Scripture Blog

This weblog is my personal online scripture journal. I try to read the scriptures each morning as I exercise on my cross-trainer. It has a great impact on my life and my testimony of the Savior and his restored church. The journal is really for my own benefit but I have set it up as a web log in hopes to benefit anyone else that may be interested. "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." 1 Nephi 10:19

Friday, January 30, 2015

Acts 1

During the mortal ministry of the Savior, there are many occasions where the Holy Ghost was present and bore testimony of the Savior.  But as the Savior was about to leave -

"...being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."  (New Testament | Acts 1:4 - 5)

It appears that the fullness of the Gift of the Holy Ghost had not yet been bestowed upon these brethren for -

"Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen..."  (New Testament | Acts 1:2)

It appears that by this Gift that the Lord would continue to direct His work on the earth for -

"Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen..."  (New Testament | Acts 1:2)

Many claim that the day of Pentecost was when the Gift of Holy Ghost fell upon them.  That may be so, but I believe that Peter received the Holy Ghost where under his administration -

"...they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."  (New Testament | Acts 1:26)

I personally believe that when they gave forth their lots, these lots were the brethren's recommendations.  I believe that Peter chose Matthias by the Spirit or in other words, the lot fell on Matthias.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

John 21

The Savior taught -

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."  (New Testament | John 13:34)

I specifically note that the Savior taught "as I have loved you".  This would mean to me that we search the scriptures to learn how He has loved us.  Which may include teaching, testifying, kindness, rebuking, etc.

I find it interesting as the Savior had promised to visit His apostle in Galilee, that as they are fishing, He comes to the sea shore.  But what is even more interesting to me is that as His apostles returned to the shore -

"As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught."  (New Testament | John 21:9 - 10)

The Savior of the world prepared breakfast for them.  Even beckoning them -

"...Come and dine..."  (New Testament | John 21:12)

John then records -

"Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise."  (New Testament | John 21:13)

This may seem so simple.  But the Master fixed breakfast for His apostles before He taught them.  We may expect that these brethren were hungry having fished all night.  But still, what a great example before we try to feed His sheep spiritually.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

John 20

I have a painting on my stake office wall of what a appears to be a wrapping of linen that is draped and hanging of a stone platform.  The writing underneath is "He is not here".  I've had some suggest that the painting is not accurate in that the Savior folded his wrappings.  But just a matter of note, John records -

"Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself."  (New Testament | John 20:6 - 7)

Just another note.  According to John's record, the Savior said to Mary Magdalene -

"...Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God."  (New Testament | John 20:17)

But the Joseph Smith translation records -

"... Hold me not..."  (Footnote:John 20:17)

Which would suggest that Mary did hug Him and probably did not want to let go...which sounds reasonable to me.

I also note the Savior differentiated His relationship with His Father and Mary's relationship to the Father.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

John 19


The Savior answered and made a statement of profound truth to Pilate -

"...To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice."  (New Testament | John 18:37)

I know what Jesus taught is truth.  I find it difficult when I read -

"THEN Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.
2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,
3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands."  (New Testament | John 19:1 - 3)

I think the most condemning statements by Jewish leaders came as Pilate seemed to become fearful of executing the Savior for -

"...from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Cæsar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Cæsar."  (New Testament | John 19:12)

We even read of Caiaphas -

"...Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priest answered, We have no king but Cæsar." (New Testament | John 19:15)

This is the same group that tried to trap Jesus in paying tribute to Ceasar thus breaking their strict laws.  I wonder what the consequence may be for these Jewish leaders.


 

Monday, January 26, 2015

John 17

As Christ humbly gives His intercessory prayer to His Father in Heaven for His apostles, He teaches that -

"...this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."  (New Testament | John 17:3)

To have eternal life or exaltation, we must really come to know the Savior and our Father in Heaven.  In other words, we must become like them.  By the Savior's language and prayer, it appears obvious to me that our Father and Heaven and the Savior are two distinct individuals...literally, exalted persons not undefinable entities.  Some interpret that they are one of the same.  But we learn more as the Saviors speaks of His apostles and disciples -

"...Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are."  (New Testament | John 17:11)

"That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us..."  (New Testament | John 17:21)

"And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one..."  (New Testament | John 17:22)

Obviously, oneness is in reference to unity and likeness...even glory...thus we become not equal but like them.  Sounds like a father and son relationship.

I want to add some final words (I feel commandment) spoken of the Savior to His disciples saying -

"In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."  (New Testament | John 16:33)

Peace comes when we consider life from an eternal perspective.

 

Friday, January 23, 2015

John 16

As the Savior was just about to leave them, it is obvious that there is much more doctrine and teachings than what is recorded in the four gospels as He said -

"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now."   (New Testament | John 16:12)

And then He tells them how He would reveal these things to them -

"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."  (New Testament | John 16:13 - 14)

Thus there was yet much more knowledge that would be revealed by the Holy Ghost.  In many cases, I believe these to be the mysteries of God and may come to individuals as they are faithful and receive the Holy Ghost for -

"...Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."  (New Testament | John 16:23 - 24)

I believe joy comes as we receive the mysteries of God.

 

Thursday, January 22, 2015

John 15

As His time in Gethsemane quickly approaches, the Savior taught His apostles -

"...If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."  (New Testament | John 14:23)

And then the Savior teaches the great allegory of the vineyard, as He teaches -

"I AM the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."  (New Testament | John 15:1 - 2)

Obviously, the branch must remain connected to the vine for nourishment, or the branch withers away.  The Savior used the word "abide" saying -

"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."  (New Testament | John 15:5)

The Savior teaches us that -

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."  (New Testament | John 15:10)

We abide in Him as we keep His commandments including entering into essential ordinances and covenants.  In my mind, the nourishment is His words and teachings. Thus -

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."  (New Testament | John 15:7)

The Savior teaches over and over that He does nothing unless it is according to the will of the Father.  Thus He prays for that which is according to the will of the Father.  Once we come to understand His words and will (His words abide in us) then we can ask according to our will because it will be that of the Father for -

"He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 46:30)

 

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

John 14

In His final evening before His death the Savior taught His apostles -

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."  (New Testament | John 14:2)

It is my understanding that the Prophet Joseph Smith taught that "mansions" should be written "kingdoms".  In that we are taught that our spouse and ourselves, if we live righteously, and keep our covenants, that the day will come that we will become kings and queens.  Obviously, to be a king and queen would suggest that we must have a kingdom.  Thus there will be many kingdoms.  It would seem to me that these kingdoms would be families or offspring.

Upon which, Thomas asked the Savior -

"...how can we know the way?"  (New Testament | John 14:5)

It is quite simple.  The Savior answered -

"...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  (New Testament | John 14:6)

Adding -

"If ye love me, keep my commandments."  (New Testament | John 14:15)

I don't believe it could be anymore clear.

One of those being -

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."  (New Testament | John 13:34)

It becomes very clear how we are to love one another..."as I have loved you". 

 

 

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

John 13

We are counseled in modern scripture -

"...now I give unto you a commandment that what I say unto one I say unto all..."   (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 61:18)

I believe that to be true concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ and His commandments.  But I don't believe it is true concerning priesthood authority and keys and rights of administration.  To His apostles, the Savior explained to the resistant Peter and the washing of his feet -

"...If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me."  (New Testament | John 13:8)

Adding -

"...He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean..."  (New Testament | John 13:10)

After the Savior had washed the feet of His apostles -

"...he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." (New Testament | John 13:12 - 15)

I believe that this action was a special ordinance requiring special authority.  Thus, in my mind, it is limited to those He specifically instructed to perform and not necessarily to all.

There is something else I believe of great significance the Savior taught saying -

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."  (New Testament | John 13:16 - 17)

In this case, I believe the Savior is teaching with the word "Lord" would be a file leader as President Packer has mentioned.  Everyone in the Church has a file leader no matter what the calling.  As His servants we are happy as we follow the counsel of our file leaders.

Monday, January 19, 2015

John 12

As His death and resurrection was days away, the Savior taught the analogy -

"...Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."  (New Testament | John 12:24)

Not only did this apply to Him, but also to us as He continued -

"He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."  (New Testament | John 12:25 - 26)

It becomes clear to me that in order to inherit eternal life, we must become a servant and serve God and our fellowman.  Follows much the two great commandments -

"...which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."  (New Testament | Matthew 22:36 - 39)

One more thought this morning.  The Savior said over and over that He does nothing but the Father's will.  We see this in all of prayers.  One of His concluding remarks I read this morning was -

"For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak."  (New Testament | John 12:49)

If find it interesting that in all that the Savior spoke, He only spoke those things that His Father commanded Him.

Friday, January 16, 2015

John11

After hearing the miracle of raising of Lazarus from the dead, as the Jewish leaders wondered if the Savior would again come to the Passover feast -

"Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation."  (New Testament | John 11:47 - 48)

My thoughts were this morning was sarcastic..."well we can't have that".  We can't follow the true Messiah and lose our place and control of this nation.  It is then that -

"...one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not."  (New Testament | John 11:49 - 50)

From a spiritual sense, those words ring true.  John then specifically records -

"...this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad."  (New Testament | John 11:51 - 52)

Obviously, these were wicked and selfish men, but John specifically noted that Caiaphas "spake he not of himself" also being the high priest that year or presided over the council.  It seem that because of his office, even though having unworthy or wicked intent, the Spirit may still utilize the person in that position to teach and prophesy.

I am aware of stake patriarchs that have fallen and some have wondered if there blessings are valid.  Based upon this, the answer would be that because of ones office or position, their blessing can still be from the Holy Ghost.

 

Thursday, January 15, 2015

John 11

As the Savior was "beyond Jordan", He received word concerning Lazarus, in that -

"...his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick."  (New Testament | John 11:3)

Upon hearing this -

"...he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."  (New Testament | John 11:4)

It seems apparent that the Savior had plans whereby He might be glorified by a miracle for -

"When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was."  (New Testament | John 11:6)

Even telling His disciples -

"...Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well."
13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death..."  (New Testament | John 11:11 - 13)

Obviously, Jesus already knew that Lazarus had passed on and He planned to raise Him from the dead for He even plainly told His disciples -

"...Lazarus is dead."  (New Testament | John 11:14)

 But what caught my attention the most were His outspoken words as the stone to the cave was removed, where -

"...Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." (New Testament | John 11:41 - 42)

Jesus repeats over and over that He does nothing but the Father's will.  It is apparent to me, maybe while beyond Jordan, that He had prayed to the Father for in a sense, His permission to perform this great miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead.  What a great lesson for us all as we seek to do the will of the Father in our callings and family responsibilities.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

John 9

As the Savior left the maddened Pharisees at the temple -

"...he saw a man which was blind from his birth."  (New Testament | John 9:1)

And as He did -

"...he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing."  (New Testament | John 9:6 - 7)

It seems to me that with every physical blessing or healing the Savior did, was symbolic of His power of spiritual healing.  In my mind, His method of anointing the eyes of the blind with clay and then washing away the clay is symbolic of washing away the things of this world as clay is from this world.  We see much the same teaching as -

"...the Lord spake unto Enoch, and said unto him: Anoint thine eyes with clay, and wash them, and thou shalt see. And he did so.
36 And he beheld the spirits that God had created; and he beheld also things which were not visible to the natural eye..."  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 6:35 - 36)

Obvious, in this case was a spiritual "seeing".

I had another thought this morning as the Savior taught concerning the Good Shepherd where -

"...he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."  (New Testament | John 10:3 - 4)

Obviously, the sheep have agency and follower their shepherd.  It seems to me the concept of freedom or being free is the privilege and agency to choose to follow good things and principles.  As modern politicians that think they are smarter and know best do not allow agency but many times make laws that restrict our choice to do good.  They are nothing more that a hireling or sheepherder that forces the sheep to follow not allowing them to choose to follow.

 

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

John 8

As Jesus was again challenged by the Jewish leaders, He taught on of the most profound statements being -

"...If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."  (New Testament | John 8:31 - 32)

Obviously, the Savior was teaching spiritual and eternal truths for -

"...If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death."  (New Testament | John 8:51)

 or spiritual death for to this, these leaders responded arrogantly -

"...We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?"  (New Testament | John 8:33)

Somehow, just by birth they inherited a right that they are forever free.  But the Savior taught -

"...Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."  (New Testament | John 8:34)

And in my mind, a servant of Satan and carnal desires thus -

"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."  (New Testament | John 8:44)

The blessings of eternal life is that we will forever be free.

Monday, January 12, 2015

John 7

I find the 6th and 7th Chapters of John quite touching and overwhelming.  How do you blog about these two chapters without quoting all the verses.  In these chapters, the Savior declares His divine Sonship, that He does nothing but the will of the Father, and using the analogy of spiritual food and water, He teaches that it is only through Him that exaltation and eternal life is available.  And no matter how he tried, the Jews (including the Jewish leaders) did not understand saying -

"...This is an hard saying; who can hear it?..."  (New Testament | John 6:60)

And -

"What manner of saying is this that he said..."  (New Testament | John 7:36)

In that they were looking for someone, in my mind, to come and save them in the temporal and welfare needs -

"...that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him."  (New Testament | John 6:66)

How disheartening this must have been for the Savior.  Some of the highlights of the true doctrine He taught included -

"...Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me."  (New Testament | John 6:53 - 57)

Obviously, we must totally take within us His doctrine, having faith in Him, repenting, and take upon us His ordinances and covenants for -

"...My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."  (New Testament | John 7:16 - 17)

And -

"...If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"  (New Testament | John 7:37 - 39)

Obviously, when Jesus taught, He spoke of spiritual things while the Jew only considered temporal things.

Friday, January 09, 2015

John 6

I have two thoughts this morning.  The first is that I blogged yesterday that all that are in the graves shall hear His voice and will come forth or be resurrrected (John 5:29).  But just before that, the Savior teaches -

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live."  (New Testament | John 5:25)

I believe that this is a different event in hearing the voice of the Lord.  For in this case, it states that those that "hear" or in my mind, hearkens shall live.  In other words, the hour is coming when the Savior will visit the spirits in prison or the spirit world.  And those that will hearken and repent may have eternal life for Peter taught much the same saying -

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison..." (New Testament | 1 Peter 3:18 - 19)

The second thought is in regards to John's record of the feeding of the 5,000.  First, king Benjamin taught -

"...the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."  (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:19)

It seems the natural man many times wants the world to provide everthing for them.  After the Savior had provided food for the 5,000 we read -

"Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
15 ¶ When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king..."  (New Testament | John 6:14 - 15)

I wonder if their intent was not spiritual but they perceived the Savior would provide for them temporally. for after the Savior and disciples had left during the night across the Sea of Galilee (the Savior walked) -

The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?"  (New Testament | John 6:22 - 25)

It was the Savior's response to them that caused me to wonder if their only interest was temporal welfare for -

"Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled."  (New Testament | John 6:26)

This seems the nature of many men in our day who they vote or would have those that rule over them.

Thursday, January 08, 2015

John 5

After the Savior had healed on the Sabbath and testified concerning His divinity or His Father, many of the Jews wanted to kill Him.  But He provided and testified of His work as the Savior responded -

"...Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth..."  (New Testament | John 5:19 - 20)

In my mind,  the word "do" suggests desire and will.  Thus the Savior can only do the Father's will. Because the Savior will only do the will of Father, we learn that the Father has delegated all matters concerning judgment to His Son  -

"For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son..."  (New Testament | John 5:21 - 22)

"Quickeneth" suggests to me more than living again, but sufficient power to qualify one for eternal life or exaltation.  This is evidenced by the fact that all -

"...shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."  (New Testament | John 5:29)

Therefore -

"...all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation..."  (New Testament | John 5:23 - 24)

One more point.  We know that the Savior said that concerning His own life -

"...I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again."  (New Testament | John 10:18)

Thus as He taught the Jews -

"For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself..."  (New Testament | John 5:26)

 

Wednesday, January 07, 2015

John 4

As His disciples returned with food to the well where the Savior had just met with the Samarian woman -

"...his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat."  (New Testament | John 4:31)

We already know that the Savior was -

"...wearied with his journey..."  (New Testament | John 4:6)

But even being weary, the Savior took the opportunity to teach His disciples saying -

"...I have meat to eat that ye know not of."  (New Testament | John 4:32)

...much like spoken to the woman at the well where He taught -

"...whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."  (New Testament | John 4:14)

Living water was spoken by Jeremiah as -

"For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water."  (Old Testament | Jeremiah 2:13)

Obviously, the Savior is the fountain of living waters -

"...and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 58:11)

Returning to the Savior's comments on food His disciples know not of, they answered -

"...Hath any man brought him ought to eat?"  (New Testament | John 4:33)

It is then the Savior teaches this great lesson -

"...My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours."  (New Testament | John 4:34 - 38)

In my mind, the food is the gospel wherein we learn that there are sowers and reapers with the gospel.  My thoughts are that as we live righteously, we are always sowers to our friends and neighbors.

Tuesday, January 06, 2015

John 3

After attending the Passover in Jerusalem (the first in His ministry), Jesus departs and goes to Judea where we read -

"...came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judæa; and there he tarried with them, and baptized."  (New Testament | John 3:22)

Obviously, Jesus began baptizing.  I believe He baptized the disciples that followed him.  Whether He was in the same location as John or not, it seems they were very close for -

"...there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him."  (New Testament | John 3:25 - 26)

Purifying in my mind was baptism for the remission of sins.  It was to this question by John's disciples that John taught -

"...A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled."  (New Testament | John 3:27 - 29)

I believe John senses His mission and calling is now closing and fulfilled.  What I was touched by this morning was John's acknowledgement -

"He must increase, but I must decrease."  (New Testament | John 3:30)

I think this is a very important statement and truth.  There are times that members are called to important or highly profile callings or presiding positions.  But the time comes when individuals are released an others sustained.  Former presiding officers must "decrease" and allow the newly called to "increase".  The saints should recognize one has been released and the new is now presiding.  John somewhat reflects that in his statement.

Monday, January 05, 2015

John 1

We speak much of the necessity of having faith in Jesus Christ and in His atonement.  We see this among the early disciples called by the Savior.  I was impressed as -

"Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel."  (New Testament | John 1:45 - 49)

I sense a little bit of humor in Nathanael's sarcastic response of anything good come out of Nazareth.  Those words bring out some personality in Nathanael.  But Nathanael immediately believed showing the attribute of faith as the Savior knew him and spoke of his past.  What is impressive is the promise of such to those that have faith as the Savior responded -

"...Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."  (New Testament | John 1:50 - 51)

One may want to reviews Alma's teaching on faith in Alma 32

 

Friday, January 02, 2015

John 1

As John begins his record, the King James version of the translation of Greek text (I believe) seems kind of confusing.  I've wondered it this is really what John wrote -

"IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."  (New Testament | John 1:1 - 5)

The Prophet Joseph Smith version of the translation makes much more sense to me as he translated -

"In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God.
2. The same was in the beginning with God.
3. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made which was made.
4. In him was the gospel, and the gospel was the life, and the life was the light of men;
5. And the light shineth in the world, and the world perceiveth it not."  (JST | John 1:1 - 5) (See John - LDS Bible Dictionary)

Herein we learn that the gospel or doctrine of Christ, or in my mind the very plan of exaltation  (the word) was taught from the beginning or in other words, the premortal existence by the Savior.  In my mind, the gospel taught by Christ is the oppourtunity of life or eternal life for all men by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

We learn that God the Father and Jesus Christ are seperate individuals but both considered God.  We learn the Christ in His premortal state created the world and all things.

Now this makes sense.  Probably what John really wrote.