How can we build a greater relationship with Jesus Christ? What is it about our efforts that help us to come closer to Him? I think that one of the ways that we can do this is through the study of those who had good relationships with Him and whose actions did nothing less than helping them to come into His arms of love. In some cases that might be watching the example of a beloved parent or relative, a good friend, or a respected leader. Another place we can always turn for examples is the scriptures. Prophets since the beginning of time have created a relationship with the Father and the Son and patterned their life after their teachings so that they might lead us to the pathway that leads to salvation in the Kingdom of God. John the Baptist was one of those men whose life is an amazing example to study and follow.
John the Baptist understood His calling and strove to prepare the people to accept the Christ who would come and suffer that He might be our advocate with the Father. When some people came to him to ask if they should leave him to follow Jesus he said, "He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:29-30) This statement is comparing Christ as the bridegroom, the kingdom of heaven as the bride, and John himself as the friend to the bridegroom. But I would submit that each of us can be that friend that finds joy in the voice of the Christ. Then his personal insight about how his relationship with the Savior can grow is voiced when he says that Christ must increase, and he himself must decrease.
At first I was confused about the relationship that this shows. In a way it can look like Christ is looking down on John as He stands in the front and John helplessly follows behind in His shadow, but I know that this is not the loving way of our Savior. He will always stand by our side in times of turmoil, and He waits patiently with His arms outstretched until we choose to come to Him. So I learned that this scripture is saying that we can not do it by ourselves. There will be times when we will need to allow our will, passions, desires or actions to decrease and step back a little bit. And then as we turn to Him in prayer and faith, His actions will increase as well as His spirit of comfort, His strength that He gives to us, His love for us, His knowledge about where He wants us to go and all things pertaining to the power of His atonement will increase in our minds and in our hearts to help us know how to follow Him and to know that it is possible. No matter the hardships we'll face, He will increase and help us get there. That doesn't mean that we don't do anything. We still try for we are saved by our efforts when we do all we can - and when we come up a bit short (which will happen), He steps in and does what we can not. He is our Savior. John the Baptist had a relationship with Christ in this way that He knew that there were things He would not be able to give to the people, but the Son of God would give all unto he who might believe and ask in His name.
I believe that John the Baptist understood all that Christ could give to Him, and that He would need to act by his own choice to follow the teachings of the Savior so that He might rejoice with Him in the Kingdom of the Father. John sent his disciples and followers away, not because what he taught was no longer true. In reality, his teachings lead towards those of the Savior and remain true to this day. But because He knew the eternal reality of the Savior and did not want anyone who might believe to not have that chance.
Each one of us deserves this chance and this choice to come closer to Christ. I know that because I know that Christ performed the infinite Atonement for each one of us personally and individually - He believes that we are worth that much. I have prayed to know of the love of God, and He has always answered those prayers to help me know and better understand that He is there and He loves me. Through my actions I choose to follow Him or to follow the world. His path is much safer, though much harder, than that of the world, and it leads us to where we can be truly happy. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have of this and I know that every child of God can receive this knowledge - and I know that in my imperfections I will need to increase in my knowledge and understanding of this again and again so that I won't fall. And the promise of our Savior to us if we do this is that we will have peace, "for [His] yoke is easy and [His] burden is light." (Matthew 11:30)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Blessed are We
As I have thought on how to express my feelings in today's blog, the thought comes to me again and again how each and every one of us is blessed of God. Whether or not we can recognize it, as His children, He wants us to be happy, actually more than just happy, and to have joy. The word "blessed" or "beatitude" is based off the Latin word "beatus" which literally means "to be fortunate" or "to be happy". But again, I would suppose that it is more than just being happy. To me, happiness is determined by outside sources. The sun is shining and we are happy. Our friend called us just to say hi, or we got paid and therefore, we have cause to be happy. But to be blessed, or to have joy, is to be happy from within - a source that comes from our souls and can not be dissuaded by anything from outside of ourselves. I think that this is one of the many ways that we can have a personal connection with God.
We read the beatitudes as they have come to be known, in Matthew 5. It's neat how each of these attributes that Christ talks about are in fact attributes that He was able to develop in His life. He is the example of what it means to be "blessed". He knows how hard it is to live a life free of guile and sin, and yet He encourages us to do so by promising the many blessings that come from trying as hard as we can throughout our lives. And He promises that He will help us. He promises those who mourn, that they shall be comforted. The pure in heart shall see God, and those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake will receive the kingdom of heaven. I can believe in these promises because I look to Him. Christ was mournful at many times when He saw the wickedness of the people that they would not believe, and most importantly He received comfort in the Garden of Gethsemane where He performed the infinite atonement for each one of us. His heart was pure, and He communes with God face to face. His persecution was above that of all others and He is now in the kingdom of heaven. Making these attributes a part of our daily lives takes work and sometimes it requires change, but I know that it is worth it. It is a life-long process to become Christ-like, but it is possible.
I also think that to be blessed is a gift from God. We can not become pure in heart on our own. We need the help of heaven and the touch of the Master's hand in order to refine our character so that it can show the divine potential that is rooted so surely in each of us. When we give ourselves up to our Father in Heaven to help us become what He sees in us, our lives will be changed step by step. I am not perfect, but I have seen the power of the gentle touch of His help in my life, and for those moments I will be eternally grateful.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Actions of a Disciple
This week as I was reading in the New Testament, I found myself wondering where the early disciples of Christ found the strength to follow Him, and where I find that strength in my life today. I feel that the example of those who were called by Christ to be His apostles is priceless in my life in countless ways, but I'll give only a few examples.
Andrew and Philip were both disciples of John the Baptist and had heard him prophesy of one who would come after him "the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose" (Luke 3:16). So when they were walking down the road with John, and they saw Jesus, John proclaimed "Behold, the Lamb of God!" (John 1:36). It seemed natural for these followers of the prophet to turn and follow Him of whom that prophet had prophesied. This is exactly what they did, and not only did it change their lives, but they were able to testify of the Savior and change the lives of many others as well. After they dwelt with Christ for a time, they went to find others that were dear to them to tell that they found the prophesied Messiah. Andrew told his brother Simon Peter, and Philip found his friend Nathaniel so that they could invite them to "come and see" for themselves (John 1:46). This principle of sharing joyous news is one that has existed in the eternities. There are many accounts in the Scriptures of how angelic hosts have sung Hosanna! and how prophets have rejoiced in the divine prophesies about the Son of God comming to earth. This reminds me of the scripture in 1 Nephi 8:12, where Lehi tasted of the fruit of the tree of eternal life, which is the love of God, and he couldn't help but to share it with his family so that they, too, could have that love and joy in their lives. I often wonder if I rejoice enough, or if I share that rejoiceing with those dear to me. I know that every time that I have, it has brought even more joy and blessings in my life. It never ceases to amaze me how much God loves us and how much He will do to help us be happy within our own agency.
Another inspiring example is that of James and John who were brothers that worked as fishermen with their father. One day they were mending their fishing nets when Christ came up to their boat and called them that they might follow Him. "And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him." (Matthew 4:22). How hard would this have been? To immediately leave all that you are used to, to follow a man of God? It is said that sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, and I truly believe that, but that doesn't make it easier. Faith, however, can overcome that difficulty. To refer to a faith promoting story, when Christ was walking on water, Peter wanted to join him. He had faith to overcome something that to us seems impossible. And then when his faith began to give in to fear and doubt, he began to fall. I am grateful, however, that the Atonement of Jesus Christ overcomes that fall. He overcame all things making it easier to follow Him. All we need to do is choose to do so, and believe in His name. We need to act on that belief, and I have seen that possibility in my life.
I want to be able to follow the example of the disciples of Christ, and share my joy with those that I love - not because they can't find it on their own or because I know more than they do, because that isn't it at all. I want to share it because I love them, and it has made all the difference in my life, and has been the source of such joy; I want them to have that, too. I want to be able to follow my Savior in all things, and when I don't have the strength to do it, I know that I can rely on Him for strength. He will give it to me because He wants me to succeed. He wants each of us to succeed and to find the joy that He knows is possible for all of the children of God. He lived, died, and lives again so that we can all receive His strength as we receive Him in our lives, and then find eternal success. I know that this is true and I am so grateful for it. I know that each of us has the potential to be a modern day disciple if we would only choose to follow Him and live as He lives.
Andrew and Philip were both disciples of John the Baptist and had heard him prophesy of one who would come after him "the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose" (Luke 3:16). So when they were walking down the road with John, and they saw Jesus, John proclaimed "Behold, the Lamb of God!" (John 1:36). It seemed natural for these followers of the prophet to turn and follow Him of whom that prophet had prophesied. This is exactly what they did, and not only did it change their lives, but they were able to testify of the Savior and change the lives of many others as well. After they dwelt with Christ for a time, they went to find others that were dear to them to tell that they found the prophesied Messiah. Andrew told his brother Simon Peter, and Philip found his friend Nathaniel so that they could invite them to "come and see" for themselves (John 1:46). This principle of sharing joyous news is one that has existed in the eternities. There are many accounts in the Scriptures of how angelic hosts have sung Hosanna! and how prophets have rejoiced in the divine prophesies about the Son of God comming to earth. This reminds me of the scripture in 1 Nephi 8:12, where Lehi tasted of the fruit of the tree of eternal life, which is the love of God, and he couldn't help but to share it with his family so that they, too, could have that love and joy in their lives. I often wonder if I rejoice enough, or if I share that rejoiceing with those dear to me. I know that every time that I have, it has brought even more joy and blessings in my life. It never ceases to amaze me how much God loves us and how much He will do to help us be happy within our own agency.
Another inspiring example is that of James and John who were brothers that worked as fishermen with their father. One day they were mending their fishing nets when Christ came up to their boat and called them that they might follow Him. "And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him." (Matthew 4:22). How hard would this have been? To immediately leave all that you are used to, to follow a man of God? It is said that sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, and I truly believe that, but that doesn't make it easier. Faith, however, can overcome that difficulty. To refer to a faith promoting story, when Christ was walking on water, Peter wanted to join him. He had faith to overcome something that to us seems impossible. And then when his faith began to give in to fear and doubt, he began to fall. I am grateful, however, that the Atonement of Jesus Christ overcomes that fall. He overcame all things making it easier to follow Him. All we need to do is choose to do so, and believe in His name. We need to act on that belief, and I have seen that possibility in my life.
I want to be able to follow the example of the disciples of Christ, and share my joy with those that I love - not because they can't find it on their own or because I know more than they do, because that isn't it at all. I want to share it because I love them, and it has made all the difference in my life, and has been the source of such joy; I want them to have that, too. I want to be able to follow my Savior in all things, and when I don't have the strength to do it, I know that I can rely on Him for strength. He will give it to me because He wants me to succeed. He wants each of us to succeed and to find the joy that He knows is possible for all of the children of God. He lived, died, and lives again so that we can all receive His strength as we receive Him in our lives, and then find eternal success. I know that this is true and I am so grateful for it. I know that each of us has the potential to be a modern day disciple if we would only choose to follow Him and live as He lives.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The Names of Jesus Christ
John 1:1 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
This scripture has been quoted countless times throughout history, and yet it seems a little evasive in it's meaning. At least it has to me. Questions like "why is the word so important?" and "why is 'Word' capitalized in the scripture" are but few of those that I have asked myself in the past. But the answer is simple. It is a name for the Son of God, Jesus Christ. It makes sense if you replace "Word" with "Christ."
"In the beginning was the Christ, and the Christ was with God, and the Christ was God." This scripture, in both forms, is true. Christ, with all of us, were in the beginning, meaning before this world was created in the form of mortality that we know. He was with God. And as a creator of the world with God, He was - and is - the God of this world standing next to His Eternal Father.
Through Christ was the word, or will, of the Father put into effect on this earth. So His word, power, presence and glory, were all very much a part of who He was even before He came to this world. We, as children of God, stood by Him awaiting our chance to come to the earth so we could choose to follow Him in body as well as in Spirit. That is quite amazing.
Christ, as we know has many names, each of them meaning something very special in relationship to His earthly mission and eternal purpose. In Isaiah 9:6 we read, "...and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." This prophesy given by the Lord's prophet Isaiah has come to pass, as have others given in relationship to His names. I want to talk about a few that impressed me.
Immanuel. Matthew 1:23 - "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
As said in this scripture, Immanuel (or Emmanuel) is Greek for "God with us". This name is known in prophesy in reference to the birth of the Savior, and is an amazing promise. Not only is it a promise that the prophesied Christ would come to save us all, but it is a promise that God would always be with us. So long as we believe in His name, so long as we live our lives in a way that follows His teachings and His example, He will be with us always.
Jehova. Isaiah 12:2 - "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation." (no emphasis added)
The name Jehova is derived from the greek name Yeshoa or Joshua which means "God is help", "Savior", and "the Eternal". How wonderful is it that our Savior's very name denotes that purpose to save us. It gives me great comfort to know that Jesus Christ is the help God sent for each and every one of us to be able to come back to Him again. The Atonement of Jesus Christ was performed so that we can receive the succor and help that we need individually in order to overcome all things, repent, and return again to our heavenly home.
Christ. Luke 9:20 - "He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God."
Christ is Greek for "the Annointed One". In the Jewish culture this name was seen as a sacred title. And when looking at the meaning of the name, it gives more meaning to the scripture above. Jesus Christ truly is "The Annointed One of God." As our older brother He came to earth so that we might have eternal life with Him in the House of His Father - the house of Our Father in Heaven.
Messiah. John 4:25 - "The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things."
Messiah, also Messias, is the Aramaic equivelent of "Christ", also translated as "the Annointed." In this form it is used as a title denoting a King or Deliverer in reference to the prophesied Christ. How perfect is it for us to look at our eternal Savior as our King? A king is a leader, one who delivers his people from any threat or discouragement.
I know that Jesus Christ is Wonderful. He is the prophesied Messiah and Immanuel who has come and who still lives to rule in righteousness. He stands waiting for us to allow Him to lead us into the Kingdom of our God. He truly is the Jehova who is eternal, and who is our Savior. He loves us. As we strive to better understand His names and the relevence and application they have in our daily lives, we will better see Him in our lives. We will see the role He has played for us, and we will feel His everlasting love for us personally. I have been blessed to have this in my life, and I will continually seek for greater love and leadership from my Lord, Jesus Christ. And I bear testimony of these things in His name, the eternal Christ, Amen.
This scripture has been quoted countless times throughout history, and yet it seems a little evasive in it's meaning. At least it has to me. Questions like "why is the word so important?" and "why is 'Word' capitalized in the scripture" are but few of those that I have asked myself in the past. But the answer is simple. It is a name for the Son of God, Jesus Christ. It makes sense if you replace "Word" with "Christ."
"In the beginning was the Christ, and the Christ was with God, and the Christ was God." This scripture, in both forms, is true. Christ, with all of us, were in the beginning, meaning before this world was created in the form of mortality that we know. He was with God. And as a creator of the world with God, He was - and is - the God of this world standing next to His Eternal Father.
Through Christ was the word, or will, of the Father put into effect on this earth. So His word, power, presence and glory, were all very much a part of who He was even before He came to this world. We, as children of God, stood by Him awaiting our chance to come to the earth so we could choose to follow Him in body as well as in Spirit. That is quite amazing.
Christ, as we know has many names, each of them meaning something very special in relationship to His earthly mission and eternal purpose. In Isaiah 9:6 we read, "...and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." This prophesy given by the Lord's prophet Isaiah has come to pass, as have others given in relationship to His names. I want to talk about a few that impressed me.
Immanuel. Matthew 1:23 - "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
As said in this scripture, Immanuel (or Emmanuel) is Greek for "God with us". This name is known in prophesy in reference to the birth of the Savior, and is an amazing promise. Not only is it a promise that the prophesied Christ would come to save us all, but it is a promise that God would always be with us. So long as we believe in His name, so long as we live our lives in a way that follows His teachings and His example, He will be with us always.
Jehova. Isaiah 12:2 - "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation." (no emphasis added)
The name Jehova is derived from the greek name Yeshoa or Joshua which means "God is help", "Savior", and "the Eternal". How wonderful is it that our Savior's very name denotes that purpose to save us. It gives me great comfort to know that Jesus Christ is the help God sent for each and every one of us to be able to come back to Him again. The Atonement of Jesus Christ was performed so that we can receive the succor and help that we need individually in order to overcome all things, repent, and return again to our heavenly home.
Christ. Luke 9:20 - "He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God."
Christ is Greek for "the Annointed One". In the Jewish culture this name was seen as a sacred title. And when looking at the meaning of the name, it gives more meaning to the scripture above. Jesus Christ truly is "The Annointed One of God." As our older brother He came to earth so that we might have eternal life with Him in the House of His Father - the house of Our Father in Heaven.
Messiah. John 4:25 - "The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things."
Messiah, also Messias, is the Aramaic equivelent of "Christ", also translated as "the Annointed." In this form it is used as a title denoting a King or Deliverer in reference to the prophesied Christ. How perfect is it for us to look at our eternal Savior as our King? A king is a leader, one who delivers his people from any threat or discouragement.
I know that Jesus Christ is Wonderful. He is the prophesied Messiah and Immanuel who has come and who still lives to rule in righteousness. He stands waiting for us to allow Him to lead us into the Kingdom of our God. He truly is the Jehova who is eternal, and who is our Savior. He loves us. As we strive to better understand His names and the relevence and application they have in our daily lives, we will better see Him in our lives. We will see the role He has played for us, and we will feel His everlasting love for us personally. I have been blessed to have this in my life, and I will continually seek for greater love and leadership from my Lord, Jesus Christ. And I bear testimony of these things in His name, the eternal Christ, Amen.
Introduction
Hello!
My name is Karina and I'm starting this blog to post my insights about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't profess to be perfect or even to know everything. But I do profess to be someone who continually seeks for truth and knowledge.
I believe in God and I know that His Son, Jesus Christ lives.
I'm not posting this blog to be argumentative or annoying, but simply to have a place where I can record things I learn. And if you so desire, you are more than welcome to comment with your insights and knowledge about the truthfulness of the Gospel.
My name is Karina and I'm starting this blog to post my insights about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't profess to be perfect or even to know everything. But I do profess to be someone who continually seeks for truth and knowledge.
I believe in God and I know that His Son, Jesus Christ lives.
I'm not posting this blog to be argumentative or annoying, but simply to have a place where I can record things I learn. And if you so desire, you are more than welcome to comment with your insights and knowledge about the truthfulness of the Gospel.
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