The study guide is right - the old Testament treats the Fall as an event but does not discuss the doctrine of the fall. I am grateful for modern day scripture to fully understand the principles of the gospel.
One insight gained was that because of the fall, the Lord changed the earth to suit the mortal condition and all things on the face of the earth became subject to mortality, as did the earth. (It is alive - which I have known but I like the way it was said)
"Ye shall be as Gods": One of the peculiar attributes of those who attain unto that glory - they understand the difference between good and evil.
I am glad I am one step closer. But do you also think it means (especially if you obtain glory) that they know the difference and they (you/me) choose good?
Another insight was the promise concerning the bruising of the head and heel. I never quite looked at the heel that was bruised was the atoning sacrifice - how amazing is that?
Something that made me happy to (look all these insights and ah ha moments) was the quote that talked about punished for own transgressions and how pathetic a picture we draw in our minds as Adam and Eve are cast out. But that a most important thing happened - They were taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is like being a missionary and teaching Adam and Eve that a way has been prepared and this is what you need to do to repent and be clean. I wonder who their missionaries were? I bet it was Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ or Peter, James, and John.
Some quotes to think about: "If we cannot be good, except as we resist and overcome evil, then evil must be present to be resisted."
and "Mortal death is one of the greatest blessings that comes to us here because it is the doorway to immortality, and we can never attain immortality without dying."
I never thought of death that way - as the greatest blessing. It gives a whole new meaning to me and what I consider blessings.
Side note with the enrichment section A -
I really enjoy the cross references between the Old and New Testaments showing that Jesus is the God of both.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Introduction to OT
The introduction got me really excited to read. My goal is to come closer to my Savior. I feel like I am lacking in that area and excited to learn and grow.
At the beginning it even says that the prophets both old and modern, have stressed the priceless value of the Old Testament in assisting men to know God.
In a paragraph on the first page asks a series or 6 questions
1- Does your desire to study the scriptures come from a desire to learn more about God and his dealings with his Children?
2- Are you seeking to draw power from the scriptures in order to perfect your life by coming to Christ?
3- Do you want to learn more of God and those who were faithful to him?
4- Would you be inspired by examples of men and women who overcame their weaknesses and went on to perfection?
5- Would you like to find principles of daily living that bring you closer to God?
6- Would you like to better know Jehovah, the Lord Jesus Christ, who came to the earth as our Redeemer?
Then turn to the Old Testament, for it is a witness of his divinity, his love, and his mercy.
It just went on and on about if you desire to come to know God and pay the price (study and pray) then you will have a relationship with him. I also liked that the same promise was given as keeping the word of wisdom. I really thought that was cool.
Now about the priceless part - it lists 4 things that Paul said about the Old Testament:
1- They are able to make one wise unto Salvation
2- They are given by the inspiration of God
3- They are profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness
4- They help the man of God become perfect and fully equipped for every good work (I like this one especially)
At the very end it talked about how important our family histories are and encouraged us to write in our journals and keep a personal history. And also make the study of the OT as part of our journal. (I think this blog counts too. But I am sure I will write some insights in my journal too.)
I am so excited to read - and glad I had a chance to reread this part so that I could post my comments about it. Thanks for studying with me.
At the beginning it even says that the prophets both old and modern, have stressed the priceless value of the Old Testament in assisting men to know God.
In a paragraph on the first page asks a series or 6 questions
1- Does your desire to study the scriptures come from a desire to learn more about God and his dealings with his Children?
2- Are you seeking to draw power from the scriptures in order to perfect your life by coming to Christ?
3- Do you want to learn more of God and those who were faithful to him?
4- Would you be inspired by examples of men and women who overcame their weaknesses and went on to perfection?
5- Would you like to find principles of daily living that bring you closer to God?
6- Would you like to better know Jehovah, the Lord Jesus Christ, who came to the earth as our Redeemer?
Then turn to the Old Testament, for it is a witness of his divinity, his love, and his mercy.
It just went on and on about if you desire to come to know God and pay the price (study and pray) then you will have a relationship with him. I also liked that the same promise was given as keeping the word of wisdom. I really thought that was cool.
Now about the priceless part - it lists 4 things that Paul said about the Old Testament:
1- They are able to make one wise unto Salvation
2- They are given by the inspiration of God
3- They are profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness
4- They help the man of God become perfect and fully equipped for every good work (I like this one especially)
At the very end it talked about how important our family histories are and encouraged us to write in our journals and keep a personal history. And also make the study of the OT as part of our journal. (I think this blog counts too. But I am sure I will write some insights in my journal too.)
I am so excited to read - and glad I had a chance to reread this part so that I could post my comments about it. Thanks for studying with me.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Genesis (Chapters 1&2 in the study guide)
I really don't have a lot to say about the first few chapters in Genesis as they are pretty well self explanatory. There were a few things in the Study guide though that caught my attention.
I find it very interesting that the Lord didn't want his teachings to be misconstrued by those who were trying to destroy it and so he taught in parables. Thus if a person who is trying to destroy the gospel is listening he would believe it to be a story, and if a person was listening with the intent of learning of the gospel and he was spiritually ready to truly 'Hear' what the Lord was talking about he would understand the parable. I found it very refreshing that he was able to teach the gospel to people without others being able to destroy it. It is interesting to me to think about the parables now knowing this and seeing how much he must have loved us to teach us in parables.
I loved how they talk about the 7 keys for understanding the Old Testament.
1. Constant, Diligent, and prayerful study is the major factor in understanding the scriptures.
2. Coupled with prayerful study must be a commitment to live the commandments
3. Latter-day scriptures give many insights into the old testament
4. Knowledge that the gospel was known to the ancients provides the means accurate interpretation of their teachings.
5. Understanding the nature of God provides special insight.
6. The nature and purposes of God's Covenants with his children are important
7. Putting ourselves in the place of the ancients as we read the scriptures is an important part of studying the Old Testament
These 7 keys are vital to learning and growing from the Old Testament.
The first few chapters of Genesis are pretty self explanatory, but the study guide does go into quite a bit of detail with many of the concepts. It explains the different parts of the creation and tells about the commandments given to Adam and Eve in the Garden. I found it interesting that they really emphasized the meaning of marriage and multiplying and replenishing the earth.
Overall I found this chapter of reading very insightful. What did you think???
I find it very interesting that the Lord didn't want his teachings to be misconstrued by those who were trying to destroy it and so he taught in parables. Thus if a person who is trying to destroy the gospel is listening he would believe it to be a story, and if a person was listening with the intent of learning of the gospel and he was spiritually ready to truly 'Hear' what the Lord was talking about he would understand the parable. I found it very refreshing that he was able to teach the gospel to people without others being able to destroy it. It is interesting to me to think about the parables now knowing this and seeing how much he must have loved us to teach us in parables.
I loved how they talk about the 7 keys for understanding the Old Testament.
1. Constant, Diligent, and prayerful study is the major factor in understanding the scriptures.
2. Coupled with prayerful study must be a commitment to live the commandments
3. Latter-day scriptures give many insights into the old testament
4. Knowledge that the gospel was known to the ancients provides the means accurate interpretation of their teachings.
5. Understanding the nature of God provides special insight.
6. The nature and purposes of God's Covenants with his children are important
7. Putting ourselves in the place of the ancients as we read the scriptures is an important part of studying the Old Testament
These 7 keys are vital to learning and growing from the Old Testament.
The first few chapters of Genesis are pretty self explanatory, but the study guide does go into quite a bit of detail with many of the concepts. It explains the different parts of the creation and tells about the commandments given to Adam and Eve in the Garden. I found it interesting that they really emphasized the meaning of marriage and multiplying and replenishing the earth.
Overall I found this chapter of reading very insightful. What did you think???
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