BE OF GOOD CHEER: THE SECOND COMING

 Student Choice 1: Joseph Smith-Matthew. 

      The Savior Taught about Future Events

*Note: Joseph Smith-Matthew is found in the Pearl of Great Price.

1. Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:4 contains questions that the Savior’s disciples asked Him.

Verses 5-20 contain the answer the Savior gave to their first question regarding the destruction of the temple.

Verses 21-55 contain His answer to their other questions concerning His Second Coming and the destruction of the wicked.

Read Joseph Smith-Matthew. Then fill in the following chart. After each item you list, write the verse number where you found the item.

My willing husband accepted the chance to study with me and be taught this lesson. We discussed the material, read other scriptures (below), and listened to some very powerful conference talks about this topic (for example Elder Holland’s Safety for the Soul. Also see Nelson, Hinckley below). Modern and ancient prophets instruct us and guide us in how to be happy and safe in the time we live.

Events to Occur

Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (JS-M 15-20)	The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (JS-M 1:21-55)
· False Christs (1:6) · Prophets afflicted, killed, hated (1:7) · Many ‘offended’ and betray or hate each other (1:8) · False prophets deceive many (1:9) · Iniquity abound (1:10) · love of many wax cold (1:10) · Need to flee in great haste with nothing (1;13-16) · great tribulation on the Jews . . . such as was not before sent upon Israel, of God, since the beginning of their kingdom until this time; no, nor ever shall be sent again upon Israel (1:18) · All things which have befallen them are only the beginning of the sorrows which shall come upon them (1:19).	· “There shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant (1:22). · “You also shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars” (1:23, 28). · “Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places” (1:29). · “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of men shall wax cold” (1:30). · After the gospel is preached to all nations, “then shall the end come, or the destruction of the wicked” (1:31) · “And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened” (1:32) ·  “The moon shall not give her light”  (1:32) · “The stars shall fall from heaven” (1:32). ·  “And the powers of heaven shall be shaken” (1:32). · “After the tribulation of those days, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken, then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, (1:32) · “And then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory” (1:36) · “For the Son of Man shall come, and he shall send his angels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the remainder of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (1:37) · “As it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be also at the coming of the Son of Man” (1;41). · “Two shall be in the field, the one shall be taken, and the other left; Two shall be grinding at the mill, the one shall be taken, and the other left” (1: 44-45).

Promises to the Righteous

· “He that remaineth steadfast and is not overcome, the same shall be saved” (1:11) ·  Except those days should be shortened, there should none of their flesh be saved; but for the elect’s sake, according to the covenant, those days shall be shortened” (1:20).

· “He that shall not be over-come, the same shall be saved” (1:30). · “Whoso treasureth up my [Christ’s] word, shall not be deceived, (1;37). ·      Angels “shall gather together the remainder of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (1:37) ·      “Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler . . . Blessed is that servant whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing; and verily I say unto you, he shall make him ruler over all his goods.(1:49-50).

2. Study 1 Nephi 22:16-22;
Doctrine and Covenants 97:22,25.

Then write a statement that would give hope to a person who worries about the Second Coming.

“Fear Not! Be of good cheer!” (See Isaiah 41:10; Daniel 10:12) This is what angels say when they visit God’s children and it is what the prophets tell us. The scriptures and prophets reiterate that this is a wonderful and joyous time to live and that those that desire to be like Christ, believing in him and following his example, will be those that are caught up and will come triumphantly back to earth to live in happiness after all wickedness is destroyed.

For example D&C 88:73 teaches that God says, “Behold, I will hasten my work in its time.”

Russell M. Nelson in April 1990 quoted section 88 and said, “I will hasten my work in its time” (D&C 88:73), and that time of hastening is now.”

“The term latter-day is an expression especially difficult for translators who labor in languages in which there is not a good equivalent term. Some translations may suggest last day.

It is true that scriptures foretell the final days of the earth’s temporal existence as a telestial sphere. The earth will then be renewed and receive its paradisiacal, or terrestrial, glory. (See A of F 1:10.) Ultimately, the earth will become celestialized. (See Rev. 21:1; D&C 77:1; D&C 88:25–26.) But its last days must be preceded by its latter days!

We live in those latter days, and they are really remarkable. The Lord’s Spirit is being poured out upon all inhabitants of the earth, precisely as the Prophet Joel foretold. His prophecy was of such significance that the angel Moroni reaffirmed it to the Prophet Joseph Smith. (See Joel 2:28–32; JS—H 1:41.)”

(And in October 2001, President Hinckley said, “This morning I can scarcely restrain my emotions as I think of what the Lord has done for us.

“I do not know what we did in the preexistence to merit the wonderful blessings we enjoy. We have come to earth in this great season in the long history of mankind. It is a marvelous age, the best of all. As we reflect on the plodding course of mankind, from the time of our first parents, we cannot help feeling grateful.

“The era in which we live is the fulness of times spoken of in the scriptures, when God has brought together all of the elements of previous dispensations. From the day that He and His Beloved Son manifested themselves to the boy Joseph, there has been a tremendous cascade of enlightenment poured out upon the world. The hearts of men have turned to their fathers in fulfillment of the words of Malachi. The vision of Joel has been fulfilled wherein he declared:

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

“And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

“And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

“The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come.

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call” (Joel 2:28–32).

“There has been more of scientific discovery during these years than during all of the previous history of mankind. Transportation, communication, medicine, public hygiene, the unlocking of the atom, the miracle of the computer, with all of its ramifications, have blossomed forth, particularly in our own era. During my own lifetime, I have witnessed miracle after wondrous miracle come to pass. We take it for granted.

“And, with all of this, the Lord has restored His ancient priesthood. He has organized His Church and kingdom during the past century and a half. He has led His people. They have been tempered in the crucible of terrible persecution. He has brought to pass the wondrous time in which we now live.”)

The most important thing we can know we can readily find in modern scripture, a testimony of Jesus Christ and counsel to love him and trust him.

“Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come” (D&C 68:6).

TEMPORAL MARRIAGE AND THE RESURRECTION

Student Choice 4: Matthew 22:23-33.

Artistic Depiction of Saducees

1.       Read Matthew 22:23; Acts 23:6-8.

   Matthew 22:23

“The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him . . .”

   Acts 23:6-8

“But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.  And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.”

The Finding of The Saviour in the Temple by William Holman Hunt

 Write a definition for what the Sadducees believed about the Resurrection.

 The Sadducees (additional link) appear to not believe in life after death.  

 What does this indicate about the sincerity of the question the Sadducees asked the Savior in Matthew 22:24-28?  

Since they do not believe in a resurrection and are asking a theoretical question about the resurrection, it appears that the question was not sincere, but instead motivated by a desire to confound or confuse an issue. 

2.       Some people have misinterpreted the Savior’s answer in Matthew 22:30 to mean that there is no eternal marriage. Does Matthew 22:30 say that no marriages will exist after the Resurrection, or that no marriages will be performed after the Resurrection?  

The Savior is stating that only covenant marriages that exist prior to the resurrection will exist.

What difference does this make?

 In the first instance marriages that are not made with a covenant relationship to God will cease.

   Only marriages formed prior to the Resurrection exist in the second instance.

Find the rest of Elder James E Talmage’s statement in the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 22:23-33. “Is There to Be Marriage in the Resurrected State?” (p. 147): 

  “In the resurrection there will be no marrying nor giving in marriage; for all questions of marital status must be _______.”

“ _______ settled before that time, under the authority of the Holy Priesthood, which holds the power to seal in marriage for both time and eternity” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 548).

Read Doctrine and Covenants 132:15-16. Write two or three sentences describing how these verses about temporal marriage help us understand what the Lord taught in Matthew 22:30.

  Doctrine and Covenants 132:15-16

  Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world.

  Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in marriage; but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory.

 Matthew 22:30

For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

These references teach marriage should be a covenant made with God, and under the authority of God, that creates a bond that is eternal. Marriages performed by this authority are bound temporally and spiritually, even after mortal death, because the covenant is eternal and continues after the resurrection because God has authorized and honors the covenant.

Salt Lake Temple

Marriages for time and all eternity are available in temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

Learn more about the difference between temporal and eternal marriage by studying “Marriage, Marry” in Guide to the Scriptures (currently titled “Study Helps”). Highlight your scriptures and make a list of additional insights you learn.

MARRIAGE, MARRY   See also Divorce; Family

A lawful covenant or contract between a man and a woman that makes them husband and wife. God ordained marriage (D&C 49:15). 

It is not good that man should be alone: Gen. 2:18; ( Moses 3:18; ) 

A man shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh: Gen. 2:24; ( Matt. 19:5; Abr. 5:18; ) 

What God has joined together, let not man put asunder: Matt. 19:6; ( Mark 10:9; )
In the latter days some shall depart from the faith, forbidding to marry: 1 Tim. 4:1–3; 

Marriage is honorable: Heb. 13:4; 

The Lord commanded Lehi’s sons to marry the daughters of Ishmael: 1 Ne. 7:1, 5; ( 1 Ne. 16:7–8; ) 

God created Adam and Eve to be man and wife: Moses 3:7, 18, 21–25; 

New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage

Marriage performed under the law of the gospel and the holy priesthood is for mortal life and for eternity. Worthy men and women thus sealed in the temple in marriage may continue as husband and wife throughout eternity. 

Jesus taught the law of marriage: Luke 20:27–36; 

Neither is the man without the woman in the Lord:1 Cor. 11:11; 

Husband and wife are heirs together of the grace of life:1 Pet. 3:7; 

Whatsoever you shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven: Hel. 10:7; ( Matt. 16:19; ) 

To obtain the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, a man must enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage: D&C 131:1–4; 

If a man marry a wife not by me, their covenant and marriage is not of force when they are dead: D&C 132:15;

 
If a man marry a wife by my word and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, it shall be of full force when they are out of the world: D&C 132:19; 

Interfaith Marriage

Marriage between a man and a woman of different religious beliefs and practices.
You shall not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the Canaanites: Gen. 24:3;
If Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, what good shall my life do me?: Gen. 27:46; ( Gen. 28:1–2; ) 

Israel shall not marry the Canaanites: Deut. 7:3–4; 

Israel intermarried with the Canaanites, worshiped false gods, and was cursed: Judg. 3:1–8; 

Solomon’s wives turned his heart to the worship of false gods: 1 Kgs. 11:1–6; 

We would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons: Neh. 10:30;

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: 2 Cor. 6:14; 

The Lord set a mark on the Lamanites so that the Nephites might not mix and believe in incorrect traditions: Alma 3:6–10; 

If a man marry a wife not by me, their covenant and marriage is not of force when they are dead: D&C 132:15; 

The sons of men took them wives even as they chose: Moses 8:13–15; 

Plural Marriage

The marriage of a husband to two or more living wives. It is lawful for a man to have only one wife, unless the Lord commands otherwise by revelation (Jacob 2:27–30). By revelation, plural marriage was practiced in Old Testament times and in the early days of the restored Church by the direction of the prophet who held the priesthood keys (D&C 132:34–40, 45). It is no longer practiced in the Church (D&C OD—1); today, having more than one wife is incompatible with membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Sarai gave Hagar to Abram as his wife: Gen. 16:1–11; 

Jacob received Leah and Rachel and their handmaidens as wives: Gen. 29:21–28; ( Gen. 30:4, 9, 26; ) 

If a man take another wife, he shall not diminish the first wife’s possessions: Ex. 21:10; 

David and his two wives went up to Hebron: 2 Sam. 2:1–2; 

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did that which they were commanded in receiving plural wives: D&C 132:37; 

David and Solomon did not sin in anything except those things which they did not receive from the Lord: D&C 132:38–39; 

DIVORCE

The termination of a marriage through the power of civil or ecclesiastical law. According to the New Testament, God permitted divorce under some conditions because of the hardness of the people’s hearts; however, as Jesus explained, “from the beginning it was not so” (Matt. 19:3–12). The scriptures counsel against divorce generally and advise husbands and wives to love each other in righteousness (1 Cor. 7:10–12; D&C 42:22).

FAMILY

See also Child, Children; Father, Mortal; Marriage, Marry; Mother

As used in the scriptures, a family consists of a husband and wife, children, and sometimes other relatives living in the same house or under one family head. A family can also be a single parent with children, a husband and wife without children, or even a single person living alone.

COME FORTH

John 11 records the miraculous restoration to life of a dead man, Lazarus, by Jesus Christ at Bethany.

Resurrection of Lazarus. 13th century

Private coll., Athens. 12-13 c. Воскрешение Лазаря

“The reputed first tomb of Lazarus at al-Eizariya in the West Bank (generally believed to be the biblical Bethany) continues to be a place of pilgrimage to this day. Several Christian churches have existed at the site over the centuries. Since the 16th century, the site of the tomb has been occupied by the al-Uzair Mosque. The adjacent Roman Catholic Church of Saint Lazarus, designed by Antonio Barluzzi and built between 1952 and 1955 under the auspices of the Franciscan Order, stands upon the site of several much older ones. In 1965, a Greek Orthodox church was built just west of the tomb.

Possible site of the tomb of Lazarus

The entrance to the tomb today is via a flight of uneven rock-cut steps from the street. As it was described in 1896, there were twenty-four steps from the then-modern street level, leading to a square chamber serving as a place of prayer, from which more steps led to a lower chamber believed to be the tomb of Lazarus. The same description applies today” (Wikipedia, 14 June 2014).

Russian Icon. The Raising of Lazarus. 15th century.
Novgorod school. 72 x 60 cm. The Russian Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia 

As we read from the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the New Testament many parables are given and many miracles performed. Besides the story of the miraculous restoration to life of Lazarus, this week we also read many other parables from Luke 15-18. These seem to set a general context for the great miracle that is about to take place, the restoration of life after death as Lazarus comes forth from the tomb (John11). 

Often Jesus taught principles, and then followed them with a miracle. An easy example showing this pattern is the healing of the 10 lepers in Luke 17:11-19. Jesus has been teaching about attitudes – outward appearances versus what is really in the mind and heart. He has taught about authority, duty, forgiveness, serving others, and gratitude. 

Jesus with Grateful Leper by William Hole

Luke 17:5 records that the apostles ask that He teach to increase their faith. He gives a story about how we fail to show gratitude to a servant that is being dutiful (Luke 17:7-10). Almost immediately after this teaching, Jesus heals the 10 lepers. The miracle is a clear illustration of what he has just been teaching. It even illustrates the duty of the priests to "judge" the people, and have stewardship for them. The lepers must be judged clean by the priests. 

The other stories and miracles also illustrate many true principles, yet they all point to one overarching truth. “One must pay a high price to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Where much is given, much is required, and only those who are willing to sacrifice their personal desires in order to be true to the teachings of the Savior shall merit his benediction, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

We have seen also that true disciples of Christ are under solemn obligation to make a conscious, deliberate choice in favor of the kingdom of God and against the forbidden enticements of this fallen world. One cannot enjoy membership in the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan at the same time. To attempt to do so is to partake of that leaven—hypocrisy—that Jesus so strongly condemned” (p. 123, The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles). 

THERAISING СИ LAZARIS. Late 14th — early 15th Century.
 Byzantium From the Collection of G. Gamon-Gumun. Russian museum

In Luke 15 we read the parables about the many ways we can become lost and again be found: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the 2 prodigal sons – one who rebelled and the other who had difficulty forgiving and “would not go in” to the feast (pp. 126-137, The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles).  In each case the "lost" is "found" by someone who cares enough to search for them and "find" them.

Then  we read of Jesus sharing the parables of the unjust steward, and the Rich Man and Lazarus - a poor beggar that lies at the rich man’s gate. It is doubtful that this is the same Lazarus, yet the very name evokes the understandings of the resurrection that are gleaned from the events that will soon occur – death being overcome. In the parable we learn of the great "gulf" fixed between heaven and hell and how neither can pass to the other. 

All know that Lazarus has returned from the dead. He witnesses and teaches of the love of Jesus Christ that can return each of us to “life.” Even though he “rose from the dead” (like requested by the rich man and the beggar Lazarus, Luke 16:20-31), his testimony is rejected by the very leaders Jesus taught. John 12:10-11 explains that “the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.” 

Raising Lazarus, Oil on Copper Plate, 1875, 

Carl Heinrich Bloch (Hope Gallery, Salt Lake City)

Jesus gave these parables while eating with the lawyers and Pharisees (Luke 14:1). He was talking with the rulers and religious leaders of the Jews, teaching them. What was he teaching them? Footnote ‘a’ for Luke 16:16 refers us to the appendix. There, in verse 20, we read that “the Father hath sent [Jesus] to fulfill the law, that [even they] might all be redeemed.”

The message is clear – Jesus Christ has come to “find” all God’s children, the sheep, the coins, the prodigals, the stewards, the rich, and the poor – all! No matter how we are lost, or sick, we can be “found” and "healed." 

Through Jesus Christ, all may be restored to everlasting life and happiness.
All may "come forth."

THE LORD APPOINTED OTHER SEVENTY ALSO

Choice 1: Luke 10:1-24; “The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also”

1.     Review Luke 10:1-24. Based on these verses, write a summary of the Lord’s counsel and instructions He gave the seventy.

2.     Articles of Faith 1:6 states, “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church.” Using the principles taught from Luke 10:1-2, 8-9, 17-20, write a paragraph that supports this Article of Faith.

3.     Go to the Church’s scripture website and read the topic of “Seventy’ in the Guide to the Scriptures. Describe in one of two sentences how the scriptures show the existence of this office of the priesthood. 

Luke 10 begins “After these things . . . .” 

What things?

We must look back at Luke 9 to remember “the Twelve” [were] sent out with “power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick” (Luke 9:1-2; 10:8-9).

The apostles of Jesus are given priesthood authority and power, and carefully instructed in how to use the priesthood. Jesus even demonstrates their duties and the proper use of the power given them with examples accompanying his teachings. He fed five thousand, cast out devils, healed many, and even attempted to explain his forthcoming death and resurrection.  Some also witness him transfigured on the mount.

In this context “the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come” (Luke 11:1). Jesus calls additional helpers, as was done in the past. 

Two striking examples from the Old Testament are recorded in Exodus 24: 6-18 and Numbers 11:11-30. In the time of Moses, seventy of the “elders of Israel” called to help with the burdens of administration (Numbers 11:14-16) “saw the God of Israel” (Exodus 24:10; Numbers 11:17), and when “the spirit that was upon [Moses] . . . rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease” (Numbers 11:25).

Jesus helps the apostles [and us] understand “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few” (Luke 10:2) and warns, “I send you forth as lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:3). 

His miracles demonstrate how to cast out devils, heal the sick, trust in Him as the source of all good things, and teach about His forthcoming Atonement and Resurrection. He teaches, “rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:17-20). 

Knowing they are obedient and faithful is foremost – they need to understand their own relationship with Him as the Redeemer, and then to help others understand. 

Are we not also to accomplish this? Does not every disciple of Jesus need to come to know these same things?

 In this time, The Presidency of the Seventy consists of seven members of the First or Second Quorum of the Seventy who are called by the First Presidency and are given authority to preside over the Quorums of the Seventy. There are eight Quorums that may have up to 70 members per quorum.

Presidents of the Seventy April 2014          

Most presidencies in the Church have a presidency of three: a president and two counselors. However, in accordance with scripture, all are presidents in the Presidency of the Seventy—none are counselors: “And it is according to the vision showing the order of the Seventy, that they should have seven presidents to preside over them, chosen out of the number of the seventy; and the seventh president of these presidents is to preside over the six” (D&C 107:93–94).

Today, members of the Quorums of the Seventy have duties and responsibilities similar to the duties of the seventies given at the time of Moses and later in the time Jesus lived. Some key points of duty include:

·       The Seventy are called to preach the gospel and be especial witnesses of Jesus Christ: D&C 107:25–26;

·       The Seventy act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve, building up the Church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations: D&C 107:34;

·       Choose other seventy, even seven times seventy, if the labor requires it: D&C 107:93–97;

·       The quorum of seventies is instituted for traveling elders to bear record of my name in all the world: D&C 124:138–139;

Seventies, called to Priesthood service and authority by authorized servants of God, “are General Authorities of the Church [of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints] who are given the apostolic authority but are not ordained Apostles. They devote their full time to the ministry.”

THINKING

"I am a child of God, ..."

SERIOUSLY!

We all are his children.
He loves each of us uniquely and individually.

If I can think about and pray for each of my children every day, surely an omniscient being thinks about and cares deeply about each of His children and watches over them. I often feel his love and blessings in my days. I try to watch every day for the simple things that show he cares.

"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows." Luke 12: 6-7

Sometimes I am a sparrow in the dark, sometimes in the light ...

God is thinking of you today.

Have you thought about him?