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Friday: Philemon

Hello!! Today, we are on to the Epistle to Philemon. So - some interesting facts about this book. It is the shortest in the New Testament, and it is a bit different because it is actually a personal letter to one individual. So, it contains less doctrine and is instead a bit more p er sonal. It is about Philemon, who was p robably a Greek convert and lived in Colossae. The congregation there met in his home - so I imagine he was pretty well connected with the saints there. He had a servant, Onesimus - who robbed him and then ran away to Rome. After running away, Onesimus joined the church (Paul talks about him as being "a brother beloved in the Lord"). Does this sound like a Shakespearean p lay to anyone else?!? :) In their culture, obviously slavery was acce ptable -- and runaway slaves could be beaten, branded on their forehead, or even killed. This letter is Paul trying to counsel Philemon to treat Onesimus as a fellow church member, instead of inflicting...
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Thursday: Titus

Hello! Today - we study the chapters of Titus. :) Here is the scoop on the book of Titus.... it is similar to Timothy - in that they are epistles that Paul wrote to leaders of the church in the area. Titus was Greek, and was taught the gospel by Paul. After he converted, he served with Paul to help teach and organize the church. Titus was sent to Crete to take care of the branch there and to call Bishops. Not going to lie - I can only imagine what a tough calling it would be to have to set up the church and find leadershi p! Check out v 7-9 in the first chapter.... describes qualities for a Bishop. Also in v 9 - he points out that they need to be able to "hold fast" to  "sound doctrine" (AKA, true doctrine) Should sound familiar since Paul wrote about 'sound doctrine' in Timothy as well. **Why do you think you need to have, know, and "hold fast" to the true doctrine in your lives? Loved this quite from Elder Boyd K Packer: ...
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TUESDAY: 2 Timothy 1-2

Please read through 2 Timothy 1-2. As you do, keep this principle in mind: As we endure hardships and remain faithful to the Lord, we can help ourselves and others obtain salvation through Jesus Christ. In this epistle to Timothy, Paul discusses what it takes and what it means to overcome hardships and troubles when standing for the right. I know many of you have not yet had too many "in-your-face" experiences that directly tugged on your faith, family, or testimony. However, it is promised us that at some point in our lives, we will go through hardships that will test our faith in Jesus Christ, His church, and gospel. With that in mind, please respond to the following question in the comments below. What can you do now to prepare your faith to withstand and endure hardships in your life? What hardships do you think you could or will face that you can prepare for? How can you prepare?
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MONDAY: 1 Timothy

Please read through 1 Timothy 1-5. As you do, keep this principle in mind: If we are examples of the believers of Jesus Christ, we can help bring salvation to ourselves and others. Paul is writing this this epistle to Timothy, who was a leader in Ephesus. Paul describes many ways in which he (Timothy), the priesthood leader of the congregation, could be an "example of a believer."  In what ways can you be an "example of a believer"? Can you think of a specific example this past week that you were or saw someone else be an "example of a believer"? (This is a link to the "Home Study" portion of the seminary manual, if you would like to dive further into this:  https://www.lds.org/manual/new-testament-study-guide-for-home-study-seminary-students/introduction-to-1-timothy/unit-26-day-4-1-timothy?lang=eng )
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Seminary: Week of April 10th, 2017

Hello! This blog is simply going to be available as a way to provide easy discussion. We just ask that you post a comment and, if you feel like it, respond to another's post. This will help us all stay on track and complete the New Testament in just a few weeks. I plan on deleting this blog at the end of the week, just to let you know. Thanks everyone!
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