FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

Hebrews 11–12

I love Hebrews 11, and Romans 5, because they both teach of the hope we have through faith in Jesus Christ. Our instructor, Brother Payne, suggested we compare Hebrews 11 with Ether 12.

Even though I have Ether 12 marked regarding hope, I have somehow not connected it with Hebrews 11 and the list of faithful prophets and other personalities in the scriptures. These scriptures provide examples of almost every possible variation of the circumstances of life - examples we may peruse to increase our own faith.

Faith is often compared to a "little seed" that will grow if planted, and nurtured.

When I plant a tomato seed, I hope to harvest tomatoes.
To me a seedling is the ultimate symbol of hope.
 It must be taken care of and given continual attention to produce a harvest.

This week I get to answer several questions about faith in Jesus Christ. 

I have faith that he is the  prophesied Only Begotten Son of God. 

Why sink or swim if I can, through faith, walk on water?

I have faith that he is my Savior and Redeemer. 

1. In Hebrews 11, Paul recounted the faith of many ancient men and women. Read Hebrews 11 and fill in the chart below listing eight other people and how each person demonstrated his or her faith and what blessings the Lord gave each of them.

A Bible illustration depicting Cain and Abel offering up their sacrifices.

Enoch and His People Are Taken Up to God (City of Zion Translated) by Del Parson

Name	Verse	How They Demonstrated Faith	Blessings They Received
Abel	4	Offered a “more excellent sacrifice”	A witness from God that he was righteous
Enoch	5-6	“Was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”	Enoch did not die.  God translated him
Noah	7	“Prepared an ark to the saving of his house;	Saved his family and God’s creatures from the flood. “By the which he . . . became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”

 Building the Ark (Noah’s Preaching Scorned), by Harry Anderson

Abraham	8-9, 17	“Obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country,” and also by faith “offered up Isaac.”	He had posterity, received the promise of “a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (verse 10), and gained an eternal inheritance. “These are they who are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:66).
Sara	11	“Received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised”	She had a son, and then through him, from her and Abraham’s faith, came the Savior and all the blessings of priesthood, covenants and ordinances.
Isaac	20	“Blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come”	Was an heir of the promises of eternal increase with his father, Abraham, and son Jacob.
Jacob	21	“Blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff” (when he was dying).	Isaac blessed him thus: Genesis 27:28-29 “Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother’s sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.” And Jacob told his son Joseph that God appeared and “blessed me, And said unto me, Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession” (Genesis 48:3-4) and claimed his two sons as part of that inheritance.

Abraham Taking Isaac to Be Sacrificed by Del Parson

Jacob-bendice-hijos-de-Jose (Jacob blessing the sons of Joseph). 

Joseph	22	“When he died, made mention [prophesied] of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones” [that they should be carried out of Egypt and buried in the ‘Promised Land.’	His father Jacob blessed him, and his sons Ephraim and Manasseh with the same blessings, saying, “Let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth” (Genesis 48:16). As promised by his father that he would come again, his bones were carried to the promised land (Joshua 24:32).  “God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers. Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren” (Genesis 48:21-22).
Moses	24-29	24 “. . . Refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God . .  26 Esteem[ed] the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.	Moses became the great leader of all Israel, whose name is had in remembrance through all scripture.  From the Book of Mormon prophet Helaman we learn that Moses did not die but was translated. Regarding Alma and Moses, Helaman states in Alma 45:19 that “the saying went abroad in the church that [Alma] was taken up by the Spirit, or buried by the hand of the Lord, even as Moses. But behold, the scriptures saith the Lord took Moses unto himself;”

Moses Parting the Red Sea by Robert Theodore Barrett

The Taking of Jericho by J James Tissot

Joshua	30	Because of Joshua's obedience and "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days."	Joshua obtained the reality of the land promised to Israel. Scriptures teach that he also gained the “promised land” spiritually. (Joshua 24)
Rahab	31	31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.	Joshua 6:25 And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father’s household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

Rahab, The Harlot of Jericho
by J James Tissot

From Hebrews 11:32-34 we can read numerous other examples of faith and the great miracles wrought by that faith.

      32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
     33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
     34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

The New Testament Student Manual provides a succinct list of references for these verses:

Daniel (see Hebrews 11:33; Daniel 6:16–22); Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (see Hebrews 11:34; Daniel 3:21–27); Enoch (see Hebrews 11:34; Moses 7:13–15); the widow of Zarephath (see Hebrews 11:35; 1 Kings 17:17–23); and Isaiah (see Hebrews 11:37; the traditional belief is that Isaiah was “sawn asunder”).

Daniel in the Lion's Den by Clark Kelley Price

2. Give at least three examples of other individuals found in scriptures or whom you know who could be included in this chapter. 

Queen Esther

Esther	Esther 4:16	16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.	Esther, and all her people, were saved from destruction and their enemies were stopped.
Ruth	Ruth 1: 16-17	16 And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.	Ruth had the companionship of her previous mother-in-law, and by following her counsel found a righteous husband and became an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

Ruth and Naomi

Jonah

Jonah 2:1,7,

1 Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish’s belly, 7 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.

Jonah 2:2-10 “The Lord . . . heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. . . . And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

3. Read Hebrews 12:1–2 and write what Paul encouraged the Saints to do to show their faith.

Paul encourages saints to be keep trying and not give up just because we don’t always see immediate solutions to problems. He chides us to remember Jesus and that we can become like him.

Chapter 12

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Adam and Eve Offering Sacrifices by Del Parson

4. Read the institute student manual Points to Ponder sections, “Developing Faith Is Active Belief, Which Is More than Just Belief” (p. 400) and “Fully Developed Faith Is Power” (pp. 400–401). Describe in writing how faith is different than belief.

We learn and come to understand many facets of physical and spiritual life by many methods, and arrive at belief, that is an acceptance or confidence of what we have experienced. This belief becomes the basis of an understanding of how to act—what to do—because of our understanding. By using agency to choose how and when to act, our understanding of why we want to choose certain actions increases through our experience, and through the witness of the Holy Ghost. This knowledge gives us greater acceptance and confidence and is an increasing cycle that brings power to our lives to become obedient to God in all His commandments.

When we realize that the Holy Ghost is able to guide us in every choice so that we are able to achieve complete obedience and adhere to the example of Jesus Christ in doing the will of the Father, then, through faith in Jesus Christ and through his Atoning grace, we become able to overcome all barriers to returning to be with and become like our Father in Heaven.

JESUS CHRIST IS GREATER THAN . . .

Reading and Study from Hebrews 1–2

1. Refer to “Epistle to the Hebrews” in the Bible Dictionary (pp. 746–47). Read the first paragraph and the “Analysis of Hebrews,” number 1–5. Make a list of what Jesus Christ is superior to. (Quotes taken from above reference.)

Raising Lazarus, Oil on Copper Plate, 1875,
Carl Heinrich Bloch (Hope Gallery, Salt Lake City)
blogged 14 June 2014

·       Jesus is greater than death. He overcame death, and so shall we.

Moses Calls Aaron to the Ministry by Harry Anderson

·       Jesus is greater than the prophets.

 “In times past” God spoke by the prophets, but has now, “in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:1-3).

Angel Appears to Shepherds by Walter Rane

·       Jesus is greater than angels.

“He has a more excellent name, inheritance, and higher calling. They are servants; He is the Son (1:4–2:18). If the word of angels is important, how much ‘more earnest heed’ we ought to give to the things spoken by the Lord (Jesus) (2:1–4).”

·       “Jesus is greater than Moses. 

"Moses was a faithful servant, but Jesus was a faithful son” (3:1–6).

 

Moses With Tablets by Ted Henninger

·       The “words” of Jesus Christ are superior to the words of Moses.

            “Israelites while traveling through the wilderness could not enter into the promised land because they did not believe and obey the teachings of God received through Moses (3:7–19). How much more important it is, therefore, to obey the words of Jesus who is greater than Moses, if we wish to enter the heavenly land (4:1–2).”

Melchezedik Blesses Abram by Walter Rane

·    "Jesus, as a high priest of Melchizedek, is superior to the high priests of the law of Moses:

      (a) Jesus was of the order of Melchizedek, which is greater than the order of Aaron. Melchizedek was even greater than Abraham (7:1–12).

      (b) The law of the Melchizedek Priesthood (gospel) is greater than the law of the Aaronic Priesthood (law of Moses) (5:1–7:28).

 “The tabernacle service was symbolic (or a shadow) of the real events. The high priest under the law went through the veil into the Holy of Holies; but Jesus, the great high priest, has gone into heaven itself (6:19–20; 9:1–14). 

"The traveling of Israel out of Egypt, through the wilderness, crossing over the Jordan River into the promised land, is similar to a man forsaking the worldly things, going through the wilderness of temptation, and finally passing through the veil of death into the celestial kingdom (D&C 84:21–24; see also Alma 37:38–45).”

Moses Parting the Red Sea by Robert Theodore Barrett

2. Read Hebrews 1

Make a list of three truths Paul taught about the Savior Jesus Christ.

“God . . . hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, . . . sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:1-3).

·       Jesus is the son of God and his heir.

Christ Creating the Earth by Robert Theodore Barrett

·       Jesus Christ, is in “the express image” of the Father. When we ‘know’ Jesus we will also be better able to ‘know’ his Father, who he is “in the express image” of, even God, the Father of all.

Christ the Creator video with Elder Neal A Maxwell 

·      Jesus Christ is the Creator of “the Worlds” (Hebrews 1:2-3, quote above).

3. Read Hebrews 2:7–18; 4:13–16; Alma 7:11–15; Doctrine and Covenants 122:8. 

In writing describe how these scriptures explain reasons the Son of God came to earth to experience mortality.

Jesus became a mortal being of flesh and blood so that he could understand perfectly every experience that every being experiences. He became like us, so he would know how to help us in any difficulty, and be able to rejoice with us in every happiness.

Pool of Bethesda by Carl Bloch

.

He experienced all suffering, affliction, temptation, pain and sickness of man, including death. He did this without sin: he obeyed the laws and commandments of Heavenly Father perfectly. This allowed him to explicitly know the experiences each of us have in mortality, and therefore be able to extend perfect mercy and judgement for each of us.

Moses With the Brass Serpent by Judith A Mehr

Hebrews 2:17-18

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Where Ever He Leads Me by Greg K. Olsen

Hebrews 4:13-16

13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Alma 7:11-15

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

The Crucifixion by Carl S. Bloch

 13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

 14 Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.

 15 Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism.

Each Sabbath, through the sacrament, the emblems of Christ's sacrifice, we can renew our baptismal covenants 

We can, with sincere repentance and righteous striving to follow the commandments, again become as pure

as the day we were baptized. We can start over, and through his long-suffering mercy, become more obedient. 

D&C 122:4-9

 4 And although their influence shall cast thee into trouble, and into bars and walls, thou shalt be had in honor; and but for a small moment and thy voice shall be more terrible in the midst of thine enemies than the fierce lion, because of thy righteousness; and thy God shall stand by thee forever and ever.

 5 If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;

 6 If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can’t you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb;

 7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

 8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

 9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.

SCRIPTURE SOLUTIONS TO LIFE'S CHALLENGES

Phillipians 1-4 

Student Choice this week presented several questions about a few challenges of life and asked me to find a solution in the writings of the apostle Paul to the Philippians. 

The overall solution Paul writes to the Philippians is to be united to each other, and to the Savior, and to serve and love others as Jesus did. In these passages he goes into some detail delineating how best to do that. 

Attributed to Valentinde Boulogne (1591-1632)

I discussed the questions with my husband, and we clicked on the link to a reference to a talk by H. Burke Peterson, “Selflessness: A Pattern for Happiness,” (Ensign,May 1985, 66), as he described a person that is 'selfless' - as was Jesus Christ. As always happens when we go the extra mile to learn gospel principles, we heard an answer to a persistent problem that troubles our hearts as the spirit bore witness of true principles. The answer came because the Holy Ghost comes and teaches us when we sincerely search and seek answers. 

Seeking the spirit is a "REAL" solution to almost every problem - and Paul spells out this answer clearly - seek the will of God, sacrifice all things to follow his example and serve selflessly, and be diligent - THEN the Spirit will bear witness of true principles as we learn them. 

Elder Peterson reminded us, "It is important to break the chains of 'self' that bind us. Sincere and sensitive acts in behalf of others are the mark of the selfless," and "after all is said and done, it will be the intent of the heart by which we shall be judged. However, let us be careful that we do not fill our hearts with unjustified excuses. Being selfless does not come naturally to most of us."

Have you heard about "Just Serve?" 

It is an easy, completely free service to find out what service opportunities you can volunteer for in your own local area. 

Who needs you? 

Question: People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week (see Philippians 2:1–8, 14–15).

Saints should be united, and unselfish, and “esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (v. 3-4), serving and helping others, being obedient to the sacrifices God requires of us, “without murmurings and disputings” (v. 14) so we can be without “rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation.”

Question: Many youth feel that their parents’ testimony is sufficient for them. Since they have good parents, they rely on them for all their spiritual strength (see Philippians 2:12–15 and institute student manual commentary for Philippians 2:12, “Work out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling” [pp. 361–62]).

Paul’s instructions are to serve others and be selfless.

It’s good for a child to rely on parents as their parents rely on apostles and prophets, who rely on Christ. We each have a duty and responsibility to follow the good examples in our lives, willingly and by our own choice, because we want to. We then move from theory to application.

As we follow those examples we learn how to adapt to all the possible permutations and variable circumstances that arise, enabling us to extend true principles (learned in experiences of obedience) to encompass all possible problems independent of the examples we have had.

In the older NT Student Manual we learn: “To work out one’s salvation is not to sit idly by dreaming and yearning for God miraculously to thrust bounteous blessings into our laps. It is to perform daily, hourly, momentarily, if necessary, the immediate task or duty at hand, and to continue happily in such performance as the years come and go, leaving the fruits of such labors either for self or for others to be bestowed as a just and beneficent Father may determine.” (David O. McKay in CR, Apr. 1957, p. 7.)

In contrast the newer manual reinforces: Paul pointed out, the Saints should live the gospel so that the saving work God was already doing within them would be manifest in all they did (see Philippians 1:6; 2:13). . . . Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expounded on this statement . . . “Man unquestionably has impressive powers and can bring to pass great things by tireless efforts and indomitable will. But after all our obedience and good works, we cannot be saved from the effect of our sins without the grace extended by the atonement of Jesus Christ” (“What Think Ye of Christ?” Ensign, Nov. 1988, 66–67).

Question: An investigator is considering joining the Church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does (see Philippians 3:7–16; 4:13).

Paul teaches us to look to the future and “whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing" (v. 16). In other words to look ahead and work to obtain our goal to be with Christ. This investigator would not be seriously thinking of joining the church if s/he did not know in their heart it is Christ's church. When such a witness occurs, we know, and we know God knows we know. Then we can, in good conscience, only go forward.

In the New Testament manual (pp. 436-437) President Thomas S. Monson counseled:  “There is no going back, but only forward. Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can” (“Finding Joy in the Journey,”Ensign or Liahona, Nov 2008, 85).

Philippians3:7-11 teaches, “what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him . . .That I may know him, and . . . might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”

In the commentary in the New Testament Student Manual for Philippians 2:1–8 Paul teaches that Christ humbled himself, and being obedient to the will of the Father he became a servant to mortals.

"Jesus Christ gave up His premortal status 'in the form of God' and was born into mortality 'in the likeness of men' (Philippians 2:6–7). In the Book of Mormon, the idea of Christ descending below all things is called 'the condescension of God' (1 Nephi 11:16; see also verses 17–33; Psalm 22:14; Isaiah 53:12)."

We also learned from Elder Tad R. Callister of the Seventy: “God the Son traded his heavenly home with all its celestial adornments for a mortal abode with all its primitive trappings. He, ‘the King of heaven’ (Alma 5:50), ‘the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth’ (Mosiah 5:3), left a throne to inherit a manger. He exchanged the dominion of a god for the dependence of a babe. He gave up wealth, power, dominion, and the fullness of his glory—for what?—for taunting, mocking, humiliation, and subjection. It was a trade of unparalleled dimension, a condescension of incredible proportions, a descent of incalculable depth” (The Infinite Atonement [2000], 64).

For unto Us a Child Is Born, by Lynne Millman Weidinger

When we understand these truths, especially when we know with surety of them, we become willing to make sacrifices to willingly follow His example.

Question: How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3?

2 Nephi 32:3 "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." 

The point of all these questions and answers is to follow Jesus Christ. We do that best as we seek God,  and allow the Holy Ghost to guide and direct us.