Doctrine of Christ
Tic Tac Toe and the Gospel
The analogy of Tic Tac Toe and the Gospel
Moses 1:4, 6-7
Revelation 12:7,9
Moses 1:12-16
Helaman 13:37
Doctrine and Covenants 10:67-68
Godhead vs Trinity
What do you say when someone asks if we believe in “The Trinity”?
We are going to explore Four Bible references that confirm the Godhead
But first, look at these 2 verses in the Bible are often used to justify the belief of the Trinity:
John 10:30
30 I and my Father are one.
1 John 5:7
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
*we’ll split into groups to read the following references:
Group 1
Here we are going to see Jesus praying to his Father. He will be praying asking for something about the apostles. See what He asks and how this puts John 10:30 & 1 John 5:7 into context
John 17:1-11, 20-24
1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Group 2
How do these verses help us understand John 10:30 & 1 John 5:7, which in turn helps us understand the true nature of The Godhead?
John 3:16-17
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 14:28
28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: FOR MY FATHER IS GREATER THAN I.
Luke 22:42
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Luke 23:34
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Luke 23:46
46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
Group 3
How did Legion know Jesus was The Son of The Most High God? (Refer to Rev 12:9 and our conversation from last week)
Mark 5
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, THOU SON OF THE MOST HIGH GOD? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
Group 4
How do these two scriptures help us to understand the Godhead? Whose vision seems very similar to Stephens?
Matt 3:13-17
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Acts 7:55-56 Stephens vision
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Did the Book of Mormon come from God or Satan?
William Tyndale's last words, “ Lord, open the eyes of the king!”
The King James edition of the Bible was translated from 1604-1611
45-50 scholars working full time on it
The scholars working on the translation did not have to have another job, they were paid a full-time wage to work on this translation
Book of Mormon
Joseph Smith had a third grade education
from start to finish in less than 90 days, 65 working days during that 90 days.
During the translation process he was hiding, always trying to stay one step ahead of those wanting to steal the plates and still worried about his day to day responsibilities.
Elder Holland said, "The book of Mormon Either came from the power of God or the power of Satan, there’s no gray area. One Has to read it, ponder it, and pray about it to determine which source it came from.
As one reads, ponders, and prays over the Book of Mormon, they will know that the whole purpose of the book is to point someone to Christ, it is to help us come unto Christ.
Emma acted as Joseph’s first scribe as he translated the Book of Mormon. While we’ll never know just how much she recorded, historical accounts indicate her work was extensive. Emma “frequently wrote day after day, often sitting at the table close by him . . . dictating hours after hour with nothing between us.” Her work as a scribe stands as an important female witness to the Restoration. Nearly 50 years later, Emma told her son:
Emma said, “My belief is that the Book of Mormon is of divine authenticity. I have not the slightest doubt of it. I am satisfied that no man could have dictated the writing of the manuscript unless he were inspired. . . . Joseph Smith could neither write nor dictate a coherent and well worded letter, let alone dictating a book like the Book of Mormon. . . . And though I was an active participant in the scenes that transpired and was present during the translation of the plates, and had cognizance of things as they transpired, it is marvelous to me, “a marvel and a wonder,” as much as to anybody else.” (Emma waiting for Joseph at Cumorah)
Test: Did the Book of Mormon come from God or Satan?
Some time ago I had a friend tell me she thought the Book of Mormon came straight from the devil. I came across a test that one could take to determine if this is true or not, which she didn’t accept. But I loved it so much I actually put this inside my scriptures. Could I invite each of you to take this test, and see for yourselves what your conclusion is? Once you know the answers to this test, your life will never be the same!!!
Group #1 (High School Sophomores and younger, go to primary room)
A Test to determine if the Book of Mormon is from God or is a fraud influenced by the devil
-Ask yourself if the devil would be the author or instigator of the following statements from the BofM-
1) “They who are filthy are the devils and his angels.” 2 Nephi 9:16
2) “the devil...is the founder of murder and works of darkness.” 2 Nephi 26:22
3) “that which is evil cometh from the devil.” Omni 1:25
4) “the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.” Alma 30:60
5) “yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.” Alma 34:23
6) “the devil...rewardeth you no good thing.” Alma 34:39
This is hardly a collection of accolades on behalf of the devil! What is the probability that the devil-the most arrogant, egotistical and narcissistic of all beings “prompted” Joseph Smith to write these harsh condemnations against himself?
Group #2 (High School Juniors and older, stay in R.S. room)
- In addition, ask yourself if the devil would be the author of the following:
1) “feast upon the words of Christ, for behold, the words of Christ; for behold the words of Christ will tell you all things what you should do.” 2 Nephi 32:3
2) “and now my sons, remember remember that it is upon the the rock of our redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation.” Helaman 5:12
3) “what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily, I say unto you, even as I [Christ] am.”
3 Nephi 27:27
4) “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.”
Moroni 10:32
5) "And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent." Mosiah 3:17
6) For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.
And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
2 Nephi 25:23,26
- Could these statements in the Book of Mormon be authored by the evil one? Words that castigate the devil on one hand and on the other invites us to worship Christ and come unto Him? Some might argue that Satan tells half truths and uses reverse psychology as part of his devilish strategy. That is true, but his methods always have a purpose, and that purpose is to ultimately draw people unto him and his ways. Thus, the key question becomes: does the Book of Mormon draw people unto the devil?
The resounding, unequivocal answer is NO!
To the contrary, millions are witnesses, including myself, that the Book of Mormon inspires every honest seeker of the truth to live a more Christlike life.
-Matthew 12:25-26 “a house divided against itself shall not stand”
-If the scriptures from the Book of Mormon teach us to reject and cast out Satan and to love and to serve the Savior, which they do, how then can they be from the devil? If so he would be divided against himself and thus be destroying his own kingdom!
- when all is said and done the Book of Mormon is God’s crowning witness of Jesus Christ. In fact, the testimony of this book, as confirmed by the spirit, is the single most powerful and compelling witness we have of the divinity of Jesus Christ, the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith, and the absolute truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and the church that bears his name.
3 Nephi 27 Jesus detailing His Gospel to us
13 Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.
14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—
15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.
16 And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.
Power & Authority and the
Structure of Christ’s Church
Purpose of today's life prep is to use the Bible to study two of Christ's purposes of coming to the earth again
and how these testifies of the
truthfulness of the restored gospel.
1- One of the purposes of Christ coming to earth was to restore His Gospel with prophets and apostles who
had Proper authority and power. The Savior gave His Apostles authority to teach His gospel and perform
the ordinances of salvation.
2-and establish His Church in the world.
Does the Bible ever authorize changes to this authority or structure?
What we will find is the bible NEVER changes this authority or structure
-who baptized Jesus?
-why did Jesus choose him?
-from Galilee to the river Jordan was approximately 40 miles. Why walk all that way?
Was there no other religious leaders available to help him?
-how do we know John had the authority?
Luke 1:5, 9
5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias
9 According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the
temple of
the Lord.
In 1899 Charles Holland Duell, head of the U.S. patent office, sent his resignation in to Pres. Mckinley urging
the closing of that office because “everything that could be invented has been invented.”
Today, looking back at this request, what are your thoughts?
So when one claims that everything God could reveal has been revealed 100’s of years ago, what would be your thoughts?
Group 1 - power & authority
One of the purposes of Christs mission was to restore his full priesthood power & authority
Matthew 7:29
28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, THE PEOPLE WERE ASTONISHED
at his doctrine:
29 FOR HE TAUGHT THEM AS ONE HAVING AUTHORITY, and not as the scribes.
The scribes during christ time would’ve studied underneath a Rabbi, the greater the rabbi, after their “graduation”, the greater their prestige was coming out of schooling. The “scribes” of today seem to treat us like they did Christ, “which Rabbi do you follow?” As if asking, "what school did you study at to receive your diploma? Christ had no formal schooling, nor do missionaries of today, Christ had authority from his father, just like us, just like all of todays missionaries. Have confidence in this authority, it was given to you by he who created heaven and earth!
Mark 1:22
22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority,
and not as the scribes.
They were so mad at Jesus, even in his home town, at the doctrine that he was teaching!
‘Who did he think he was’, I'm sure they said to themselves. ‘We know him as Joseph's son,
he didn’t study under any great Rabbi’!
They were so mad look at Luke 4 what they tried to do to him-
Luke 4
28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon
their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
Other Christians might tell you that today we all have Christ's authority, prophets and apostles
are no longer needed.
Here would be the question….where in the bible is this opinion taught?
The reality is we can easily read what the bible teaches, which supports the structure of His
church, which is the same as what Christ restored through the Prophet Joseph. These references
will help you teach with Power, it is the truth according to the Bible and modern day revelation.
Shortly after Jesus was baptized and started his mission, he taught us the way he wanted his
church to be established.
Luke 9:1-2
1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and AND GAVE THEM POWER and
AUTHORITY over all devils, and to cure diseases.
2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
Mark 3:14. He ordained twelve, that they should be with him to preach, to heal sicknesses,
and to cast out devils
Matthew 10:1-10
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, HE GAVE THEM POWER
against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are….
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the
Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils:
Luke 6:13
13 ¶ And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them HE CHOSE TWELVE ,
whom also he named apostles ;
John 15:16
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I HAVE CHOSEN YOU, and ordained you, that ye should
go and bring forth fruit , and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of
the Father in my name , he may give it you.
Matthew 16
19 And I will give unto thee the KEYS OF THE KINGDOM of heaven: and whatsoever thou
shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall
be loosed in heaven.
Matthew 18
18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and
whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
What does the blueprint say about the manner in which the gift—not the temporary presence,
but the permanent gift—of the Holy Ghost is given after someone is baptized? Does it
automatically descend upon someone following his baptism? Does it come like the rushing
of the wind, or is there some divine ordinance, some divine procedure that must be followed
to receive this gift? The blueprint gives the answer.
After Philip baptized some new converts in Samaria, Peter and John arrived. The scriptures
then reveal the manner in which that ordinance is to be performed: “Then [Peter and John]
LAID THEIR HANDS ON THEM, and they received the Holy Ghost” (Acts 8:17)
This same procedure was followed after Paul baptized new converts in Ephesus:
“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
“And when Paul had LAID HIS HANDS UPON THEM, the Holy Ghost came on them” (Acts 19:5–6)
Group 2 structure of Jesus’ church
Group one has read several references where Jesus called 12 apostles
We will build off those references
God uses the narrative of the Bible over and over again to explain he uses prophets and apostles to vest his authority.
For one to say that prophets and apostles no longer have this vested authority takes the Bible in a direction that it has never been before. Never in the Bible does it say, the Bible now is my authority, it is my final word.
The message in the Bible is used over and over and over again, when God has a message for his people, he uses his representatives, his prophets and apostles, to deliver this message.
For one to believe the Bible is now the only authority is like saying God’s way that he has always used, prophets and apostles, was not good enough. In one sense, I could see why the protestant movement wanted to take the authority out of the corrupt, religious leaders, hands, making it so they could not have authority over them, where the authority was the sacred Bible. But, just because there were men who desired to rule, and help unrighteous dominion, does not mean God's plan for his representatives, prophets and apostles, who had his authority, to deliver His messages was flawed, it means men were flawed. To believe that the authority now lies within a book, goes against God’s plan from the very beginning. He always used man, as flawed as we are, to have his authority to deliver his message and preach his gospel of salvation.
-Ephesians 2:20
Christ’s church was founded on apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone;
-Ephesians 4:11
Evangelists (patriarchs), pastors (Bishops & Stake pres)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
-Ephesians 4:13-15
How long (see the all caps below) do we need & why do we need Prophets and Apostles
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 TILL WE ALL COME IN THE UNITY OF FAITH, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
1 Cor 12:28
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets,
-John 15:16
He chose normal people, laymen to lead his church
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
Matt 16:18-19
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I WILL GIVE UNTO THEE THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM
When one of the 12 died, look how they Continued to fill vacancy with the 12 Apostles
Acts 1:22-25
Judas’ place in the 12 apostles needed to be filled
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
-Acts 11:22-25
When an apostle died, they gathered to choose a successor.
22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with the purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
Amos 3:7
The prophet Amos declared,
7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
In 1899 Charles Holland Duell, head of the U.S. patent office, sent his resignation in to Pres. Mckinley urged the closing of that office because “everything that could be invented has been invented.”
Today, looking back at this request, what are your thoughts?
So when one claims that everything God could reveal has been revealed 100’s of years ago, what would be your thoughts?
Answering Questions about
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Click this link to enter questions:
Questions People Have about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Before we start answering questions, let's review some concepts to help us keep questions in context:
When we understand the rules of tic-tac-toe, we will never lose. It doesn’t mean that we will win every game, but you will never lose. Sometimes there’s a possibility you can tie, but he can you will never lose.Tic-tac-toe is a great analogy for the gospel. Because when we understand the gospel we will never lose in life. That doesn’t mean we won’t have any challenges, heartaches, or trials, but all those we will be able to put into perspective, and eternal perspective. Elder Dallin H. Oaks observed that, “perspective is the ability to see all relevant information in a meaningful relationship. A gospel perspective expands our sight to an eternal view. When you put on gospel glasses you find enhanced perspective, focus, and vision in the way you think about your priorities, your problems, your temptations, and even your mistakes.” When you see through a gospel perspective life becomes much clearer then it would be otherwise.Some people, even in the church, when they experience challenges, trials, or heartache and disappointment they might blame God, and turn away from the gospel of Jesus Christ. They forget to have any eternal perspective. Hand out the $20dollars bills, study this for a minute ⁃ which one is the fake currency? ⁃ A, B, C, or D? ⁃ Unless you know what to look for it will be hard to tell!The study of real currency versus counterfeit currency. Roger dean duncan, author, shared a thought. While on a church assignment in London, he met with a scotland yard police officer. This officer was a world famous expert in counterfeit currency. Bro Duncan said to him, “ I cannot imagine the number of hours you spend on studying counterfeit currency to be able to recognize it when it appears.” The response he received surprised him, yet taught him a valuable lesson. The answer was he didn’t study counterfeit currency at all, he spent all of his time studying the real currency so that he would be able to tell the difference when the fake currency appeared.Sometimes people might get focused on the wrong thing, which also put them in a situation, where they don’t have an eternal perspective. They hear something, or read something that is trying to pull people away from the gospel truth. This thing becomes a quarter versus the sun. What do I mean by that? If one was to take a quarter and hold it up to their eye will that quarter block the sun? It absolutely will. But does that mean the quarter is actually bigger than the sun? Most definitely not. It just means the quarter at that time is the thing that we are most focused on, the thing that is closest to us.When you put on gospel glasses, you find enhanced perspective, focus, and vision in the way you think about your priorities, your problems, your temptations, and even your mistakes. Stick of Joseph brothers, jackson trains marines on the proper techniques of shooting. He teaches that it is critical when close combat situations, 100 yards and closer, you need to shoot with both eyes open. The purpose of doing this is not to get sucked into just being able to focus on what’s in your scope, that you’ll have a full vision off the different threats and targets around you. If you get sucked into, just looking into your scope, you lose most of the vision of what’s happening in the battlefield.This is a good analogy for gospel questions. Gospel questions and concerns are always a good thing, but it is critical to have the right focus on finding the right answers. There are too many people who want to pull you away from the covenant path that only want you to focus on what you see in the scope, they don’t want you to see the whole picture. Driving a carWhen we first learn to drive a car, sometimes we get so tunnel vision, so focused we don’t see our surroundings which can lead easily to us getting in some type of accident. But, through proper training, we learn to relax, and see our surroundings. When we hear things that might go contrary to what you’ve learned about the gospel, we need to look at that with a Gospel glasses on, we need to look at it with both eyes open, we need to relax and see our whole surroundings.
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