NT Come Follow Me 5
Introduction:
“Prepare Ye the Way of the
Lord”
Jesus Christ and His
gospel can change me, if I allow it. “If something as permanent as a mountain
can be flattened, then surely the Lord can help us straighten our own crooked
paths.”
Luke 3:4–5 How can I make His paths straight? What do I need to do to straighten up my own act?
Luke 3:6 I want to be spiritually prepared to see the salvation of God. This will come during my lifetime; I am sure of it.
Personal Study: Who
was Mark?
Mark was a missionary companion to Paul (to Peter, and to others). Mark’s gospel was most likely written before the others. Mark may have been directed by Peter to record events from the Savior’s life.
Mark also known as John.
“Tradition states
that after Peter’s death, Mark visited Egypt, founded the Church of Alexandria,
and died by martyrdom.”
Personal Study: Repentance is a mighty change of mind and heart. John the Baptist’s
Mission:
“The
mission of John the Baptist was to prepare the hearts of the people to receive
the Savior and become more like Him.”
Matthew 3:2 He taught repentance.
Luke 3:9, 17
We are to do good works, or be good fruit; we are to become like wheat, not
tares.
Record more images
of John’s ministry in your reading. You could draw pictures if you like.
How necessary is
repentance?
Repentance is not option, but vital to salvation. It is a commandment of God.
It is a change of mind and heart and direction. It is sacrificing our own will to follow the Lord’s will. It is not easy. It requires true discipleship.
Luke 3:8 What are the fruits of repentance?
We Can Do Better and Be Better
Personal Study: Who
were the Pharisees and Sadducees?
“The Pharisees were members of a Jewish religious
party who prided themselves on strict observance of the law of Moses and its
rituals. The Sadducees were a wealthy Jewish class with great religious and
political influence; they did not believe in the doctrine of resurrection.”
Matthew 23:23–28 The Lord does not like hypocrisy. He wants us to live His gospel, and not make our own.
Personal Study: Jesus Christ was baptized to “fulfil all
righteousness.”
How did you follow
the Savior by being baptized?
|
The Savior’s Baptism |
My Baptism |
|
John the Baptist
baptized Jesus, and he held the Aaronic Priesthood. |
My Father baptized me
and he holds the Melchizedek Priesthood. |
|
Jesus was baptized in
the River Jordan |
I was baptized in
Grant Stake as a member of the Grant 3rd ward. |
|
Jesus was baptized by
immersion. |
I was baptized by
immersion |
|
Jesus was baptized to
be obedient to His Father, to show us the way, and to fulfill all
righteousness. |
I was also baptized to
be obedient and to show that I was willing to follow Jesus Christ and keep
His commandments. |
|
Heavenly Father sent
the Holy Ghost in the form of a dove and He announced that Jesus Christ is
His Son in whom He is well pleased. |
He gave me a good
feeling and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. He has guiding me throughout my life
through the Gift and Power of the Holy Ghost and at times the presence of His
Son and angels, witnessed by the Holy Ghost. |
2 Nephi 31
Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ; follow Doctrine of Christ.
Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 68–74
Video: The Baptism of Jesus Christ
Personal Study: The members of the Godhead are three separate
beings.
The baptism of Jesus
clarifies again that there are three Personages in the Godhead.
Genesis 1:26 We are created in God’s image (both our spiritual and our physical bodies).
Matthew 17:1–5
Heavenly Father announced that Jesus Christ is His Son at the Mount of
Transfiguration.
John 17:1–3
Jesus prayers to His Father. He testifies that it is life Eternal for us to
know the Only True God (our Father) and Jesus Christ (His Son) whom He has
sent.
Acts 7:55–56 Stephen saw the Heavens open and He saw God the Father and Jesus Christ standing at His right hand.
Doctrine and
Covenants 130:22 The Father and Jesus Christ both of Resurrected
Bodies of flesh and bone. The Holy Ghost is still a personage of Spirit.
Family Study: The Aaronic Priesthood
John was of the
tribe of Levi and held this Priesthood. He was ordained at 8-days old when he
was circumcised. What blessings have you received because this Priesthood was
restored by John to Joseph and Oliver? What are the responsibilities, gifts,
and blessings of this Priesthood?
Doctrine and
Covenants 13:1; 20:46–60
Family Study: Baptism
(coupled with Faith in Jesus Christ and Repentance) Cleanses Us from Sin
How and when should we be baptized? How is confirmation and receiving the
Gift of the Holy Ghost part of baptism? How are these like a new birth?
Once we receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, we can work towards the baptism by
fire. Who performs the baptism of fire?
Moses 6:64–68 Adam was baptized
Moses 8:23–24 Confirmation and the
Bestowal of the Gift of the Holy Ghost are a necessary component to Baptism by
Immersion.
2 Ne. 31; Mosiah 18:8–17 Baptism was taught long
before the birth of Jesus Christ.
1 Cor. 10:1–4 The children of Israel
were baptized.
Gal. 3:8; Heb. 4:1–2; 2 Pet. 2:5; Moses 8:23–24 The children of Israel were
taught the gospel and the ordinances thereof were administered to them.
Matt. 3:16; Acts 8:37–39; Rom. 6:1–6; Col. 2:12; D&C 20:72–74; 128:12–13 John the Baptist and Philip
baptized the people by immersion.
D&C 13; JS—H 1:68–72 Those who are Priests in the
Aaronic Priesthood are given the authority to baptize with water; those of the
Melchizedek Priesthood are also given the authority of laying on of hands to
confirm and to bestow the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:15–16; John 1:25–33;
contrast Acts 8:5–25 John the Baptist taught that
Jesus Christ had greater Priesthood authority than he did.
John 3:3–5 We must be born of the water
and the Spirit in order to enter heaven. (Baptism and confirmation alone do not
guarantee this. The baptism of fire is a gift from God to those who are
repentant and ready to receive this, and then continue to press forward in the
faith.)
Mark 16:16 If we believe (have faith in
Jesus Christ) and are baptized, we will be saved.
Matt. 3:15; 2 Ne. 31:4–11 Jesus was baptized to
fulfill all righteousness.
Luke 7:30 The Pharisees were too proud to
be baptized. (Perhaps Nicodemus was.)
“Baptism in water has several purposes. It is
for the remission of sins, for membership in the Church, and for entrance into
the celestial kingdom; it is also the doorway to personal sanctification when
followed by the reception of the Holy Ghost.”
I believe that this sanctification has to do with the Baptism by Fire and the
Holy Ghost.
D&C 20:71; 68:25–28 A basic understanding of the
principles of the Gospel and an ability to put these into practice is a
necessary prerequisite for baptism.
JST Gen.
17:11 [Appendix] The age of age was not only given in this
dispensation, but was part of the Abrahamic covenant. The circumcision of males
at 8 days old was a reminder of baptism at 8 years old.
“Baptism is a most sacred ordinance, which a
person, having received it, can remember throughout life as a reminder of the
personal commitment to Jesus Christ. Its symbolism is beautiful, and its
consequences ever so desirable. “
“John the Baptist had the signal honor among all men to take the Son of God
into the water and baptize Him, after which he saw the Holy Ghost descend upon
Jesus. By being baptized Jesus obeyed the law Himself and set the example for
all mankind.”
Holy Ghost (You might come back and write notes on this section another time)
Family Study: Is God also
please with me?
When have you experienced feelings
that God is pleased with you? What can we do to please God?
Song Baptism
Family Study:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/3?lang=eng
John the Baptist preaches in Judæa—Jesus is
baptized, and the Father acclaims Him as His Beloved Son.
Matthew 3:1–12 Images in John the Baptist’s ministry.
Vs 2 Why is this message of repentance also needed in our day? (The Second Coming is near)
Vs 3 How can we also be like John, as one crying repentance in the wilderness?
Vs 7-10 The baptism offered by John was denied to the Pharisees. Baptism is only available to the repentant.
Vs 11-12 Jesus's Priesthood authority was greater than John's. John brought the gospel of repentance, to point the way to Jesus Christ. Our faith needs to be in Jesus Christ, and in following His doctrine, unto salvation.
Vs 13-15 Jesus had the faith to follow
His Father's commandment to be baptized, to fulfill all righteousness.
John also, receiving further knowledge from Jesus, had the faith
to proceed and baptize Jesus, who is the Son of God.
How can this example help you proceed in your own callings and assignments when
you feel inadequate, unprepared, or unworthy?
Vs 16-27 Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist; and
John had the privilege of seeing the heavens open and witnessing the Spirit
descending like a dove upon Jesus, and hearing the Father announce that Jesus
is His Beloved Son, and that He was pleased and accepted of this baptism.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/mark/1?lang=eng
Jesus is baptized by John—He preaches the gospel,
calls disciples, casts out devils, heals the sick, and cleanses a leper.
Mark 1:1–8 Images in John the Baptist’s ministry.
Vs 1-4 John began his ministry,
probably six months ahead of Jesus, to prepare the way.
He preached the baptism of repentance fo the remission of sins.
vs 5 People came from all around to confess their
sins and be baptized of John.
vs 7-8 John testified that Jesus and Jesus's mission were greater than his.
Jesus is the One who baptizes us with the Holy Ghost. It is a Melchizedek
Priesthood holder who bestows the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
vs 9-11 Jesus was baptized of John, and
the Spirit descended like a dove upon Him. Heavenly Father's voice said to
Jesus, "Thou are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
This must have been so reassuring to Jesus as He began His
ministry. Those words would be so helpful to Him when Satan came to tempt and
dissuade Him from His purpose.
Vs 15 John had fulfilled His mission, and Jesus's
ministry time arrived. Since then, the call to all of us has been, "Repent
ye, and believe the gospel." Do you accept the calling?
Vs 16-20 Jesus
called His disciples, and they straightway followed Him. Do you hear His call?
Are you choosing to follow?
Vs 21-22 Jesus taught with power and authority given to Him of His Father.
When we teach in Church do we speak by the power of the Holy Ghost
and not as the scribes? I hope so.
Vs 25-27 Jesus performed miracles from the beginning of
His ministry. He could command unclean spirits to leave the bodies of men.
Vs 30-31 Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law. He had power to heal, and
Peter was married.
Vs 32-34 Many miracles were wrought by our Lord.
Vs 35 Jesus
sought solitude, so that He could pray to His Father in private. This is an
example for all of us.
If He sought direction before going out to minister, shouldn’t we do the same?
Vs 38-42 He
cleansed a leper.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/luke/3?lang=eng
John the
Baptist preaches and baptizes—Jesus is baptized, and God acclaims Him as His
Son—Jesus’ genealogy back to Adam is given.
Luke 3:2–18 Images in John the Baptist’s ministry.
Vs 2-3 John's
ministry begins. He preaches repentance and baptism for the remission of sins.
Vs 4-6 The ministries of
both John and Jesus were prophesied by Isaiah. John prepared the way before
Jesus, and through Jesus Christ salvation has come.
Vs 7-8 The humble and
repentant are received unto baptism; but, those who are not ready or worthy
should first practice faith in Jesus Christ and work on making the changes that
they need to make before entering into a covenant with Him.
Vs 10-11 The gospel of
Jesus Christ is a gospel of love. We should all be seeking to make the way
easier for one another, lightening the load as Jesus does for us.
Vs 12-13 The gospel of
Jesus Christ is a gospel of love. We should all be seeking to make the way
easier for one another, lightening the load as Jesus does for us.
Luke 3:7–14 What changes do I need to make in preparation to receive Christ more fully into my life?
Vs 14 Even soldiers should
desire peace and civility.
Vs 15-17 John taught
that he himself was a humble servant and that Christ would be the one to
baptism with fire and the Holy Ghost; that Chirst would be the one to save the
righteous and punish the wicked.
Vs 19-20 Rulers have the
obligation to be righteous and fair and not to rule for greed and power over
others. They should be the servants of the people.
Vs 21-22 Jesus came to
John the Bapist, in Judea long ago; and was baptized by immersion!
I am thankful that Jesus
marked the path and led the way.
Jesus received the
approval of His Father. The Holy Ghost descended upon Him in a bodily shape
like a dove. And He heard His Father's voice saying, "Thou art my beloved
Son; in thee I am well pleased."
We should all go and do
likewise.
Vs 23 Religious leaders in
Israel, at this time, were required to be 30 years and above.
Joseph’s genealogy is set
forth. Mary’s was similar. Jesus was in line to the throne of David. We all
came from Adam and Eve; and we all come from God.
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