Brother Sparks' Seminary Class

Have a great summer

2008-06-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

The last two days of classes were crazy. Not too many students showed up, which was expected. I did enjoy listening to some of you play the piano together as we opened the middle section for you to put pianos side by side. I also was impressed how Daniel Bowman took the time to help Brother Woodbrey take down all of his classroom decorations.

May was a great month. I really enjoyed teaching both 5th and 6th hour at Queen Creek High School. You all made me feel welcome. I really appreciate your prayers for me and I could feel the spirit in each of your hearts. I hope that I was able to have a positive impact on your life. I will be teaching at Queen Creek High School next semester and hope to get to know you even better. Have a great summer and stay good.

Between the Testaments

2008-05-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

We had a learning activity today to explain the 400 years between the Old and New Testament. We learned how without a prophet things changed a lot. Then in Mark 1:2-3 we hear about the messenger that Malachi prophesied would come (Malachi 3:1). John's mission was to prepare the way of the Lord. and the Lord commanded us to sell all that we have and follow him (Mark 10:17-22)

Scribes (Writers)
When Judah returned from exile in Babylon, they brought back with them a number of things that were not a part of their original beliefs. If one of these things could be picked out to typify all the rest and symbolize what they meant, it would be the scribes. The scribes were originally educated men who made their livelihood keeping the records of the empire or as copyists of the scriptures. These they studied diligently, both to detect scribal errors and to understand the scriptures’ meaning. Eventually their role expanded. Not only did they supply copies of the scriptures to the growing number of synagogues, but they also became teachers of the law. As long as Israel had prophets, the scribes remained teachers and copyists. But when the prophetic voice ceased in Israel, these experts in the Law of Moses began to fill the vacuum.

Pharisees (Oral)
The party from which the Pharisees evolved was probably the Hasidim, a name meaning “the holy ones.” This sect promoted the observance of Jewish rituals and the study of the Torah. Some of these took a vow to separate themselves from the impurities of those living around them and to follow strictly their interpretation of the law. The Hasidim not only maintained the validity of the Torah, the written scriptures, as the source of their religion, but they enlarged on this background. In an effort to adapt old codes to new conditions, they took a more figurative interpretation of the law. This interpretation became known as the oral law, since for the most part it was memorized and passed on by word of mouth. The Hasidim believed in a combination of free will and predestination, in the resurrection of the dead, and in a judgment resulting in reward or punishment in the life to come.

Sadducees (Actors)
While the Pharisees were primarily from the common people, the Sadducees were from the upper level of society: priests, merchants, and aristocrats. The name of the sect (Zedukim in Hebrew) is probably derived from Zadok, the high priest in the days of King David. Ezekiel entrusted Zadok’s family with control of the temple, and the descendants of this family controlled the temple hierarchy until about 200 B.C. Hence, the name Sadducees referred to those who were sympathetic with the Zadokites. It was largely among this wealthy class that acceptance of the Greek culture was taking place; thus, the Sadducees were not popular with the majority of the people.
This sect, on the whole, was conservative. Unlike the Pharisees, the Sadducees rejected the oral law as binding except for that part that was based strictly on the Torah. Further, they denied the afterlife and, therefore, the Resurrection. The purpose of keeping the law was for divine assistance in mortality. Their theology tended to bring God down to man, and the worship offered Him was not unlike the homage paid to a human ruler. His law was to be strictly interpreted. No symbolic or allegorical interpretation, a favorite of the Pharisees, was allowed.

Luke 2 B

2008-05-25T05:13:00.000-07:00

Witnesses of the Christ Child
Read Luke 2 and list everyone mentioned in this chapter who saw Jesus. Next to each name list how they came to know about Jesus.

Joseph & Mary
Angels came to visit them. I think about when Jesus was finally born. Their joy must have been a double portion. To have a child and then to know that the Savior has arrived.

Shepherds

An angel also came to them in the night and told them to where to find Jesus and who He is. That He is the Savior of the world.

Simeon

The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would see the Son of God before he died. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus into the temple, the Holy Ghost witnessed to him that Jesus was indeed the Son of God and then he praised God.

Anna

Similar to Simeon, she knew that Jesus was the Christ though the Spirit. She heard Simeon, and believed on his testimony and praised God as well.

Doctors (Teachers)

Jesus came to them and they knew that He was not an ordinary boy. They would ask him questions and became the learners rather than the teachers.

Luke 1 A

2008-05-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

Two Miraculous Births

Make the following chart in your notebook and complete it with information you find in Luke 1.

TWO MIRACULOUS BIRTHS
Scripture reference for the story	Luke 1:1–25	Luke 1:26–38
What were the names of the parents?	Elisabeth & Zecharias	Mary & Joseph
How did they know they were going to have a baby?	Angel appeared to Zacharias in the temple	Same angel (Gabriel) appeared to Mary
How did they react to the news that was given them?	Hard to believe the angel's words	Asked how it was done, but believed
Why was the birth considered a miracle?	Elisabeth was too old to concieve	Mary was still a virgin
What did they name the baby?	John	Jesus
Where did they get the name?	Angel	Angel
What would be the special mission of this baby as he grew older?	Prepare the way of the Lord	Savior of the World/ The Son of God

Matthew 1 A

2008-05-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

Preparing a Father for Jesus
1. What did Joseph want to do when he found out Mary was expecting a baby? (see Matthew 1:18–19).

In verse 19 it says that Jospeh was a "just" man. Just comes from the Greek word dikaios, meaning to conform to law and righteousness. When he heard Mary was expecting a baby he wanted to release her from their engagement. The footnote says divorce her secretly. In verse 18 it says that they were espoused.

Espousal was a formal agreement to be married. The agreement was so strong that if a person was unfaithful during the espousal it was considered adultery and punishable by death (see Deuteronomy 22:23–24). This was the reason Joseph was so concerned about Mary’s pregnancy and what he should do about it.

2. What did Joseph decide to do after the visit of the angel in his dream? (see Matthew 1:20–25).

Verse 24 leads me to believe that he got up after the dream then went as soon as he could to Mary and took her to wife. Then the justness of Joseph really shows in verse 25. He respected the Lord and waited to "know" his wife until after Jesus was born. This characteristic of obedience is a great example to me. I think of the children's song, "Quickly I'll Obey".

3. Although Joseph was not the literal father of Jesus, he must have been the kind of man Heavenly Father trusted to be a father to Jesus in mortality. Notice how Joseph responded to situations in Matthew 1:18–25 and write about at least two qualities he demonstrated that you think you could develop as you prepare to be a parent.

There are many characteristics shown, but one that sticks out to me is that he was able to receive a dream. In the past I have always looked at dreams as foolishness. I think I need to repent in my heart and begin to prepare myself to receive revelation in all it's ways. Joseph was troubled in his heart and the Lord comforted him in a dream. He can do the same for me.

Another characteristic that I see is his trust in the Lord. He doesn't ask any questions, he just goes and does. As a father I can quickly follow my promptings and not doubt in my heart.

Senior Appreciation

2008-05-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

On Friday during 5th hour we had a senior appreciation devotional. It was so wonderful to hear all the nice things you had to say about the seniors. I learned a lot about some of you.

One thing that I was reminded of was how great the influence seniors have on their younger classmates. For you juniors, you have a summer to prepare to be great examples to others around you.

"Let Your Light So Shine"

Matthew 5:14-16 (Scripture Mastery, so memorize)

Malachi 2

2008-05-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

Malachi 2:5–7. What characteristics should a priesthood holder have? Do you have them?

The faithful priesthood bearer is a sincere worshiper. He acts as if he were in the Lord’s presence when upon the Lord’s errand. He is honest in all his dealings with others, and his speech is dignified and appropriate. He walks with the Lord with confidence and assurance and is comfortable in his role of blessing others and leading them into a better way of life. He is a student of the scriptures and has the capacity to teach the words of life to others. “He is the messenger [teacher, tool, representative] of the Lord of hosts”

One of the gross sins among the ancient people of the Lord was unfaithfulness in marriage vows. Some of the Hebrew men, tiring of their wives and the mothers of their children, were seeking the companionship of younger women. The wives would come to the temple and make an appeal to God at the altar. In this unfaithfulness to marriage vows, the Lord declared, the men had dealt treacherously (see vv. 13–14). The Lord was angry with these men because they did not remain true to their wives, but He also expressed anger toward the priests for knowing the problem and not executing justice. He told the men to scrutinize their innermost feelings toward the women whom they had loved in their youth, who had borne their children, and who had loved and served them, and not to put away their wives (v. 15). For “the Lord . . . hateth putting away” (v. 16).

To the young women: If you ever feel like one of these women with a broken heart because a loved one broke his covenant you can read in the Ensign about my mother-in-law and remember her example.

My family loves you

2008-05-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

I hope that you feel the Spirit as much as I do each time I come into seminary. I know my students add a lot to it. Thank you.

My family felt very welcome on Friday when they came to visit. Thank you Kim for taking the time to teach my children how to the play the piano. Solomon was able to play so reverently once you taught him how.

It is always nice to have an audience when you perform. My classes are very respectful when I teach, and I appreciate that.

Zechariah

2008-05-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Haggai 2:20–23. Why Was Zerubbabel Compared to a “Signet Ring”?

"Jehovah made Zerubbabel like a signet-ring, which is inseparable from its possessor; that is to say, He gave him a position in which he would be and remain inseparably connected with Him (Jehovah), would therefore not cast him off, but take care of him as His valuable possession.” (Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary, 10:2:213–14.)

Zerubbabel was the (Persian) governor in Judah, and had no doubt been selected for this office because he was prince of Judah [Ezra 1:8], and as son of Shealtiel was a descendant of the family of David [see Haggai 1:1].

Jehovah had chosen Zerubbabel as His servant. With these words the Messianic promise made to David was transferred to Zerubbabel and his family among David’s descendants, and would be fulfilled in his person in just the same way as the promise given to David, that God would make him the highest among the kings of the earth [Psalm 89:27].

The fulfilment culminates in Jesus Christ, the son of David and descendant of Zerubbabel [Matthew 1:12; Luke 3:27], in whom Zerubbabel was made the signet-ring of Jehovah.

In Zechariah 3:2 it asks the question, is not (Israel) a brand plucked out of the fire?

This is “perhaps a proverbial expression. Israel as a nation had been rescued from the furnace of Babylon . . . to become a torch to enlighten the nations.” (Guthrie and Motyer, New Bible Commentary, p. 791.)

How have your afflictions helped you become a better example? Or, how have other's good example come because they were able to overcome affliction. Write in your journal ways in which you can be a better example to others.

Solomon learning about high school trials

2008-05-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

Solomon came home and told me that the seminary girls were so beautiful.

Here he is trying to make his move with one young woman.

Then he got distracted by another beautiful girl.

Finally, he came back to me and said he can not decide.

High school can be tough. Keep your standards high and always work to make yourself better, then, as I told Solomon later they will come to you. Focus on your studies and you won't need to worry about relationships so much. Here is a great talk by the late President James E. Faust at a CES fireside in May of 2007. You can read it or link to the video here.

Haggai

2008-05-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

Today we talked about Haggai and how he received a commandment to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. I shared this quote from Elder Perry and when we talked about the fall of Rome the conversation turned to same-sex marriage. Here is the quote and later I will put a link to the church's stance on this issue.

Elder L. Tom Perry reminded us of the timelessness of Haggai’s injunction to “consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5).
“‘Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.
“‘Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.
“‘Thus said the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.’ (Hag. 1:5–7.)
“I have read this great scripture and continue to be impressed with how clearly the Old Testament prophet describes the conditions of today. Almost daily we read of those who invest for little return. We eat food so refined that the nourishment is lacking. We witness the drink that can never satisfy the thirst for those who drink; the dressing for style, rather than warmth, comfort, and modesty; the high wages of the wage earner today which still do not satisfy or supply his needs.

“A noted historian several years ago summarized the reasons for the fall of Rome as follows:

“1. The breakdown of the family and the rapid increase of divorce.
“2. The spiraling rise of taxes and extravagant spending.
“3. The mounting craze for pleasure and the brutalization of sports.
“4. The decay of religion into myriads of confused forms, leaving the people without a uniform guide. [See Will Durant, The Foundation of Civilization (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1936), pp. 9–10; Will and Ariel Durant, The Lessons of History (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1968), pp. 87–94.]
“Our unconquered appetites and consuming drive for material possessions appear to be leading us on a course so often repeated in history. Greed, lust, and desire historically have only led mankind to waste, destruction, and suffering.
“Isn’t this the time and isn’t this the hour to follow the admonition of the Lord to ‘consider your ways’?” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1973, p. 14; or Ensign, July 1973, p. 20.)

Take some time to consider your ways. List in your journal the ways you may need to change.

The best place that I have found an answer to the issue of same-sex marriage is at http://newsroom.lds.org/ You can go there and then link to the public issues of same-gender attraction. You will find a great conversation with Elder Oaks about this issue.