General Conference

● President Nelson: Overcoming the world, be prepared to meet Christ

● Oaks: Humanitarian aid
● Ballard: Faith in every footstep, having the faith of the pioneers today
● Holland: The cross, it's importance, and why we don’t use it like other churches do
● Eyring: How life's trials make us more like Christ
● Uchtdorf: How Christ is the strength of youth, new fsy guide
● Bednar: Choosing not to wear the garment is an act of rebellion, importance of keeping the commandments
● Cook: No one can stand on borrowed light, bridling passions
● Christofferson: How sacrifice relates to belonging
● Anderson: Wheat growing with the tears
● Rasband: Giving out BOMs
● Stevenson: Not being ashamed of the gospel and of testimonies
● Renlund: Runway and structure of receiving revelation, ourselves vs. the church
● Gong: Temple ordinances seal + heal
● Soares: Equal partnership in marriage

Parables in Matthew
What are parables? Stories with elements that teach spiritual lessons
In the parable of the sower, what is typically represented by the different soils? People’s hearts
In the parable of the wheat and tares, what is typically represented by the barn? The temple
What is meant by the phrase seventy times seven in the parable of the unmerciful servant? completeness
Why did all the laborers receive the same pay in the parable of the laborers in the vineyard? It’s what they agreed
upon. The purpose is earning, not learning
Who is represented in the parable of the two sons? Christ and satan
Why couldn’t the wise virgins share their oil in the parable of the ten virgins? Because they couldn’t. IT’s character
and testimony, it can’t be shared.
Why did the master take away the talent from the servant who received one in the parable of the talents?Because it
wasn’t being used. He rejected it.

Parables in Luke
Which character in the parable of the good Samaritan was not Jewish? The Samaritan
What was probably the intent of the lawyer who asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29) what’s the least
I can do and still get in?
What was the context in which Jesus taught the parable of the friend at midnight?The Lord's prayer, pray to God at
midnight
Which of the ten commandments was Jesus emphasizing with the parable of the rich fool? Thou shalt not covet
What was the application of the parable of the barren fig tree for the “trees”? Don’t procrastinate, there is a day of
reckoning
Before teaching the parable of the great supper, what did Jesus notice as He ate with one of the
chief Pharisees on the Sabbath? They were fighting for the best seat in the house. They need HUmility
In which parable was something lost because of neglect? The lost coin
According to Joseph Smith, who were the ninety and nine in the parable of the lost sheep? Pharisees and
sadducees “I got this, I don’t ned a savior”
What Christlike attribute was missed by the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son? charity

The Compassionate Teacher and Forgiver

What was Jesus teaching when He spoke of sparrows sold for a farthing? (Matthew 10:29-31) he was teaching
about their worth
What did Jesus try to help Nicodemus see when Nicodemus called Christ “a teacher come from
God”? (John 3:13-17) He IS the SON of God, not just a teacher
What do we learn from the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible about the adulterous woman
brought to Christ? (John 8:11) She believed and became a disciple
Along with suffering the children to come to Him, what else did Jesus do for the children? (Mark
10:16) He blessed them
What was Christ’s message to Martha when she complained that Mary was not helping her?
(Luke 10:39-42) Martha, that has to just be a PART of your life.
Which commandment did the rich ruler refuse to live? (Luke 18:22) a personal commandment
Why did the widow offer her two mites? (Mark 12:41-44) she did it out of love, not earning

Transfiguration
Transfiguration - temporary change to body
Translation - long-term change to body
Resurrection - Permanent change to immortality
Transformation - The spirit changes
Why did Christ call Peter Satan? (Matthew 16:23) He didn’t understand that the atonement was necessary
What Jewish holiday was being celebrated when Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the Mount of
Transfiguration? The feast of tabernacles
What are priesthood keys?
organized religion, right to preside, organize, right to perform miracles
Match the following people with his purpose on the Mount of Transfiguration:
Peter, James, John: Keys for the first presidency, special witnesses
Elijah: keys of sealing
Moses: keys of gathering israel
John the Baptist: comfort Jesus
According to President Joseph Fielding Smith, what did the apostles on the Mount of
Transfiguration receive in addition to hearing the voice of God and seeing Jesus glorified? The endownment
Who came to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836? Jesus, Moses, Elijah,
Elias

Triumphal Entry, Cleansing the Temple, Cursing the Fig Tree

What Jewish holiday was being celebrated when Christ entered Jerusalem during the final week
of His life? The passover
What is significant about the people spreading their garments in the way before Christ during the
triumphal entry? (Matthew 21:8) It was a practice reserved for kings and conquerors. That’s how they saw him.
What are the reasons we do the Hosannah Shout at temple dedications and on other special
Occasions? Remembering Christ’s triumphal entry, practice for the second coming
Who was welcomed into the temple after Christ cleansed it for the second time? (Matthew 21:14) the blind and
lame
Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? (Matthew 21:19) showing his power over life and death
What does it mean to omit “the weightier matters”? (Matthew 23:23) to overlook eternal goals in favor of the
moment
What can disciples give Jesus? Joy as we choose to follow him

Final Night, Upper Room, Kidron Valley, Gethsemane

What symbolic foods are eaten during the Passover? Lamb, boiled egg, bitter herbs,
In addition to the Sacrament, what other ordinance was introduced at the Last Supper? Washings and anointings
What was being communicated anciently by giving someone a sop at dinner? (John 13:26) friendship, love, token
of esteem
What was in the brook in Kidron Valley on the night of Gethsemane? Sacrificial blood
What is the first comforter promised by Jesus in John 14:16? The gift of the holy ghost
In which book of scripture does Jesus give us the only first-person description of His suffering? D&C 19
What was God’s backup plan if Jesus had chosen not to perform the Atonement? There was none
Betrayal, Arrest, Trials, Crucifixion, Death
Match the following events leading up to the Crucifixion with the order in which they occurred
1. Betrayal of Judas
2. Judgment and abuse by Sanhedrin
3. Christ placed in pit/dungeon at the home of Caiaphas
4. Denial from Peter
5. Christ taken to Pilate
6. Trial by Herod
7. Pilate persuaded to crucify Christ
8. Pilate released to Barabbas
9. Simon helped carry crossbeam
10. Christ crucified between two thieves

What was the Sanhedrin? High Jewish court

To which of His judges did Jesus refuse to speak? Herod (who killed john)
Why is the release of Barabbas significant to us? Barabbas = son of father, represents us being freed from sin
What is the meaning of Golgotha? (Matthew 27:33) the place of the skull
Why did God abandon Jesus on the cross? (Matthew 27:46) so he could experience spiritual death
Where did the Atonement take place? In all of the events: gethsemane, the cross, tomb
Why do we call the day Christ died “Good Friday”? Because everything good and holy comes from that day
How long was the period of darkness in Jerusalem? 3 hours

Burial, Spirit World, and Resurrection

What is the most holy day for Jews? Yom kippur, day of atonement
Why is it significant that the veil of the temple was “rent in twain” when Jesus died? (Matthew
27:51) symbolic of Christ opening the veil to heaven
Which of the Wise Men’s gifts at Christ’s birth was directly related to His death and burial? Myrrh
Who asked Pilate for the body of Christ? Joseph of Aramathea
Where did Christ’s spirit go when his body was in the tomb? To spirit paradise (to teach and give authority,
organize)
Who was there when Christ opened the work in the spirit world? Adam, Eve, everyone who died in righteousness
How did ancient Greeks and Romans view the human body? Ugly, sinful, prison,
According to Luke, who were the two angels who met the first disciples who came to the empty tomb? Moses and
Elijah
Why did Jesus say “Touch me not” to Mary after the resurrection? (John 20:17) Hold me not, I can’t stay

Blessings of Christ’s Atonement

Match life situations with four blessings of Christ’s Atonement (1/2 point each)
In the resurrection, who will come forth with celestial glory?
In the resurrection, who will come forth with telestial glory?
Celestial/Terrestrial = those who accept Christ, his gospel, and covenants
Telestial = Those who reject Christ and his gospel and covenants
Sons/daughters of perdition = Those who rebel against christ and his covenants

The Church Continues, Apostasy, Restoration

What is a better name for the Book of Acts? The acts of the resurrected Christ through his apostles
According to Elder Bruce R. McConkie, what did members of the Church receive during Christ’s forty-day ministry
after His resurrection? The endowment and possibly proxy ordinances. They needed power for the trying days
ahead.
Who was called to replace Judas in the Quorum of the Twelve? Methiahas
What was one of the first sources of contention in the early Church? Different cultures and backgrounds, bringing
people together
What is being overlooked by those who claim Joseph Smith lied? They forget why people lie. People lie to be
believed, they tell you what you want to hear.
What was one of the main reasons Joseph Smith taught that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion? It
teaches us the most about the atonement and how we can apply it to our lives. Answers questions that can’t be
found in the BOM
Which question about the Atonement of Christ goes unanswered in the Bible? WHY we need it in the first place
and HOW to access its power
According to Elder Dallin H. Oaks, what is the ultimate source of spiritual knowledge? REVELATION

Preparing for the Second Coming

What phenomenon having to do with Christianity are we witnessing for the first time in history? More people leaving
than coming
(Elder Neil L. Andersen)
Why is there an angel atop most Latter-day Saint temples? Revelation 14:6 - fulfillment of prophecy
What is the prophesied sickle spoken of in Revelation 14:14-15? The BOM
Why is Megiddo a significant location? Armageddon, the final battle before Christ comes
Who will be at war with Israel just before Christ’s Second Coming? The whole world vs Israel
What are three locations where Christ will appear before He comes in His glory to the whole world? The temple at
jackson county, adam-ondi-omen, mt of olives
Who are the two witnesses who will labor for three years to protect Israel before the final battle? Two
apostles/members of the first presidency of that time
(Elder Bruce R. McConkie)
How will most Jews finally recognize Christ? Nail prints, marks of crucifixion
According to the final verse in the New Testament, what will help us as we prepare for the Second Coming of the
Lord? His Grace

MIDTERM

Course Overview, Memorizing Scriptures, Journal, Study and Sharing

What is the purpose of a journal? A tool for making your life.
What is the value of writing about what you read? Bringing the inside out. It is a new way of learning.
According to Elder Richard G. Scott, what are three reasons to memorize scriptures? 1- give
inspiration and comfort, 2- help in time of need, 3- motivation for needed change.
Along with helping and encouraging others, what else results from sharing what we learn? You retain it
better.

Who are We? Who is Jesus? What is the Gospel?

What truth separates humans from animals and plants? They are his creations, we are His children
What does it mean to coexist with God? We existed as intelligences while God also existed
Why did God create Satan? He didn't
Why didn’t God create us perfectly to begin with? Because He didn't create us
What sets Jesus apart from other religious leaders? Christ claimed to be divine, he resurrected, and
He was willing to die for us
What are the reasons that Jesus is the Christ? He was the only one anointed/authorized
What is the meaning of the word gospel? Good news
 What are the first principles and ordinances of the gospel? Faith, repentance, baptism, receive the
Holy Ghost, endure to the end

How the Bible Came to Be

Who wrote the first five books of the Old Testament? Moses
If the Old Testament were named for its compiler as the Book of Mormon is, what would it be called?
The Book of Ezra
What is the name of the first translation of the Old Testament into Greek? The Septuigant or 70
What are the Dead Sea Scrolls? Copies of scriptures and ancient writings in canisters in caves by the
Cumron (preserved because of the salt near the ocean)
Who was the compiler of the New Testament as we have it? Athanasius
What are commonalities between John Wycliffe and William Tyndale? They both helped in the
translation of the Bible. William was killed, John Wycliffe died of natural causes
Hermeneutics, the KJV, and the JST
Who was the head of the Maccabean dynasty? Mattathias and his Son Judas
Why isn’t the Jewish holiday Hanukkah mentioned in the New Testament? It is, it's just called the feast
of dedication, meal to rededicate the temple
Who were the Sadducees? Jewish aristocracy, got their authority from Rome (not God)
What is the term for personal application of scriptural interpretation? Eisegesis (Exigesis is analysis of
a passage of scripture using historical, literary, and theological background to understand the section (original
intent)
Why does the Church use the complete King James Version of the Bible? To preserve the doctrine
Why doesn’t the Church use the complete Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible? We don't have the
copyright
Jesus and the Creation
What is the most common interpretation of Christ being called the Word in John 1:1? The mediator of
understanding, of our connection to God
What has been revealed about the origin of mankind? We are literal offspring of deity
What is the duration of a day in the creation accounts? A period of time (could be millions of years)
What was the purpose of creation? To allow us to progress
If we view the creation accounts as teaching a personal developmental process in which we are
engaged, what does it mean that the Lord divided the waters from the land? He's dividing what's solid and firm
from what shifts. He's dividing what matters from what doesn't matter.
Jesus and the Fall
Why didn’t God place Adam and Eve in a fallen world to begin with? He couldn’t create something that's
imperfect, and he can't force them into a fallen world, it had to be our choice
Why were we willing to come to a fallen world? Because it was the only way to progress
Why did God give Adam and Eve seemingly conflicting commandments? He's teaching them how to
make choices from good and good, good and better, not just good and bad. How to morally reason and think
things through
What is the difference between sin and transgression? The level of knowledge. Adam and Eve were
like children
If Adam and Eve could repent in the Garden of Eden and be forgiven, why did they have to leave?
Cleanliness isn't the end goal, it's refinement that's the goal. They had to experience mortality to be refined.
Why was Christ’s Atonement planned from the beginning? Because mortality was planned from the
beginning. Mortality wasn't plan B. It was not a mistake.
Why did Satan tempt Adam and Eve? Because he wanted his own plan to progress. He wanted to get
us and pull as many of us down.
What is the meaning of the Hebrew word kaphar that is translated as Atonement? To cover
Jehovah in the Old Testament and Prophecies of Christ’s Coming
 What is the meaning of Jehovah? I am
What was the golden age of ancient Israel? 1000BC, kings Saul and David
What was the Messianic expectation of the Jews? They wanted a political Savior (not for their sins)
What is the Old Testament prophecy of Christ’s coming that is most quoted in the New
Testament? Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22
What was Jesus doing when He said from the cross, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
(Matthew 27:46)? He was quoting a scripture
What is the congregation spoken of in Psalm 22:22? The congregation of the spirits in the spirit world
Gospel Dispensations
Who was the first member of the Church of Jesus Christ? Adam
When was the Abrahamic covenant first given? Adam and Eves time
In what dispensation were the Jaredites brought to the Americas? The 3rd
What is another name for Jacob? Israel
What was missing on the earth during the great apostasy? Priesthood keys/authority and the church
organization
The Condescension of God and Christ’s Unique Birth
When teaching about the love of God, what did the Spirit show Nephi? A woman, Mary
According to Joseph Smith, who was the angel Gabriel who came to Mary? Noah
Why did Matthew present the genealogy of Jesus in three sets of 14 generations? He was showing
Jesus is in the line of David, royalty
Where do we read the prophecy of the star that led the Wise Men to Jesus? Helaman 14:5
How could swaddling clothes be a sign of the Savior if most babies were swaddled? It may have been
held on by a wedding band
What was the type of inn from which Mary and Joseph were turned away? A guest room
Baptism and Temptations of Jesus
In addition to preparing people to enter into the Kingdom of God, what else set John’s baptism apart?
Authority
What is significant about the place where John performed baptisms? It was a historic site: Elijah went
up into heaven, Joshua brought people into promised land (like Nauvoo for us)
How was the Holy Ghost represented at Christ’s baptism? The sign of the dove (not the form)
According to Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, what do all the temptations of Christ have in common? Take the
easy way
What tools were used by Christ to resist temptation? Remember your covenants, quote scripture,
remember who you are, don't let Satan linger.
The Beatitudes
Since Jesus was not the first to teach using the words blessed are, what sets the Beatitudes apart? He
linked the promised blessings, while others didn't have the authority to do that
What two Beatitudes are in the Book of Mormon and not the Bible? Blessed if ye believe, blessed if ye
are baptized
Considering the Hebrew roots, what does the word blessed mean? Holy/exalted
Considering possible connections to the doctrine of Christ and temple covenants, why did Jesus teach
the Beatitudes? How we can access His grace and eternal life
The Sermon on the Mount
Match the following examples of laws with levels of laws: telestial, terrestrial, and celestial (½ point
each):
Kill—survival of the fittest Telestial
Do not commit adultery Terrestrial
Do not let lust enter your hearts Celestial
Do not kill Terrestrial
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth Terrestrial
 Sexual urges are to be satisfied Telestial
Turn the other cheek Celestial
Hate Telestial
Love your neighbor, hate your enemy Terrestrial
Love your enemy Celestial
What evidence do Latter-day Saints have that Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount as one
continuous sermon? The BOM
What did Jesus teach about divorce? It should be legal
To whom was Jesus speaking when He said to take no thought for your life? (Matthew 6:25) To the
apostles
What is the clarification found in the Joseph Smith Translation about judgment? Judge not
unrighteously

Calling the Apostles and other Disciples

What was Christ’s response when Peter declared himself to be a sinful man? (Luke 5:8) Fear not
To which individual did Christ first announce His messiahship? The woman at the well, a samaritan
woman
Why might the woman at the well have come to draw water at midday? Because she was hiding, she
wanted to avoid the crowds.
How did the woman at the well first address Jesus? “Jew”
How did the woman at the well respond when she knew Christ’s true identity? She left and went to
share the gospel

Early Ministry
How can we interpret the work of Jesus as a carpenter, considering the Greek noun tekton? Builder
What was Jesus’ most common message as He taught in the synagogues of Galilee? Repentance
Since Jesus had probably read from the scriptures many times in the synagogue of His hometown of
Nazareth, why did people become angry with Him on the day described in Luke 4? He was claiming to
be the messiah
Why did the Jews hate publicans? They were tax collectors, got rich off the people
Why did the Pharisees murmur when Matthew held a feast for Jesus? He sat with publicans and sinners
What is meant by the teaching to not put new wine in old bottles? The covenant was being restored, the
dispensation was now open. He came to bring something new, not patch up the old.
What was the role of money changers at the temple? Change money to temple money at great expense.
What testimony did Jesus give when He cleansed the temple that the Sadducees in the Sanhedrin
would later use against Him? I will destroy the temple and build it up again in three days

Miracles in Matthew and Mark

What principles are learned in the leper’s interaction with Christ in Matthew 8:1-3?
1. Attitude of worship.
2. Attitude of meekness. "If thou wilt," Faith regardless of the outcome
3. Jesus is reaching out to him. (One on one encounter, intimate Atonement)
What is the main reason the Savior acknowledged the faith of the centurion who asked Christ to heal
his servant? (Matthew 8: 10) It was coming from an outsider who was not a believer. He expected faith
from the traditional believers, but from this man who had no traditional reason to believe, Christ said
never had he seen such faith.
Why were there such violent storms on the Sea of Galilee? It is lower than sea level and it is
surrounded by mountains.
 What was the reason for the inhospitable response of people when Christ cast out devils into swine?
(Mark 5:17) Sometimes people love darkness more than light. They were accustomed to the
darkness. Therefore, the light made them uncomfortable.
In addition to myriad physical problems, what was the main emotional problem that could have been
associated with the issue of blood described in Mark 5:25? The woman had feelings of isolation and
rejection. People saw her sickness as a sign that she did something wrong.
What is meant by the word virtue in the phrase virtue had gone out of him in Mark 5:30? POWER left
Him. He cares about our physical and emotional healing.
What was the most probable reason Jesus sought solitude just prior to the multiplication of the loaves
and fishes in Mark 6:32? His cousin John the Baptist had just died. He was sad and wanted to have
alone time with God; however, he turned outward instead of inward for the multitude.

Miracles in John
Since the changing of water to wine occurred at the beginning of Christ’s ministry, what is a possible
symbol associated with the wedding? Symbolic wedding of Christ and the church
How does the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible render the question Woman, what have I to do
with thee? (John 2:4) Woman, what wilt thou have me do for thee?
How did the servants at the wedding show their faith? They did what they were asked to do despite
their fear
What is the meaning of the word Bethesda? (John 5:2) House of Grace
What is the reason Jesus wept in John 11:35? He wept because he was mourning with those that
mourn
Why did the Jews want to kill Jesus after He brought Lazarus forth from the dead? They were afraid
they would lose their power in society
What was Christ’s declaration to the guards who sought him after Gethsemane? I am.
Who rushed to the aid of Malchus? (John 18:10-11) Jesus :)