A New Day, A New Dawn

      

     It's been a long time since I have written in my journal since I have given a public speech or written a blog.  I decided to take the journey of nursing school to obtain a Bachelor of Nursing degree, which has taken me the last three years to accomplish.  I have had no time for even self-care, but as of June 9th, I am the proud owner of a BSN.  Next up is the state board exam, and before I dive in and recluse once again to succeed in this test to obtain a license to practice nursing, I take a moment for a brief message for my friends, loved ones, family, and those who might read. 

    I begin with my back story (in a nutshell because the entire story would be a five volume novel).  I have been trying to earn this degree for 38 years. I graduated high school in 1984, and I had lived a life of service as a nursing home and hospital volunteer; I worked in the health occupations program in school as a phlebotomist and nurse aide, and after graduation, I moved from Texas to Iowa and attended nursing school.  However, the toll after the accidental death of my three-year-old daughter, a divorce, and the feeling of complete failure was too much to handle.  Racked with the guilt of a mother and overwhelming grief, I buckled, and I didn't make it, and I really began to not think much of myself, so much so that I just gave up in my heart; I was unworthy of love, even from God, and so I shrank in testimony, in spirit, in life. 

As time passed, I gradually gained some strength.  I resumed classes and prerequisites to become an RN, began a relationship with Heavenly Father, attended church, and became the mother of three more children. I tried to raise a family and created a nonprofit dance program (that is still going strong today).  But after two terrible divorces, one from a member of the Church holding the position of Elders Quorum counselor (who left for a stripper), financial ruin as a single parent, and a series of bad decisions that left my little family completely devastated, I was broken, and I hated myself.  How could anyone love me, much less God?  After carefully taking my children to my mother so they would have a better life, I sat one night in a waffle house in Grand Prairie, Texas, in the back booth, with a bottle of pills in my purse and a Mr. PIB (they didn't have Pepsi) I was planning to take my life.  A very observant waitress named Alona (who I now call my sister) had a good sense and felt in her heart that I was desperate; she wouldn't let me leave and sat with me that night; we talked for her entire shift between customers.  By the time we left, I had a job as a waitress to help with our family crisis, a new friend that somehow loved me more than I loved myself, and a mustard seed of hope. I brought my children home and tried to start a new life. I resumed nursing classes and dance classes, which I had stopped, and tried to make a decent life again.  It was not an easy road, though, and as I look back, I see how my bad choices tore my family apart, and we all suffered greatly.  Though I attended church and literally drug my kids with me, I had no love for myself; my decisions were based on no love for myself, which affected not only my life but the lives of my children, and the thought of my heart was how could the love of the Savior, the atonement, possibly be for someone like me, who had failed so terribly.  

            It was a tough battle, no I take that back, it was a retched war, but I fought, and I fought, and I fought; I went through a crippling repentance process that I have testimony was given to me by the grace of God to gain strength and closeness to the Savior that is unmatched. I re-entered the nursing program and pressed forward with faith. Yet, sometimes, even faith and repentance aren’t enough to carry our families after devastating mistakes, and this time the death of my middle child, my son, as a victim of suicide was the ultimate blow.  I had faith in Heavenly Father, I had faith in my Savior, I had faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but I had no faith in myself; I was to blame for the death of my children; it was a burden I could not carry, and I broke.  I left the nursing program, dancing, my family, and myself. I prayed the Lord would take me in my sleep so I wouldn’t have to wake up to the pain I had inflicted on myself and my family, and I stayed that way for about 8 months. The one good thing about this was the connection I had previously developed with the Savior, and I never left him or the church during this time; it is what saved me.  I woke up one morning from the grief that had blinded me, picked myself up by the bootstraps, put myself in God’s service, and went out with missionaries to help others. I had daily scripture study, became involved with callings and service, put myself back into classes for nursing, started teaching dance again, and, most importantly, I set out to save my family.  But, due to financial constraints with death and health issues, I was unable to finish nursing as quickly as I wanted, and classes were taken one at a time to try and get through.  When I was finally ready to take my test and re-enter the core program, my stepson died suddenly from a ruptured aorta.  Again, we were devastated as a family.  Following this, my husband had a stroke and was hospitalized, and the future was not looking bright for a nursing degree; in fact, I was scared. But with the healing power of the Savior, he made a recovery and was able to work again, and I was still in time to get into the program; then COVID came, and all the schools closed. However, I wasn’t giving up this time; even though Covid forced closures, I kept taking what classes I could online and following the process to be ready. 

I received an email one day from West Coast University that said they were open and operational online with a full nursing program and wanted to give me more information.  I thought this had to be a scam; my luck could not be this good, so I ignored the message for several days.  Then one day, when driving home from work, I heard a voice tell me to call the number in the email.  I said to myself no, I’m not going to do that. I will get my heart broken from some scam.  The voice came very loud then and said CALL THE NUMBER!  I pulled my car to the side of the road, opened my email from my phone, and called the number.  With the help of Roche Garner, a wonderful recruiter, I was so graciously helped and given scholarships and all the help I needed to enter the BSN program.  I couldn’t believe the blessing I had been given; it was a miracle. Now fast forward to June 2023.

            For the past three years, I have been diligently working towards the dream of the BSN.  During this time, my car quit (it’s buried in an unmarked grave), my mother had a stroke, my husband had a second stroke, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a carotid stent, and cataract surgery, I was addmitted to ICU for COVID during finals week in 2021 (thankfully I passed) . I lost my job and had no income, I suffer with chronic migraines, and axiety/PTSD, my uncle died, my biological father died, my aunt died, my three doxies died, I was called to Young Women’s presidency, I had a huge dance recital with 70 students, then called to Primary presidency, folks the struggle was real! But today I am talking to you as the proud owner of a BSN nursing degree. So, what does this all have to do with talking to you today?  Two things….Service and Love

            The week before my final exit exam, I asked for a blessing from some dear and kind priesthood holders.  I was in a state of panic; I felt I didn’t know enough, I wasn’t good enough, and what if I failed, the pressure was so overwhelming that I couldn’t get a hold of myself.  So, I sought them out and talked to them.  I was counseled in this blessing as well as my patriarchal blessing that if I prepared myself to receive the things I desired in this life, I would receive them, I was further counseled that I had prepared well, and I would succeed with diligence and faith.  But that is not the part of the blessing that hit me.  The priesthood holder pronouncing the blessing said he felt inspired to counsel me to see myself as the Heavenly Father sees me and give myself some grace,,,,  how could I possibly do that, someone like me who was so sinful and still makes mistakes, someone like me who fell, someone like me who at one time felt I was being punished and left the Lord for a time, someone like me who failed so miserably and was not worthy to be loved in such a capacity, how could I see myself as He does. I thought about how Peter must have felt when he went out and wept bitterly after denying the Lord; he loved Him with all his heart; but he was having a truly rough time, and that’s how I felt, and I wept bitterly; how could I find myself through Christ?

  Elder D Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke in March 2016 about finding yourself through Christ; he quoted a professor that gave some insight into this saying, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, God’s work in your life is bigger than the story you’d like that life to tell. His life is bigger than your plans, goals, or fears. To save your life, you’ll have to lay down your stories and, minute by minute, day by day, give your life back to him.”¹  (Finding Your Life, 2016).  This follows in line with Elder Brian K Taylor, who taught, “How can each of us experience the power of understanding our divine identity? It begins by seeking to know God, our Father.” (Welch, 2022)

I am by no means perfect, nor will I ever be, and I do still need work in forgiving myself for some of the past in which I felt like I broke the innocent hearts of my children with my choices.  But I did take comfort in those few days before the exam with temple attendance and heartfelt prayers asking him to help me see myself as he does and find myself in Christ as the spirit whispered to me; your offering is enough.  I had already given my life back to Him, and He had accepted me.  This is how we find ourselves through and in Christ; this is how we love ourselves; we give our lives to Him.  As taught by Elder Boyd K Packer, we are sons and daughters of a loving and living God; nothing can change that.  That is where we must find our worth (Welch, 2022).  Satan and even the world will tell us we are not good enough, but Heavenly Father will always love us.  Losing ourselves for His sake will allow us to find ourselves. And if I had done nothing else good in my life, I have truly loved Him with all of my heart; I quite literally lost my life, but it was made new through Him. To those who suffer, to those who are afflicted, tried, tormented, abused, to those who are sick, to those who grieve, to those who feel they can’t make it, lose yourself in service; by doing so, you will find yourself in Christ, and your burden will be eased. In the words of Elder Jeffery R Holland, “Don’t you give up! Don’t you do it; keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead—a lot of it” (An High Priest of Good Things to Come, 1999). When you lose your life for Christ, you find it. There is nothing he can’t heal; there is nothing he won’t forgive….

            On exam day, after passing, I fell into the arms of my instructor and cried so hard that others around me began to cry.  I had tried for many years to obtain this degree that would allow me to be financially self-reliant and serve the children of Heavenly Father.  It was my dream come true….MY DREAM CAME TRUE, and I am like George Bailey (It’s a Wonderful Life), am the richest man on earth.                                                                           

Now for just a moment before I end this autobiographical nutshell blog, I want to stress how I made it.  In our Sunday School lesson a few weeks ago, we reviewed the last supper, the washing of the feet, and the new and everlasting covenant to love one another as he loves us.  

When the Savior washed the feet of the disciples, he taught of service and love.  So many of you have washed my feet….  There is not enough room to blog your names or the service you gave to me through the years.  But for nursing school, I thank those who paid for fees when I had no money, I thank those who gave me a car so I wouldn’t have to quit, I thank those who gave me a place to live because I could not have attended school in Richardson without it, I thank those who gave us food because we had no money, I thank those who paid our bills, I thank those who gave me gas money, who bought me a coke and bag of Fritos, who talked me through class, gave me books, did my hair, talked me through a tough test, check off anxiety, listened to my silly jokes, and I thank those who took care of my family so that I could go and do this.  I thank those who prayed for me and my family, who thought of me, who sent good vibes, who clicked the like or heart button, who sent uplifting text messages, who danced with me, who helped with my dance program and recital, who didn’t hate me when I yelled and screamed out of stress, who talked to me, gave me medical care services without charge or reduced fees, who tutored me, who held my hand, and for all that loved me and served me in any way, I thank you.  YOU have exemplified the Savior’s teaching to love one another and serve.  I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today without your contribution to the welfare of my soul.  May God Bless and keep you always…..

With love,

Dixie Dawn, BSN

(P.S. I still have to pass the state board exam, so I thank you for keeping the prayers going.... UPDATE! 7/13/2022 I PASSED THE STATE BOARD EXAM!! I AM NOW DIXIE DAWN BSN, RN THANK YOU simplenursing.com for your gift you were the best for study!!! 😊)

 

References:

Finding Self-Worth in my Identify as a Child of God, Molly Ogden Welch, Church Magazine, December 2022

Finding Your Life, Elder D Todd Christofferson, devotionals.lds.org

An High Priest of Good Things to Come, Elder Jeffery R Holland, General Conference, 1999, chruchofJesusChrist.org

 

 

The Gift

 

Baptism as we know, when performed by one holding authority, washes away sin. We are buried in the depths of water as if dead and come out alive and new. At the very moment we emerge, we are clean every whit, we are new, and as children of our loving Heavenly Father, the goal is to stay as new as possible, even perfect, from that moment on, and throughout our mortal lives.

We know, however, that this is not possible, for we are human and not perfect. We do ere in our ways, but as the loving Heavenly Father that He is, He has prepared help, and never leaves us comfortless, or in need. There is always a way provided for us to do our very best and to achieve our desired goals.

To help us Father has given us a specific gift. This is not a gift just anyone can receive, this is a gift direct from God and is so special, that it can only be received like baptism, from those with the authority to give it. A worthy priesthood holder must be the one who not only performs baptism, but will also use the laying on of hands that we might receive this gift, as a token of our decision to come unto Christ and accept baptism and make covenants with Father in Heaven.

The gift is the gift of the Holy Ghost, who is a personage, or a spirit, that has been called of God to the specific calling of helping His children. He is a real spirit being that is with us always, in our minds, in our hearts, and in our lives. Its what the world might call our conscience, but as a gift from God he is even stronger and more powerful, and again, he is real.

It's a gift to not take lightly, for it is one of the greatest of all and will be lifesaving in our journeys, providing us with spiritual strength and inspiration, as well as helping us to recognize and understand the truth of all things. He will comfort us in difficult times and guide our decisions large and small as we work to bring ourselves and our families through the trenches of earth’s life to arrive safely back in the arms of God.

This gift is so powerful and so strong, and so real, that it will bring us the feeling of God’s love and we will recognize it and know beyond a doubt that He knows each of us by name, He and His Son Jesus Christ; and this will influence our daily lives in ways we can only begin to imagine.

John 14:26 teaches specifically of this truth stating: “the comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you.”

However, though this is a gift and given freely to everyone upon baptism into His true church, it is conditional. Our ability to enjoy this divine gift depends on our obedience to Gods’ commandments.

The Holy Ghost is just that, holy, and cannot remain with those who do not live according to God’s teachings. If we drift or choose to continue in sin we lose the privilege of his guidance and inspiration. Therefore, it is extremely important from the moment we emerge from the waters of baptism, that we remain clean and pure and always strive to be worthy of his companionship.

Now let me stress the phrase ALWAYS STRIVE. If you are always striving to do our best and to live the gospel, he will never leave us and we WILL be lead. Do we have to be perfect, NO, we cannot. We only must be doing your sincere best and as we grow in the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as we gain knowledge, we will become stronger and stronger and the straight and narrow way laid before us will be a relief to travel and we will find the peace that comes with this gift.

Striving to keep the spirit with us can sometimes be overwhelming and confusing, but remember, we are never left without direction or comfortless. In our desire to keep the Holly Ghost with us, and to live the commandments to the best of our ability, the Sacrament has been provided as a reminder of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The bread is His body and the water is His blood, and as we partake repenting of transgressions, we are promised to have the Holy Ghost continually with us. When we honestly and sincerely partake of the Sacrament each week, repenting daily in our prayers with a focus on the Atonement, we recommit ourselves to Jesus Christ in the same way that we do at baptism and we are then able to move forward in our progression.

As you, my friend, upon your baptism today, or your baptism in the past, are honest and sincere before God, covenanting before Him, I know that you will feel the gift of the Holy Ghost as it is given unto you, and your life will be, not perfect, but will change and your heart will be strengthened.

I testify of the truth of these things, that God our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ are real, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His true church upon the earth today, and that He indeed, knows each of us by name and will never leave us alone. The gift of the Holy Ghost is real, enjoy his company as you come unto the fold and continue life as a child of God.

Author Note: Talk written for Baptism August 2020 adapted for blog audience

References: Gospel Principles

Camouflage

As I sat down to write today, I wondered, what could I possibly have to teach to such a strong and righteous group of people that they don't already know, or that they don't already do. And I answered myself saying nothing. There is nothing I could possibly teach them, for they have taught me.

Then I wondered what I could possibly share with them that could strengthen them or help them through the trying times that we now face. And again, I answered myself saying, nothing, for if ever a people so valiantly have endured it is for sure them.

So I said to myself, what I would like to do is to convince them of their strength, and righteousness; that they may see how the trial of their faith has brought them forward, for they are a humble people and boast not in their hearts but approach their days in a spirit of learning and love; yet, how could I do something like that? Just about everything that I could say to them I have learned because of them. So at a loss as to where to start, I began a study, in hopes that my goal would be met, and you the reader, the listener, would see the impact of the endurance of the trial of your faith, not just upon yourselves, but upon all those whom you come in contact; personally, through social media, in your work and family lives, in the many ways you live your days coming in contact with the children of God.

In my study, I read a passage from Elder Neil L. Andersen Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stating:  "Fiery trials are designed to make you stronger, but they have the potential to diminish or even destroy your trust in the Son of God and to weaken your resolve to keep your promises to Him. These trials are often camouflaged, making them difficult to identify. They take root in our weaknesses, our vulnerabilities, our sensitivities, or in those things that matter most to us." 

I like the way Elder Andersen stated that trials are often camouflaged making them difficult to identify and that the root in our weaknesses and vulnerabilities, sensitivities, or in those things that matter most to us because I think that is the most qualifying trail. We expect to have hard times when we are facing pandemics, facing protests, and the falling apart of our country.  We know these things are to come, and we face these trials with great strength and resolve we are valiant in remembering our God, for these trials are prophesied trials, and though, they do take us off guard, we come back and face them knowing that He has our back and come what may, in the end, it will work out for it is in His plan.

But what about those things that are not prophesied, that are not public but personal and hit us below the belt when we least expect it.   What about those things that are camouflaged that we don't recognize right away and hit us in the most sensitive spots? How do we endure then?  And how do we endure not only then but then during pandemics and war?  How do we remain “steadfast and immovable” (Alma 1:25) during a trial of faith when everything hits us all at once, public and private?

As you know, I have spent the past five and a half months living in Iowa to help the family.  I left for Iowa with a glad heart and full of my strength ready to face new challenges and serve in whatever way the Lord would desire of me.  Little did I know what he desired of me would be a very real and intense trial of my faith. 

I found that not only Satan, but personal feelings, things that seem normal and just part of life; can combine against us during tough times, and we may find ourselves in a place of depression, embarrassment, or sorrow; coupled with a feeling of neediness, aloneness, and even despair.  These are all the things I felt at one point or another during my time away, and it was a struggle at times to keep my head above water and my heart correctly in the game.  I know that we have all been in this place at one time or another, or maybe you are here now, so the question again is, how do we survive. 

Elder Anderson also taught that: "When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view.  It is within the sanctuary of the Church that we protect our faith. Meeting together with others who believe, we pray and find answers to our prayers; we worship through music, share testimony of the Savior, serve one another, and feel the Spirit of the Lord. We partake of the sacrament, receive the blessings of the priesthood, and attend the temple. The Lord declared, “In the ordinances … , the power of godliness is manifest” (D&C 84:20). When you are faced with a test of faith, stay within the safety and security of the household of God. There is always a place for you here. No trial is so large we can’t overcome it together (see Mosiah 18:8–10).  

But what if the tornado that hits is a quarantine? How can we face our trials together and not step away from the church when there is no church? 

In my time in Iowa, I was a member of a lovely tiny little branch.  I had barely gotten started with membership and serving in a new calling when pandemic and quarantine hit and I quickly found myself alone, in the gospel, as my family are not active members.  The branch tried but it was small and I didn't hear from anyone aside from email messages from the stake.  I had no priesthood in the home to help with sacrament, blessings or other needs and at this time none could be offered as church members were not allowed in the home where I was staying, and as an essential worker my ministering priesthood holder's family was not comfortable with me in their home so, I struggled.  Even to keep the Sabbath was a great task as I was caught in the middle of family and faith and I found myself having to make tough choices which at times were very painful and I was filled with all the emotions of despair. 

I felt bad because I couldn't partake of the sacrament.  And Satan used this to try and make me disappointed with my branch for not being more proactive.  But instead of letting that fester, I kicked it out by reading the sacrament prayer to Heavenly Father each week, personally, as if I was participating and praying to Him in a spirit of repentance and gratitude dedicating myself weekly to Him and praying for strength. I also prayed for my little branch, the leadership, and priesthood that they may be strengthened and have the help they need to help others. 

I was then hit with aloneness as my little branch didn't really have a social media gathering, a very small number of us posted to the branch page, but there was not "gathering" on zoom, or even through apps.  We didn't really communicate other than like buttons and a comment here and there.  I tried a couple of times to get something going but it didn't work and so Satan came to tell me I should feel sorry for myself because I was alone and be upset because I had no phone calls to check on me.  But it just wasn't right and I couldn't allow myself to feel that way and instead of letting it fester I quickly extinguished the fire by praying for those who would have served me if they could for they too were in a terrible state.  I chose to pray mightily making it not about me, but about we, and other than small disappointment I was okay and I felt strengthened and even happy.  I found that as I daily immersed myself in scripture study, church history study, and family history I was filled with companionship and I was not alone. 

However, the trial was to continue and even grow in intensity as I felt ostracized by my family members who are no longer of my faith.  It was a most difficult and trying time as it wasn't expected and took me quite off guard.  Sometimes I was picked on with jokes concerning my principles, other times if I mentioned an event or thought I was questioned fiercely concerning church history or doctrine; and at other times I felt raked over the coals for participating or standing for what I believed was true or for what I needed to do.  Satan surely came then blasting my thoughts and feelings of defensiveness, despair, pain, and sorrow.  However, I just couldn't let him have this one, I had to fight and find a way to blend and love my family without leaving behind the principles I hold dear.  After a couple of particularly heated discussions and events, I found myself on my knees praying desperately for help for I was at a complete loss.  I was lead to approach my family asking for forgiveness for my defensiveness, and seclusion and I began to serve them, even on the sabbath, in the best way that I could without disrespecting my principles or theirs.  Things immediately got better and there began mutual respect that allowed us each to continue to worship at home in our different ways without feeling bad.  

But then I felt embarrassed and ashamed.  And believe it or not, it was because of the blog that I write for Come Follow Me.  After leaving and having my church records transferred and accepting a new calling, I was released by default from the position of Gospel Doctrine Teacher and I struggled greatly with feeling as if I had no right to post a blog when it wasn't my assigned task to do so.  Satan came then, in a camouflage, telling me that I might be overstepping my bounds, that I might appear as boasting in myself, or that I might be pushing myself and writings on others when it wasn't my place to do so.  This was a great struggle for me and I wrestled with it for many weeks.  But Heavenly Father reminded me through my heartfelt prayers that I wasn't writing for fame or blog hits, I was writing for Him and it mattered not whether one person read or many read, that preparing the lesson each week, was like going to church.  So each Sunday morning, I prayerfully went to church and wrote the blog, and learned many things and cried, and my heart was filled, and then....I posted it...and prayed that it would help someone else as it had helped me and that I would not be seen as boasting but as a humble student sharing what I had learned so we could all "go to Church" and be connected with the spirit. After this, Many blog hits came, many read and some even commented, liked, and shared and I was greatly humbled for even in quarantine I was able to serve. Then interestingly enough, some weeks later, I had a dream, and in the dream, I was being asked to teach again.  The following week, just as I was preparing to come home, I had a phone call and was asked to teach the zoom Gospel Doctrine Class for my homeward; and I cried....

Though I experienced many things in my stay away from home I must say the grand finale was fear.  COVID 19 is most definitely a scare tactic and a good one, however, at first I was not fearful for I followed the admonition the Prophet and I was careful with masks and distance and cleaning.  I was even blessed with a job where I had little one to one contact with others but for my daughter, it was not so and she and I worried daily of exposure, and then... it came.  I had been in direct contact on more than one occasion and my daughter had indirect contact and suddenly, I was terrified, for both of us.  What if we were positive, what if we had taken this home to our family, and the what if's kept coming and coming and I began to panic.  We started our self-quarantine and qualified for testing and talk about terrifying and traumatic and I am a healthcare worker.  Yet I've never experienced anything like what I did with testing and waiting.  This one really hit me hard, and the fear was almost overwhelming,  with the potential to take me down. I fasted and prayed in a way that I never have before and asked others to pray for us.  Overtime my prayers developed into not just a fasting and prayer to be negative and get results quickly but it was for His will.  I found that He had given me the strength to accept whatever should come, even though I was scared.  I knew he would help me do whatever I had to do and my prayers and fasting grew into not so much for myself but for my daughter and her family that they would be spared.  When our test results came in and read negative I cried like I've never cried before for both of us and I was immensely grateful for such a great blessing. 

These are just a few of the things I experienced in my time away,  they are not grand stories, but they are I think, typical stories of how we are tested and tried in ways that are camouflaged and have the ability to weaken us. 

While away I learned how to rely solely on the Lord, for there was no one else.  I could not receive a blessing or even treatment for my severe recurrent migraines, yet seeking the priesthood from the Lord through fasting and prayer I was healed.  I was spared from sickness, I was spared from harm's way, I was blessed immensely with the things that I needed and even wanted such as acceptance into a nursing program and a huge scholarship to be able to accept.  I found that my sole and complete reliance on Christ himself through the father was a game-changer.  I found strength, I found joy, I found the ability to not panic, to not be needy, to not have to seek the approval of others, but to live solely through and for Him.  I say this because I don't think I had ever solely relied on him in this way for I've always had access to others to lift me up, to care for me, to bless me, to see that my tender feelings were not hurt, to walk me through the many trials of my faith.  But this time, it was just me and Him.

So how do we overcome the trial of our faith in troubled times, what do you do when it's just you and the Lord, and all things are hitting us at once.  We go to church, even when we can't.  We humble ourselves in heartfelt, meaningful prayer, and/or fasting.  We communicate with others of our faith, of our wards and branches, and participate in zoom meetings or other activities given to us for our benefit in survival.  We find a base to hold onto by having meaningful scripture study, and not just a read through, for we are in the times where one cannot stand on the testimony of others, we must have our own to survive particularly in a new world of social distancing and war.

During this time I prayed to Father in Heaven to overcome my feelings of low self-worth and self-esteem, I prayed to overcome the neediness I felt and to be strong in service to others, I had to remember that the Lord wants us to be happy. He doesn’t “play tricks” on us to get us to doubt the gospel.  Choosing to choose the right in a time of turmoil and adversity will make us happy, It made me happy.  It made me humble, it made me grateful, it made me stronger.  It renewed in me the spirit of the Holy Ghost that I had a baptism and I became again even a new woman. 

How do you remain “steadfast and immovable” during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you attend church, even in quarantine and take the sacrament even if/when you can't.  You keep the commandments, and you serve others to the best of your ability.  This is what we need to focus on today, this is our future, for the trials will surely keep coming, and we must overcome that we may be perfected and stand strong. 

I testify to you that God is real, Jesus Christ is His Son, and they love you.  If we remain steadfast in following the admonition of His prophet and remain true to the gospel principles we will have safety, peace, and even joy, regardless of our circumstances. 

Resources
 How to Face Trials 

www.ChurchofJesusChrist.org

How Does that Work Again??

Sacrament meeting speaking assignment January 27th 2020


I was asked a question two weeks ago, in preparing for this assignment to speak, it was, "How does faith in Jesus Christ give us hope and strength to carry on?" When I was asked this question, my mind immediately flooded with memories of my life, and the miracle that I am still here today. In thinking about this I prayed for the last two weeks about what I should say, what I should focus on and what I should share and this is what came to my mind.

Do you need to know that things will get better? Is there one of you today, reading this that has a great desire or even a desperate need in some way to know, things will get better? Well, the answer is of course, every one of us has times when we need to know things will get better, some of us are just at a different level of need than others.

Jeffery R Holland tells us that "For emotional health and spiritual stamina, everyone needs to be able to look forward to some respite, to something pleasant and renewing and hopeful, whether that blessing be near at hand or still some distance ahead. " We just need to know we can get there, that however far away, there is the promise of “good things to come. We all need to know that things will get better, its how we carry on, and this is exactly what the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us, especially in times of obvious need, so I'd like to tell you a little of why I know this is true.

The first tragic super tragic event that took place in my life, was in Nevada Iowa in April 1988 when my three year old daughter died in a freakish playground accident. I cannot describe to you the pain of that event, for there are not words but what I can tell you is that through this horrific event, strange as it may seem, I gained hope.

I had been a reckless young adult and made many mistakes, I lived in personal turbulent times, some of my own making some of others; but even in those times I never gave up, I kept going to church, I kept repenting, and I kept striving to do my best until one day Satan got the upper hand and I gave up in my heart, That's when the light left, that's when the darkness came and the struggle was near unbearable. It wasn't until the day my daughter died that things began to change. The day she died I had a choice I could stay in the world and be mad at God blaming him for such tragedies and trials, or I could embrace the gospel and gain understanding, hope and strength and press forward. I chose the gospel and began to know Christ. I cried to the Savior day and night for help and in the meantime dedicated myself to repentance and putting all of my faith and hope in Him, then waited for peace to come. Many of my friends and even my husband at the time left me because I chose the gospel, I chose Christ over the world. But I had gained an inner strength in making this choice and I was no longer afraid or helpless, I would not let Satan win so I pressed forward. How did faith in Jesus Christ give me hope and strength to carry on in such a horrible time? Through prayer and study He taught me basic principles of the gospel that gave me a first a testimony of the gospel and repentance, then of life after death and the ordinances of the temple and I knew I didn't have to be afraid and that I would be with my daughter again. Through talking to Him, church attendance, and personal progress, he brought me a measure of peace, that has grown throughout the years. And as I reflect on this event I can't imagine surviving such an trial by making the choice of the world.

I was pregnant when all this happened, and I did not loose my baby but he was born two months early in full respiratory distress with collapsed lungs and a host of other problems. The doctor who had pronounced my daughter told me once again that my child would not live and I should make arrangements. But I was not willing to give up. I had read and studied about the miracles of Christ and I knew that the priesthood was on earth today, I believed in it, it was my only hope; so I chose to call my Bishop. He along with three other elders came and administered to my son. The same way that Christ and His apostles administered to those in need. I was not in the room when this was done but I prayed and I believed. I was told by the doctor and nurses that they had never experienced anything like what they had seen when my son received his blessing. I took him home three weeks later, a true miracle witnessed by believers and non believers alike. How did faith in Jesus Christ give me hope and strength to carry on? He taught me that miracles did not cease when He and the apostles left this world. The priesthood has been restored and mighty things are possible even with just a mustard seed of faith.

In 2009 On August 8 the birthday of my daughter who died, I received a phone call at 130am telling me that my son, the baby who had been saved by the miracle, had been shot. I then received a second call telling me that he had taken the shot himself. At first I thought it was a bad prank but quickly found out it was not and I was in complete horror and shock. My son born and saved after the death of my daughter died on her birthday as a victim of suicide, it was extremely surreal. Again I had two options to take, the way of the world, or Jesus Christ. Would I let Satan win, for this was a hard blow, so much so that I thought I wouldn't live through it. But upon hanging up the phone, I fell to my knees on the kitchen floor and began to pray. I cried out to the Savior in desperation and pleaded for his help. In the coming months and years since every time I felt a wave of panic wash over me I fell to my knees, when things felt surreal and I couldn't breath I fell to my knees, when the nightmares came I kneeled at my bedside, I talked to Jesus Christ more than I talked to anyone living on this earth, For this by far was the hardest thing I would ever face, not only had my daughter died but now my son was a victim of suicide. And these were not the only trials in my life at this time, these were just the monumental things. Turmoil ruled my world and it was a daily struggle to stay afloat. So how did faith in Jesus Christ give me hope and strength to carry on? By prayer, priesthood blessings, and scripture study the Savior taught me that by loosing myself in service the pain would not go away but I would understand it and he would help and guide me through all things that I ever faced.c

Like other people I have suffered a tremendous amount of trial and tribulations both physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and temporally. My life has literally been one tribulation after another, some, like before, caused by me, some by others and some just came out of nowhere. All I know about life is how to call upon Christ and survive. Its funny because when my best friend asked what topic I was assigned to speak on and I told her she said well that's your whole life, you got this one wrapped up. And I had to laugh a little but it was a good laugh, a laugh of love because I do know that I carry on today because of Jesus Christ.

So how does faith in Jesus Christ give us hope and strength to carry on? Elder Jeffery R Holland taught that Christ knows better than all others that the trials of life can be very deep and we are not shallow people if we struggle with them. Christ was “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” His career to some seemed a failure, a tragedy, a good man totally overwhelmed by the evils surrounding Him and the misdeeds of others. He was misunderstood or misrepresented, even hated. No matter what He said or did, His statements were twisted, His actions suspected, His motives impugned. In the entire history of the world no one has ever loved so purely or served so selflessly—and been treated so diabolically for His effort. Yet nothing could break His faith in His Father’s plan or His Father’s promises. Even in those darkest hours at Gethsemane and Calvary, He pressed on, continuing to trust in the very God whom He momentarily feared had forsaken Him.

Because Christ’s eyes were unfailingly fixed on the future, He could endure all that was required of Him, suffer as no man can suffer except it be “unto death,” How could He do this? How could He believe it? Because He knows that for the faithful, things will be made right soon enough. He knows that “the Lord … will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. … For the needy shall not alway[s] be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.” He knows that “the Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” He knows that “the Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.”

How does faith in Jesus Christ give us hope and strength to carry on? Because he knows us, he knows the things you are pondering in your heart this very moment that are troubling you, that beset you, that trial you. He knows your pain, and if you “Don’t give up, Don’t quit. keep walking. keep trying there is help and happiness ahead. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.”

I testify that these are not just words, these are truths, all you have to do is believe even with the simplest of beliefs and faith and he will come, the help will come. I am living proof that the help does come! I have a journal full of miracles that testify. God Lives brothers and sisters! Jesus Christ is his Son our brother who died to save and succor us.

Some have lovingly told me that I have endured more than anyone should be asked to endure. That may be so sometimes it feels that way but truly, in reality, my story is not tragic but full of miracles, it is full of tender mercies, it is full of being saved, it is full of happiness and gratitude and strength when I thought I could not go on, it is full of the help Jesus Christ gave me and still gives me today. I would not be who I am today had I not lived through it all and came to know Christ. And it was faith in Him that lead the way.

Together God our eternal Father and His Son Jesus Christ sustain us in our hour of need and always will, even if we cannot recognize that intervention. Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they do come. and I testify of this truth to you today in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Firey Serpents

Imagine for a moment that you are a member of the ancient children of Israel. You've been freed from the bondage of Egypt led by your new prophet Moses. Its been a rough ride, you've been chased by Egyptians, had to walk through the red sea but remained dry.  You've eaten manna when you were starving, though you had no idea what it was.  You magically drank water from a rock when none was available and all this you know, was provided by God through Moses. Now, just when you think things are going to settle down for a bit, out of nowhere comes a herd of fiery serpents like nothing you've ever seen.  They fly out of the sky attack and bite you, and others around you. You become deathly ill, and know that you will surely die without a blessing, or really even a miracle. Then comes Moses saying all you have to do to be healed and live is look at a serpent fashioned upon a rod posted high in the midst of Israel. Sounds a little far fetched right? So tell me, do you look? 

6 And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
7 ¶ Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.
8 And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.  (Numbers 21 6-9)

The question of how to access and obtain blessings or even miracles has been the subject of theological debate for centuries. I personally just finished an intro to religions humanity class for nursing school and I learned of many religions which teach that blessings are completely earned; we receive them only through our works. Others, particularly in the western part of the world, contend that God has already chosen who He will bless and how; thankfully though, both concepts are flawed.

 Elder Dale G. Renlund Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches us that  "Blessings from heaven are neither earned by frenetically accruing “good deed coupons” nor by helplessly waiting to see if we win the blessing lottery. However, "faith-inspired actions on our part, both initial and ongoing, are essential."

With this in mind let me ask you a question.  Do you have blessings you stand in need of or desire? How do you receive your blessings from God? Do you just sit and wait and hope, or do you take action, and like the children of Israel who lived.  All who looked as directed by Moses, accessed the powers of heaven and were healed. Others who were bitten and did not look died. Maybe they lacked the faith to look or did not believe that such a simple action could truly bring the promised healing. Or perhaps they willfully hardened their hearts, rejecting the counsel of God’s prophet. But the lesson we learn from the story is that we too, like the children of Israel, must act on our faith in Jesus Christ to be blessed.

Through the prophet Joseph Smith we know that God has revealed that “there is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.”  Doctrine and Covenants 130:20–21

 In other words, you do not earn a blessing; but you do have to qualify for it. We see this with the children of Israel as they qualified for the blessing of healing because they followed, or obeyed, the direction of their prophet in doing something that to them I am sure sounded crazy, but because they had faith, they obeyed and lived.

It may though, sound a little misleading when using the words, "qualify for a blessing" In some ways when you first just hear those words it sounds much like other religions mentioned that require good works, repetitive prayers, or winning the blessing lottery. In simple truth however, what the phrase is teaching us is that to receive a blessing from God, or in order to qualify for blessing, all we have to do is have faith. But, is that really all there is to it?

There are times when it doesn't feel that simple, and in fact it may not be. Sometimes energy is needed for blessings. Sometimes it requires more than just looking. Sometimes continuous repeated, faith-filled actions are required.

 Elder Dale G. Renlund continues to teach us on this subject explaining that in building a bonfire the wood pile must receive a constant supply of oxygen to burn to a blaze. Similarly Faith in Christ requires ongoing action or figurative oxygen, for our personal blaze of blessings. Small actions fuel our ability to walk along the covenant path and lead to the greatest blessings God can offer. But oxygen of faith flows only if we keep moving our feet. As we have learned through the scriptures, sometimes we need to make a bow and arrow before revelation comes as to where we should search for food. "Sometimes we need to make tools before revelations come as to how to build a ship. Sometimes, at the direction of the Lord’s prophet, we need to bake a small cake from the little oil and flour we have to receive an unfailing cruse of oil and barrel of flour. And sometimes we need to “be still and know that [God is] God” and trust in His timing."  This is in particular being something we need to focus on.  

When searching, praying and hoping for blessings it is important to remember that not only do we need to have faith and fuel the fire, but also that blessings come on God’s timetable. If a desired blessing from God has not been received—yet—you do not need to go crazy, wondering what more you need to do. Instead, heed Joseph Smith’s counsel to “cheerfully do all things that lie in [your] power; and then … stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the … arm [of God] … revealed.

Most of you know my personal story, as I have testified many times of my trial with severe, incapacitating migraine headaches.  For 28 years I suffered repeatedly.  Some days all I could do was sleep on the bathroom floor due to excessive vomiting, and some days it required an ambulance ride to the hospital where I begged for release from the pain.  My migraines were so frequent and debilitating that I could not hold down a job, I missed family activities and time with my children, family and friends from church would constantly have to rescue me and drive me to the doctor for help, I remember a time when I rode in the passenger side of my sister's car with my head in a bucket due to vomiting and another when my visiting teacher came to my house and had to come into my bedroom lift me out of bed, dress me and carry me to the car to go get help.

Many people don't understand migraines and sometimes my family or doctors didn't, to them it was just another headache and I was seen as weak.  But my struggle was/is real and it was horrendous.  I cried and begged and pleaded in my prayers for help and sometimes I would just pray the end would come and I could go home to Father in Heaven and rest.  I prayed and prayed for help, I received blessing after blessing, and for many years I thought I was being punished, that the Lord had forgotten me, or that I hadn't done enough to receive healing or even help.  But in reality he was helping me I just didn't understand his timing.

At the peak of my illness, a new drug was put on the market and this one little pill allowed me to gain relief from the pain within a couple of hours therefore I was able to better hold down jobs.  There was a catch though, the cost of the drug, because it is one that migraine sufferers can't live without, spiked and due to the frequency of my attacks the cost would sometimes be over $800 a month.  But it was a blessing I was so grateful for as there was finally help. The drug became so popular among those that suffered that a discount card became available and I  was then better able to obtain the medication I needed, another blessing that I just had to be still and wait for.

A few years later, though the migraines began to worsen and even with medication I couldn't function.  I thought as before that I was just not good enough to receive a blessing.  No matter how much I prayed or what I did there was no improvement and things were actually worsening by the day.  This was my fiery serpent and I was near death from its bite.  

Then I had a blessing.  A young missionary serving in our ward, was called to give me a blessing on a particularly hard event when I was so incapacitated that all I could do was lay on the bed while he administered I couldn't even open my eyes or acknowledge him I just laid there as if dead.  Its a day I'll never forget.  I did gain relief from the pain with that blessing but I also gained counsel.  The young elder told me that he had the strong impression from Father in Heaven to tell me that I was not doing anything wrong and should not beat myself up.  The migraines would never go away, it would be a trial that I would have for the rest of my natural life.  But he also told me that Heavenly Father would not leave me alone, that he would provide an escape from the pain and I would be able to manage.

I felt the spirit so strong from that blessing, not only was I healed from immediate pain, but when the elder spoke to me I knew he was relaying an important message.  So I took note and stopped beating myself up and got to work.  As I continued in prayer I began to research and within a few weeks I had gained enough knowledge and information about allergies dealing with food, medication and outdoor, that I believed I knew how to treat my illness and get relief if I could get help from a doctor.  I was led out of the blue to a doctor I didn't know but who listened and I became his patient and he did the proper testing and sure enough I am allergic to so many things that the doc laughingly told me I needed a bubble to live in.  However with this new information I was able to make enough lifestyle changes in foods and medication to gain some relief, I could see the light to the escape route, I only needed to look.

In the following years since, I have had times of suffering but there has always been an escape.  When I didn't have money for medicines, someone always appeared to help.  When the medicines were particularly hard on my body because I had to use so much, I was immediately relieved for a day or two and able to gain strength.  And after 28 years and an acceptance of my trial and complete trust in Father to lead me so that I could function.  I was lead to people who had information that would indeed provide a complete escape.  Interestingly enough that came from here right here in our ward.

I had always wondered why Heavenly Father would send me here so far away from my home and family and I must admit I came here pouting a bit.  But if he hadn't sent me here and I hadn't followed the intuition to move, even when advised against it.  If I hadn't acted and done my best to put my best foot forward,  I would have never known about NAET acupuncture that has literally saved my life.
Now as long as I follow treatment guidelines Father has given me with diet, and acupuncture, my headaches are minimal and no longer incapacitating.  And though they still do come, I have found that since being called as the Gospel Doctrine teacher, I am released from the pain when I have to teach.

The fiery serpent bit me, severely, and I would have surely died, without help but thankfully, I had enough faith to look, as the Israelites did and as I did and do, He indeed provides an escape. But I had to have the faith, I had to put in the work, I had to trust Him.

What is your fiery serpent.  Do you stand in need, is there something you desire, do you need help.  I am sure you do, we all have serpents that could easily do us in.  

So the message I leave with you today is that I pray you will seek for help with those things you stand most in need of, I pray you will not become discouraged, I pray you will not give up or beat yourself up, but that you will be able to hear and allow the Holy Ghost to guide and direct you so that you, like the children of Israel, will also look, and “abound with blessings.”

I testify boldly that your Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, live, they are real, they are tangible, and they are concerned with your welfare, They delight to bless you.  They will not leave you without or comfortless.  Let us begin today to pray for ourselves and for others, that we have the faith we need to qualify that we may abound with blessings and I do so in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Dixie Dawn <3 
Public talk for September 22, 2019 
Sacrament Meeting
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

Come and See...

Scripture references have been highlighted in red and are hyperlinked to the LDS Scriptures at LDS.org and will open in a new window. Please click to read! Resource quotes have been highlighted in blue and are noted at the end of the blog

In the New Testament we read about Jesus Christ.  We learn about his life, how he came to be, his mission, his light, and also about the invitation he extended to his disciples to come and see. As we study these teachings of Christ, particularly the invitation, we can gain a greater desire to follow the Savior.  Then by applying to our own lives, the principles we learn from the scriptures, we can do as the disciples did and actually "come and see" as well as invite others to come and see for themselves.

In the book of John we learn of the things of Christ and about his invitation, so this week we will allow John to take us on a journey of learning that we may indeed, see, and know...

Why study John?
During a time of increasing persecution against Christians, political and civil turmoil, growing apostasy, and disputations about the nature of Jesus Christ, the Apostle John recorded his personal testimony of the Savior. It is very much the same way in our day now with existing circumstances in the modern world. Studying John’s Gospel can increase our confidence that, despite contrary pressures and opinions in the world, Jesus Christ is indeed “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

The Joseph Smith Translation changes the title from “The Gospel According to St. John” to “The Testimony of St. John.” Thus, the Gospel of John is a firsthand account of one who was eyewitness to the events he recorded

Who was John?
John was a disciple of John the Baptist and later became one of the first followers of Jesus Christ and one of His Twelve Apostles. He wrote the Gospel of John, several epistles, and the book of Revelation. In his Gospel, he referred to himself as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” and the “other disciple” (John 13:23; 20:3). John’s zeal for preaching the gospel was so strong that he asked to stay on the earth until the Savior’s Second Coming so he could bring souls unto Christ (D&C 7:1–6).

John and his brother James were fishermen who worked on the Sea of Galilee with their father, Zebedee (see Matthew 4:21), and Simon Peter (see Luke 5:10). Before becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, John was apparently a follower of John the Baptist (see John 1:35–40; Guide to the Scriptures, “John, Son of Zebedee”; scriptures.lds.org). John served with Peter and James “in the First Presidency in the dispensation of the meridian of time” (David B. Haight, “The Keys of the Kingdom,” Ensign, Nov. 1980, 74). Accordingly, the Savior regularly included John in some of the more intimate moments of His ministry (see Matthew 17:1–13; 26:36–45; Mark 5:37–43). Tradition indicates that John may have been Jesus’s first cousin. This tradition also indicates that Salome, who is mentioned in Mark 16:1, was the sister of Jesus’s mother, Mary, and the mother of James and John. This could mean that John was especially beloved by the Savior on the basis of a family connection. (New Testament Student Manual)

To whom was John written and why?

John knew that if all the sayings and doings of Jesus were recorded “even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” (John 21:25), and therefore he carefully selected material for his record.   Also because of John’s apostolic calling as one of the “special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world” (D&C 107:23), his writings and message, in a general sense, are meant for everyone. However, his message also has a more specific audience, as Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote: “The gospel of John is the account for the saints; it is pre-eminently the gospel for the Church, for those who understand the scriptures and their symbolisms and who are concerned with spiritual and eternal things” (Bruce R McConkie Doctrinal New Testament Commentary Vol 1).

 

The final decades of the first century A.D. were a time of increasing apostasy within the Church and opposition from without—conditions that posed tremendous challenges to the faith of the second- or third-generation Christians living at the time. John’s stated purpose in writing was that his readers “might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). “The scenes from Jesus’ life that [John] describes are carefully selected and arranged with this object in view. … He clearly affirms that Jesus is the Son of God, attested to by miracles, by witnesses, by the prophets, and by Christ’s own voice” (Bible Dictionary, “John, Gospel of”).

 

The Book of John

About 92 percent of the material in the Gospel of John is not found in the other Gospel accounts. This is probably because John’s intended audience—Church members who already had a basic understanding of Jesus Christ—was decidedly different from Matthew’s, Mark’s, and Luke’s intended audiences. The miracles of Jesus that John recorded serve as an example of the unique nature of this Gospel. Of the seven miracles reported by John, five are not recorded in any other Gospel. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke presented considerable information about Jesus’s ministry in Galilee, John recorded numerous events that took place in Judea. John’s Gospel is richly doctrinal, with some of its major themes being the divinity of Jesus as the Son of God, the Atonement of Christ, eternal life, the Holy Ghost, and the meaning and importance of belief.

More than any other Gospel writer, John emphasized Jesus’s divinity as the Son of God. John recorded over 100 of Jesus’s references to His Father with over 20 references in John 14 alone. Every chapter in John, with the exception of John 21, has a reference to the Father. One of John’s major contributions is his inclusion of the Savior’s teachings to His disciples in the hours just prior to His death, including the great Intercessory Prayer, offered the night He suffered in Gethsemane. This portion of John’s account (John 13–17) represents over 18 percent of the pages in John, providing us with a greater understanding of the Savior’s doctrine and what He expects of His disciples.

The Gospel of John contains several titles for Jesus Christ that are not found in the other Gospels, such as the Word (see John 1:1–2), the Lamb of God (see John 1:29, 36), the Light of the World (see John 8:12; 9:5), and the Good Shepherd (see John 10:11, 14). More than any other Gospel writer, John recorded Jesus’s own testimony of His divinity (see John 5:17–37; 8:23–59; 10:30–38; 16:27–28) and His identity as Jehovah of the Old Testament (see John 4:26; 8:58).  (New Testament Student Manual) 


Breaking it Down  John 1
In this chapter through the testimony of the Apostle John; we learn one of the most important doctrines of the gospel.  Christ is the Word, created and chosen in the pre mortal world before his temporal birth.  He created all things and was then made flesh.  John the Baptist testified of the coming of Christ then baptizes Jesus and testifies that He is the Lamb of God. Following which John(the author of this book), Andrew, Simon, Philip, and Nathanael believe in Christ and follow Him.

Jesus Christ was “in the beginning with God.”  John 1:1–5
John began his testimony of Christ by testifying of the Savior’s roles before He was born.

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 
2 The same was in the beginning with God. 
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

What did John teach about the premortal Christ in these verses?   To better answer this questions lets also read the Joseph Smith Translation of these verses; the Joseph Smith Translation contains numerous changes to John 1:1–34. These changes, which can be found in the Bible appendix, provide important clarifications to the scriptural text.

1 In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made which was made.
4 In him was the gospel, and the gospel was the life, and the life was the light of men;
5 And the light shineth in the world, and the world perceiveth it not.

“The Word” is a title of Jesus Christ President Russell M. Nelson explained: the meaning of the Savior’s title “the Word”: “In the Greek language of the New Testament, that Word was Logos, or ‘expression.’ It was another name for the Master. That terminology may seem strange, but it is appropriate. We use words to convey our expression to others. So Jesus was the Word, or expression, of His Father to the world” (“Jesus the Christ: Our Master and More,” Ensign, Apr. 2000, 4).

In addition, Latter-day revelation provides additional information about the title of Jesus Christ: “In the beginning the Word was, for he was the Word, even the messenger of salvation” (D&C 93:8). The Gospel of John emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the messenger of the Father to the world. As such, He declares the Father’s words (John 7:16; 8:26–28; 12:49–50; 17:8)


What other things does John teach us in  John 1:1–5?  

1. John teaches us that Christ was with us in the pre-mortal world and taught ALL spirits (that means us)  the gospel before coming to this earth.

Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:1, reads: “In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God” (in the Bible appendix). These words bear witness of the premortal existence of Jesus Christ, for He was “with God” in the beginning of all things. They affirm that His mission of salvation began in the premortal world, for He was “the Word,” even the messenger of salvation (see D&C 93:6–8), who taught the gospel to us “in the beginning.” Elsewhere in scripture we learn that in the premortal world, Jesus Christ was the great Jehovah ( 3 Nephi 15:5; D&C 110:3–4).  


2.  Christ is the Son of God and was chosen as the Son of God by the Father in the pre-mortal existence before he was born.  

While all four Gospels testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, John’s Gospel is the only one that teaches about Jesus’s premortal life (see John 1:1–2). Latter-day scriptures affirm numerous truths about the premortal existence and stature of Jesus Christ. The Savior told the Prophet Joseph Smith, “I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn” (D&C 93:21). The book of Abraham describes the premortal Christ as “like unto God” (Abraham 3:24). The book of Moses states that Jesus Christ was Heavenly Father’s “Beloved Son, … Beloved and Chosen from the beginning,” who even before this life said, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever” (Moses 4:2; see also Abraham 3:27–28).

3.  ALL things created are done so by Christ as directed by the Father.  John testified that “all things were made by” the Savior (John 1:3, 10). He created “worlds without number” (Moses 1:33), “millions of earths like this” (Moses 7:30), and “all things from the beginning” (Mosiah 3:8). Elder James E. Talmage (1862–1933) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote about Jesus Christ’s role as the Creator: “The Father operated in the work of creation through the Son, who thus became the executive through whom the will, commandment, or word of the Father was put into effect. It is with incisive appropriateness therefore, that the Son, Jesus Christ, is designated by the apostle John as the Word; or as declared by the Father ‘the word of my power’ [John 1:1; Moses 1:32]” (Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed. [1916], 33).

There are, however, “two creative events” that God the Father reserves for Himself. “First, he is the Father of all spirits, Christ’s included. … Second, he is the Creator of the physical body of man [see Moses 2:27]” (Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 63).

4.  He is the light of men, His light, the light of Christ resides in ALL People.  John’s writings contain the only New Testament teachings about the Light of Christ. The Bible Dictionary explains this light:

“The phrase ‘light of Christ’ does not appear in the Bible, although the principles that apply to it are frequently mentioned therein. The precise phrase is found in Alma 28:14, Moro. 7:18, and D&C 88:7. Biblical phrases that are sometimes synonymous to the term ‘light of Christ’ are ‘spirit of the Lord’ and ‘light of life’ … The ‘spirit of the Lord,’ however, sometimes is used with reference to the Holy Ghost and so must not be taken in every case as having reference to the light of Christ.

“The light of Christ is just what the words imply: enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, ennobling, persevering influence that comes upon mankind because of Jesus Christ. For instance, Christ is ‘the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world’ (D&C 93:2; see John 1:9). The light of Christ fills the ‘immensity of space’ and is the means by which Christ is able to be ‘in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things.’ It ‘giveth life to all things’ and is ‘the law by which all things are governed.’ It is also ‘the light that quickeneth’ man’s understanding (see D&C 88:6–13, 41). In this manner, the light of Christ is related to man’s conscience and tells him right from wrong (Moro. 7:12–19).

“The light of Christ should not be confused with the personage of the Holy Ghost, for the light of Christ is not a personage at all. Its influence is preliminary to and preparatory to one’s receiving the Holy Ghost” (Bible Dictionary, “Light of Christ”).

Why is it important to know Christ’s premortal roles?


Jesus Christ is the Light John 1:1–14
As you read the following verses make note of each instance of the word light.

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 ¶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

How has the Savior and His gospel provided spiritual light in your life?  

How have you experienced His light?

Every person born into the world automatically and instinctively knows right from wrong because of the universally bestowed divine endowment called conscience. In other words, "the Spirit of Jesus Christ" or the light of Christ, "giveth light to every man that cometh into the world." (D. & C. 84:44-47.) "The Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil." (Moro. 7:12-19.)  (Bruce R McConkie Doctrinal New Testament Commentary Vol 1) 

Disciples of Jesus Christ bear witness of Him John 1:1–18

John was inspired to seek the Savior because of the testimony of John the Baptist, who declared that he “was sent to bear witness of … the true Light” (John 1:8–9, 15–18).

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 ¶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15 ¶ John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote the following about John 1:1–18: “From latter-day revelation we learn that the material in the forepart of the gospel of John (the Apostle, Revelator, and Beloved Disciple) was written originally by John the Baptist [see D&C 93:6–18]. …

“Even without revelation, however, it should be evident that John the Baptist had something to do with the recording of events in the forepart of John’s gospel, for some of the occurrences include [John the Baptist’s] conversations with the Jews and a record of what he saw when our Lord was baptized—all of which matters would have been unknown to John the Apostle whose ministry began somewhat later than that of the Baptist’s. There is little doubt but that the Beloved Disciple had before him the Baptist’s account when he wrote his gospel” (Bruce R McConkie Doctrinal New Testament Commentary Vol 1)  

After quoting John 1:6–8, President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) explained that these passages describe the purpose of John the Baptist’s ministry: “The immediate purpose of the mission of John the Baptist was to bear witness that Jesus was the true Light, the true teacher of the way of life eternal, and to invite men to believe in him for the remission of their sins and be baptized. John the Baptist was not the Messiah or the leader of a great movement; he was the herald and witness, bearing testimony to the nature and divine titles of Jesus, and the witness through whom God attested the divine sonship of Jesus” (Conference Report, Oct. 1968, 141)

The phrase “I knew him not” in John 1:31 has caused some people to question whether John knew that Jesus was the Messiah. In the Joseph Smith Translation, the phrase “I knew him not” is corrected twice. John 1:31 is changed to read, “I knew him, and that he should be made manifest to Israel” (Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:30 [in the Bible appendix]). In John 1:33 the word not is again omitted to read, “I knew him” (Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:32 [in the Bible appendix]). These corrections clarify that John knew Jesus was the Messiah, for whom he was to prepare the way. This harmonizes with the clear testimony John himself had just given of Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me” (John 1:29–30; see also verse 15).  (New Testament Student Manual) 

Make a list of truths that John included in his opening testimony of Christ John 1–18; and also Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:1–19.  We've talked about several in the above paragraphs.  After doing this read them carefully to yourself and then answer the following questions.  

Why do you think that John began his Gospel with these truths? 

If right now you were asked to write your witness of Jesus Christ, what would you want to share? 

What does it mean to “become the sons of God”? John 1:12

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Because all men and women are spirit sons and daughters of heavenly parents, some people may wonder why we need “power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12). Numerous scriptures speak of the need to become sons and daughters of God through being born again and entering into gospel covenants with God (Mosiah 5:7; 27:25). While all people are spirit children of our Heavenly Father, those who make gospel covenants such as baptism and the temple endowment also become God’s covenant children. Elder Bruce R. McConkie further explained how the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ affords us the opportunity to become the sons and daughters of God in eternity: 

“When we accept Christ and join the Church, we have power given us to become the sons of God. We are not his sons and daughters by Church membership alone, but we have the ability and the capacity and the power to attain unto that status after we accept the Lord with all our hearts (see D&C 39:1–6).

“Now the ordinances that are performed in the temples are the ordinances of exaltation; they open the door to us to an inheritance of sonship; they open the door to us so that we may become sons and daughters, members of the household of God in eternity” (Conference Report, Oct. 1955, 12–13).

Those who are sons of God (meaning the Father) are persons who, first, receive the gospel, join the true Church, obtain the priesthood, marry for eternity, and walk in obedience to the whole gospel law. They are then adopted into the family of Jesus Christ, become joint-heirs with him, and consequently receive, inherit, and possess equally with him in glorious exaltation in the kingdom of his Father. (D. & C. 76:54-60; 84:33-41; 88:107; 132:15-25; Rom. 8:14-18; Gal. 3:26-29; 4:1-7.)  (Bruce R McConkie Doctrinal New Testament Commentary Vol 1) 

Has anyone seen God?  John 1:18

18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

In the Joseph Smith Translation, the Prophet Joseph Smith added this inspired qualification to the King James Version wording of John 1:18: “No man hath seen God at any time, except he hath borne record of the Son; for except it is through him no man can be saved” (Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:19) This important addition emphasizes that salvation comes through Jesus Christ. It also clarifies that the Father speaks to men on earth in order to bear record of His Son, Jesus Christ. 

As presently found in the King James Version this passage is one of the classical examples of scriptural mistranslation. The whole body of revealed truth bears record that Deity has been seen by man. What John actually taught was that the Father had never appeared to any man except for the purpose of introducing and bearing record of the Son. The joint appearance of the Father and the Son to Joseph Smith shows the pattern that has always been followed. (Jos. Smith 2:14-20.)

All things center in Christ. He is the God of Israel, the God of the Old Testament, the Advocate, Mediator, and Intercessor. Since the fall of Adam, all of the dealings of Deity with man have been through the Son. On occasions, however, in accordance with the principle of divine investiture of authority, the Son has and does speak in the first person as though he were the Father, because the Father has put his name on the Son. The visions of Moses as revealed anew to the Prophet in this day fall in this category. (Moses 1; Mormon Doctrine, pp. 24-25, 122, 355, 428-429.)  (Bruce R McConkie Doctrinal New Testament Commentary Vol 1) 

President Joseph Fielding Smith explained: “All revelation since the fall has come through Jesus Christ, who is the Jehovah of the Old Testament. In all of the scriptures, where God is mentioned and where he has appeared, it was Jehovah who talked with Abraham, with Noah, Enoch, Moses and all the prophets. … The Father has never dealt with man directly and personally since the fall, and he has never appeared except to introduce and bear record of the Son” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 1:27). The scriptures record a number of occasions when the Father has introduced Jesus Christ: Matthew 3:17; 17:5; 3 Nephi 11:6–7; D&C 76:23; Joseph Smith—History 1:17.

Who is Elias, and who is “that prophet”? John 1:19–23

19 ¶ And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

The Jewish leaders asked John if he was “Elias” (the Greek name for the Hebrew “Elijah”), who was prophesied to someday return  Malachi 4:5–6.  Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: when John the Baptist began his ministry, “the whole Jewish nation was stirred up with anxious expectation, awaiting the momentary appearance of the Messiah and his Elias. With great hosts from Jerusalem and all Judea flocking to John and accepting him as a prophet, and with the banks of the Jordan crowded with his baptized converts, it was natural for the leading Jews—members of the great Sanhedrin, whose obligation it was to test prophetic claims—to send priests and Levites to make detailed investigation” (Bruce R McConkie Doctrinal New Testament Commentary Vol 1) 

John understood, as the priests and Levites apparently did not, that there are various meanings for the name-title Elias.  John was an Elias, which means a forerunner of the Messiah, but he was not the Elias, who is Jesus Christ, the Messiah. John was also not Elijah the prophet, whose name in Greek is Elias. “I am not that Elias who was to restore all things. … I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as saith the prophet Esaias [Isaiah]” (Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:22, 24 

John’s testimony left no doubt that he knew of his own divinely appointed preparatory mission and of the divinity of the “preferred” One who would come after him: “I baptize with water, but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is of whom I bear record. He is that prophet, even Elias, who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose, or whose place I am not able to fill; for he shall baptize, not only with water, but with fire, and with the Holy Ghost” (Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:27–28  

When John denied that he was Elijah, the Jewish leaders asked him, “Art thou that prophet?” (John 1:21). Their question likely had reference to the prophecy of Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15: “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken.” However, by asking John if he was “that prophet” after John had already denied that he was the Christ, these Jews showed that they did not understand the messianic nature of Moses’s prophecy. Many of the Jews in Jesus’s day anticipated the coming of a prophet who would be like unto Moses but who was not the Messiah. This is evident when many in Jerusalem later proclaimed that Jesus Christ was “the Prophet,” while others declared that He was “the Christ” John 7:40–41; 6:14

Many scriptures use the term Elias in connection with vital doctrinal explanations. Some of these passages have come to us in garbled and fragmentary form. Various of them use the word to mean wholly different and divergent things. Much confusion and uncertainty would be avoided if gospel students would note carefully the distinguishable differences in the various usages of this important though unusual word. The following different meanings of the designation Elias are of scriptural record: 

1. ELIAS OF ABRAHAM'S DAY. — As part of the restoration of all things, a prophet named Elias came to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on April 3, 1836, and committed unto them the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham. The scriptural account of this glorious event specifies: "Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all generations after us should be blessed." (D. & C. 110:12.)

Now what was the gospel of Abraham? Obviously it was the commission, the mission, the endowment and power, the message of salvation, given to Abraham. And what was this? It was a divine promise that both in the world and out of the world his seed should continue "as innumerable as the stars; or, if ye were to count the sand upon the seashore ye could not number them." (D. & C. 132:30; Gen. 17; Abra. 2:1-12.)

Thus the gospel of Abraham was one of celestial marriage (including plurality of wives); it was a gospel or commission to provide a lineage for the elect portion of the pre-existent spirits, a gospel to provide a household in eternity for those who live the fulness of the celestial law. This power and commission is what Elias restored, and as a consequence, the righteous among all future generations were assured of the blessings of a continuation of the seeds forever, even as it was with Abraham of old. (D. & C. 132.)

This committing to man of the gospel of Abraham, of the great commission which he had, should not be confused with the spirit of Elias or the doctrine of Elias. The commission which the man Elias conferred was not an authorization either to operate in the spirit of Elias or to preach the gospel. The spirit of Elias had been manifest long before the man Elias came. The commission to preach the gospel was restored by Peter, James, and John in 1829, and the gospel had been preached for nearly seven years before Elias came. In their mortal ministry, Peter, James, and John had been given this commission: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15.) In other words, the gospel of Peter, James and John, their great commission, was to preach the gospel of salvation. When they came in modern times that, among other things, was what they restored.

We have no information, at this time, as to the mortal life or ministry of Elias. Apparently he lived in the days of Abraham, but whether he was Abraham, or Melchizedek, or some other prophet, we do not know.

2.  ELIAS A NAME FOR ELIJAH. — Elias is the Greek form of Elijah. This leads to some confusion and the necessity of determining whether Elijah or someone else is meant in each passage where the name Elias appears. Such a determination is not difficult, however, when the full doctrine of Elias and Elijah is understood.

3.  SPIRIT AND DOCTRINE OF ELIAS. — Joseph Smith taught that a preparatory work, one that lays a foundation for a greater work, one that goes before to prepare the way for a greater which is to come, is a work performed by the spirit of Elias. This principle is called the doctrine of Elias. The Prophet explained that the spirit and doctrine of Elias pertain to the Aaronic Priesthood only. He used himself as an example, saying that he worked by the spirit of Elias from the time he received the Aaronic Priesthood (which is a preparatory priesthood) until the Melchizedek Priesthood was restored. In the same way John the Baptist, he explained, served in the spirit and power of Elias; that is, as our Lord's forerunner, serving in the lesser priesthood, he prepared the way for a greater work.

Work done by authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood is not performed in accordance with the spirit of Elias. To distinguish between the spirit of Elias and a higher power, the Prophet said that a man could be baptized by the spirit of Elias, but he could not receive the Holy Ghost by that power, and "any man that comes, having the spirit and power of Elias, he will not transcend his bounds." (Teachings, pp. 335-341.)

4. ELIAS OF THE RESTORATION. — According to the plan and program of the Lord, the dispensation of the fulness of times is "the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." (Acts 3:21.) This restoration is to be effected by Elias. Before the winding up of the Lord's work, the promise is: "Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things." (Matt. 17:11.) With these ancient scriptures before us, these questions arise: Who is the promised Elias who was to come and restore all things? Has this work of restoration taken place? Or is it something that is yet future?

Correcting the Bible by the spirit of revelation, the Prophet restored a statement of John the Baptist which says that Christ is the Elias who was to restore all things. (Inspired Version, John 1:21-28.) By revelation we are also informed that the Elias who was to restore all things is the angel Gabriel who was known in mortality as Noah. (D. & C. 27:6-7; Luke 1:5-25; Teachings, p. 157.) From the same authentic source we also learn that the promised Elias is John the Revelator. (D. & C. 77: 9, 14.) Thus there are three different revelations which name Elias as being three different persons. What are we to conclude?

By finding answer to the question, by whom has the restoration been effected, we shall find who Elias is and find there is no problem in harmonizing these apparently contradictory revelations. Who has restored all things? Was it one man? Certainly not. Many angelic ministrants have been sent from the courts of glory to confer keys and powers, to commit their dispensations and glories again to men on earth. At least the following have come: Moroni, John the Baptist, Peter, James, and John, Moses, Elijah, Elias, Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael. (D. & C. 13; 110; 128:19-21.) Since it is apparent that no one messenger has carried the whole burden of the restoration, but rather that each has come with a specific endowment from on high, it becomes clear that Elias is a composite personage. The expression must be understood to be a name and a title for those whose mission it was to commit keys and powers to men in this final dispensation. (Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1, pp. 170-174.)

5. JOHN THE BAPTIST AN ELIAS. — No better illustration is found in the revelations of one who acted in the spirit and power of Elias — and yet who expressly disavowed any claim to being the Elias who was to restore all things — than that seen in the ministry of John the Baptist. Gabriel foretold that John would go before the Lord "in the spirit and power of Elias" (Luke 1:17); and the skeptical and unbelieving Jews — knowing that Elijah was to come again and that Elias was to restore all things — made pointed inquiry of John to determine if he claimed to fulfil ancient predictions in this field.

"And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem, to ask him: Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not that he was Elias; but confessed, saying: I am not the Christ. And they asked him, saying: How then art thou Elias? And he said, I am not that Elias who was to restore all things. And they asked him, saying, Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. ... And they asked him, and said unto him: Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not the Christ, nor Elias who was to restore all things, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying: I baptize with water, but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is of whom I bear record. He is that prophet, even Elias, who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose, or whose place I am not able to fill; for he shall baptize, not only with water, but with fire, and with the Holy Ghost." (Inspired Version, John 1:21-28.)

After Moses and Elijah (Elias) had appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration our Lord's "disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?" That is, the scribes knew that Elias (Elijah) was to precede the coming of the Lord, and yet here Peter, James, and John had seen the heavenly visitant come after the Lord had been manifest among the people.

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things, as the prophets have written. And again I say unto you that Elias has come already, concerning whom it is written, Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me; and they knew him not, and have done unto him, whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of Man suffer of them. But I say unto you, Who is Elias? Behold, this is Elias, whom I send to prepare the way before me. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist, and also of another who should come and restore all things, as it is written by the prophets." (Inspired Version, Matt. 17:9-14; Doctrines Salvation, vol. 2, pp. 108-112.)

Jesus Called Disciples to Follow Him John 1:35–51

Early in the Savior’s ministry, He called Andrew, John, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael (also called Bartholomew) to be His disciples  John 1:35–51.  At least two of these men; Andrew and another disciple, who was probably John, had been disciples of John the Baptist, but when they heard the Savior speak, they followed Him  John 1:35–37

Robert J. Matthews wrote: “During his public ministry John [the Baptist] gathered followers, or disciples, who called him ‘Rabbi’ (John 3:26), and whom he taught to fast (Matthew 9:14; Mark 2:18; Luke 5:33) and to pray (Luke 11:1). At John’s own urging, many of his disciples left him and followed Jesus, but some stayed with him even though he made it plain that he was not the Messiah. … Some of those who first followed John are later found among the twelve whom Jesus selected as apostles. One of these is John, the brother of James, and another is Andrew, the brother of Peter” (A Burning Light: The Life and Ministry of John the Baptist [1972], 37–38)

We can gain our own witness of the Savior 

In John 1, the invitation to “come and see” appears twice (verses 39, 46). We may not have the chance to see the Savior physically the way Andrew and Nathanael did, but we can respond to the same invitation.  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discussed what we can learn about being disciples from the experiences Jesus’s disciples had as He called them to follow Him:

“You will recall that when Andrew and another disciple, probably John, first heard Christ speak, they were so moved and attracted to Jesus that they followed Him as He left the crowd. Sensing that He was being pursued, Christ turned and asked the two men, ‘What seek ye?’ [John 1:38]. Other translations render that simply ‘What do you want?’ They answered, ‘Where dwellest thou?’ or ‘Where do you live?’ Christ said simply, ‘Come and see’ [John 1:39]. Just a short time later He formally called Peter and other new Apostles with the same spirit of invitation. To them He said, Come, ‘follow me’ [Matt. 4:19].  

“It seems that the essence of our mortal journey and the answers to the most significant questions in life are distilled down to these two very brief elements in the opening scenes of the Savior’s earthly ministry. One element is the question put to every one of us on this earth: ‘What seek ye? What do you want?’ The second is His response to our answer, whatever that answer is. Whoever we are and whatever we reply, His response is always the same: ‘Come,’ He says lovingly. ‘Come, follow me.’ Wherever you are going, first come and see what I do, see where and how I spend my time. Learn of me, walk with me, talk with me, believe. Listen to me pray. In turn you will find answers to your own prayers. God will bring rest to your souls. Come, follow me” (“He Hath Filled the Hungry with Good Things,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 65)

Invite others to “come and see.”

Elder David B. Haight (1906–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recounted the time when the Savior met John and Andrew. The two men followed Jesus to where He was dwelling and stayed with Him for some time (see John 1:35–39). Then Elder Haight explained how this scriptural account can inspire us to share our testimonies of the truth:

“John and Andrew were with the Savior for several hours. Just imagine being in His presence or being able to sit and look into His eyes or to hear Him explain who He was and why He had come to earth and to hear that inflection in His voice in describing what He would have told those young men. They would have shaken His hand. They would have felt of that precious, wonderful personality as they listened to Him.

“And following that encounter, the account says that Andrew went to find his brother Simon because he had to share it with someone. …

“When Andrew found his brother Simon, he said to him, ‘We have found the [Messiah]’ (John 1:41). He probably said: ‘We’ve been in His presence. We’ve felt of His personality. We know that what He is telling us is true.’ Yes, Andrew had to share it with someone.

“That is what we do in sharing what we know and what we understand” (“Gratitude and Service,” Ensign, May 2001, 71).

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency spoke about why those with testimonies of divine truths should share their testimonies with others:

“Those who have a testimony of the restored gospel also have a duty to share it. The Book of Mormon teaches that we should ‘stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in’ (Mosiah 18:9).

“One of the most impressive teachings on the relationship between the gift of a testimony and the duty to bear it is in the 46th section of the Doctrine and Covenants. In describing different kinds of spiritual gifts, this revelation states:

“‘To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.

“‘To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful’ (vv. 13–14; see also John 20:29).

“Those who have the gift to know have an obvious duty to bear their witness so that those who have the gift to believe on their words might also have eternal life.

“There has never been a greater need for us to profess our faith, privately and publicly (see D&C 60:2). Though some profess atheism, there are many who are open to additional truths about God. To these sincere seekers, we need to affirm the existence of God the Eternal Father, the divine mission of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the reality of the Restoration. We must be valiant in our testimony of Jesus” (“Testimony,” Ensign May 2008, 27)

How have you introduced the gospel of Jesus Christ to others?

Have you invited anyone to “come and see”? 

What do we learn from Andrew and Philip about sharing our testimonies of Christ?  Sharing the gospel can be simple and natural.  

Sometimes people don’t share the gospel because they find that doing so is intimidating or complicated. The accounts in John 1:35–51 show that it doesn't have to be.  Elder Neil L. Andersen taught:

“The Savior taught us how to share the gospel. I like the story of Andrew, who asked, ‘Master, where dwellest thou?’ [John 1:38]. Jesus could have responded with the location of where He lived. But instead He said to Andrew, ‘Come and see’ [John 1:39]. I like to think that the Savior was saying, ‘Come and see not only where I live but how I live. Come and see who I am. Come and feel the Spirit.’ We don’t know everything about that day, but we do know that when Andrew found his brother Simon, he declared, ‘We have found … the Christ’ [John 1:41].

“To those who show an interest in our conversations, we can follow the Savior’s example by inviting them to ‘come and see.’ Some will accept our invitation, and others will not. We all know someone who has been invited several times before accepting an invitation to ‘come and see.’ Let’s also think about those who once were with us but who now we rarely see, inviting them to come back and see once more. …

“For those using the Internet and mobile phones, there are new ways to invite others to ‘come and see.’ Let’s make sharing our faith online more a part of our daily life” (“It’s a Miracle,” Ensign May 2013, 79).

Conclusion 

The unique value and benefit of the Gospel of John has been described by Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “In [the Gospel of John] is the most persuasive testimony of the Divine Sonship; in it is the most elaborate imagery and symbolism; in it are many of the more mature doctrinal concepts”  

The gospel, the good news of John, teaches about the premortal divinity of Jesus Christ, emphasizes His role as the messenger of the Father, emphasizes that He is the only way to return to the Father, and highlights the impact of personal testimony in bringing others to follow Jesus Christ. John introduced the Savior as “the Word” (John 1:1), the Creator of this world (see John 1:3), “the life” (John 1:4), and “the Light” (John 1:7). He testified that Jesus Christ is “the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14) and that Jesus gives power to all who receive Him “to become the sons [and daughters] of God” (John 1:12). John also recorded other disciples’ testimonies of Jesus’s divinity. John the Baptist testified that Jesus was “the Lamb of God” sent to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Andrew testified that Jesus was “the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ” (John 1:41). And Nathanael spoke to the Savior Himself, saying, “Thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel” (John 1:49).

This is a book that answers many questions that people of the world have, and when read in connection with the Joseph Smith Translation, the light comes to one's mind making understanding clear.  Then not only is it so important for us to read and study this book to gain and strengthen our own understanding and testimonies but it is our duty, our responsibility, and should also be our joy to share what we have found so that others too can have the same thereby inviting them to come and see.  

We are the light of the world, we are the city on a hill, we are the light of the world and we have to let our light shine.

Next Week:  Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3

Resources
New Testament Student Manual
Ensign
Conference Reports
Jesus the Christ
A Burning Light: The Life and Ministry of John the Baptist
Bruce R McConkie Doctrinal New Testament Commentary Vol 1