What can we do regularly to prepare to enter the Temple?

Exodus 28-29

1) cleanse yourself from sin
2) become a "new man" and become a new person in the Lord (Aaron and his sons put on sacred clothing)
3) allow the spirit to guide you
4) offer sacrifices (I'm not speaking about animal sacrifices). This refers to putting the animal within you on the altar (the natural man).
5) keep the atonement of Jesus Christ present in your heart
6) listen to the word, do what God would have you do and walk in the way of God

The Tabernacle- Exodus 25-30 and Exodus 35-40

 The Lord described in detail how he wanted the Tabernacle to be built.  Deep meaning is associate with the physical dimensions and plan of the tabernacle.

The Tabernacle was built into three different sections as shown below:

The Ark of the covenant contained the stone tables with the law written by the Lord.  Aaron's rod was also placed inside later on. The covering of the Ark was made of solid gold with two Cherubim (refers to guardians of scared things).

The table of Shewbread (means "the bread of faces," or "the bread of the presence," signifying that this bread was placed before the face of the Lord or in His presence)

The Golden Candlestick (menorah in Hebrew means "place of lights).  The light provided in the house of the Lord symbolized the perfect light.  The oil used for the lamps was pure olive oil that had been consecrated (blessed).  Olive oil represented the Holy Spirit.  It provided fire, heart and light when burned in the lamps. Can also looked at as another symbol of the true source of spiritual light.

The Altar of Incense stood directly in front of the veil.  This ritual seems to signify that one can approach the presence of God only through prayer.  The incense is a symbol of prayer.

We can compare the division of the Tabernacle to the three levels of glories.  What are some steps that we need to take to reach the Celestial Glory?

Continuation of the Ten Commandments

Today we continued our discussion of the Ten Commandments and the Mosaic Law. The Ten Commandments were the basic law. The Mosaic law was made up of specific examples of what people could and could not do in relation to the basic law, the Ten Commandments.

The fourth commandment: Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

We are given multiple reasons explaining why we need to observe the Sabbath. Primarily it is to rest from our worldly activities and edify our spirits. The Lord knows that if we do not take time out from these activities we will eventually get stressed. Now does that mean that we are suppose to sleep all day?? No. It means that you take a rest from worldly activities not from the Lord's activities. This is a day in which you can serve others, listen to uplifting music, spend time with family members, etc.

Occasionally participating in worldly activities on Sunday may not seem to affect you but over time it will affect your spirit. This may seem unlikely to you but the Lord is all knowing. There is reason he made this a commandment.

The fifth commandment: Honor thy Father and Mother

Your parents are representatives of God. They are responsible for you.
Even if your parents are not good examples for you you are still required to honor them, however, this does not necessarily mean you follow their example.

The sixth commandment: Thou shalt not kill

Destruction of human life; this includes abortion.  

A solider who is at war and folding commands will not be subject to punishment.

The seventh commandment: Thou shalt not commit adultery

There should be no sexual relationship outside of marriage. 

The eighth commandment: Thou shalt not steal

Stealing happens in many ways.  Plagiarizing, downloading illegally, etc.

The ninth commandment: Thou shalt not bear false witness

This refers primarily to gossip.  How can we prevent this?

The tenth and last commandment: Thou shalt not covet

This means to have the wrongful desire for someone else's material wealth, property, etc.

Breaking this commandment can lead you to break many of the other commandments.

College Overview

Sister Rivera did a presentation on Colleges.

Why do you think the church encourages us to get an education?

Please read Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19

"Whatever principle  of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come."

The Lord we will be better instruments in this world if we further our education.

Sister Rivera reviewed:
Type of Degrees
Type of Colleges
Standardized Exams/Grade Point Average
Questions to ask when researching Colleges
City University of New York Schools
State University of New York Schools
Financial Aid

I have handouts for the students who were not able to make it.  If you have any questions please feel free to ask me.  We can also contact Sister Rivera.

Ten Commandments- Exodus 20

Last Tuesday we started studying the Ten Commandments.  And wow what an interesting conversation it was.  We were only able to cover the first three commandments.

-Thou shalt have no other gods before me
(What does this commandment mean to you?)
What Gods do you idol? 


-Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
(What does this commandment mean to you?)


-Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
(How may you do this? Do you do this?)


We will continue this discussion on Tuesday.  I hope you had a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Murmuring

On Thursday we continued to explore the blessings the Lord poured upon the Israelites despite their murmuring (complaining). He had bread rain upon them (manna) b/c there was nothing to eat. He also provided water for them.

Isaac asked in class, why did the Israelites continue to complain if they saw all the miracles the Lord had already performed?

Why did the Lord continue to provide?

If people looked back at us several decades later what would they say about us?

Do you complain even when blessings seem to clearly come into your life?

Exodus 14-15 The Red Sea and Murmuring Part 1

Have you ever experienced a situation in which you felt helpless?

If so, do you remember ever seeking out the Lord for help??

In Exodus 14 we see how the Lord helps the Israelites even though they are complaining aka murmuring.

The Israelites see the Egyptians pursuing them and become scared. They allow their fear to get the best of them. They say they were better off in Egypt as servants than wandering in the wilderness to their death.

In verse 13 we read this phrase: Fear ye not, stand still.

At times fear may cloud your judgement and possibly make you forget the Lord. This may possibly lead you to make a rash decision. Stand still and be patient. The Lord will help you. But you must practice faith.

In movies we have seen the Red Sea part immediately after Moses puts his rod over it. This is not what happens in the scriptures. The parting of the sea happens overnight. At which point the Israelites are still moving forward not truly knowing whether the sea will part. This exemplifies the principle of faith.

We need to trust in the Lord even if we are uncertain of what will happen.

I know he will bless your life. He has blessed mine.