Saturday, June 16, 2012

why having the proper authority to act in Gods name is important

Acts 19-20
Five ordinances that Paul Performed were
1.Baptism
2. Giving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of Hands (blessing)
3. Sacrament
4.He cast out evil spirits
5.Raised the dead (not sure if that is an ordinance)
When Paul found disciples he asked them if they had received the gift of the Holy Ghost, they said they hadn't heard of it, they said they were baptized as john had baptized and Paul explained that John baptized for repentance and he had prepared a way for Jesus.  He then baptized them with authority and blessed them by putting his hands on their head and they received the Holy Ghost and  were able to speak wonderful things. I found it interesting when Paul had cast out spirits they were gone but when others who claimed they had authority tried and the spirits said they didn't know them but they knew Jesus and Paul (Paul was ordained by Jesus, he was given the authority to act in Gods name).  The reason the disciples needed to be baptized again was because they needed to be baptized by one having authority by God to baptized so must everyone be baptized by someone who has been ordained with the priesthood as the apostles were ordained to baptize.
They then met on the first day of the week to break bread in remembrance of Jesus. The Sabbath day had changed from the last day of the week to the first day of the week because that was the day Jesus rose from the dead and Jesus also appeared to the apostles on the first day of the week.

Acts 6-7 Stephen the martyr

I will summarize Stephens last words and my impressions as I read them.

In Acts chapter 6:6-8 Stephen is called and ordained of God, He had such faith that miracles and wonders were his companion.  In Acts chapter 7: 51-60 Stephen was frustrated with the people for not listening to the spirit and they would not learn from those that came before them, they did as their parents did and persecuted the prophets even Jesus and they were doing the same to Stephen they had been visited by angels and still strayed from the truth.   Well the people didn't take this very well and they through him out of the city and began to stone him as they did he looked up into heaven.  55 But, he being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 and said, behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
When Stephen declared these words he told the world a specific truth that God and Jesus Christ are not one being but two separate beings that work together.  I know that Stephen died knowing he would be saved in the Kingdom of God and he was so amazing that he even asked for God not to judge the people for stoning him to death.  how bad would I feel if that had happend to me?

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

New Testament

This is for my assignment: I am supposed to read the chapter summaries from Acts 1-8, 10-12 and the Bible dictionary entry the "acts of the Apostles". I am supposed to share any themes I notice so here goes.
                Note to remember this all happens after Christ was Crucified and ressurected
1. There is a lot of preaching the gospel and getting persecuted for it. the preaching is in preparation for the restoration of the kingdom of God on Earth.  When Metthias was chosen to fill the vacancy in the 12 apostles I think that was an example that the apostles were to continue on the earth and that there should be 12 always.
2. Moses prepared the way for Christ by his prophesies and also he was said to have been a prototype of Christ.
3. Repentance through Christ will bring salvation
4.Miracles are able to be performed even after Christ's death.
5. The gift of the holy Ghost must be conferred by someone who has the authority to confer it. that authority can not be bought.
6. Everyone is able to be taught the Gospel.
7. Everyone is able to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
8. Angels are able to speak to men on earth.
9. The church is guided by revelation
10. All are able to receive forgiveness for their sins.

The next part of my assignment is to read the chapter various chapter headings again and record what Peter was doing in those chapters.
Chapter 2: Peter Testifies of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, He teaches of the path to salvation and the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  I remember my favorite scripture from this chapter as I read, the people knew that Jesus Christ was the messiah and they believed they could repent and they said, "Men and Brethren what shall we do? Peter replied,"Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for a remission of sins and Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." 3000 people were baptized that day!! awesome!

Chapter 3: Peter Heals a lame man and preaches repentance and teaches of the the age of restoration preceding the second coming, and he also teaches that Christ is the prophet of whom Moses spoke of.
Chapter 4:Peter is arrested for preaching and performing miracles in the name of Jesus Christ and we asked to stop doing such in the name of Christ , but Peter refused.
Chapter 5: Peter is arrested yet again, because of envy by the high priest.  but that did not stop peter the prison doors were opened by the angel of the Lord
Chapter8: Peter goes to Samaria and confers the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Peter rebukes a man for trying to buy the authority to act in Gods name (its not for sale)
Chapter 9:Peter Heals AEneous and raised Dorcus from the Dead
Chapter 10: Peter had a vision to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.
Chapter 12: Peter is freed from prison yet again.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012




We got some family photos taken by our friend Janelle Anderson she really does a great job! the pictures were taken in the end of January.  We were celebrating the newest member of our family ( Dec. 23) David Beavin

Wow I am horrible at this blog thing hopefully my religion class will help me get into the habit for good. I am taking a class on the second hajf of the new testament in the King James version of the bible. we have to make a post on what we are reading and learning from what we learn.