A parable is a story told that is full of doctrine and
principles, but they are hidden in the story. Divine truth is presented by
comparison with material things. The hearer can find the religious truth in
proportion to their faith and intelligence.
What describes the
future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
o
In Matt. 13:33 leaven is compared to the inward
growth and influence of the kingdom of heaven (church) upon the earth. (Bible
dictionary)
o
Topical Guide – Leaven is the church.
o Emma, one of my classmates, said the Mustard Seed was another parable
that fit for this question.
Why does the Church
send out so many missionaries?
o
D&C 88: 94 And another angel shall sound his
trump, saying: That great church, the mother of abominations, that made all
nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, that persecuteth the
saints of God, that shed their blood—she who sitteth upon many waters, and upon
the islands of the sea—behold, she is the tares of the earth; she is bound in
bundles; her bands are made strong, no man can loose them; therefore, she is ready
to be burned. And he shall sound his trump both long and loud, and all nations
shall hear it.
o
The church is sending out missionaries (wheat)
to strengthen the other members against the tares of the world.
o
D&C 101:65 Therefore, I must gather together
my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat
may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with
celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every
man according as his work shall be;
o
Emma said the Gospel Net was a good fit for this
question as well. "I think that this can be answered with
the parable of the gospel net. The missionaries have been sent out to gather
many people from all different places and backgrounds and only some of them are
going to receive the gospel and stay."
How do you explain
the remarkable growth of the Church, considering that it is fairly new compared
to most world religions and started small in the American frontier?
o
The birds that “lodge in the branches” (Matt.
13:31; Mark 4:32; Luke 13:19) frequent the plant for the sake of the seeds.
(Bible Dictionary)
o
In the New Testament Manual it says “The fowls
are the angels. Thus angels come down, combine together to gather their
children, and gather them.” (Smith, Teachings, p. 159)
o
In the New Testament Manual it says “So the seed
of truth is vital, living, and capable of such development as to furnish
spiritual food and shelter to all who come seeking… The plant at maturity
produces seed in abundance, and so from a single grain a whole field may be
covered.” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 291).
Why are some members
of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in
order to maintain membership in the Church?
o
Treasure = Church (topical guide)
o When the church was first established, Joseph Smith was searching for a “pearl of great price” or a religion that was
correct, and when he found it, he devoted his whole self to it, even unto
death. Because it is such a treasure to have in our lives what a blessing it is
to be directed by living prophets and apostles. I can see how it would be hard
to be a convert and the things you would have to give up. Being a member my
whole life, it is hard to understand what it must be like for those people.
Why do some Church
members choose to leave the Church?
o
Church = Net (topical guide)
o
The church brings in as many members as it can,
but some are not strong enough to do what is necessary to remain in the church.
Considering the
parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (see Matthew 13:44-46),
what sacrifices would you be willing to make to obtain the treasure of the
gospel? What sacrifices have you or those you know already made for the gospel?
We have sacrificed the “fun” ways of the world. We have
sacrificed “popularity”. Our ancestors sacrificed their homes and worldly
possessions to travel across the planes to Zion, even family members were left
along the way. Although we sacrifice much, it is very worth it, for the rewards
in Heaven are greater than those on earth.
What does the net
represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea? (See Matthew 13:47).
What does it mean to be gathered into the net? What is represented by the
action of gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away? (See
Matthew 13:48-50).
I believe the net is the Lord’s Church, and then His
Kingdom. Being gathered into the net is joining the church. Not everyone who
joins the Lord’s church will make it into the Highest Kingdom, we must really
be disciples of Christ and follow his commandments to be welcomed there.
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