Jesus Calls Twelve Apostles to Preach and Bless Others

Matthew chapter 10, Jesus calls his apostles and gives them their charge:

5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

 9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

 10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

 11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

Rooted in Christ: Elder L. Whitney CLayton

Here are some things to think about this Sunday, How rooted are we in Christ?  Elder L. Whitney Clayton gives a fantastic lesson on being rooted in Christ.  He compares our commitment to Christ to the roots of the scrub oak tree, which quickly go down in the soil where they can draw nourishment, and provide strength to the tree.  Our faith in Christ needs to be as those strong roots, which keep the tree strong.

#Hallelujah—An Easter Message about Jesus Christ

"In Jesus Christ I have found new life"

The Amazing Power of Healing

Look at the amazing difference between these pictures.  The first is Saturday after wound therapy.  The wound clinic worker removed a lot of the dead skin, and everything is red and sore.  The next picture, the following evening shows some healing already.  However the third picture which was taken yesterday at my wound clinic appointment, shows great strides.  There are a few places where the new skin is still weak, but I am healing.  The light spots don't need the antibiotic stuff any more.  The pain is pretty much gone; however there is an itchy phase to healing.  For over a week I couldn't stand putting pressure on my back.  Now I welcome it as it helps to soothe the itching.  I use my pillow to add pressure to my back.  Last night I slept on my back for the first time since the accident on the 13th.

In like fashion, Jesus heals.  I can warrant much of the healing to Caleb's priesthood blessing, which comes from Jesus.  However in life, we all receive little knocks from time to time.  We make little mistakes, and they begin to add up.  I want you to know that Jesus heals.  Just as he healed physical pain through His miracles, He also heals spiritual pain.  More than once he said, "Thy sins are forgiven thee, go and sin no more."  He has gone below all things.  He has carried our sorrows.  He can heal.  He will will.  We just need to reach out to Him.

Why We Need a Savior — A Christmas message about our Savior Jesus Christ...

This goes with the Church's Christmas campaign this year.  The message in this video is very good, and gives a view of a world without a savior.  He has healed us.  Take time to look at all the presentations,  There is an interactive one as well as lessons about the Savior.  Take this opportunity to draw closer to the Savior.

A Savior Is Born—Christmas Video

The Christmas Message from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is short but superb this year.

Movie Review: Max Lucado 3:16

Movie Review: Max Lucado 3:16

This is basically a preacher’s recounting of the scripture from John, over and over with different stories.  I am not sure if I agree with his philosophy.  He basically says it doesn’t matter who we are, if we believe in Christ, we then receive Eternal life.  The King James version: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  However the version he uses says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  There is a difference.  I don’t want to down play the grace of God.  Without the atonement of Christ there is no immortality nor eternal life.  That we will all resurrect is a gift from God to everyone.  That we can also receive eternal life is also a gift from God, after all we can do.  I guess I also believe the Bible when James says, faith without works is dead.  We do need to life our lives in accordance with our belief.

Another subtle difference between Mormon thought and what others might think is the difference between eternal life and immortality.  Eternal life is in God’s presence, enjoying the association with our family.  However immortal life does not necessarily include these blessings. 

I think we cannot underestimate the role of Christ in our lives.  However, his life was one of example as well.  We should live and follow his example as much as we can.  IN this way we will be comfortable lifing with God the Father and His son Jesus Christ.

Sunday School: Isaiah Recounts Blessings from the Savior

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-025-he-is-risen?category=topics/easter&&lang=eng
HE IS RISEN

This week we focused on the words of Isaiah in Sunday School.  He spoke symbolically, but looking through the symbols, we can see some of the blessings the Lord has given us.  These are just some of the things for which we say, "He shall be called wonderful."
1.  He opens the door to His kingdom.  Because He is the one who accomplished the atonement, it is He who stands at the gate.
2.  He went and initiated the teaching of the Gospel to those in spirit prison.  Because not everyone accepted Jesus in the life, and many did not even hear of Jesus, a way was prepared for all to come to the gospel.  Jesus, while his body lay in the tomb, visited these realms, and organized the preaching of the gospel to the dead.
3. The Savior is a strength and a refuge.  In Him we find shade from the sun, water in a dry pace, shelter from the storm.  Isaiah speaks symbolically to let us know that Jesus provides a refuge from the world.
4. The Savior prepares a feast, and destroys the veil.  The Savior feeds us with spiritual knowledge through the temples, and with the scriptures and prophets.  He destroys the veil of unbelief.
5. The Savior wipes away our tears. The Savior knows us intimately.  He loves us and takes away our sorrows.  Because he wallowed up death, death is but a brief parting, and because he atoned for our sins, their is repentance.
6.  The Savior brings the resurrection.  Because the Savior has conquered death, we all shall be resurrected.  This is a gift from Him. 
7. The Savior is our sure foundation.  If we build upon the rock of the Savior, we shall not fail.
8. The Savior has brought about the restoration of the Gospel.  We have the priesthood anew, prophets and apostles, revelation, and we have additional scripture including the Book of Mormon.
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2009-02-04-the-message-of-the-restoration?category=mormon-messages/mormon-messages-2009&&lang=eng
The Restoration
9. The Savior knows our trials, and directs our path.  When we experience hardship, and we all will have our turn, the Savior leads us and directs us and helps us find peace.

Coming Unto Christ

A few years ago, while taking a course on "Preach My Gospel,  Sister Ure was called upon to answer the question, “What is the gospel of Jesus Christ?”  She had talked about this question with her family, and provided an answer she had gotten from her daughter, Caroline.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is to “Come unto Jesus.”

Perhaps we hear the invitation of the Savior, “Come unto me, all you who are heavy laden, and I will give thee rest; Take of my fruit and you will be blessed.”

And so we ask ourselves, what are the blessings of coming unto Christ.  Page 1 of the Preach My Gospel Manuel refers to the people in our day.  "They want 'peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come' (D&C 59:23), but they are 'kept from the truth because they know not where to find it' (D&C 123:12)."  (PMG p 1)

The Savior defined His gospel to include some very vital and basic doctrines. He came into the world to do His Father’s will, and His Father sent Him into the world to be lifted up on the cross. By His Atonement and Resurrection, all men will be lifted up to stand before Christ to be judged of their works, whether they be good or evil. Those who exercise faith in Christ, repent of their sins, and are baptized in Christ’s name can be sanctified by the Holy Ghost. If they endure to the end, they will stand spotless before Christ at the last day and will enter into the rest of the Lord. (Preach My Gospel pg 5)

 

Through the atonement we can find peace.  However we can also find peace in our family units, eternally.  "The message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ makes it possible for families to be united now and in eternity. By living the principles of the gospel, families can experience peace, joy, and a sense of belonging and identity in this life. Through the light of the gospel, families can resolve misunderstandings, contentions, and challenges. Families torn by discord can be healed through repentance, forgiveness, and faith in the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 'Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities' (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102)."(PMG p 3)

"Obedience to Jesus Christ is a lifelong commitment. Through exercising faith, repenting, being baptized and committing to serve Christ, and then receiving the Holy Ghost, we can experience healing, forgiveness of sins, and complete conversion to the Savior and His gospel. (PMG pg 6)"

LDS Bible Videos: Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-031-jesus-heals-a-woman-of-faith?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&&lang=eng

Luke 8: 43 ¶And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

 44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

 45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

 46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.

 48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

Speaking of this story,Sister Anne C. Pingree said: I have asked myself what might have happened if this woman with the issue of blood had not believed in the Savior enough to make whatever effort was necessary to touch the border of His robe. In that throng I imagine getting even that close to Him took some doing. Yet, “nothing wavering,” she persisted.  In like manner, we must demonstrate that faith in the Lord has penetrated our hearts deeply enough to move us to action.

I once included this story in a song I wrote entitled "He Healed Me."  This is a quartet, with four solo parts.  Each verse is a different miracle, told from the viewpoint of the received of the miracle. It concludes with, "Thy faith hath made they whole."

Sunday School: Old Testament: Hosea

Hosea talked of the people of Israel and their relationship the Lord as being similar to a marriage, with the Lord being the faithful husband, and the children of Israel the wayward wife.  He loves her always, but when she turns from her harloting he is able to provide more blessings. However, when we chase after other gods, our personal ability, our own intelligence, money, worldly possessions the Lord is unable to bless us.
The Lord paid for his wife, as he has paid the price for us all, and purchased us with the blood of the atonement.
1 Peter 1: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/the-atonement?lang=eng 

Boyd K. Packer on repentance

http://bcove.me/ku6kzkyt
Elder Shayne Bowen on reclaiming.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is available to each of us. His Atonement is infinite. It applies to everyone, even you. It can clean, reclaim, and sanctify even you. That is what infinite means—total, complete, all, forever. President Boyd K. Packer has taught: “There is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the atonement of Christ” (“The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 20).

Just as the landfill requires dedicated work and attention, laboriously applying layer after layer of fill to reclaim the low-lying ground, our lives also require the same vigilance, continually applying layer after layer of the healing gift of repentance.

May we wrap ourselves with the blanket of Jesus' love.   He can comfort us, bring us hope and peace, and prepare us for exaltation.

Jesus Call His Apostles: I Will Make Ye Fishers of Men

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-060-follow-me-and-i-will-make-you-fishers-of-men?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ

Jesus calls his apostles:

 18 ¶And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

 21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

 22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.  (Matthew 4)

  16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

 17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

 19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

 20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.  (Mark 1)

Portrait: Jesus Christ

I think this picture may be from temple square.  On the back it says:
We hope you enjoy this beautiful depiction of the Savior, titled The Lord Jesus Christ.  The original oil painting on canvas was completed in 1983 by American artist Del Parson.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we add our witness to the solemn testimonies of millions from the past and present that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of the Living God, the Redeemer and Savior of the human race, the Eternal Judge of all people, the Chosen and Anointed of the Father--the Christ.
If you would like to talk with representatives of the Church about the Savior's teaching, call 1-800-622-5595, or write:
Teachings
50 East North Temple Street, 3rd Floor West Wing
Salt Lake City, UT 84150
USA

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

You can also learn more about the church at Mormon.org

LDS.org: The Good Samaritan

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/1998-05-01-the-good-samaritan?category=feature-films&lang=eng

This was a very good movie for Family Home Evening today.  It is interesting that the actor who portrayed the Savior also played the part of the Good Samaritan, bringing to light the symbolism.  The Savior heals our wounds and bears us up in so m any ways.  It is his suffering which makes it possible that we can all atone with God, and receive eternal life.

Mormon Video: Finding Faith in Christ

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2004-01-01-finding-faith-in-christ?lang=eng

I love this movie.  I could watch it over and over.  May we all find faith in Christ.  In him is the resurrection and life.  He that believeth in Him shall have eternal life, and never die.  This movie shows this story from the perspective of Thomas, he who was not with the other apostles when Jesus first showed himself to them, but later had greater faith.
This is a film produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It is offered by he church to help people increase their faith in Jesus Christ.
The film ends with an appropriate scripture: John 3:16.  For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

Sunday School: Old Testament: Moses and the Children of Israel

The relationship between God, Moses and the Children of Israel was very interesting.  The children of Israel were always looking back to Egypt, rather than forward to the promised land.  "Oh that we had stayed in Egypt" was a common cry.  They said this when Pharaoh trapped them against the banks of the Red Sea, when they were short of water, when they had no fun, when they were tired of manna, when the way was too hard, and when they feared those in Canaan.  It got to the point where God was ready to destroy the house of Israel, but Moses convinced him not to do so.  Instead he determined that the current generation would all die off before they would enter the promised land, and that is what happened except for Joshua and Caleb.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-054-skiing-expedition?category=old-testament/introduction-deuteronomy&&lang=eng&order=chronological
Follow the prophet.
https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/lord-i-believe?lang=eng
Robert D. Hales, walk by faith.

What is even more incredible is the constant reminders of Jesus Christ in this story.  We see a type of Jesus in the Passover.  The lamb without blemish, and the blood on the doorway point to Christ, the manna or bread of life reminds us of Jesus, and the snake on a staff, to which the people must look to live also reminds us of Jesus.
http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=2649250157001
Daily Bread

Because of Him

This is life changing

Jesus's last week

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-048-render-unto-caesar-and-unto-god?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&&lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-052-the-greatest-commandment?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&&lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-009-jesus-teaches-about-the-widows-mites?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&&lang=eng

Jesus' last week was marked by continued teaching, and confrontation with the Pharisees. 

Jesus Enters Jesrusalem Initiating the Atonement

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-017-the-lords-triumphal-entry-into-jerusalem?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&&lang=eng

No words in this short video, but sometimes so much more can be said by actions and eyes.

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus of Being Born by the Spirit, and Eternal Life

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-028-jesus-teaches-of-being-born-again?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&&lang=eng

I love these bible videos.  There is a lot Jesus tells Nicodemus at the well.  He starts talking of being reborn of the water and the spirit, but then goes on from there.  This is from John Chapter 3.  The highlight is when Jesus talks of himself, that he must be lifted up, and as the serpent of Moses was lifted up, so those who look on Him might be saved.  And then the climax of the chapter:
16 ¶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

This is beautifully presented and there are no more powerful words than these.  Through Jesus we may have eternal life.