Search Results for: blog gospel doctrine the ordinance of baptism

The Symbolism of Baptism

Most of us can recall our baptism day. I remember wading into the warm water, how weightless I felt, and wondering why my dad was wearing white socks in the water. I remember the rush of water past my ears, and most of all, I remember the feeling I had afterward, of being clean and pure. As I’ve grown up and learned about all the filth in the world, I’ve often wished I could go back and get baptized all over again, so I can feel the way I did that day when I was eight. However, it’s not necessary … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: Worship in Spirit and in Truth

The last time we reviewed the scriptures, we discussed Christ’s role as living water. Today, as we study John 4:15-38, we further that discussion by centering on the spiritual nature of our worship of the Savior. Heavenly Father wants us to worship Him not just in form but in Spirit (vs. 24 JST). As we keep commandments and perform ordinances, it can be easy to focus on the temporal aspects of those forms of obedience. In short, it can be simpler to celebrate the physical act of baptism but neglect the spiritual portion. We can fulfill the duties of our … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: Spiritually Reborn

The Sunday School lesson this week revolves around being born again. Christ references two necessary ways that we can be reborn – first through water, and then through the spirit. Of the two, I’d like to focus today on being spiritually reborn. The physical ordinance of baptism can be as spiritual as we allow it to be. Conversely, it can be a simple, body-only ordinance if we do not bring the Spirit into it. Most converts, of course, choose baptism only after a spiritual conversion. This isn’t necessarily true of those born into the church. In many cases, testimonies are … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: Straightway & Immediately

When you finish up Matthew chapter 4, you learn of the calling of Peter, Andrew, James, and John, two sets of brothers, all four fishermen. Their response to the Savior’s call showed the depth of their faith and the testimony of the Holy Ghost. If you check the JST of verse 19, you can see that Christ revealed His divine nature to Peter and Andrew. “I am he of whom it is written by the prophets.” Surely the Holy Ghost testified to them of the truth of His words. Although the scriptures do not tell us that he identified Himself … 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 →

Dinner Discussions 2007 Week 9

This week’s dinner discussions are based on lesson nine in the manuals. You can use the time around the table to reinforce the lessons that your children learned at church during the week. Keep the discussions upbeat and positive. It is a great time to answer any questions that your children may have had during church. If you have a child in Nursery or Sunbeams he learned to be grateful for water. The lesson explained that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ provided water for us on the earth. The children discussed the many things that water is used for. The … Continue reading →

The LDS Families Week In Review: January 21-27

It’s always nice to wrap up the week and summarize, especially if you’ve missed our blogs (I know you’d never do that)! As we start getting ready for Sunday, let’s take a look at what we’ve covered getting ready for our lessons. Sunday School We started off the week by examining the mission of John the Baptist in Prepare His Way and Making His Paths Straight. John helped prepare those he preached to for the mortal ministry of Christ. We took a look at how we can help prepare those around us for His second coming. In Unquenchable Fire, we … 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 →