Pages 251-285
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Week 7
Alma 4 - Alma 16
Pages 216- 250
For several years, Amulek has been one of the individuals in the Book of Mormon that I have most admired. Even though he had been a man who had rejected calls from The Lord in the past, when the angel appeared to him and the Prophet Alma came to him, Amulek, a man of industry and wealth turned to the gospel. He withstood abuse and torture at the hands of the leaders of Ammonihah and with Alma came out the collapsed prison as a lion
Along the way he taught many of the basic principles of the gospel. Among these are some of the oft quoted from the Book of Mormon.
Testimony of Jesus Christ
And he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else.
Alma 11:40
Resurrection and Judgement
Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.
The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.
Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.
Alma 11:42-44
Pages 216- 250
For several years, Amulek has been one of the individuals in the Book of Mormon that I have most admired. Even though he had been a man who had rejected calls from The Lord in the past, when the angel appeared to him and the Prophet Alma came to him, Amulek, a man of industry and wealth turned to the gospel. He withstood abuse and torture at the hands of the leaders of Ammonihah and with Alma came out the collapsed prison as a lion
Along the way he taught many of the basic principles of the gospel. Among these are some of the oft quoted from the Book of Mormon.
Testimony of Jesus Christ
And he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else.
Alma 11:40
Resurrection and Judgement
Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.
The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.
Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.
Alma 11:42-44
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Week 6
Mosiah 15 - Alma 3
Pages 176- 210
Judges, Kings, Prosperity, Priestcrafts, Persecutions
Alma the Younger comes to the forefront of Nephite history as an at first rebellious and seditious young man. As he and his companions, the grandsons of King Benjamin plot to unto the work of their fathers, Alma the high priest of the church and Mosiah the king of Zarahemla. They are taught by an angel sent from God and subsequently repent of their wickedness and abominations.
The sons of Mosiah leave for a mission among the Lamanites. Alma becomes chief judge under a new form of government determined by a "voice of the people". He also becomes high priest of the church (a very busy man, no doubt).
The Nephites deal with priestcrafts, sedition and an attack from the Lamanites.
There is one verse for me that is very significant when describing the members of the church:
And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need. Alma 1:30
This is what the love of gospel really means for disciples of Christ.
Pages 176- 210
Judges, Kings, Prosperity, Priestcrafts, Persecutions
Alma the Younger comes to the forefront of Nephite history as an at first rebellious and seditious young man. As he and his companions, the grandsons of King Benjamin plot to unto the work of their fathers, Alma the high priest of the church and Mosiah the king of Zarahemla. They are taught by an angel sent from God and subsequently repent of their wickedness and abominations.
The sons of Mosiah leave for a mission among the Lamanites. Alma becomes chief judge under a new form of government determined by a "voice of the people". He also becomes high priest of the church (a very busy man, no doubt).
The Nephites deal with priestcrafts, sedition and an attack from the Lamanites.
There is one verse for me that is very significant when describing the members of the church:
And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need. Alma 1:30
This is what the love of gospel really means for disciples of Christ.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Week 5
Omni 1 - Mosiah 14
Pages 141-175
I almost am beginning to think I need to have a daily blog post update as in the course of 35 pages in the Book of Mormon so much happens! This particular section has no fewer than 3 significant doctrinal enlightening events.
1. King Benjamin's address to his people. If all kings were as this man, it would be good to have a king. We talk a lot about the sons of Mosiah but I find interest in thinking of these great men, Ammon, Aaron, Omner and Himni as the grandsons of Benjamin.
One quote from King Benjamin is not enough, but I will pick this one:
"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." Mosiah 3:19
2. King Limhi, the grandson of Zeniff and the son of Noah, became his own man as shown by this declaration: "But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage." Mosiah 7:33
3. Abinadi's teachings to the wicked King Noah and his priests yielded one very significant convert, Alma. This Alma would become the first in a long line of prophets as his descendants would continue to direct the affairs of the Nephite religion for many generations including those who would personally witness the visitation of The Lord Jesus Christ. Abinadi taught, "?...there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God. For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began--have they not spoken more or less concerning these things? Have they not said that God himself should come down among the children of men, and take upon him the form of man, and go forth in mighty power upon the face of the earth? Yea, and have they not said also that he should bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, and that he, himself, should be oppressed and afflicted? Mosiah 13:32-35
Pages 141-175
I almost am beginning to think I need to have a daily blog post update as in the course of 35 pages in the Book of Mormon so much happens! This particular section has no fewer than 3 significant doctrinal enlightening events.
1. King Benjamin's address to his people. If all kings were as this man, it would be good to have a king. We talk a lot about the sons of Mosiah but I find interest in thinking of these great men, Ammon, Aaron, Omner and Himni as the grandsons of Benjamin.
One quote from King Benjamin is not enough, but I will pick this one:
"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." Mosiah 3:19
2. King Limhi, the grandson of Zeniff and the son of Noah, became his own man as shown by this declaration: "But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage." Mosiah 7:33
3. Abinadi's teachings to the wicked King Noah and his priests yielded one very significant convert, Alma. This Alma would become the first in a long line of prophets as his descendants would continue to direct the affairs of the Nephite religion for many generations including those who would personally witness the visitation of The Lord Jesus Christ. Abinadi taught, "?...there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God. For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began--have they not spoken more or less concerning these things? Have they not said that God himself should come down among the children of men, and take upon him the form of man, and go forth in mighty power upon the face of the earth? Yea, and have they not said also that he should bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, and that he, himself, should be oppressed and afflicted? Mosiah 13:32-35
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Week 4
2 Nephi 27 - Jarom 1
Pages 106-140
Jacob rehearses Zenos's allegory of the Olive Tree. Although this allegory can rightfully be correlated to the House of Israel. I feel it can also be a metaphor for an individual life. The Savior as "Lord of the vineyard" is ever watchful over each of us ready to provide love and nourishment. Is our ground fertile? Are we as the tree with good roots but our fruit is wild, making us unprofitable servants? Or are we anxiously engaged in a better cause and laying up good fruit for the season thereof?
Pages 106-140
Jacob rehearses Zenos's allegory of the Olive Tree. Although this allegory can rightfully be correlated to the House of Israel. I feel it can also be a metaphor for an individual life. The Savior as "Lord of the vineyard" is ever watchful over each of us ready to provide love and nourishment. Is our ground fertile? Are we as the tree with good roots but our fruit is wild, making us unprofitable servants? Or are we anxiously engaged in a better cause and laying up good fruit for the season thereof?
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Week 3
2 Nephi 7 - 2 Nephi 27
Pages 70 - 105
In these chapters, Nephi, in addition to his own prophecies, records the teachings and prophecies of two other prophets, his younger brother Jacob and the old testament prophet, Isaiah. For me, these chapters focus on a few themes. First and foremost, the atonement and constancy of the Savior, Jesus Christ. The first time I read 2 Nephi 9, I was sitting in a park on a warm fall day in Las Vegas, Nevada. (I was in the process of receiving the missionary discussions from Elders Roberts and Moniz in the home of my friend, Terry Rogers.) For the first time I began to gain an understanding of the infinite atonement as the Holy One of Israel suffereth...the pains of every living creature, both men, women and children who belong to the family of Adam. (2 Nephi 9:21)
The Isaiah chapters can be vexing but I find a major theme to be the scattering and gathering of the House of Israel of which we are a part. In addition, each of us individually are scattered and need to be gathered back into the fold. The Savior is always ready the gather His chicks and His sheep back to the fold.
The Isaiah prophecies are Messianic and millennial but are also serves as a reminder that God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Nephi sums it up best:
Pages 70 - 105
In these chapters, Nephi, in addition to his own prophecies, records the teachings and prophecies of two other prophets, his younger brother Jacob and the old testament prophet, Isaiah. For me, these chapters focus on a few themes. First and foremost, the atonement and constancy of the Savior, Jesus Christ. The first time I read 2 Nephi 9, I was sitting in a park on a warm fall day in Las Vegas, Nevada. (I was in the process of receiving the missionary discussions from Elders Roberts and Moniz in the home of my friend, Terry Rogers.) For the first time I began to gain an understanding of the infinite atonement as the Holy One of Israel suffereth...the pains of every living creature, both men, women and children who belong to the family of Adam. (2 Nephi 9:21)
The Isaiah chapters can be vexing but I find a major theme to be the scattering and gathering of the House of Israel of which we are a part. In addition, each of us individually are scattered and need to be gathered back into the fold. The Savior is always ready the gather His chicks and His sheep back to the fold.
The Isaiah prophecies are Messianic and millennial but are also serves as a reminder that God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Nephi sums it up best:
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 Nephi1 25:26
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Week 2
1Nephi 16 to 2 Nephi 7
Pages 35 to 70
There is so much valuable information in this section that we have read this past week. I am focusing on one to write about. In 2 Nephi 4, the prophet writes about his own shortcomings and weaknesses. I love how Nephi writes, "I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins, nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support; he hath led me through my afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep. 2 Nephi 4: 18-20 (emphasis added)
So, it is for me. Despite my sins and follies, I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, confused at the grace that so fully He proffers me.
Pages 35 to 70
There is so much valuable information in this section that we have read this past week. I am focusing on one to write about. In 2 Nephi 4, the prophet writes about his own shortcomings and weaknesses. I love how Nephi writes, "I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins, nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support; he hath led me through my afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep. 2 Nephi 4: 18-20 (emphasis added)
So, it is for me. Despite my sins and follies, I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, confused at the grace that so fully He proffers me.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Week 1
November 9 - November 15
1 Nephi 1 - 1 Nephi 16
The beginning chapters of the Book of Mormon provide a fast paced narrative written by Nephi the son of Lehi. At times, one can pass over much of the beautiful gospel doctrine taught in this portion of the book. That is understandable as Nephi treats us to so many fundamental gospel truths, one can study over a lifetime to draw a full application.
I love the Book of Mormon and am so grateful to The Lord for allowing me the privilege to sup from these pages.
My hope is that each member of my family would be drawn in to this study. I am disappointed that more of them have not taken the challenge at this particular point...but I continue to pray they will do so, that all of us will be enabled to join at the tree of life and partake of the fruit that is most desirable above all things and the most joyous to the soul.
1 Nephi 1 - 1 Nephi 16
The beginning chapters of the Book of Mormon provide a fast paced narrative written by Nephi the son of Lehi. At times, one can pass over much of the beautiful gospel doctrine taught in this portion of the book. That is understandable as Nephi treats us to so many fundamental gospel truths, one can study over a lifetime to draw a full application.
I love the Book of Mormon and am so grateful to The Lord for allowing me the privilege to sup from these pages.
My hope is that each member of my family would be drawn in to this study. I am disappointed that more of them have not taken the challenge at this particular point...but I continue to pray they will do so, that all of us will be enabled to join at the tree of life and partake of the fruit that is most desirable above all things and the most joyous to the soul.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Tender Mercies
Last night, as Spencer, Mom and I were talking to Chloe via Skype. I received a telephone call from my High Priest Group Leader requesting assistance in administering a priesthood blessing to a sister in the hospital. Neither of us knew the sister or her family. Even though it was late in the evening, we proceeded to the hospital, met the family and gave the priesthood blessing. I don't know what the fate of this sister will be, but the Holy Spirit was So Strong!
Last night, as Spencer, Mom and I were talking to Chloe via Skype. I received a telephone call from my High Priest Group Leader requesting assistance in administering a priesthood blessing to a sister in the hospital. Neither of us knew the sister or her family. Even though it was late in the evening, we proceeded to the hospital, met the family and gave the priesthood blessing. I don't know what the fate of this sister will be, but the Holy Spirit was So Strong!
Often, it is so easy to move on and forget the tender mercies of the Lord. Although this was a small and seemingly insignificant experience, my hope is that all involved will recall the sweet Spirit of the Lord that permeated us.
"I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us."
Elder David A. Bednar
Monday, November 3, 2014
Book of Mormon
I have lately been contemplating the potential value of the Book of Mormon in our day to day lives as well as the effect for our eternal salvation.
I say potential because I don't feel that any of us (myself included) have really harnessed the power we can receive from studying and prayerfully learning from this book.
Therefore, I am issuing an challenge to each member of our family to read the Book of Mormon. If we start on next Sunday, November 9, 2014 and commit to read 5 pages a day, we will be done by February 22, 2015!
In reading the Book of Mormon, each person can find their own purpose, but here are a two ideas:
To find the Savior. How the Lord, Jesus Christ changed the lives of the individuals in the book?
To liken all scripture unto yourself. How can these stories have application in my life?
So, that is my challenge for each of us.
Will you commit to do it?
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