Zach's Scripture Study

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Day 60; Moroni 9-10

I am tackling the Book of Mormon in 60 days. My plan is to have the Book of Mormon studied by the end of 2011. During my challenge, I will post a daily blog of my reading, in this blog I will share with you... my thoughts, feelings, opinions and knowledge about the Book of Mormon. Do you have questions? Comments? Please... lets start a discussion. I would be more than happy to answer your questions, comments or concerns!

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 9: Moroni includes a second letter written to him from his father Mormon. Mormon writes about how both the Lamanites and the Nephites are depraved and degenerate without any civilization, like wild beasts. They have lost all goodliness... torturing and murdering each other. Mormon prays that Moroni will be full of grace and goodness forever.

Chapter 10: Moroni leaves us with his writings and gives us a promise of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. He promises that anyone who, with real intent of the heart, asks God will know of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, and that witness of its truth will be brought forth through the Holy Ghost. Spiritual gifts are given to those who are faithful.

Moroni leaves his last words, exhorting anyone who reads the Book of Mormon to follow Jesus Christ and be perfected in him.

I also leave my own testimony of the Book of Mormon. I can assure anyone reading the Book of Mormon that it is truly what it says it is, Another Testament of Jesus Christ! In these last days we see more and more of the prophecies of Revelations and other books of the Bible be fulfilled, we live in a scary time in the history of the world, a time of great uncertainty. But we don't have to live in the dark, the Book of Mormon is an evidence that God still loves his children today, tomorrow and forever! How wonderful is it, that God has given us more of his word? It is a reminder that he has not forgotten about his children, and will not ever forget! He has called prophets and apostles today! The church of Jesus Christ, the same church that he established in his mortal ministry, is here again TODAY!

I know that these things are true, and the only way to know for yourself is to read the Book of Mormon, ponder the message and teachings in your heart and then ask God in a sincere, heartfelt prayer if these things are true and if they are true, God will manifest them to you through the Holy Ghost!

I know that these things are true and I invite everyone to see for themselves!

I also suggest these movies to understand more about Mormons.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Day 59; Moroni 6-8

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 6: Moroni speaks a little about how the church should be conducted.

We learn that only those who have a "...broke heart and a contrite spirit..." and "...brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it." (Moroni 6:1-2). Essentially you have to come forth and repent of your sins and truly be committed to changing your old ways and taking upon yourself the name of Christ, before you can be baptized.

After you are baptized and received into the church, we learn that it is the job of every member to fellowship and teach the new members of the church. That they may pray and fast often. We are to look out for each member of the ward.

Every meeting in the church is to be conducted by the spirit. In the individual meeting houses, where "wards" meet, this is the job of the Bishop to insure that the meetings are filled with the spirit.

Those who do not confess of their sins, will be excommunicated.

Chapter 7: Moroni continues a little more of his father's teachings on Faith, Hope and good works.

We learn that "...by their works ye shall know them..." (Moroni 7:5). If we live a life of evils works we will be judged for that. God knows us by our works and will judge us for good or bad by what we chose to do with our lives here on earth.

If a man prays "...and not with real intent of heart; yea,...it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such." (Moroni 7:9) We must avoid vain repetitions and always pray with a real intent as if we are having a conversation with our Heavenly Father, because we are.

Moroni points out what seems to be the obvious, but for many of us is not so obvious... good and evil. We need to be careful to judge what is good and evil... but at the same time God has given us the ability to know what is good and evil and to avoid that which is evil.

We have read in other scriptures that faith can move mountains, and Moroni reassures us of this, when he quotes Christ "...If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing expedient in me." (Moroni 7:33)

The Book of Mormon was really written for our time period... the days that we live in our sometimes scary, with economic crisis, wars, earthquakes, Tsunamis, etc. But Moroni speaks to the souls of the future generations, our generations... Asking us...

"...what is it that ye shall hope for?..."

"...ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his ressurrection, to be raised to life eternal..." (Moroni 7:41)

To have this Hope, we must believe in Jesus Christ and follow his commandments. We must have Charity, Moroni defines Charity;

"And Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (Moroni 7:45)

Chapter 8: Moroni includes a letter from his father Mormon, concerning a matter that was troubling him. He writes to Moroni about the baptism of Infants.

"Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and the law of circumcision is done away in me. And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the word of God unto me; wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children. Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are a accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children. And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins. But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism! Wherefore, if little children could not be saved without baptism, these must have gone to an endless hell. Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that little children need baptism is in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; for he hath neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought, he must go down to hell." (Moroni 8:8-14)

Those who believe that Children need baptism, do not understand what baptism is all about. Little children cannot repent, and therefore do not need a baptism.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Day 58; Moroni 1-5

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 1: Moroni finishes the abridgement of the Jaredite records. Moroni tells his readers that he is alone and hiding from the Lamanites. The Lamanites will kill any Nephite that will not deny the Christ, Moroni affirms the readers that he will NOT deny the Christ. He writes this record, that it might be for the benefit of the Lamanites in the future. (the future generations of today)

Chapter 2: Moroni explains, that while Jesus visited the people in America, he gave the Apostles power to confer the Holy Ghost.

Chapter 3: Moroni explains the to be ordained in the office of elder or teacher in the church, it must be done through the laying on of hands.

Chapter 4: Moroni gives us the prayer for the Bread;

"O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen." (Moroni 4:3)

Chapter 5: Moroni gives us the prayer for the Water;

"O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine (water) to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of they Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen." (Moroni 5:2)

Both of the prayers that Moroni wrote are ones that are very familiar to all LDS members. Every Sunday both prayers are read to bless the bread and water for the Sacrament. There are very few set prayers in the LDS church, this is one of the prayers whoever that must be read word for word.

The structure of both prayers are very simple, they both comprise three main parts.

1. The prayer consecrates the emblem and explains its significance. In this case, the bread and the water. The bread representing the flesh of Jesus Christ and the Water representing his blood, and that which was shed for us during his Atonement.

2. Tells us our part of the deal, what we need to live up to, in order to fulfill our covenant.

3. The Lord reveals his part of the covenant, and promises to bless us with his Spirit.

We bless the emblems (the water and the bread) to remember the great events of the Lord's Atonement, his sacrifice for us. Our partaking of these emblems every Sunday is our way of telling the Lord that we will continue to live up the Covenant that we had promised during our baptism. If we live up to what we have promised, then we receive the great blessing of having the companionship of the Holy Ghost in our daily lives.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Day 57; Ether 13-15

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 13: Moroni continues to recount the writings of Ether, Ether speaks of a New Jerusalem that will be built in America (most likely the United States), by the seed of Joseph. Ether writes, that old things will pass away, and that a New Heaven and a New Earth will be formed, from the old. Ether writes the Jaredite history and tells of their destruction. Moroni only writes a hundredth part of what Ether had prophesied.

Chapter 14: Great wars wage among the Jaredite nations, Coriantumr engages in warfare against Gilead, and Lib and then to Shiz. Blood and destruction rain upon the land.

Chapter 15: Coriantumr and Shiz and their people are all that are left in a final all out battle to mortal combat upon the land. The spirit of the Lord ceases to be among the Jaredites and all perish, except

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Day 56; Ether 10-12

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 10: Several kings succeed each other in the land of the Jaredites. Some of the kings are righteous

and others are not righteous. When the people are righteous the Lord pours out his blessings upon his children. But the same, when his children are not righteous he will punish them.

Chapter 11: Wars, dissensions and wickedness prevails over much of the people of the Jaredites from the time that they came over across the ocean after the fall of the Tower of Babel. Prophets arise among the people and preach repentance unto the Jaredites. The prophets predict, that if they do not repent, that great destruction will fall before them. But the people reject the words of the prophets

Just like today, people reject the words of the prophets. Because they have "...hardened their hearts..." (Ether 11:13) and they "...did reject all the words of the prophets, because of their secret society and wicked abominations" (Ether 11:22)

Chapter 12: In this chapter we learn a lot about Faith. The prophet Ether pleads with the people to believe in God. Moroni, who is summarizing the stories he read of the Jaredites, expounds on the wonders and marvels of Faith.

Faith caused...

Alma and Amulek to escape from prison by causing the walls of the prison to tumble to the earth. The faith of Nephi and Lehi brought about the change in the Lamanites. Faith can do anything.

Faith is "...things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith. For it was by faith that Christ showed himself unto our fathers, after he had risen from the dead; and he showed not himself unto them until after they had faith in him..." (Ehter 12:6-7)

"For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore; he showed not himself until after their faith." (Ether 12:12) You cannot see great miracles of God, without showing unto him your faith.

Sometimes, we as humans are afraid of what the world might think, especially when it comes to religious matters. But through Ether, God helped counsel the Jaredites that were feeling pressure from wicked people... when he said; "...Fools mock, but they shall mourn... they shall take no advantage of your weaknesses" (Ether 12:26)

We as humans have weaknesses for a reason; "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble, and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)

This is probably one of my most favorite scriptures in all of the Book of Mormon, because if we come unto God in prayer, asking with a humble heart, he can help us through anything. He gives us weaknesses in this life, that we may remain always humble. But if we attempt to make a change in our lives, he will make our weaknesses become our strengths.

Day 55; Ether 7-9

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 7: Orihah reigns in righteousness. During this time rival kingdoms are setup, the kingdoms of Shule and Cohor. Prophets condemn the wickedness and idolatry of the people.

Chapter 8: Their exists much contention throughout the kingdom, because of the two rival kingdoms that are setup. Akish forms an oath bound secret combination, wherewith they plan to overthrow the kingdom. We learn that secret combinations are of the devil, they are a result of the decline and destructions of nations who use them. We are warned in modern times of the devastating effects of secret combinations on nations, lands and countries that use them.

Chapter 9: The kingdom changes hands with descent, intrigue and murder. Many prophets cry repentance unto all the people. A famine and poisonous serpents plague the people.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Day 54; Ether 3-6

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 3: The brother of Jared counsels with the Lord and the Lord lights up sixteen rocks, that he can use to light up the inside of his ship to travel to the new land. The brother of Jared sees the finger of the Lord. Christ shows the brother of Jared his spirit body, and provides him with a way for the records he writes to be translated.

Chapter 4: Moroni is commanded to seal up the records of Jared until men have faith even as brother Jared had. Men are commanded to repent and believe in the Gospel of Christ.

Chapter 5: The prophecy of the 3 witnesses of the Book of Mormon are set forth.

The Testimony of Three Witnesses:

Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.

Oliver Cowdery

David Whitmer

Martin Harris

Chapter 6: The Jaredite barges travel to the promised land in their boats, that are driven in the wind.

Day 53; Mormon 8-9; Ether 1-2

Day 53; The Book of Mormon 8-9; The Book of Ether 1-2

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Book of Mormon Chapter 8: The Lamanites seeks out and destroy the Nephites, leaving only Moroni to himself. Moroni is alone with the records, and is left with few resources to continue the records (because of the lack of ore). But he leaves us a part of his testimony and the history of his people.

He asks the reader to not condemn the Book of Mormon "...because of the imperfections which are in it...Behold I am Moroni; and were it possible I would make all things known unto you." (Mormon 8:12)

Moroni speaks of the day the Book of Mormon will come to light among the world, "And blessed be he that shall bring this to light; for it shall be brought out of darkness unto light, according to the word of God; yea it shall be brought out of the earth, and it shall shine forth out of darkness, and come unto the knowledge of the people; and it shall be done by the power of God. And if there be faults they be the faults of man. But behold, we know no fault; nevertheless God knoweth all things; therefore, he that condemeth, let him be aware lest he shall be in danger of hell fire." (Mormon 8:16-17)

Moroni, essentially is telling his readers that he would, if possible come to you and tell you that these things are true. People will condemn what they read in the Book of Mormon, but he warns those who condemn the word of God.

Moroni also counsels that we should "Search the prophecies of Isaiah...", other prophets have told us the same thing.

Moroni speaks of the time at which the Book of Mormon shall shine forth. He describes the time in which we live today "Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins. O ye wicked and perverse and stiffnecked people, why have ye built up churches to get gain?..." (Mormon 8:32-33)

Book of Mormon Chapter 9: Moroni calls upon those who do not believe in Christ to repent. He proclaims that God, is a God of miracles who gives revelations and gifts to his children. He tells those who doubt that God has called prophets in the latter days, or those who are questioning the book they are reading to ask themselves if "...God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and in him there is no variable-ness neither shadowing of changing..." (Mormon 9:9)

Some people today, ask why God has ceased to perform any miracles, and Moroni's response to those that question why God does the things he does... he says "...the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they trust." (Mormon 9:20)

Book of Ether Chapter 1: Moroni abridges (or adds) the records that he had with him, the records of Ether. He reveals the genealogy of Ether. The Jaredites, from where Ether was part of, is revealed that there language was not confounded at the time of the Tower of Babel.

Book of Ether Chapter 2: The Jaredites prepare for their journey to a promised land (right after the fall of the tower of Babel), the brother of Jared prepares a barge or a boat to sail across to the new land (America).The Lord asks the brother of Jared how he might light the inside of the barges, for their travel to the new land.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Day 52; Mormon 4-7

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 4: Wars continue throughout the land, evils and wickedness greater than all of Israel prevail. Women and children are sacrificed to idols. The Lamanites begin to conquer.

Chapter 5: Mormon again leads the Nephite armies into battle. The Book of Mormon shall come forth to convince all of Israel, the Jesus is the Christ. The Lamanites shall receive the gospel from the gentiles in the last days.

Chapter 6: The Nephites gather in the land of Cumorah, upon the Hill Cumorah, under the leadership of Mormon. Mormon hides the sacred records of this people a top the hill and gives charge of these records to his son Moroni. A massive battles ensues a top this hill, where over 100,000 lose their lives. The Lamanites are victorious and destroy the Nephites.

Mormon cries unto the people; "...O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you!" (Mormon 6:17)

Chapter 7: Mormon invites the Lamanites (or rather the descendents of the lamanites) in the last days to repent and believe in Christ, accept his Gospel and be saved. Those who believe in the Bible, will also believe in the Book of Mormon.

Day 51; 4 Nephi 1; Mormon 1-3

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

4 Nephi Chapter 1: All of the Nephites and Lamanites are converted to the church of Christ. They work many miracles and thrive in the land, they start to spread out among all the lands round about. After two centuries, false churches, divisions and evils arise among them, And after three hundred years both the Nephites and the Lammanites turn wicked. Ammaron hides the sacred records, so that they may be preserved.

Mormon Chapter 1: Ammaron instructs Mormon about the sacred records that he had hidden in the earth to preserve them. Mormon is commanded that when he turns 24, to return to the land of Antum to the hill Shim, where he would find the records of the people. Mormon was only 11 at this time. War commences throughout all the land, evil, wickedness and sorcery prevails.

Mormon Chapter 2: Mormon leads the Nephite armies, death prevails over much as the land as they kill one another. The Nephites (like Samuel the Lamanite foretold) lamented their much wickedness. Mormon obtains the plates of Nephi. About 326 A.D.

Mormon Chapter 3: Mormon preaches repentance unto the Nephites. Mormon, after the Nephites had gained confidence in their own strength, refuses to lead them. The Book of Mormon will, in the last days, stand as a witness to the 12 tribes of Israel to believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Day 50; 3 Nephi 25-30

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 25: At the second coming of Christ the proud and the wicked will be burned. Before that day, Elijah will return and restore the keys of this last dispensation (A gospel dispensation is a period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the keys of the holy priesthood). This has already happened. Elijah appeared before Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple.

D&C 110:13-16:

"After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said: Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come—To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse—Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors."

By this we know that the second coming of Jesus Christ is very close, but of course time to God is different from the way we percieve time. But the time is now to prepare for the second coming.

Chapter 26: Jesus continues his address to the Nephites telling them many marvelous things that could not be written down. Those who are in the church and have been baptized of Christ are part of the Church of Christ. Everyone in the Church of Christ have things in common and should look out for one another. i.e. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is his church and we are in the last dispensation (A gospel dispensation is a period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the keys of the holy priesthood).

Chapter 27: Jesus continues talking to the people of Nephi. They come to him with a question as to what the church of Christ be named. Jesus responds saying:

"And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called the church of Moses' name then it be Moses; church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man..." (3 Nephi 27:8)

Jesus sets it straight, if the church is called something other than Christ's church, it is not His church. But he goes on to say that "...if it so be that they are built upon my gospel." (3 Nephi 27:8).

So not only do you need to have the true church named after Christ, you must also be built upon his Gospel, with his Authority. Meaning there is only one church. Those who follow the commandments of Jesus Christ and are baptized in his name, ought to be like he is.

Chapter 28: The twelve Apostles of the Nephites come before Jesus. Nine of them desire to be lifted up to his kingdom when they die. The other three, the Three Nephites desire that they may never taste death, that they might dwell upon the earth until the second coming of Christ. The Three Nephites will not be able to die, or feel pain/sorrow... except it be for the sins of the world, until the day that Jesus Christ comes for the second time.

Chapter 29: The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign that the Lord has started the process of gathering Israel. Cursed be those who reject his prophets and words.

Chapter 30: We are commanded to repent and come unto him.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Day 49; Third Nephi 21-24

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 21: Israel shall start to be gathered as the Book of Mormon comes to light across the world. The Gentiles will be a free people in the Americas, and all those who believe on Jesus Christ can be saved. The New Jerusalem will be built and the Lost Tribes of Israel will return.

Chapter 22: In the last days of the earth, the gospel shall stretch forth across the world. Christ's Church will extend outward and establish many "stakes" throughout the world.

Currently the church has, 2,896 stakes across more than 300 countries. Looks like Isaiah had that prophecy right.

Chapter 23: Jesus, while speaking to the Nephites tells them of the importance that the words of Isaiah have. He commands the people to study his words, because they are great.

Jesus commands that certain things like the words of Samuel the Lamanite concerning the resurrection be added unto the records of the Nephites, because they were not properly recorded.

Chapter 24: The messengers of God will prepare the way for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Those in the church are required to pay tithes and offerings. Compare to Malachi 3.

Tithing: 10% of your gain (income) is to be paid to the church by all members of the church.

Offerings: are paid at least once a month during "Fast Sunday", which is usually the first Sunday of every month, where participating members fast for two meals and then donate the money they would have spent on those two meals to the church to help those in need.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Day 48; 3 Nephi 17-20

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 17: Jesus, after having spoken with the people... commanded them to ponder over his words and ask God for understanding of his words. He then told the people that he would return in the morning, but that he had to visit the people in Israel. Before he left, he commanded that all the little children be brought forth and blessed. There were 2,500 gathered and angels did come down from heaven to bless the children.

Chapter 18: Jesus commands that all the people sit on the ground and commands the twelve to gather bread and wine. Jesus institutes the sacrament among the Nephites and tells them the meaning of the sacrament:

"And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you" (3 Nephi 18:11)

Essentially sacrament (partaking of the bread and water in church) should be a time of remembrance to the covenant that we made at baptism.

Jesus commands us to pray always "...lest ye (we) be tempted by the devil, and...be led away captive by him." (3 Nephi 18:15)

We must always pray within our families, as a family. "...that your wives and your children may be blessed" (3 Nephi 18:21)

Chapter 19: The Twelve Apostles administer unto the people. Jesus ascends into heaven and everyone goes back to their homes, awaiting the morning to learn more and see Jesus. Many people are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. Jesus prays to the father and he attests of the great faith of the Nephites.

Chapter 20: Jesus comes among the Nephites again and commands them to partake of the sacrament. He miraculously provides wine and bread for them to eat. We learn that the offspring of Joseph will come to the knowledge of their Lord and inherit the Americas. More of the Lord's people will be gathered in Jerusalem.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Day 47; Third Nephi 13-16

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 13: Compare to Matthew 6; Jesus teaches the Nephites about the proper was to pray. We learn that we can pray using simple steps:

1. Address our Heavenly Father; "Dear Heavenly Father..." etc.

2. Thank him for the many things, for the blessings, etc.

3. Ask him for whatever you stand in need.

4. End in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer is really simple, it is a conversation. We need to avoid vain repetitions and be respectful. But at the same time, have a conversation... like we would with a loving parent.

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (3 Nephi 13:21) - Money, riches and worldly things are not bad, but if that is all we focus our lives on then, we will have lived a life in vain. We must store up, heavenly treasures.

The twelve are commanded to live a life with not thought of temporal things.

Chapter 14: Compare to Matthew 7; Jesus commands...

· Judge Not, that ye be not judged. Basically do not judge others, because none of us are perfect and with that same judgment, God will judge us.

· Ask of God... "...knock and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh, recieveth..." (3 Nephi 14:7-8) - Does this mean that you can ask for 1 million dollars and receive it? No. But if we are worried about paying the bills or just want to increase our gain to live a better life? I would say Yes. Everything we ask for, however needs to be worthy of asking for.

· Beware of False Prophets... "...who come unto you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (3 Nephi 14:15) But it says by your fruits you will know, whether they be a prophet of God or not. Joseph Smith? His fruit was the Book of Mormon. This proves he was a prophet. Don't believe me? Ask God for yourself!

Salvation is promised to those who do the will of God the Father.

Chapter 15: Jesus again announces that the Law of Moses has been fulfilled, with his coming. In John 10:14-16 Jesus speaks to the people in Jerusalem...

" I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be onefold, and one shepherd." (John 10:14-16)

And in Chapter 15, he talks with the Nephites and tells them that they were the other sheep that he was talking about.

" That other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. And now, because of stiffneckedness and unbelief they understood not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto them. But, verily, I say unto you that the Father hath commanded me, and I tell it unto you, that ye were separated from among them because of their iniquity; therefore it is because of their iniquity that they know not of you. And verily, I say unto you again that the other tribes hath the Father separated from them; and it is because of their iniquity that they know not of them. And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." (3 Nephi 15:17-21)

This is another evidence of the veracity of the Book of Mormon. Jesus has other people to visit, he says it right in the Bible. The Book of Mormon is a history of the other "fold" of his flock. See 2 Nephi 29; as this is very similar.

Chapter 16: Jesus will visit other lost sheep of his flock. In the Last Days the gospel will go forth among the gentiles and then to the house of Israel.

Day 46; Third Nephi 9-12

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 9: During the darkness, the people hear the voice of Christ proclaim the destruction of many people and cities because of their wickedness. The Law of Moses is announced to be fulfilled and Christ invites all men to come unto him.

The new sacrifice that God asks of us is; a "...broken heart and a contrite spirit..." (Third Nephi 9:20)

Chapter 10: Silence remains in the land throughout the darkness for several hours. They hear the voice of Christ, promising that he will gather his people, as a hen gathers her chickens. We learn that the more righteous part of the people survive through the devastation..

Chapters 11-26; Jesus Christ visits the people of the Ancient Americas (the people of Nephi). They were gathered in the land of Bountiful. Jesus administers to them, and those who were wise did manifest themselves unto him. We learn a lot about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these chapters. This happens roughly 34 years after Jesus Christ was born and very shortly after his death on the cross in Jerusalem.

Chapter 11: The people of Nephi were gathered together, conversing about what would happen next. They were talking about the signs given for the death of Christ. They hear a voice, but do not understand the voice until they hear it for the third time. They look towards heaven and see a Man descending out of heaven and he was clothed in a white robe.

He came down among the people and said; "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and life of the world; and I have drunk of the bitter cup which the father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning." (Third Nephi 11:10-11)

When Jesus said these words, the people that were gathered there, fell to the earth and started to worship him. Jesus invites all the people there to come and feel his side and the prints on his hands, so that they know that He is indeed the Christ, that all the prophets had testified would come.

Jesus teaches the people the proper way to baptize, by immersion and using authority that he gave to Nephi and some others. (verses 24-25)

We also learn that contention is of the devil (verse 29)

Chapter 12: Jesus calls and commissions the quorum of the 12 Apostles. He delivers a discourse to the Nephites that can be easily compared to the discourse that he gave the "Sermon on the Mount) in Matthew 5 of the New Testament. His new teaches override and aspect of the old law of Moses. Men are commanded to be perfect like Jesus and his Father are.

Be humble; 3 Nephi 12:3

Fornication and Adultery are sins; 3 Nephi 12:27-30

Love your enemy and bless those who curse you; 3 Nephi 12:43-45

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