, 51). Paul offered similar counsel in 1 Corinthians 8:9–13.

 I can testify of the truths of the importance of avoiding the presence of evil. When others question what I mean, I am always trying to explain it to them in such a way that they can understand that even though something is innocent enough or you mean no wrong by it, the potential can be there for false interpretation or become a slippery slope or others walk away confused, etc. the possibilities are endless. I am glad I can share these scriptures and counsel from the church leaders to back me up. 

Well that was a very long list of attributes and may seem like a tall order as saints to follow, but if we just reach out our hand to Christ and come unto Him, he will lift us and strengthen us as we follow Him and His example. We will find as we do this that we will in deed be able to "increase and abound" in all these attributes more and more.

I am going to choose three of these attributes to work on for the next six weeks and report my experiences as I "increase" and improve myself so I will be more prepared for the Second Coming of my Savior. 

1. Continued spiritual growth through showing more love and charity to those around me and studying my scriptures consistently.

2. In the words of a Hymn, "More holiness Give Me"! I will work on having greater personal purity by increasing my faith and obedience to Gods laws and commandments.

3. "Quench not the Spirit" - I will strive to keep the spirit with me and in the home by listening and playing hymns more often, having regular prayer and scriptures personally and with the family, and recognize impressions from the spirit when they come.