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Gospel Doctrine: Peace, Be Still

I think what I love the most about the way the Lord works is how my scripture study always seems to match up so neatly with my life – or else, my life matches so well to my scripture study. Last night, discussing the Relief Society/Priesthood lesson, I spoke of my determination to spend today vigilantly overcoming a bad habit. After studying today’s portion of the Sunday School lesson, Mark 4:35-41, I felt further strengthened and uplifted. This short portion covered the well-known story of Christ stilling the tempest. In fact, as I read it to my children (trying to … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: Bringing Friends to Christ

We have already studied much of the second chapter of Mark reviewed as part of lesson 7. However, as I read, I was touched by the role of the friends of the palsied man. Though they are rarely discussed, they seem like four men worthy of emulation. When Christ returned to Capernum, a multitude of people gathered in his home to hear Him preach and minister. Among those wishing to be included were four men bearing a palsied fifth on a litter. When they could not get through because of the crowd, they climbed on the roof and lowered their … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: Baptized By Fire

As we begin reading Mark for Lesson 7 in the New Testament, you may have that strange feeling of déjà vu. That’s because, according to the Bible Dictionary, Mark has “the least amount of unique material.” Only about 7% of what he writes about is exclusive to this book; the rest was covered by Matthew, Luke, or John. Mark appeals to a general, non-Jewish audience, often defining Jewish words or customs. Mark is also the only gospel writer who was not an apostle; he served as a missionary with Paul. “The Testimony of St. Mark” (see JST) begins with the … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: The Temptations of Christ

Once Christ was baptized, He went into the desert to commune with God (make sure you read the JSTs throughout the bottom of this chapter!). After He fasted and communed with God for forty days and forty nights, Satan came and tempted Him. Several important points stand out as I read through verses 1-10. First, thanks to the JST, we know that Christ did not seek out temptation; instead, He sought the Lord. Like Moses, after He communed with Heavenly Father, Satan availed himself of the opportunity to tempt him. As we go through our lives, we must realize that … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: The Ordinance of Baptism

I’m sure you didn’t think it was possible, but I finished up Matthew 3 today. In the last few verses (13-17), Christ goes down to the waters of Jordan to be baptized by John who, you’ll remember, held the Aaronic priesthood. If Christ, who was perfect, had need to be baptized, what does that say for us? When Christ approached John about the baptism, John asked how Christ could need to be baptized by him, a mortal man. Obviously, John recognized the divine nature of the Savior. I am sure that, as he grew, Elizabeth testified to him of the … Continue reading →

General Conference From the Past: Preparing the Way

As I studied the ministry of John the Baptist, I found a talk in the archives that touched on his life, his teachings, and his ministry. In April 1980, Elder Thomas S. Monson gave a talk entitled “Preparing the Way”. President Monson’s talk centered primarily on the Aaronic priesthood, which John held. This priesthood came to him by virtue of his lineage; like his father, Zacharias, he was able to administer in the ordinances thereof. This priesthood enabled him to baptize, both mortal men and the Savior of the world. Elder Monson discusses the fact that the power of the … Continue reading →