1-3 John; Jude
Luckily for all of you, Shelby and I were together again to co-host the podcast. If you didn’t like the crazy last time, skip the out takes at the end. Ha ha.
When John and Jude wrote their epistles, the predicted Apostasy was underway, a result of both intense persecution and corrupt doctrine. Some false teachers even questioned whether Jesus Christ had actually appeared “in the flesh” (see, for example, 1 John 4:1–3; 2 John 1:7). So the Apostle John began his first epistle by giving his personal witness of the Savior: “This is the testimony which we give of that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” (Joseph Smith Translation, 1 John 1:1 [in 1 John 1:1, footnote a]). But perhaps the strongest message of John’s epistles is love: God’s love for us and the love we should have for Him and all His children. After all, John had personally experienced the Savior’s love (see John 13:23; 20:2), and he wanted the Saints to feel that same love in the face of hardship and opposition, for “there is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18).
Here’s the speech from the BYU Graduation by Arthur Brooks
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/arthur-c-brooks/more-love-less-contempt/
I loved this week’s episode. Shelby’s explanation of the scripture lay down your life for a friend. I had never thought of it that way. To put your life on hold and help someone else. I loved that. It brought a whole new meaning on how I can better help and serve those around me. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you for sharing how you study the scriptures. Recently, I’ve been in a place where I’ve been able to give more of myself to others. It has been incredible! The Lord has put me in the path of a neighbor who has needed a friend desperately. Our kids play together so it’s been good for both of us. She’s going through a pretty nasty and complicated divorce which unfortunately includes criminal court. She’s come over multiple times asking for blessings and needing adult time. This week has been especially challenging. I’m helping where I can but worry about burn out on my part. I’m not there yet, but know myself all too well. This morning I’m reading the scriptures and I specifically pray before and ask for answers to my concerns. I GOT AN ANSWER just by reading the scriptures. Once of the verses reminded me to keep his commandments and rely on Him. He’ll do the rest. The spirit brought peace to me as I read this. Thank you again for being you and sharing your gift with us all!
Rebecca Baxter
San Antonio, Texas
It’s so huge when we learn he can talk to us through the scriptures! I’m so glad you’re doing it!!!!
I wanted to share with you the goodness of my close friend. I was going through a very difficult time. My husband and I were separated, due to some heartbreaking choices he had made. My middle son was turning three years old & I had no energy or capacity to put on his birthday party. She arrived with a giant bag of balloons & party treats. It was an event to remember.
Four years later, after reconciling with my husband, I was expecting our third son. At 31 weeks, (probably because I was old 😉) if I wasn’t off my feet by 4PM I went into labor. This same sweet friend told me that every Tuesday she would be bringing my family dinner until I delivered. It was such a blessing to count on that meal. She had six kids of her own, a business to run, a leadership calling in the church and somehow found the time to serve my family.
God is good & I am so grateful that my friend was willing to be His hands here on earth.
—Amber Hoopes
480.332.4221
amhoopes@yahoo.com
First of all, i love your podcast I am a mom of two young boys so I hardly ever have time to sit and study come follow me so this has been a big help in my life to follow the commandments and integrate come follow me. It’s made a big change in my life! Anyways, I wanted to comment on your discussion about journaling. I haven’t downloaded this myself but I have been meaning to. I heard of an app by promptly journals and it prompts you to journal small things, big things, things about your kids, or whatever you want but it prompts you every single day to journal. Since it’s an app on your phone you don’t have to take the time to sit and write in a journal. The app will format a book of your entries to print whenever you want to have a physical copy. As a mom of two young boys that’s my kind of journaling! Best of luck!
I will TOTALLY LOOK INTO THAT!! Thanks!!
As I listened, pondered, and reflected with and after this episode… I couldn’t help but remember my first time EVER going to the Temple Lights at Temple Square in Salt Lake City last year (2018) and compare it to my experience this year just this last weekend.
A little back story – I got baptized January 23, 2019. I was getting the discussions given to me the first time I was able to go to the lights by a family that I have since called my own family, and this year I was privileged to go to the lights with my fiancé.
So back to my comparison……. the first time I was on the Temple Grounds, there was snow on the ground, frigid cold air in my lungs, and I didn’t have the best winter coat – but I was so warm, I was almost to hot for my light jacket that I did have. The spirit was so strong with light, I truly was WARM. My body wasn’t cold, my hands weren’t cold, my nose wasn’t running, and I wasn’t miserable (because let me just tell you how much I hate being cold!). This year with my fiancé, again there was snow on the ground, frigid air in my lungs, and I still didn’t have the best coat (in fact, it was the same coat). Was I cold? Nope! The light and spirit of Christ on those grounds with those lights truly brings warmth to my soul, which warms my body and spirit.
When you spoke about the Light of Christ translating into warmth, I just had to bare my testimony of the spiritual and literal TRUTH of that translation. It has been one of the most tangible experiences I’ve had. Having my heart opened and softened has made the last 12 months the absolute best months of my 30 years on this Earth. Many, many experiences spiritually and a few tangible. My heart, my eyes, and my ears have been opened to whom I could serve, whom could benefit from my time and talents, and whom could impact by just starting a conversation.
THANK YOU for your podcast. As a convert, Come Follow Me by myself was super hard. How can I teach myself with my own brain, when I am new? My family and I are both so busy, so doing lessons with them became harder and harder. You are my guide of sparking thought, reflection, and planning while I study the scriptures. Especially as I prepare to be given my endowments in late January! You are a blessing to me.
I love this! I love you! I love the literal warmth you have felt and am sad I didn’t see this til now! I would have put it in the podcast. Love you!!
The thing that is just so delightful about you and your sister is that this is simply who you are… There is no pretending, no showmanship. I laughed and cried and then laughed some more, especially with the out-takes. Thank you for leaving them. It just makes me happy that you both can laugh together with each other and at each other. I can “do truth.” I’m inspired to do more. Do Truth and Shine on!