In 2nd Timothy in the New Testament, we find Paul’s final known recorded letter. It was written while he was under house arrest in Rome for two years before his death. Why was he given this time before he was executed? It is known that during that time period, Roman citizens sentenced to be executed were granted a period of time in which to set their affairs in order. As Paul was a Roman citizen, it is very plausible that he was granted this same opportunity by right.
In this letter, he requests that Timothy come to Rome to see him as swiftly as possible. He also requests that Timothy bring Mark with him, as he feels him to be a profitable servant of the Lord. This, then, establishes for close readers a connection between Paul, Mark, and Rome. All three came into contact in the time preceding Paul’s death.
In this same epistle, Paul also requests that Timothy bring the “books.” Greek translation tells us this could refer to “notebooks,” possibly referencing the records Paul kept through his ministry. These records would have included things such as copies of the epistles he had sent and received. Mark then would have had access to Paul’s account of Christ, as well as the accounts he received from others. Through my reading of the New Testament, I have found Mark had many sources to draw from when he wrote his account of the Savior’s life. It is also of little wonder to me that his is thought to have been the first account.
Mark, Rome, and obviously Paul also have a direct connection to Peter. From Peter’s epistle in 1st and 2nd Peter, we learn that Peter was in Babylon. This is of course used as a euphemism for corrupt societies. Peter is using the term as code to refer to Rome. We also learn that Mark is there in Rome with Peter. Textual clues indicate that Mark was Peter’s executive secretary and so would have written down this epistle for Peter. Mark ends up writing the Gospel of Mark at about the time of Peter’s death. Mark served alongside both Peter and Paul through the course of their ministries.
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Crandall Printing Musuem
I absolutely loved my visit to the Crandall Printing Museum. It was fascinating to not only learn about, but also to actually see the development and progression of printing. There is no doubt in my mind how essential the Lord’s hand was in bringing about this process.
I am amazed by the patience and determination of Gutenberg. As Mr. Crandall and his two partners shared with us their knowledge of the development of the printing press, it became clear to me what a process it really was. He initially used the model of an olive press, and just adapted it for his purposes. He then had to develop a metal alloy that was soft enough to carve out the letters of the print type, yet firm enough to retain their shape. As he came up against problem after problem, Gutenberg just kept resolving the issues with new inventions and further developments. For example, the ink used by scribes for centuries was a thin, runny liquid that definitely wasn’t suitable for the metal blocks of the printing press. As a result, Gutenberg developed an ink with the viscosity that allowed it to be sticky enough to copy from the molded metal type face to the paper. As a further extension, he also developed a means by which to apply the ink evenly to the set frames of type. The recent development of paper was a miracle in and of itself.
Gutenberg set up six printing presses, and trained a full crew to man each one. This of course required his going into a significant amount of debt, and even the eventual loss of his presses. Why was he so determined to initiate this industry on such a vast scale? I personally feel he was divinely inspired. The result of his six printing presses were six trained teams of individuals who could then set up and run their own printing presses. This, of course, led to the rapid expansion of printing in the Western World. I am so grateful for Gutenberg’s drive and patience.
Availability of printed material had a dramatic impact on the Western World. Moving forward about 380 years from Gutenberg’s initial invention, Mr. Crandall and his associates then showed us into the next room. This room contained a replica of a printing press identical to that of which Ben Franklin would have used. By this time, the invention of the printing press itself had changed very little. The widespread significance of the printing industry by this time completely transformed society and the role of the individual within it. It was amazing to be able to touch the actual blocks set to print the original Declaration of Independence. Printing had such an important influence on the American Revolution, particularly through pamphlets such as Thomas Paine’s Common Sense.
We then continued on into an adjacent room. It was set up exactly as E. B. Granden’s printing shop in Palmyra, New York in 1829. I listened in awe as Mr. Crandall described the entire process by which the Book of Mormon was first set in type, printed, and bound. The copied manuscript, transcribed by Oliver Cowdery, had no punctuation. The man who set the type had to do so, inserting the proper punctuation as he went. Sixteen pages could be printed at one time. Apprentices of replacing each letter block into its proper box. The time it took to print and bind those first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon averages out to those boys pulling the lever for that press about once every two minutes. Mr. Crandall allowed us to try and pull the lever: it’s extremely heavy! He told us there is no logical way that many books could have been printed in such a short amount of time. It’s impossible. But the Book of Mormon needed to be ready for the reorganization of the church on April 6, 1830, and it was.
Just as Mr. Crandall, I have a very strong testimony that the development and progression of the printing press was fundamental to the Restoration of the Gospel. I’m so grateful for the incredible learning opportunity I was granted in being able to visit the Crandall Printing Museum.
I am amazed by the patience and determination of Gutenberg. As Mr. Crandall and his two partners shared with us their knowledge of the development of the printing press, it became clear to me what a process it really was. He initially used the model of an olive press, and just adapted it for his purposes. He then had to develop a metal alloy that was soft enough to carve out the letters of the print type, yet firm enough to retain their shape. As he came up against problem after problem, Gutenberg just kept resolving the issues with new inventions and further developments. For example, the ink used by scribes for centuries was a thin, runny liquid that definitely wasn’t suitable for the metal blocks of the printing press. As a result, Gutenberg developed an ink with the viscosity that allowed it to be sticky enough to copy from the molded metal type face to the paper. As a further extension, he also developed a means by which to apply the ink evenly to the set frames of type. The recent development of paper was a miracle in and of itself.
Gutenberg set up six printing presses, and trained a full crew to man each one. This of course required his going into a significant amount of debt, and even the eventual loss of his presses. Why was he so determined to initiate this industry on such a vast scale? I personally feel he was divinely inspired. The result of his six printing presses were six trained teams of individuals who could then set up and run their own printing presses. This, of course, led to the rapid expansion of printing in the Western World. I am so grateful for Gutenberg’s drive and patience.
Availability of printed material had a dramatic impact on the Western World. Moving forward about 380 years from Gutenberg’s initial invention, Mr. Crandall and his associates then showed us into the next room. This room contained a replica of a printing press identical to that of which Ben Franklin would have used. By this time, the invention of the printing press itself had changed very little. The widespread significance of the printing industry by this time completely transformed society and the role of the individual within it. It was amazing to be able to touch the actual blocks set to print the original Declaration of Independence. Printing had such an important influence on the American Revolution, particularly through pamphlets such as Thomas Paine’s Common Sense.
We then continued on into an adjacent room. It was set up exactly as E. B. Granden’s printing shop in Palmyra, New York in 1829. I listened in awe as Mr. Crandall described the entire process by which the Book of Mormon was first set in type, printed, and bound. The copied manuscript, transcribed by Oliver Cowdery, had no punctuation. The man who set the type had to do so, inserting the proper punctuation as he went. Sixteen pages could be printed at one time. Apprentices of replacing each letter block into its proper box. The time it took to print and bind those first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon averages out to those boys pulling the lever for that press about once every two minutes. Mr. Crandall allowed us to try and pull the lever: it’s extremely heavy! He told us there is no logical way that many books could have been printed in such a short amount of time. It’s impossible. But the Book of Mormon needed to be ready for the reorganization of the church on April 6, 1830, and it was.
Just as Mr. Crandall, I have a very strong testimony that the development and progression of the printing press was fundamental to the Restoration of the Gospel. I’m so grateful for the incredible learning opportunity I was granted in being able to visit the Crandall Printing Museum.
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Paul's Final Journey
In the book of Acts, chapters 21 through 26 provide mostly historical information rather than doctrine and gospel principles. Historical background can be helpful in setting the context necessary to better understand Paul’s epistles, however, these particular chapters serve quite another function. Luke included this information as essential in fulfilling prophecy. Luke did not write the book of Acts as a doctrinal manual on how the church was run and what it was like for those early followers of Christ.
Looking back at Acts chapter 9, we recall when Christ tells Ananias to go heal and baptize Paul. Christ prophecies that Paul will bear testimony to Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Luke shows the fulfillment of this prophecy through his documentation of Paul’s final journey to Jerusalem.
By the power of the Holy Ghost, Paul knows his journey will end in Jerusalem. While at the temple in Jerusalem, Paul is arrested. He uses the fact that he is a born Roman citizen for his protection. Thus begins a journey of getting passed around through the various Jewish and Roman courts as they judge him. He suffers many afflictions including two years in prison. In this time period, however, he has several neat experiences that fulfill earlier prophecies of his life and teaching.
That he had dedicated his life to teaching the gospel was especially manifest through experiences like being in the Jewish court and bringing up the subject of the resurrection. He did this intentionally, knowing full well the disagreement it would bring up between the Sadducees and Pharisees present. His preaching even went as far to relate his conversion and testify of Christ to King Agrippa. Agrippa’s well-known acknowledgment to Paul that “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,” demonstrates the respect and admiration a ruler of the land even had for Paul.
Though historical rather than doctrinal information is provided, these chapters are extremely important in bringing about one of Luke’s main purposes as its author. He shows through these experiences, the fulfillment of prophecy. As Christ said he would, Paul did bear testimony to Gentiles, the children of Israel, and even kings. It is not hard to perceive why Paul did not fear his approaching end. He knew with full confidence that he truly had “fought a good fight” and “kept the faith.” He lived to serve and bear testimony of his Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ.
Looking back at Acts chapter 9, we recall when Christ tells Ananias to go heal and baptize Paul. Christ prophecies that Paul will bear testimony to Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Luke shows the fulfillment of this prophecy through his documentation of Paul’s final journey to Jerusalem.
By the power of the Holy Ghost, Paul knows his journey will end in Jerusalem. While at the temple in Jerusalem, Paul is arrested. He uses the fact that he is a born Roman citizen for his protection. Thus begins a journey of getting passed around through the various Jewish and Roman courts as they judge him. He suffers many afflictions including two years in prison. In this time period, however, he has several neat experiences that fulfill earlier prophecies of his life and teaching.
That he had dedicated his life to teaching the gospel was especially manifest through experiences like being in the Jewish court and bringing up the subject of the resurrection. He did this intentionally, knowing full well the disagreement it would bring up between the Sadducees and Pharisees present. His preaching even went as far to relate his conversion and testify of Christ to King Agrippa. Agrippa’s well-known acknowledgment to Paul that “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,” demonstrates the respect and admiration a ruler of the land even had for Paul.
Though historical rather than doctrinal information is provided, these chapters are extremely important in bringing about one of Luke’s main purposes as its author. He shows through these experiences, the fulfillment of prophecy. As Christ said he would, Paul did bear testimony to Gentiles, the children of Israel, and even kings. It is not hard to perceive why Paul did not fear his approaching end. He knew with full confidence that he truly had “fought a good fight” and “kept the faith.” He lived to serve and bear testimony of his Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
The Apostasy
On his way to Jerusalem, Paul bypasses Ephesus and goes further south to Miletus. He has the elders stationed in Ephesus come to Miletus to meet with him. By the power of the Holy Ghost, he knows his end is at hand, in Jerusalem. It is now especially that Paul prophesies of the Great Apostasy. This of course, means the end of the church, yet not the end of Christianity. That is where many of the early saints found confusion. They had been told the church would end, and indeed the temple at Jerusalem was destroyed, but Christianity survived. What was is it that ended then?
The Great Apostasy was the period of time when the Priesthood, Christ’s church, gospel, and authority, were removed from the earth. The apostles of the Lamb, such as Paul, were slain. There is especially powerful imagery foreshadowing the apostasy contained in the twenty-first chapter of Acts. Luke describes how Paul was thrown out of the temple, and the “doors were closed.” These doors would have been enormous, extremely heavy, and therefore not easily opened. Their closure stands as a symbol that the temple would no longer be a place of worship. It also symbolically parallels the end of Paul’s ministry upon the earth.
Christ’s church was necessarily removed from the earth as the people hardened their hearts and were no longer willing to receive it. It is absolutely of no wonder that the time of the Great Apostasy coincides with what our history books have labeled as the Dark Ages. It was a horrible time of pestilence, bloodshed, disease, and sorrow. Without the light of Christ to provide life and hope for the world, its inhabitants were inevitably mired in a state of evil and misery. This especially illustrates the importance of the power and ordinances of the gospel. Though Christianity maintained many of the fundamental doctrines, the church remained on the earth without the necessary direction to progress and succeed. Corruption ensued and apostasy continued.
Oh how glorious, then was the restoration of the gospel of Christ in these latter days. The apostasy at last came to an end as Christ and his Holy Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith in the latter days, ushering in the dispensation of the fullness of times. I am so grateful for the gospel, for the light and truth that comes from seeking and following Christ. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. I am so grateful to live in this time, when his Priesthood and Church have been restored to the earth.
The Great Apostasy was the period of time when the Priesthood, Christ’s church, gospel, and authority, were removed from the earth. The apostles of the Lamb, such as Paul, were slain. There is especially powerful imagery foreshadowing the apostasy contained in the twenty-first chapter of Acts. Luke describes how Paul was thrown out of the temple, and the “doors were closed.” These doors would have been enormous, extremely heavy, and therefore not easily opened. Their closure stands as a symbol that the temple would no longer be a place of worship. It also symbolically parallels the end of Paul’s ministry upon the earth.
Christ’s church was necessarily removed from the earth as the people hardened their hearts and were no longer willing to receive it. It is absolutely of no wonder that the time of the Great Apostasy coincides with what our history books have labeled as the Dark Ages. It was a horrible time of pestilence, bloodshed, disease, and sorrow. Without the light of Christ to provide life and hope for the world, its inhabitants were inevitably mired in a state of evil and misery. This especially illustrates the importance of the power and ordinances of the gospel. Though Christianity maintained many of the fundamental doctrines, the church remained on the earth without the necessary direction to progress and succeed. Corruption ensued and apostasy continued.
Oh how glorious, then was the restoration of the gospel of Christ in these latter days. The apostasy at last came to an end as Christ and his Holy Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith in the latter days, ushering in the dispensation of the fullness of times. I am so grateful for the gospel, for the light and truth that comes from seeking and following Christ. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. I am so grateful to live in this time, when his Priesthood and Church have been restored to the earth.
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Museum of Art
I had such a wonderful experience on our excursion to the Museum of Art on Wednesday. I love art anyway, but so intrigued by the insight we received on the tour. It was especially neat to hear all of the comments of my classmates and their perspectives coming from different backgrounds and academic interests. I gained a lot from the exhibit, both academically and on a spiritual level.
The portion of the Types and Shadows exhibit that stood out to me the most was the section with the paintings detailing the Savior’s parable of the Prodigal Son. There were two paintings in a row and across from each other that I especially focused in on and compared with one another. One of them of them seemed very abstract; it was divided into three panels and had apples, grapes, glasses of wine, a miniature “fatted-calf,” and blue cloth, all different shades and gradations of color. At first I was confused by its meaning. My first impression of the painting was quite a different interpretation than several of my fellow classmates ended up mentioning; however, my ideas opened up an important insight for me personally. I viewed the three panels instinctively as the three phases of our life: the pre-existence, life on earth, and life in the world to come. The dreary, dull, vague colors of the middle panel made me think of this, especially when compared with the images of the vibrant, ripe fruit in the adjoining panel.
I then turned my attention to another painting depicting the father embracing the prodigal son with such sincere love and tenderness. The prodigal son has one foot on the stair, and his father has come down one stair to meet his son. A deeper meaning of this piece suddenly dawned on me. I immediately saw the connection between the father and our Savior. He is reaching out, ready to receive the son and even comes part of the way down to embrace him with open arms. A flood of thoughts connecting the scriptural story and these two paintings flowed through my mind and resulted in quite the spiritual epiphany.
As simple as it seems to me now, I realized an important application I have always missed with this parable of the prodigal son. Whenever I have studied it in Sunday School or in my own personal study, I have always heard it applied to wayward children, or those who leave the church and need to be welcomed back into the fold with open arms. I guess I’ve thought about it, but it’s never completely occurred to me that each of us is the prodigal son. It has a very real personal application. We all fall short, we’ve all gone astray. Jesus Christ is there the whole way through, waiting to welcome us home. Through his atonement, we can be forgiven, and He will welcome us with open arms into His sincere, loving embrace.
I thought it was an amazing experience that the types and shadows represented in these two paintings really brought me to the realization that I have been missing a very significant personal application in a parable I have studied all my life. I appreciate the beauty and the deeper understanding that this terrific experience brought to me.
The portion of the Types and Shadows exhibit that stood out to me the most was the section with the paintings detailing the Savior’s parable of the Prodigal Son. There were two paintings in a row and across from each other that I especially focused in on and compared with one another. One of them of them seemed very abstract; it was divided into three panels and had apples, grapes, glasses of wine, a miniature “fatted-calf,” and blue cloth, all different shades and gradations of color. At first I was confused by its meaning. My first impression of the painting was quite a different interpretation than several of my fellow classmates ended up mentioning; however, my ideas opened up an important insight for me personally. I viewed the three panels instinctively as the three phases of our life: the pre-existence, life on earth, and life in the world to come. The dreary, dull, vague colors of the middle panel made me think of this, especially when compared with the images of the vibrant, ripe fruit in the adjoining panel.
I then turned my attention to another painting depicting the father embracing the prodigal son with such sincere love and tenderness. The prodigal son has one foot on the stair, and his father has come down one stair to meet his son. A deeper meaning of this piece suddenly dawned on me. I immediately saw the connection between the father and our Savior. He is reaching out, ready to receive the son and even comes part of the way down to embrace him with open arms. A flood of thoughts connecting the scriptural story and these two paintings flowed through my mind and resulted in quite the spiritual epiphany.
As simple as it seems to me now, I realized an important application I have always missed with this parable of the prodigal son. Whenever I have studied it in Sunday School or in my own personal study, I have always heard it applied to wayward children, or those who leave the church and need to be welcomed back into the fold with open arms. I guess I’ve thought about it, but it’s never completely occurred to me that each of us is the prodigal son. It has a very real personal application. We all fall short, we’ve all gone astray. Jesus Christ is there the whole way through, waiting to welcome us home. Through his atonement, we can be forgiven, and He will welcome us with open arms into His sincere, loving embrace.
I thought it was an amazing experience that the types and shadows represented in these two paintings really brought me to the realization that I have been missing a very significant personal application in a parable I have studied all my life. I appreciate the beauty and the deeper understanding that this terrific experience brought to me.
Monday, 1 March 2010
Romans
I have read the book of Romans before, but the insights I gained this time through and especially with the help of lecture allowed me to understand this longest letter of Paul’s on a completely new level. Even beginning with the first verse of the epistle: Paul introduces himself as a “servant” of Jesus Christ, which actually means slave. Paul literally considers himself the slave of Jehovah. I love the imagery that he was “captured” on the way to Damascus, referring to his conversion when Christ appeared to him. Taking this metaphor further, it is interesting to examine the master-slave relationship in a broader sense. Jesus taught in Matthew that no man can serve two masters. There is no in between or gray area. We are either serving God or Satan.
The book of Romans was also incredible in the insight Paul provides regarding gaining a better understanding of the atonement. Christ offers us the olive branch, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” God sent the sacrifice, His Son, our advocate with the father. It is essential for us to understand the relation between our alienation and Christ’s reconciliation. Paul sets up the analogy of a court system. Satan is the prosecuting attorney. Jesus is the advocate, and the trial ends up being on him. I especially love Paul’s statement that nothing can separate us from the love of God and Christ. What a comforting thought!
I found Paul’s argument in Romans chapter five a very intriguing thought. He argues that scarcely will a righteous man die for a good person. That is why we can have faith in Christ. The world is at war with God, yet he offers us the olive branch. He extends his tender mercies in such an abundance out of pure love for each of us. He wants more than anything for us to return home to live once again in his presence, yet still allows us our free agency. Christ was cursed for us; He took upon himself all of our sins, our infirmities, our short-comings. I am so grateful for the atonement, for a brother who loves me so much that he would give his life for my sake. I know with all my heart that He knows and loves me personally.
On a completely different note, I found the final chapter of Romans a very interesting piece of writing. Romans 16 is often referred to as the “Greeting Chapter.” It provides the most lengthy greeting of all Pauline epistles. In studying its contents, we find that it mentions a total of twenty-six Christians living in Rome. Interestingly enough, most of these saints are immigrants. That seems to be the trend with missionary work in today’s world as well. Maybe it is because those people who find themselves separated in some way from the society in which they live are humbled by their circumstances, more open-minded, and more ready to receive the glad tidings of Christ’s gospel message. We also learn from this chapter that there are at least five house churches in Rome. This provides a terrific example of how Paul’s letters are valuable for both the historical clues they provide as well as the essential gospel principles they teach and shed light upon.
The book of Romans was also incredible in the insight Paul provides regarding gaining a better understanding of the atonement. Christ offers us the olive branch, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” God sent the sacrifice, His Son, our advocate with the father. It is essential for us to understand the relation between our alienation and Christ’s reconciliation. Paul sets up the analogy of a court system. Satan is the prosecuting attorney. Jesus is the advocate, and the trial ends up being on him. I especially love Paul’s statement that nothing can separate us from the love of God and Christ. What a comforting thought!
I found Paul’s argument in Romans chapter five a very intriguing thought. He argues that scarcely will a righteous man die for a good person. That is why we can have faith in Christ. The world is at war with God, yet he offers us the olive branch. He extends his tender mercies in such an abundance out of pure love for each of us. He wants more than anything for us to return home to live once again in his presence, yet still allows us our free agency. Christ was cursed for us; He took upon himself all of our sins, our infirmities, our short-comings. I am so grateful for the atonement, for a brother who loves me so much that he would give his life for my sake. I know with all my heart that He knows and loves me personally.
On a completely different note, I found the final chapter of Romans a very interesting piece of writing. Romans 16 is often referred to as the “Greeting Chapter.” It provides the most lengthy greeting of all Pauline epistles. In studying its contents, we find that it mentions a total of twenty-six Christians living in Rome. Interestingly enough, most of these saints are immigrants. That seems to be the trend with missionary work in today’s world as well. Maybe it is because those people who find themselves separated in some way from the society in which they live are humbled by their circumstances, more open-minded, and more ready to receive the glad tidings of Christ’s gospel message. We also learn from this chapter that there are at least five house churches in Rome. This provides a terrific example of how Paul’s letters are valuable for both the historical clues they provide as well as the essential gospel principles they teach and shed light upon.
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
1 Corinthians 13
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul discusses the essential need for faith, hope, and charity. Though all three are critical, he considers charity by far the most important. Without charity, we are nothing. I was intrigued by the suggestion to replace the word “charity” with “Christ” every time it appears in this chapter as I was reading this. This provided a new perspective and in depth understanding of the true meaning of charity. I have always been taught that charity can be defined as the pure love of Christ. Yet, I now find that charity is Christ as well. In this incredible chapter of Corinthians, Paul describes with example after example how all qualities, works, and faith comes to naught if we do not also have charity. Service and good works are nothing without charity. Possession of the faith to move mountains is nothing without charity.
Charity is unselfish, constant, and enduring. This makes complete sense, as charity comes from within the heart. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul compares, “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.” To me this perfectly illustrates the idea that outward appearances are often deceiving. There are many who profess to being of good intentions and possessing divine attributes, yet in truth they are lacking in charity. This will, as the scripture prophecies, be someday made manifest. This reminds me of the scripture in 1 Samuel, where we are told that “man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
In my personal scripture study, I have often looked for a linear relationship between faith, hope, and charity, yet have found none. This is because the relationship is actually a web, even a three-dimensional configuration of three essential gospel concepts that build upon each other. They also depend upon each and strengthen one another. These three attributes are so often grouped together, such as in the writings of Paul and Moroni. As I come to know Christ and strive to become like him, it is absolutely essential that I acquire and maintain faith, hope, and charity. Once I have developed the quality of charity, I hope to come to a better understanding of the Atonement, to discover a Christ-like love of all men, and to grow closer to my Savior. I am ever grateful for His example and infinite love.
Charity is unselfish, constant, and enduring. This makes complete sense, as charity comes from within the heart. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul compares, “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.” To me this perfectly illustrates the idea that outward appearances are often deceiving. There are many who profess to being of good intentions and possessing divine attributes, yet in truth they are lacking in charity. This will, as the scripture prophecies, be someday made manifest. This reminds me of the scripture in 1 Samuel, where we are told that “man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
In my personal scripture study, I have often looked for a linear relationship between faith, hope, and charity, yet have found none. This is because the relationship is actually a web, even a three-dimensional configuration of three essential gospel concepts that build upon each other. They also depend upon each and strengthen one another. These three attributes are so often grouped together, such as in the writings of Paul and Moroni. As I come to know Christ and strive to become like him, it is absolutely essential that I acquire and maintain faith, hope, and charity. Once I have developed the quality of charity, I hope to come to a better understanding of the Atonement, to discover a Christ-like love of all men, and to grow closer to my Savior. I am ever grateful for His example and infinite love.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Paul's Teachings on Christ's Second Coming
Paul’s teachings on preparing for the Second Coming were prevalent both in the lives of the saints to whom he wrote his epistles, as well as in our own lives today. Especially in his epistle to the saints in Thessalonica, Paul addresses his concern with their beliefs of the Second Coming. He also especially addresses how such beliefs were impacting the way the members were living.
Because of differences in the concept of time for God and man, many of the early Christians were of the opinion that Christ would be returning within their life time. Some even believed it was a requirement that they be alive to witness his return to the earth. They were of the opinion that they would be saved soon, giving them completely the wrong attitude about the manner in which they should live their lives. For example, some of the people thought they could sin or live recklessly. They thought it didn’t matter since Christ was on his way and would save them.
Paul taught the importance of looking to the Second Coming with faith and hope, while also preparing for the long haul. He specifically prophesied that the “falling away” of this generation was the apostasy or destruction of Christ’s first church on the earth that would soon come. He taught that we should always live our lives as if Christ is coming tomorrow, while also living as though he won’t be coming for a long time.
This is a significant balance that members seem to always struggle to understand, both in the times of the early church, and now. Even today there are people who are so confident in their interpretation of what it means that the Savior will return “soon” to the earth. They look to the apocalyptic day with much more earnest than doing the day to day work to live righteously and prepare themselves. Because we don’t know precisely when the Savior will return, we can’t simply put our lives on hold. As Paul taught we must exercise faith and hope in his coming, yet prepare ourselves.
It shouldn’t matter when Christ comes. We should always be striving to align our lives with the teachings of the scriptures and modern day prophet and apostles. We must follow Christ’s example in reaching out to others and make service a routine part of our interactions with all those we meet. If we are always striving to improve ourselves and live worthily, it won’t matter when death or Christ come.
I am sure it must have been difficult for Paul to know that these saints whom he loved and worked so hard to bring to the gospel of Christ would witness the Great Apostasy. His enduring struggle and perseverance despite this frustration are a manifestation of his incredible faith and testimony. He truly knew his Savior, Jesus Christ, and of his purpose here on this earth. I am so grateful for his example, as well as for his teachings that are just as prevalent today as they were for the first century church members.
Because of differences in the concept of time for God and man, many of the early Christians were of the opinion that Christ would be returning within their life time. Some even believed it was a requirement that they be alive to witness his return to the earth. They were of the opinion that they would be saved soon, giving them completely the wrong attitude about the manner in which they should live their lives. For example, some of the people thought they could sin or live recklessly. They thought it didn’t matter since Christ was on his way and would save them.
Paul taught the importance of looking to the Second Coming with faith and hope, while also preparing for the long haul. He specifically prophesied that the “falling away” of this generation was the apostasy or destruction of Christ’s first church on the earth that would soon come. He taught that we should always live our lives as if Christ is coming tomorrow, while also living as though he won’t be coming for a long time.
This is a significant balance that members seem to always struggle to understand, both in the times of the early church, and now. Even today there are people who are so confident in their interpretation of what it means that the Savior will return “soon” to the earth. They look to the apocalyptic day with much more earnest than doing the day to day work to live righteously and prepare themselves. Because we don’t know precisely when the Savior will return, we can’t simply put our lives on hold. As Paul taught we must exercise faith and hope in his coming, yet prepare ourselves.
It shouldn’t matter when Christ comes. We should always be striving to align our lives with the teachings of the scriptures and modern day prophet and apostles. We must follow Christ’s example in reaching out to others and make service a routine part of our interactions with all those we meet. If we are always striving to improve ourselves and live worthily, it won’t matter when death or Christ come.
I am sure it must have been difficult for Paul to know that these saints whom he loved and worked so hard to bring to the gospel of Christ would witness the Great Apostasy. His enduring struggle and perseverance despite this frustration are a manifestation of his incredible faith and testimony. He truly knew his Savior, Jesus Christ, and of his purpose here on this earth. I am so grateful for his example, as well as for his teachings that are just as prevalent today as they were for the first century church members.
Saturday, 6 February 2010
BYU Library Special Collections Presentation
My experience at the Special Collections presentation I had the opportunity to visit this week was one I enjoyed immensely. I spent the fall semester in London on a BYU Study Abroad Program, where I got to see in museums and libraries some very old texts and artifacts. That experience made viewing BYU’s collection that much more significant to me. I was impressed by the broad range of our collection.
Something that especially stood out to me was getting to see one of the original 5,000 Books of Mormon that were printed so many years ago. I love history and historical artifacts! I also really appreciated seeing the progression of writing through the history of our world. I have read about the ancient use of papyrus as writing material in my history textbooks, but to actually see and feel it was an incredible experience. No wonder ancient texts like the Dead Sea Scrolls have been not only preserved, but preserved very well. The writings we have today of ancient origin are so extremely important: they provide us with history, with our scriptures, with significant insight into the past. We talked in the seminar about scribes and their role throughout the ages. I wonder if they fully comprehended the degree of importance to which their occupation would later prove.
Recording history would have been such a difficult task, especially considering the resources that would have been available to them. I think I often take for granted how easy I have it today with a pencil or pen and paper, and even keys on a keyboard. I was amazed when our presenter showed us a small stone tablet, no bigger than the palm of my hand, that had writings engraved upon it. We were told that the scribe molded clay into the shape of the tablet, and then engraved the symbols we now see before the clay was completely dry. The intricacy is phenomenal.
I also really enjoyed seeing the books used for the Bible in medieval times. The color and detail added to each page makes it truly a work of art. One book we were shown took eleven years to complete! No wonder books were so rare and expensive. It was also interesting to feel the pages, made from animal skin. Writing and record keeping has always been such a process, but definitely an essential one. We were also shown two pieces of parchment: one hand written and the other printed on the printing press. I was shocked at how identical they were to each other. The invention of the printing press was such a blessing though.
I am so grateful for this opportunity we had to go as a class to this Special Collections presentation. I really learned a lot and enjoyed seeing these ancient records. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the scriptures I’m studying in context of their historical background and the work that went in to making them possible.
Something that especially stood out to me was getting to see one of the original 5,000 Books of Mormon that were printed so many years ago. I love history and historical artifacts! I also really appreciated seeing the progression of writing through the history of our world. I have read about the ancient use of papyrus as writing material in my history textbooks, but to actually see and feel it was an incredible experience. No wonder ancient texts like the Dead Sea Scrolls have been not only preserved, but preserved very well. The writings we have today of ancient origin are so extremely important: they provide us with history, with our scriptures, with significant insight into the past. We talked in the seminar about scribes and their role throughout the ages. I wonder if they fully comprehended the degree of importance to which their occupation would later prove.
Recording history would have been such a difficult task, especially considering the resources that would have been available to them. I think I often take for granted how easy I have it today with a pencil or pen and paper, and even keys on a keyboard. I was amazed when our presenter showed us a small stone tablet, no bigger than the palm of my hand, that had writings engraved upon it. We were told that the scribe molded clay into the shape of the tablet, and then engraved the symbols we now see before the clay was completely dry. The intricacy is phenomenal.
I also really enjoyed seeing the books used for the Bible in medieval times. The color and detail added to each page makes it truly a work of art. One book we were shown took eleven years to complete! No wonder books were so rare and expensive. It was also interesting to feel the pages, made from animal skin. Writing and record keeping has always been such a process, but definitely an essential one. We were also shown two pieces of parchment: one hand written and the other printed on the printing press. I was shocked at how identical they were to each other. The invention of the printing press was such a blessing though.
I am so grateful for this opportunity we had to go as a class to this Special Collections presentation. I really learned a lot and enjoyed seeing these ancient records. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the scriptures I’m studying in context of their historical background and the work that went in to making them possible.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Paul's Concern About Circumcision
Paul was concerned with implementing the old Jewish tradition of circumcision in the beliefs and practice of newly converted followers of Christ. Though he himself had been a Pharisee, and therefore a practicing Jew prior to his miraculous vision on the road to Damascus, he did not feel it necessary. He believed the practice of circumcision had been instituted to provide for the Israelites a symbol, a covenant of obedience between they made with Jehovah. It was an essential physical manifestation of their keeping the Mosaic Law.
With Christ’s coming to the earth, however, the Law of Moses was fulfilled in Him as He himself preached. Paul recognized circumcision as part of this fulfilled law. He believed that the Jews had become so focused on the literal practicing of the Law of Moses, that they had come to forget its original purpose. Its original purpose, as Paul knew and preached, was to teach them to look to Christ. In focusing so much on their belief in the necessity of circumcision, Paul felt the other apostles were completely missing the true significance of conversion.
As many of Paul’s converts were Gentiles, they were not accustomed to this Jewish tradition of circumcision. Paul recognized that the essential and most important component of their conversion was their change of heart. He especially addresses this concern in his epistle to the Galatians, whom he reprimands for so easily being led away from the truths of the doctrines he taught them by the false teachings of others. In this epistle he also addresses his conflict with a few of the other apostles because of their commitment to circumcision. He felt what was important was that these Gentiles had accepted Christ and turned their hearts and lives to Him. Christ had come and established His church upon the earth. It was not then necessary, Paul felt, for his Gentile converts to be forced to first convert to Judaism, and then to Christianity. Paul’s feelings of concern towards circumcision arose from his insightful understanding of what it means to be truly converted to Christ’s church.
With Christ’s coming to the earth, however, the Law of Moses was fulfilled in Him as He himself preached. Paul recognized circumcision as part of this fulfilled law. He believed that the Jews had become so focused on the literal practicing of the Law of Moses, that they had come to forget its original purpose. Its original purpose, as Paul knew and preached, was to teach them to look to Christ. In focusing so much on their belief in the necessity of circumcision, Paul felt the other apostles were completely missing the true significance of conversion.
As many of Paul’s converts were Gentiles, they were not accustomed to this Jewish tradition of circumcision. Paul recognized that the essential and most important component of their conversion was their change of heart. He especially addresses this concern in his epistle to the Galatians, whom he reprimands for so easily being led away from the truths of the doctrines he taught them by the false teachings of others. In this epistle he also addresses his conflict with a few of the other apostles because of their commitment to circumcision. He felt what was important was that these Gentiles had accepted Christ and turned their hearts and lives to Him. Christ had come and established His church upon the earth. It was not then necessary, Paul felt, for his Gentile converts to be forced to first convert to Judaism, and then to Christianity. Paul’s feelings of concern towards circumcision arose from his insightful understanding of what it means to be truly converted to Christ’s church.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Acts 2
The second chapter of the book of Acts in the New Testament is extremely significant in its discussion of the disciples receiving of the Holy Ghost. They received it on the day of Pentecost, adding to the significance and symbolism of the event. I love the image in the third verse of the appearance to each of them of "cloven tongues like as of fire" which sit upon each of them. This chapter is a manifestation of Christ's promise that when he could no longer reside with them, he would send his Spirit to be with them. I wonder if they truly had had any understanding of what a powerful gift the Holy Ghost would be to lead, to guide, to comfort them, before they actually received it. I know I was ecstatic when I was baptized and confirmed with the Holy Ghost. I had paid attention in Sunday School and Primary, I had read the scriptures with my family, but there are no words to describe the peace, the incredible new understanding that descends upon you when you truly recognize the Holy Ghost for the first time. I strive to have it for a constant companion, as it has made all the difference in my life, in the choices I make, in the person I am.
This chapter also seems extremely significant to me through its portrayal of Peter. He is no longer the Peter of the four gospels. He now speaks with authority, with power: he testifies of the resurrected Lord, of the doctrine of salvation. Those that listen to him believe on his words and accept the essential saving process of repentance, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. This chapter seems to me to mark a defining moment for the second half of the New Testament. The apostles of Christ, armed with His Spirit and His gospel, are ready to take His words to the world with confidence, with love; to suffer for their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to bring unto Him as many souls as they could. It was time for the work to commence.
This chapter also seems extremely significant to me through its portrayal of Peter. He is no longer the Peter of the four gospels. He now speaks with authority, with power: he testifies of the resurrected Lord, of the doctrine of salvation. Those that listen to him believe on his words and accept the essential saving process of repentance, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. This chapter seems to me to mark a defining moment for the second half of the New Testament. The apostles of Christ, armed with His Spirit and His gospel, are ready to take His words to the world with confidence, with love; to suffer for their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to bring unto Him as many souls as they could. It was time for the work to commence.
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