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this is lesson cloth studied April 1-14.
In Jesus's teachings, the land of Israel itself turns into his visual help. it is nowhere greater evident than within the teachings he offers in Caesarea Philippi concerning the rock on which His Church may be constructed. study that this week as smartly because the profound reply the Pharisees received who had been in the hunt for an indication.
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Approximate Transcript:
Scot
Welcome to Meridian journal's Come follow Me Podcast! we're Scot and Maurine Proctor and are so satisfied to be with you once more this week and to look at with you these most crucial truths from the brand new testomony. we are so blessed to have the scriptures and we are even more blessed to be capable of look at them each day.
Maurine
we are grateful to Paul Cardall who provides that tune that opens and closes this Podcast.
This week's lesson is taken from parts of Matthew, Chapters 16 and 17; Mark Chapters 8 and 9 and Luke Chapter 9. The lesson is entitled "Thou artwork the Christ."
Let's begin our dialogue this week with a paragraph from the lesson and then a remark. right here's the paragraph:
Isn't it bizarre that the Pharisees and Sadducees would demand that Jesus display them "an indication from heaven"? Weren't His many generic miracles ample? What about His potent teachings or the distinct techniques He had fulfilled ancient prophecies? Their demand turned into induced now not with the aid of a scarcity of indications but by means of an unwillingness to "parent the indications" and accept them. (See Matthew 16:1–4.)
It struck us as we were studying that paragraph that Jesus Himself became the sign! be aware what the Prophet Isaiah had said in Chapter 7:
"hence the Lord himself shall offer you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name his identify Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
Scot
bear in mind what Immanuel ability within the Hebrew? God with us. Jesus Himself become the signal from the father, as John recorded: "For God so cherished the world, that he gave his best begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should now not perish, but have everlasting existence." (John three:16)
Jesus become the epitome of indications, the incredible sign from the heavens, that God doesn't overlook His infants. He despatched His most effective begotten Son to let His little ones understand that He loves them—and that Chosen Son would be the signal of His love.
Spirit of Prophecy
Maurine
allow us to lay down a further fact as we begin this lesson—and that is from the teachings of John the liked and Paul the Apostle: "…for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy," and "no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, however by the Holy Ghost." (1 Corinthians 12:three)
In other phrases: to know that Jesus Christ is the Holy one in every of Israel, the handiest Begotten of the daddy, the Messiah—we will most effective recognize that—completely comprehend that reality by means of the revelation given us by way of the Holy Ghost.
Scot
in case you have already got that witness, which most of you do have, endure it to your family—this may instantly invite the Spirit into you home. in case you have a spouse or a friend who isn't of our religion or is struggling, endure your testimony of the Savior to them with love—this may do nothing but invite the wonder of the Spirit into your home and into their hearts. they'll feel the love of the Savior and your love and you may't assist however advantage.
This testimony that you've will in reality bless all individuals of your household.
This testimony plays into our lesson this week.
Caesarea Philippi
MaurineWe have this extraordinary dazzling what i'd name "a snippet of a scene" at Caesarea Philippi. Jesus is there with his apostles. they've been out preaching the gospel. they are gathered right here at this selected region and He wants to get a file from them. we will focus on what He asked them in a minute, however that you may't fully have in mind the have an effect on of those verses unless you consider the geographic atmosphere. Let's speak in regards to the setting.
Scot
Israel is a really dry nation—peculiarly within the south and the east. but, here within the North, at Caesarea Philippi, it's verdant and eco-friendly. This historic metropolis sits appropriate on the base of Mount Hermon, the optimum mountain in the enviornment at 9,232 ft. This mountain usually has snow yr-circular and that snow melts into the mountain and into deep, subterranean caverns. The water then comes out in three predominant springs right here within the north—Dan (named after the tribe of Dan), Chatsbani or Snir, and Banias. These three springs move within the Chula Valley and turn into one river—the Yardein (or Jordan) River. This identify skill "coming down from Dan."
Maurine
right here at Caesarea Philippi is the eye-catching Banias Springs—a pretty good waterfall that flows out and varieties a crystal-clear river. Water in a dessert is existence. We all the time take our excursions to see this Banias Springs as a result of they are so superb and remind certainly one of dwelling waters.
The original identify of this river would were Panias—however the Arabs don't use the "P" sound, so it's Banias. This was named after the Greek god Pan.
Scot
on the site, near the place Jesus would were getting the document from the apostles changed into the city of Caesarea Philippi and in that city, correct up in opposition t a one hundred-foot strong rock cliff face and a larger cave or cavern turned into a pagan temple constructed to this idol god Pan. past in its background this city would had been a center of worship for the god Baal. in the time of Jesus there were detestable rituals and sexual orgies and rites happening at this temple—issues that would had been so abhorrent to Jesus and His disciples.
Maurine
The locals regarded the excellent cavern the place water flowed out voluminously as one of the crucial gates of Hades or the gates of hell. They believed that their idol gods would retreat into the cavern and into the underworld here during the winter after which they might come out within the spring—in regards to the time the snows of Mt. Hermon were melting and the raise of water stream would be so evident. They made sacrifices to their idol gods at this cavern and many believed their livelihood, their flocks and herds, the benefits of their families have been all given based on these gates of hell.
Scot
And another exciting element is this a hundred-foot-high bedrock face under which the water would circulation out (by the way—an earthquake within the nineteenth century changed the circulate of the river to the neighborhood waterfalls instead of coming at once out from the cavern).
This rock face, referred to as "petra" in the Greek plays into the story.
Now, back to that snippet we have of Christ and His apostles right here:
that you could comply with along on your scriptures. We're in Matthew 16, verses 13-19.
Maurine
13 ¶ When Jesus came into the coasts of Cæsarea Philippi, he requested his disciples, asserting, Whom do guys say that I the Son of man am?
14 and they spoke of, Some say that thou paintings John the Baptist (bear in mind John the Baptist has been beheaded and a few notion he had come lower back to life): some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the most prophets.
15 He saith unto them, however whom say ye that i am?
sixteen And Simon Peter answered and talked about, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Now be aware what you're seeing here: The pagan temple to Pan, a huge cavern the place all of the locals regarded this the very gates of hell, this very worldly metropolis with people worshipping false gods, a large bedrock a hundred-foot cliff face, and a really giant volume of water flowing out from underneath this cliff.
Scot
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed artwork thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath now not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
In different words, Peter did not gain knowledge of from other guys or women that this Man changed into the Messiah—it became reveled to Peter, by revelation from Heavenly Father.
18 and i say also unto thee, That thou paintings Peter, and upon this rock i will construct my church; and the gates of hell shall now not succeed against it.
The Lord first calls him Simon, son of Jona. Jona (yona) within the Hebrew capability "dove" and the Lord may also now not have just reminded Simon of his earthly father's name—but it surely could even be a be aware play. Jona, meaning dove, also reminds us of the Holy Spirit that got here within the form of a dove that descended upon Jesus at His baptism.
Then He certainly calls him Peter—or Petros—which means a small stone or pebble.
Maurine
once again, photograph that bedrock cliff with a large extent of water flowing out of it, "upon this rock—right here is the notice Petra—bedrock—i will be able to build my church. This symbol of bedrock and residing water flowing from it—is the perfect image of revelation. And, of course, the Lord would say, "The gates of hell shall not succeed towards it." there's that cavern and the place the locals concern—the very entrance to the underworld—and Christ emphasizes that satan will not be successful over His Church. And to guarantee that, he then says in verse 19:
19 and i will supply unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and by any means thou shalt bind on the earth will probably be sure in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on the earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Scot
Now, Peter should be given these priesthood keys (simply as Joseph Smith in our day)—and this can turn up soon after this scene. We'll talk about that in a couple of minutes.
Does this all make more experience to you now? The photograph we used as an example this week's Podcast is of that bedrock cliff there at Caesarea Philippi.
What if the Savior asked us these days, "Whom do you say that i am?" What can be our answer?
The Savior has greater than 100 names given to Him within the scriptures—every of which captures some a part of His mission as Savior and Redeemer.
How would you reply that question?
Maurine
Time magazine explored this query some years ago, attempting to investigate who Jesus truly turned into. From author Richard Ostling we examine:
in the U.S., conservative Christians are outraged via a self-appointed supreme court docket of professors conventional as the Jesus Seminar, which meets twice a year to forged ballots on even if each and every of the master's New testament sayings is genuine or now not. sample conclusion: Jesus did say "Blessed are the bad" but not "Blessed are the meek" or "Blessed are the peacemakers," phrases that, the community contends, were delivered by the Gospel authors in an echo of historic testament writings.
"The attempt with the aid of contemporary students to ferret out the actual, historical Nazarene from the supposedly embellished debts within the Bible — a system frequent because the historic-important formulation, or "bigger criticism" — has resulted in some somewhat unorthodox notions.
ScotA current sampling (the article goes on):
— Jesus didn't declare to be the Messiah. Such assertions represent the church's later belief, which Gospel writers inserted into the lifetime of Christ.
— When Jesus mentioned he was the "Son of God," he did not imply to be taken actually. New testament language of this form, as in relating to Jesus because the "Lamb" or "be aware" of God, is metaphorical.
— Some parts of the Gospel of Thomas, a textual content that church authorities have all the time regarded spurious, are past and extra authentic than the four New testament Gospels.
— Jesus on no account uttered any of the numerous denunciations of the Pharisees found in the new testomony. These sentiments had been put in Jesus' mouth via 1st century church writers who considered the Pharisees their competitors.
Maurine
— Jesus can also were crucified by means of mistake. background suggests that the Romans consistently rounded up dissidents and accomplished them without trial. Jesus may "by accident" were caught in a single of those periodic sweeps, suggests the Rev. Burton Mack, a Presbyterian on the school of Theology at Claremont, Calif. "might be he became making an attempt out certainly one of his kingdom of God concepts in the company of some boisterous Galileans — a nasty thought at the moment." (Time journal, Sunday, June 24, 2001)
in the secular and even spiritual world since then, the view of Jesus has diminished even extra—some even query if He ever existed.
Isn't it magnificent that we reside in an age where the Lord has sent yet a different testomony of Jesus Christ in the booklet of Mormon, the voice of Jesus Christ within the Doctrine and Covenants and dwelling witnesses of the resurrected Christ within the Apostles and Prophets!
we might say with Peter, "Thou artwork the Christ! The Son of the living God!"
Mount of Transfiguration
Scot
just six days after this interplay with the Savior at Caesarea Philippi, the Lord took His senior apostles, Peter, James and John to "an excessive mountain apart," to what's referred to as the Mount of Transfiguration.
Some consider this turned into right there at Mt. Hermon—the 9,232 foot height in the vicinity of Caesarea Philippi. Others feel it changed into Mount Tabor, a single mountain that rises above the Jezreel Valley ground as a prominence of essentially 1,500 ft. Our purpose here is not to persuade you of either mountain, but to testify of what happened there.
MaurineLet's examine collectively in Matthew 17 verses 1-9.
1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
[please note a pattern here: The Lord's revelations are often given on mountains apart, in a wilderness place. A temple is a type of a mountain and there is always an ascension in the temple to finally reach the presence of God.]
2 And [Jesus] changed into transfigured earlier than them: and his face did shine because the sun, and his raiment was white because the light.
Scot
[a captivating footnote here is that after witnesses of heavenly manifestations are attempting to describe these experiences they regularly should revert to similes, metaphors and comparisons—they simply don't have the phrases, like: "His face did shine because the solar," and "His raiment become white as the mild." Joseph Smith noted of Jesus Christ: "His eyes had been as a flame of fireplace; the hair of his head was white just like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was because the sound of the speeding of terrific waters." (D&C 110: 3)
3 And, behold, there looked unto them Moses and Elias speakme with him.
Please word the americans who are right here: Jesus. Moses. And Elias (that's the Greek identify for Elijah). both Moses and Elijah had been taken from the earth, or transfigured, without tasting of loss of life—and it become for this very hour on the Mount of Transfiguration. Make no mistake: They laid actual hands on Peter, James and John and gave them the keys of the Priesthood that they held—the keys of the gathering of Israel and the keys of turning the hearts of the infants to their fathers and the hearts of the fathers to their children. These priesthood keys are basic for the work of the Lord to move ahead on this planet.
Maurine
four Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it's respectable for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make right here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5 while he yet spake, behold, a vibrant cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which pointed out, here's my loved Son, in whom i am well completely happy; hear ye him.
6 And when the disciples heard it,they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
7 And Jesus got here and touched them, and mentioned, arise, and be now not afraid.
eight And when they'd lifted up their eyes, they noticed no man, retailer Jesus best.
9 And as they got here down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, announcing, tell the imaginative and prescient to no man, except the Son of man be risen again from the useless.
Now, question: can we have the complete account of the Mount of Transfiguration? a resounding NO!
what is the most basic and marvelous factor that took place here?
Peter, James and John received Priesthood Keys, via the laying on of fingers, from Moses and Elijah—so that the work might continue after the demise and resurrection of Christ.
Scot
Of route, in Jewish culture, Elijah would at some point return at Passover. And has he lower back? a powerful sure!
In Kirtland, Ohio, in the newly committed Temple, Moses, one more Elias and Elijah back at Passover, on Sunday, April three, 1836 and laid their hands upon the heads of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and gave them these priesthood keys.
Maurine
we now have a most wonderful promise, by the way, within the Doctrine and Covenants—with a little perception into more of what took place on the Mount of Transfiguration:''
D&C 63: 20 and 21:
20 "even so, he that endureth in religion and doeth my will, the identical shall overcome, and shall acquire an inheritance upon the earth when the day of transfiguration shall come;
21 When the earth can be transfigured, even according to the sample which was shown unto mine apostles upon the mount; of which account the fulness ye have not yet obtained.
Now that is enjoyable and mysterious! That's variety of like when Amulek, within the e-book of Mormon, is introducing himself and he refers to considered one of his popular ancestors, Aminadi "and it changed into that same Aminadi who interpreted the writing which changed into upon the wall of the temple, which changed into written by the finger of God." He gives us a story we understand nothing about, but was obviously frequent among the many Nephites.
definitely, the fullness of the account of the Mount of Transfiguration is yet to come back forth and we can be excited to examine and examine it some day!
Priesthood Keys
Scot
This whole lesson this week in fact is ready priesthood keys. Keys are distinctive than simply the priesthood. it's so vital that we take into account this. President Joseph Fielding Smith explained it this way:
"there's a difference between receiving an office in the priesthood and in receiving the keys of the priesthood. This we may still evidently keep in mind. …
"… whereas all guys dangle the priesthood who are ordained to any workplace, yet there are particular, or directing, authorities, bestowed upon folks that are referred to as to preside. These authorities are referred to as keys.
"[Priesthood] keys are the right of presidency; they're the vigour and authority to govern and direct the entire Lord's affairs in the world. those that hang them have vigor to manipulate and manage the manner wherein all others may serve within the priesthood.7
When guys are commissioned by the one who holds these keys, then their acts are valid. That which they do is sealed and ratified in the Church each on this planet and in the heavens."(Teachings of the Presidents, Joseph Fielding Smith, Chapter 11, pp. 153-154.)
Maurine
thus, anybody who's a sealer in the temple needs to be given those keys throughout the Prophet or a person designated with the aid of the Prophet to lengthen those keys.
any one who's baptized should accomplish that under the path of one who holds the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood—and that is the Bishop or the branch President.
There are handiest four men in a ward corporation who hang priesthood keys: The Bishop or branch President, the Elders Quorum President, the lecturers Quorum President and the Deacons Quorum President. In all cases these are quorum presidents—together with the bishop who is president of the priests quorum.
and of course the President and Prophet of the Church actively exercises all priesthood keys—and we are asked to sustain him in that activity. You bear in mind probably the most Temple recommend questions:
"Do you sustain the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator and as the simplest adult on the planet who possesses and is authorized to endeavor all priesthood keys?"
Scot
This sustaining of the prophet gives us splendid promises. we now have study this earlier than but it's worth repeating here:
We're reading from section 21 of the Doctrine and Covenants, verses 5 and 6:
"For his word ye shall obtain, as if from mine own mouth, in all endurance and religion.
"For by way of doing these items the gates of hell shall not succeed against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from earlier than you, and trigger the heavens to shake to your good, and his identify's glory." (D&C 21: 5, 6)
I want these promises in my life! And in our lives as a family unit!
We were in Rome for the dedication of the temple there. And, as you understand, the first Presidency and the entire Quorum of the Twelve Apostle gathered there. one of the most images that become taken all through that gathering was of President Russell M. Nelson, standing through the statue of Peter, who is depicted as preserving the keys in his hand. President Nelson is, presently, the dwelling prophet who holds and exercises all these keys.
searching for enhanced religion
Maurine
As we come to the remaining part of this lesson we can't omit speaking about this delicate scene in Mark Chapter 9, verses 14-29. I trust we are all in quite a few places in our lives the place faith has to be exercised, now and again it takes a bit religion, every now and then a whole lot—and often we're presented with challenges and alternatives that might also seem to be overwhelming to our faith. Such is the case during this story in Mark. Let's examine this together:
14 ¶ And when he came to his disciples, he saw a fine multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
15 And straightway all the americans, once they beheld him, were enormously amazed, and working to him saluted him.
16 And he requested the scribes, What question ye with them?
17 And one of the vital multitude answered and said, master, I actually have introduced unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth together with his enamel, and pineth away: and i spake to thy disciples that they should still cast him out; and they could not.
19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how lengthy shall I be with you? how long shall I undergo you? deliver him unto me.
20 and that they brought him unto him: and when he noticed him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the floor, and wallowed foaming.
21 And he requested his father, How lengthy is it ago since this got here unto him? And he stated, Of a toddler.
22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fireplace, and into the waters, to damage him: but when thou canst do any component, have compassion on us, and aid us.
23 Jesus noted unto him, If thou canst agree with, all things are possible to him that believeth.
24 And straightway the daddy of the baby cried out, and referred to with tears, Lord, I accept as true with; assist thou mine unbelief.
Scot
We must cease at this factor. This man is determined: "If thou canst do any factor, have compassion on us, and help us." Isn't that so very delicate?
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland based certainly one of his convention talks on this very story:
"This man's initial conviction, by his own admission, is restricted. but he has an urgent, emphatic need in behalf of his handiest baby. we're instructed this is respectable sufficient for a starting. "besides the fact that ye can no more than need to accept as true with," Alma pronounces, "let this desire work in you, even until ye trust." with no different hope closing, this father asserts what faith he has and pleads with the Savior of the realm, "If thou canst do any component, have compassion on us, and aid us." i will hardly read these words with out weeping. The plural pronoun us is most likely used deliberately. This man is asserting, in effect, "Our total household is pleading. Our battle in no way ceases. we are exhausted. Our son falls into the water. He falls into the fire. he's perpetually in hazard, and we're continually afraid. We don't be a ware of where else to show. Can you assist us? we can be grateful for anything else—a partial blessing, a glimmer of hope, some small lifting of the burden carried by using this boy's mom daily of her lifestyles."
"If thou canst do any component," spoken by means of the father, comes returned to him "If thou canst trust," spoken by means of the grasp.four
"Straightway," the scripture says—now not slowly nor skeptically nor cynically however "straightway"—the father cries out in his unvarnished parental ache, "Lord, I agree with; aid thou mine unbelief." according to new and still partial faith, Jesus heals the boy, very nearly literally elevating him from the useless, as Mark describes the incident."
(Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lord, I agree with.)
Maurine
What a view of this amazing Son of God! What a scene of His compassion on this household—and for that reason and our personal families! What a scene to remember again and again as we cry out to the Lord in our own boundaries and fears, "Lord, I consider. help thou mine unbelief."
How can we support our own faith?
Scot, what have we done through the years that has helped us so much?
ScotWe have a list of faith scriptures that we have memorized or are at all times memorizing that aid us and give a boost to us. We used to have 30 of them—now we've 43 core scriptures we memorize. and i wish to testify that as we have made these scriptures a part of our minds and spirits, they basically assist us in instances of want.
i love this one from the Prophet Jacob in Chapter four verse 6 (and as you listen to this you can consider the faith surge to your spirit):
Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we acquire a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we in fact can command within the identify of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the ocean."
Maurine
Oh, and i love this one from John chapter 15, verse 5:
i am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and i in him, the equal bringeth forth a great deal fruit: for devoid of me ye can do nothing.
And, of path, i like Moroni 7:33:
And Christ hath mentioned: If ye may have faith in me ye shall have vigor to do whatsoever aspect is expedient in me.
These are the kinds of scriptures on our list of 43. Memorizing them over the ultimate 30 plus years has really blessed and strengthened our religion.
Scot
if you'd like to have our listing, drop us an e mail to scot@ldsmag.com and i will ship you out personal faith scriptures record. And, of path, you can make your personal record of the religion scriptures that stream you
Maurine
Now, we motivate you right through accepted conference to listen for the entire things which are spoke of so as to enhance your own faith and testimony.
Thanks for becoming a member of us! we have loved being with you. Please don't overlook our project that you can share this with 3 of your family members or pals. simply inform them to move to ldsmag.com/podcast
the following lesson could be a different one on Easter entitled: "O Grave, where is thy Victory?"
Scot
except next time, so long and have an outstanding couple of weeks.
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