Nephi's vision is complete. Afterward, he returns to the tent of his father. He encounters his brethren disputing the things that Lehi testified and prophesied to them. Being that many things were hard to understand and that Laman and Lemuel were not righteous most of the time, they did not think to do things like Nephi and ask of the Lord.
This brings me to a question. When the prophet speaks to us and we encounter a commandment that is hard for us to understand and do, do we think to ask of the Lord? In fact, this is what we should do when the prophet gives us a commandment. We need to be on the same page as him. This is done be praying and asking God for confirmation that the commandment is for us. When we do this we gain a testimony of that commandment, thus being more converted to the gospel, and in a position to receive more and higher commandments.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
1 Nephi 14:28-EoC
Verse 28 says that Nephi says that he is forbidden to write the rest of the things that he saw and that the small amount that he wrote sufficed. Then, after all he shared with us, I think that the most important part he emphasized here in the end. Verse 29, "And I bear record that I saw the things which my father saw, and the angel of the Lord did make them known unto me." He wanted us to know that he saw what his father saw, and that they were made know unto him by an angel.
He ends the chapter by saying again that he is not going to write more, but that all these things were done while he was carried away in the Spirit, and that they are true.
I've wondered if Nephi was literally physically transported by the Holy Ghost to a mountain to have this vision or if it was just while he was in his tent one night dreaming it all. What do you think?
One more thought from Verse 14 of this chapter from the Book of Mormon Institute Manual:
To be armed with righteousness is to be armed with the power of God and to be worthy of the Lord’s protecting care. The Lord has made it clear that those who will be safe in the last days are those who have “received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide” (D&C 45:57).
President Harold B. Lee taught: “By faith in God you can be attuned to the Infinite and by power and wisdom obtained from your Heavenly Father harness the powers of the universe to serve you in your hour of need in the solution of problems too great for your human strength or intelligence” (Church News, 15 Aug. 1970, p. 2).
With the power of the priesthood, faith, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Saints of the last days will be armed sufficiently to withstand all opposition.
He ends the chapter by saying again that he is not going to write more, but that all these things were done while he was carried away in the Spirit, and that they are true.
I've wondered if Nephi was literally physically transported by the Holy Ghost to a mountain to have this vision or if it was just while he was in his tent one night dreaming it all. What do you think?
One more thought from Verse 14 of this chapter from the Book of Mormon Institute Manual:
To be armed with righteousness is to be armed with the power of God and to be worthy of the Lord’s protecting care. The Lord has made it clear that those who will be safe in the last days are those who have “received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide” (D&C 45:57).
President Harold B. Lee taught: “By faith in God you can be attuned to the Infinite and by power and wisdom obtained from your Heavenly Father harness the powers of the universe to serve you in your hour of need in the solution of problems too great for your human strength or intelligence” (Church News, 15 Aug. 1970, p. 2).
With the power of the priesthood, faith, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Saints of the last days will be armed sufficiently to withstand all opposition.
Monday, November 24, 2008
1 Nephi 14:18-27
Here is where the details of the events of Nephi's vision come to a close for us. I think that it is interesting that it is the time of our day with just a couple of indications for the future. The angel shows Nephi a man dressed in a white robe. He is told that it is one of the apostles of the Lamb. He is charged with writing the remainder of the things that will be shown to Nephi, things that have been and the end of the world. We'll play another guessing game with this item the angel describes.
The angel testifies that the things that this apostle will write are just and true. They will be contained in the book that proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew. And that when he wrote it, the things were plain and precious and easy to understand, but now they are not.
The angel again reiterates that Nephi he is not to write them, but this apostle is to write them. He says that others have seen these things, were commanded to write them and seal them up to come forth at the due time of the Lord. The cross reference to this is in Ether 3-4. In chapter 3, the Brother of Jared has a vision of the things that Nephi saw. In chapter 4, he is commanded to write them and seal them up. But this is not the book that the apostle wrote...
Here is another clue in verse 27. The angel tells Nephi that the name of the apostle is John. What book did John write that tells about the end of the world? It is the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. We can see that this book is not easy to read, too. Only if it hadn't been altered. Well, I know that if someone reads it with the Spirit, they will understand every word, just like when a person read Isaiah with the Spirit.
The angel testifies that the things that this apostle will write are just and true. They will be contained in the book that proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew. And that when he wrote it, the things were plain and precious and easy to understand, but now they are not.
The angel again reiterates that Nephi he is not to write them, but this apostle is to write them. He says that others have seen these things, were commanded to write them and seal them up to come forth at the due time of the Lord. The cross reference to this is in Ether 3-4. In chapter 3, the Brother of Jared has a vision of the things that Nephi saw. In chapter 4, he is commanded to write them and seal them up. But this is not the book that the apostle wrote...
Here is another clue in verse 27. The angel tells Nephi that the name of the apostle is John. What book did John write that tells about the end of the world? It is the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. We can see that this book is not easy to read, too. Only if it hadn't been altered. Well, I know that if someone reads it with the Spirit, they will understand every word, just like when a person read Isaiah with the Spirit.
Friday, November 21, 2008
1 Nephi 14:14-17
Nephi sees that the power of God is with the covenant people of the Lord. I am/want to stay in that group, because Nephi saw that wars and rumors of wars were made by those who belonged to the great and abominable church against the saints of God. I want to be on the side that has the power of God with them. I want to know that there are more with us than against us. I imagine that it might literally be that way. A story that fits my vision is found in 2 Kings 6:15-17, during one of the many times Syria comes against Israel to war. At this time, Elisha is the prophet:
"15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
"15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
Verse 17 talks about the spiritual wars that go on. Again, there are more with us than with them. Here is a pertinent scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 84:88:
" 88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
When we go and preach, or share, the gospel, we have the support of Heavenly Father. That is, if we are righteous and we pray beforehand. Let us do so.
Verse 17 talks about the spiritual wars that go on. Again, there are more with us than with them. Here is a pertinent scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 84:88:
" 88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
When we go and preach, or share, the gospel, we have the support of Heavenly Father. That is, if we are righteous and we pray beforehand. Let us do so.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
1 Nephi 14:12-13
Verse 12 describes what I think the Church is like today. The members are few because of the wickedness of the whore who sits on the many waters. The people are blinded from the truth by the church of the devil. It goes on to say that the saints of God were small, but were upon all the face of the Earth. I don't think that we are quite in the position to say this. There are several main countries where we don't have a presence. Well, at least not a presence enough to proselyte. Perhaps it is sufficient for this scripture to say that there are members present in all countries. Maybe they're in the army and are not in a position to share the gospel a lot.
Verse 13 is a little intimidating. This fight could be temporal and/or spiritual. But, it seems that even though we are small in number, the great mother of abominations will gather together and fight with us. I say us, because I'm a part of the small band of saints.
From the Book of Mormon Institute manual:
President Hugh B. Brown spoke of the “final battle” between Satan and his followers and the followers of God:
“I hope that every young man under the sound of my voice will resolve tonight, ‘I am going to keep myself clean. I am going to serve the Lord. I am going to prepare every way I can for future service, because I want to be prepared when the final battle shall come.’ “And some of you young men are going to engage in that battle. Some of you are going to engage in the final testing time, which is coming and which is closer to us than we know” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1967, p. 115).
This was said back in 1967. Now it is 2008. Are we fighting a battle? I know that we are fighting a very large spiritual battle. In a recent meeting with some general authorities, they said that it is shocking how many of our youth fall away, because of this battle. They are our most important priority.
Verse 13 is a little intimidating. This fight could be temporal and/or spiritual. But, it seems that even though we are small in number, the great mother of abominations will gather together and fight with us. I say us, because I'm a part of the small band of saints.
From the Book of Mormon Institute manual:
President Hugh B. Brown spoke of the “final battle” between Satan and his followers and the followers of God:
“I hope that every young man under the sound of my voice will resolve tonight, ‘I am going to keep myself clean. I am going to serve the Lord. I am going to prepare every way I can for future service, because I want to be prepared when the final battle shall come.’ “And some of you young men are going to engage in that battle. Some of you are going to engage in the final testing time, which is coming and which is closer to us than we know” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1967, p. 115).
This was said back in 1967. Now it is 2008. Are we fighting a battle? I know that we are fighting a very large spiritual battle. In a recent meeting with some general authorities, they said that it is shocking how many of our youth fall away, because of this battle. They are our most important priority.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
1 Nephi 14:8-11
After the angel had spoken the words about the captivity of the devil and the goals of those that belong to the great and abominable church, he asked Nephi if he remembered the covenants that the Lord had made with his fathers, or Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Nephi said yes. The angel shows Nephi again the great and abominable church. He says that the great and abominable church is the mother of abominations and that the founder is the devil.
Next, the angel says that there are save two churches only, one being the church of the Lamb of God and the other the church of the devil. And whoso does not belong to the church of God belongeth to the great church of the devil, the mother of abominations, and the whore of all the earth. I think that verse 11 describes what this means. It says that she sat upon the many waters, and she had dominion over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people. The cross reference to Jeremiah 51:13 helps to know what it means that 'she sat upon the many waters.' It says:
"13 O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness."
The waters contain many treasures and represents covetousness. These things are right in line with the goals of the great and abominable church.
Here is quote from the Book of Mormon Institute manual about the only two churches:
Elder Bruce R. McConkie defined the church of the devil in the following way: “The church of the devil is the world; it is all the carnality and evil to which fallen man is heir; it is every unholy and wicked practice; it is every false religion, every supposed system of salvation which does not actually save and exalt man in the highest heaven of the celestial world.
It is every church except the true church, whether parading under a Christian or a pagan banner. As Moroni will say in a later era of Nephite history, and as we shall ascertain in our evaluation of Rev. 18:1–24, it is ‘secret combinations,’ oath-bound societies, and the great world force of Godless communism. (Ether 8:14–26.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:551).
Next, the angel says that there are save two churches only, one being the church of the Lamb of God and the other the church of the devil. And whoso does not belong to the church of God belongeth to the great church of the devil, the mother of abominations, and the whore of all the earth. I think that verse 11 describes what this means. It says that she sat upon the many waters, and she had dominion over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people. The cross reference to Jeremiah 51:13 helps to know what it means that 'she sat upon the many waters.' It says:
"13 O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness."
The waters contain many treasures and represents covetousness. These things are right in line with the goals of the great and abominable church.
Here is quote from the Book of Mormon Institute manual about the only two churches:
Elder Bruce R. McConkie defined the church of the devil in the following way: “The church of the devil is the world; it is all the carnality and evil to which fallen man is heir; it is every unholy and wicked practice; it is every false religion, every supposed system of salvation which does not actually save and exalt man in the highest heaven of the celestial world.
It is every church except the true church, whether parading under a Christian or a pagan banner. As Moroni will say in a later era of Nephite history, and as we shall ascertain in our evaluation of Rev. 18:1–24, it is ‘secret combinations,’ oath-bound societies, and the great world force of Godless communism. (Ether 8:14–26.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:551).
Monday, November 17, 2008
1 Nephi 14:7
Nephi's vision continues...
The angel tells Nephi about a great and marvelous work that will be done in the last days. We know that this is the restoration of the gospel, the church of Christ, and missionary work or the gathering of Israel. He describes the work as everlasting, which means that it will not stop. Here is a familiar quote that confirms the everlastingness of the work:
“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).
We also know that this work involves missionary work, because after the angel announced that the great and marvelous work would take place, he says that the work will be either unto the convincing of them unto peace and life eternal or delivering them to the hardness of their hearts, the blindness of their minds, unto their being brought down into captivity of the devil and destruction, both temporally and spiritually.
The angel tells Nephi about a great and marvelous work that will be done in the last days. We know that this is the restoration of the gospel, the church of Christ, and missionary work or the gathering of Israel. He describes the work as everlasting, which means that it will not stop. Here is a familiar quote that confirms the everlastingness of the work:
“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).
We also know that this work involves missionary work, because after the angel announced that the great and marvelous work would take place, he says that the work will be either unto the convincing of them unto peace and life eternal or delivering them to the hardness of their hearts, the blindness of their minds, unto their being brought down into captivity of the devil and destruction, both temporally and spiritually.
Friday, November 14, 2008
1 Nephi 14:6
Verse 6 begins with a wo from the angel. Wo be unto the Gentiles if they harden their hearts against the Lamb of God. Modern day application: do not harden your heart against the Lamb of God and refuse His counsel, teachings, and commandments. His one request to show that you love Him (opposite of hardening your heart) is to keep His commandments (see John 14:15).
When I read this scripture, I remembered a seminary lesson where the teacher talked about the number of times "wo" was said in a row. For example, there are only three occurances of times when the Lord said wo three times in a row, twice in the Book of Mormon and once in Revelation:
1. 2 Nephi 28:15
" 15 O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in the pride of their hearts, and all those who preach false doctrines, and all those who commit whoredomes, and pervert the right way of the Lord, wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust down to hell!" (emphasis added). As you can see, there are several things that the Lord does will not tolerate.
2. 3 Nephi 9:2
This is a scripture coming from the time when the greater part of the people of the Nephites were destroyed because of their wickedness at the time if the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Again here are some consequences for hardening your heart against the Lord. They were wicked and had rejected the prophets.
"2 Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my people; and it is because of their iniquity and abominations that they are fallen!" (emphasis added). Here, again, is another example of how the devil will not support his children in the end.
3. Revelation 8:13
The Bible uses a different spelling of wo (or woe).
"13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!" (emphasis added). We can deduce that if an angel, who have been used to call men to repentence, is flying through the air crying woe, that the people have been wicked where this is he is going.
Well, be good! Three woes, three times in the scriptures...
When I read this scripture, I remembered a seminary lesson where the teacher talked about the number of times "wo" was said in a row. For example, there are only three occurances of times when the Lord said wo three times in a row, twice in the Book of Mormon and once in Revelation:
1. 2 Nephi 28:15
" 15 O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in the pride of their hearts, and all those who preach false doctrines, and all those who commit whoredomes, and pervert the right way of the Lord, wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust down to hell!" (emphasis added). As you can see, there are several things that the Lord does will not tolerate.
2. 3 Nephi 9:2
This is a scripture coming from the time when the greater part of the people of the Nephites were destroyed because of their wickedness at the time if the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Again here are some consequences for hardening your heart against the Lord. They were wicked and had rejected the prophets.
"2 Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my people; and it is because of their iniquity and abominations that they are fallen!" (emphasis added). Here, again, is another example of how the devil will not support his children in the end.
3. Revelation 8:13
The Bible uses a different spelling of wo (or woe).
"13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!" (emphasis added). We can deduce that if an angel, who have been used to call men to repentence, is flying through the air crying woe, that the people have been wicked where this is he is going.
Well, be good! Three woes, three times in the scriptures...
Thursday, November 13, 2008
1 Nephi 14:4-5
Verse 4 finishes the thought that we looked at yesterday. Those that follow the devil and do not accept the gospel must be cast down to hell. This is according to the justice of God, and God does not lie.
Verse 5 states that if the Gentiles repent, it shall be well with them. I think that this is true for anyone, too. The angel also states that Nephi knows of the covenants of the Lord with the house of Israel. The angel says, too, that Nephi has also heard that whoso repenteth will not perish, which confirms my earlier thought.
So, my next thought is, what are the covenants of the Lord with the house of Israel? I did a search in the scriptures and found that there was one main reference, the Abrahamic Covenant. (This entry in the Bible Dictionary is truly amazing. It is not long, nor is it eloquent, but if you think about the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to us, it is truly amazing.) I had heard once that this is the secondary theme of the Book of Mormon, the first being to testify of Christ. The theme being that the Lord will fulfill the covenants He made with their fathers.
There were others, too. Like that the Lord would provide a way for the house of Israel in the last days to have the gospel preached unto them. Also, He covenanted with Joseph, a son of Jacob. These covenants are described in the Book of Mormon and were probably taken from the brass plates. Their description starts in 2 Nephi 3:4. The Nephites and Lamanites are mentioned and Joseph Smith is as well. Any covenant with the Lord is powerful. Baptism is a wonderful opportunity to make a covenant, or two-way promise, with someone who will not break it. We renew it every week at church with the sacrament.
Verse 5 states that if the Gentiles repent, it shall be well with them. I think that this is true for anyone, too. The angel also states that Nephi knows of the covenants of the Lord with the house of Israel. The angel says, too, that Nephi has also heard that whoso repenteth will not perish, which confirms my earlier thought.
So, my next thought is, what are the covenants of the Lord with the house of Israel? I did a search in the scriptures and found that there was one main reference, the Abrahamic Covenant. (This entry in the Bible Dictionary is truly amazing. It is not long, nor is it eloquent, but if you think about the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to us, it is truly amazing.) I had heard once that this is the secondary theme of the Book of Mormon, the first being to testify of Christ. The theme being that the Lord will fulfill the covenants He made with their fathers.
There were others, too. Like that the Lord would provide a way for the house of Israel in the last days to have the gospel preached unto them. Also, He covenanted with Joseph, a son of Jacob. These covenants are described in the Book of Mormon and were probably taken from the brass plates. Their description starts in 2 Nephi 3:4. The Nephites and Lamanites are mentioned and Joseph Smith is as well. Any covenant with the Lord is powerful. Baptism is a wonderful opportunity to make a covenant, or two-way promise, with someone who will not break it. We renew it every week at church with the sacrament.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
1 Nephi 14:3
Verse 3 is very interesting. It took me a little pondering to kind of get the gist of it, but I'm not sure if I still understand the meaning.
It seems that the great and abominable church has dug a pit for the people of God, the true followers of Christ. Perhaps when they took out plain and precious parts of the Bible was contributed to the digging of the pit. Anyway, they dig a pit to trap the good people of the earth and ensnare them in it. Fortunately, there are other verses that discuss this practice of wicked people (see Psalms 57:6, Matthew 7:1-2, 1 Nephi 22:13-14, Doctrine and Covenants 10:25-27, Doctrine and Covenants 109:25).
The purpose of the pit is revealed in the next phrases. The pit dug by the great and abominable church, which consists of the devil and his followers, is to lead away the good souls down to hell. Anything that is good is of Christ. Anything that is not is of the devil, and if you seek after it, you are falling into the pit and going down the path to hell. The devil makes many things out to be bright and twinkling, but these are just imitations. Take care to see if the fruits are good or bad. Pay attention to your feelings about the thing. Watch the church leaders for the example. This advice will help you to not fall into the pit.
The angel prophesies that the pit that has been dug to ensnare the righteous, will be filled by those who dug it. The followers of the devil will be miserable and he does not support them at the last day (see Alma 30:60), even thought he might promise you that he will, or that there is no devil or sin. Finally, those that fell into their own pit will be cast off to hell, and if the devil does not support them in the last day, hell will be a lonely place because they will know that they could have kept the truth and be saved, but did not.
(Hopefully this wasn't too depressing of an entry. I know that Heavenly Father loves us an will do all He can to help us to be saved. We just have to listen to Him and turn to Him, and that is an encouraging thought.)
It seems that the great and abominable church has dug a pit for the people of God, the true followers of Christ. Perhaps when they took out plain and precious parts of the Bible was contributed to the digging of the pit. Anyway, they dig a pit to trap the good people of the earth and ensnare them in it. Fortunately, there are other verses that discuss this practice of wicked people (see Psalms 57:6, Matthew 7:1-2, 1 Nephi 22:13-14, Doctrine and Covenants 10:25-27, Doctrine and Covenants 109:25).
The purpose of the pit is revealed in the next phrases. The pit dug by the great and abominable church, which consists of the devil and his followers, is to lead away the good souls down to hell. Anything that is good is of Christ. Anything that is not is of the devil, and if you seek after it, you are falling into the pit and going down the path to hell. The devil makes many things out to be bright and twinkling, but these are just imitations. Take care to see if the fruits are good or bad. Pay attention to your feelings about the thing. Watch the church leaders for the example. This advice will help you to not fall into the pit.
The angel prophesies that the pit that has been dug to ensnare the righteous, will be filled by those who dug it. The followers of the devil will be miserable and he does not support them at the last day (see Alma 30:60), even thought he might promise you that he will, or that there is no devil or sin. Finally, those that fell into their own pit will be cast off to hell, and if the devil does not support them in the last day, hell will be a lonely place because they will know that they could have kept the truth and be saved, but did not.
(Hopefully this wasn't too depressing of an entry. I know that Heavenly Father loves us an will do all He can to help us to be saved. We just have to listen to Him and turn to Him, and that is an encouraging thought.)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
1 Nephi 14:1-2
The chapter begins with Nephi still in vision with an angel of the Lord. He is explaining to Nephi about the Gentiles in the last days, or in other words, us. It is another way that we can see that the Book of Mormon was written for us.
Verse 1 is written to those who have not been listening to or have not heard the Lord lately. It says that if they hearken unto the Lord, He shall manifest Himself in power, and word, and deed, and He will remove their stumbling blocks, or the things in the last chapter that have crept into the scriptures to blind men. It could also mean that He will remove the things that they are dealing with, like unemployment or spiritual poverty. What a marvelous blessing to not have stumbling blocks. Although if that is true, you should be grateful, because I don't think many in this life are that well off.
Verse 2 reiterates a lot that has been said. If we, as a nation, hearken unto the Lord, we shall be numbered among the seed of Lehi, or in other words, the house of Israel. We will be able to get the blessings that were given to those of their posterity. It goes into some of those blessings here in the verse. We shall be blessed to prosper on this land. We will not be brought under captivity, and the house of Israel shall no more be confounded.
Today was about hearkening unto the Lord. Let us do so and be blessed as he promised.
Verse 1 is written to those who have not been listening to or have not heard the Lord lately. It says that if they hearken unto the Lord, He shall manifest Himself in power, and word, and deed, and He will remove their stumbling blocks, or the things in the last chapter that have crept into the scriptures to blind men. It could also mean that He will remove the things that they are dealing with, like unemployment or spiritual poverty. What a marvelous blessing to not have stumbling blocks. Although if that is true, you should be grateful, because I don't think many in this life are that well off.
Verse 2 reiterates a lot that has been said. If we, as a nation, hearken unto the Lord, we shall be numbered among the seed of Lehi, or in other words, the house of Israel. We will be able to get the blessings that were given to those of their posterity. It goes into some of those blessings here in the verse. We shall be blessed to prosper on this land. We will not be brought under captivity, and the house of Israel shall no more be confounded.
Today was about hearkening unto the Lord. Let us do so and be blessed as he promised.
Monday, November 10, 2008
1 Nephi 13:41-EoC
Verses 41 and 42 are the last verses in this chapter. Nephi continues his great vision. He has seen many things in this chapter about our recent history many hundred years before Christ even came.
Verse 41 says that the record of the Nephites (Book of Mormon) and the record of the Jews and apostles (Bible) and the latter-day revelations shall be established as one because there is one God and one Shepherd over all the earth. One fulfillment of this prophecy came in about 1980, when the church fully cross-references the four Standard Works of the church. I tried to find more about this process, but couldn't. The result is essentially what we use today in the church as scriptures. What a marvelous thing to happen, but I believe that it was done humbly and quietly. A good cross reference is from Ezekiel 17:
"15 ¶ The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,
Verse 41 says that the record of the Nephites (Book of Mormon) and the record of the Jews and apostles (Bible) and the latter-day revelations shall be established as one because there is one God and one Shepherd over all the earth. One fulfillment of this prophecy came in about 1980, when the church fully cross-references the four Standard Works of the church. I tried to find more about this process, but couldn't. The result is essentially what we use today in the church as scriptures. What a marvelous thing to happen, but I believe that it was done humbly and quietly. A good cross reference is from Ezekiel 17:
"15 ¶ The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,
16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:
18 ¶ And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?
19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.
20 ¶ And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes."
Remember that the Ephraim is the son of Joseph and that Lehi was a descendant of Joseph. Actually, Lehi was a descendant of Manasseh, the other son of Joseph. Many thing that Saraiah, Lehi's wife had to have been of the lineage of Ephraim for several reasons, one so that this prophesy could be true from Ezekial. The references to sticks are the records of these nations. Therefore, the stick of Judah is the Bible and the stick of Joseph is the Book of Mormon, and they were made one in this day, at least.
Verse 42 is a great scripture, as well. It says that Christ shall appear to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. We have seen that happen. Christ appeared to the Jews when He came to be born on the earth and then to the Gentiles in America as recorded in 3 Nephi 11-27. For the Second Coming, He will appear to the Gentiles first and then to the Jews, thus the first being the last and that last being the first. Then, at that time, He will show the Jews the marks in his hands and feet and they will know that it was the Messiah that came and who was crucified by them. So, as of now, this is what I think this scripture is saying. : )
Remember that the Ephraim is the son of Joseph and that Lehi was a descendant of Joseph. Actually, Lehi was a descendant of Manasseh, the other son of Joseph. Many thing that Saraiah, Lehi's wife had to have been of the lineage of Ephraim for several reasons, one so that this prophesy could be true from Ezekial. The references to sticks are the records of these nations. Therefore, the stick of Judah is the Bible and the stick of Joseph is the Book of Mormon, and they were made one in this day, at least.
Verse 42 is a great scripture, as well. It says that Christ shall appear to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. We have seen that happen. Christ appeared to the Jews when He came to be born on the earth and then to the Gentiles in America as recorded in 3 Nephi 11-27. For the Second Coming, He will appear to the Gentiles first and then to the Jews, thus the first being the last and that last being the first. Then, at that time, He will show the Jews the marks in his hands and feet and they will know that it was the Messiah that came and who was crucified by them. So, as of now, this is what I think this scripture is saying. : )
Friday, November 7, 2008
1 Nephi 13:35-40
Nephi's vision continues...
The Lord promises that because of the plain and precious parts of the Bible will be taken away, that He will prepare a way for them to be brought back. This is detailed to Nephi at this time. He says that He will minister Himself unto the seed of Nephi. Then they shall write those things down that He will minister. They shall be plain and precious. Then Nephi's seed will be destroyed and the Gentiles shall dwindle in unbelief. As this happens, the writings of Nephi and his seed will be hidden up. Then, they will come forth unto the Gentiles by the gift and power of the Lamb. The plain and precious parts of the gospel will be preserved on those plates.
The angel states that those, in that day, that seek to bring forth Zion shall be blessed, and they shall be saved at the last day. I think that this refers to those good saints in the early days of the church and probably those good people beforehand that did the best they could in life to follow Christ and His teachings whose saving ordinances will be done for them in the temple.
The next verse states that the Gentiles shall have the Bible and they shall bring it to the remnant of the seed of Lehi. Afterward, there came "other books" unto the seed of Lehi, and these books had this purpose: to convince the seed of Lehi, the Gentiles, and the Jews (whom the angel showed to Nephi were now scattered upon the face of the earth) that the records of the prophets (Old Testament, but perhaps not solely) and the twelve apostles (New Testament, again perhaps not solely) are true.
In Verse 40, the angel goes deeper into their purpose. These "last records" shall establish the truth of the first (the Bible), make known the plain and precious parts that were taken away, make known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people that the Lamb of God is the very Son of the Eternal Father and the Savior of the world, and that no one can be saved in the kingdom of God, except it be by Him. Any idea as to what the "last records" are? Here is another quote from the Book of Mormon Institute manual:
“These last records which were to come forth to bear witness of the ‘book of the Lamb of God,’ which is the Bible, are the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the revelations of the Lord to Joseph Smith” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Man, His Origin and Destiny, pp. 411–12).
I would venture to say that continuing revelation comprising the conference issues and the Ensign are also included in the "last books." What a marvelous gift from our Heavenly Father, that we do not have to stumble around in this life without having the fullness of the gospel and constantly learning new things about it each day.
The Lord promises that because of the plain and precious parts of the Bible will be taken away, that He will prepare a way for them to be brought back. This is detailed to Nephi at this time. He says that He will minister Himself unto the seed of Nephi. Then they shall write those things down that He will minister. They shall be plain and precious. Then Nephi's seed will be destroyed and the Gentiles shall dwindle in unbelief. As this happens, the writings of Nephi and his seed will be hidden up. Then, they will come forth unto the Gentiles by the gift and power of the Lamb. The plain and precious parts of the gospel will be preserved on those plates.
The angel states that those, in that day, that seek to bring forth Zion shall be blessed, and they shall be saved at the last day. I think that this refers to those good saints in the early days of the church and probably those good people beforehand that did the best they could in life to follow Christ and His teachings whose saving ordinances will be done for them in the temple.
The next verse states that the Gentiles shall have the Bible and they shall bring it to the remnant of the seed of Lehi. Afterward, there came "other books" unto the seed of Lehi, and these books had this purpose: to convince the seed of Lehi, the Gentiles, and the Jews (whom the angel showed to Nephi were now scattered upon the face of the earth) that the records of the prophets (Old Testament, but perhaps not solely) and the twelve apostles (New Testament, again perhaps not solely) are true.
In Verse 40, the angel goes deeper into their purpose. These "last records" shall establish the truth of the first (the Bible), make known the plain and precious parts that were taken away, make known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people that the Lamb of God is the very Son of the Eternal Father and the Savior of the world, and that no one can be saved in the kingdom of God, except it be by Him. Any idea as to what the "last records" are? Here is another quote from the Book of Mormon Institute manual:
“These last records which were to come forth to bear witness of the ‘book of the Lamb of God,’ which is the Bible, are the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the revelations of the Lord to Joseph Smith” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Man, His Origin and Destiny, pp. 411–12).
I would venture to say that continuing revelation comprising the conference issues and the Ensign are also included in the "last books." What a marvelous gift from our Heavenly Father, that we do not have to stumble around in this life without having the fullness of the gospel and constantly learning new things about it each day.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
1 Nephi 13:30-34
Nephi's vision continues...
In Verse 30, we see that the Lord has lifted up this nation above all other nations. Additionally, even though the seed of Lehi had been driven forth and slain, they will not utterly be destroyed. The indigenous people of the Americas have been driven forth, with many killed. But, there are still small pockets of them still alive. Here in the United State, for example, we have reservations where they live today.
Next, the angel relates that God will not let the Gentiles remain in a state of blindness because the plain and precious parts of the Bible were taken away by the great and abominable church which was formed. (Remember, the great and abominable church is most likely not a specific church, but the specific group of people that do not follow God, but follow another, one who inspired them to take out those plain and precious parts of the Bible.)
On this, Joseph Smith said (from the Book of Mormon Institute manual), "I believe the Bible as it read when it came from the pen of the original writers. Ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 327).
Next, the angel says that God will visit the house of Israel in great judgment and be merciful unto the Gentiles. I'm not sure what it means that He will visit the house of Israel in great judgment. It is mentioned twice that He will do so. But, afterward, the angel says that God will bring forth much of His gospel which shall be plain and precious saith the Lamb.
We have seen this come to pass. It is in the scriptures: the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, continuing revelation through General Conference, and the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible. This will be discussed more later on.
In Verse 30, we see that the Lord has lifted up this nation above all other nations. Additionally, even though the seed of Lehi had been driven forth and slain, they will not utterly be destroyed. The indigenous people of the Americas have been driven forth, with many killed. But, there are still small pockets of them still alive. Here in the United State, for example, we have reservations where they live today.
Next, the angel relates that God will not let the Gentiles remain in a state of blindness because the plain and precious parts of the Bible were taken away by the great and abominable church which was formed. (Remember, the great and abominable church is most likely not a specific church, but the specific group of people that do not follow God, but follow another, one who inspired them to take out those plain and precious parts of the Bible.)
On this, Joseph Smith said (from the Book of Mormon Institute manual), "I believe the Bible as it read when it came from the pen of the original writers. Ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 327).
Next, the angel says that God will visit the house of Israel in great judgment and be merciful unto the Gentiles. I'm not sure what it means that He will visit the house of Israel in great judgment. It is mentioned twice that He will do so. But, afterward, the angel says that God will bring forth much of His gospel which shall be plain and precious saith the Lamb.
We have seen this come to pass. It is in the scriptures: the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, continuing revelation through General Conference, and the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible. This will be discussed more later on.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
1 Nephi 13:25-29
Nephi's vision continues...
In Verse 25, he is shown that the words of the Jews went forth to the Gentiles in purity, meaning that the records of the lives of the prophets were true and accurate. Then when the writings of the twelve apostles went unto them, the compilation of which is where we get the Bible, many plain and precious parts were taken out along with many of the covenants of the Lord. This was done to pervert the right ways of the Lord and blind the eyes of men and harden their hearts. Well, they have succeeded in many respects. But as we've said before, the wisdom of God is greater than the cunning of the devil. He has prepared another testament of Jesus Christ, namely the Book of Mormon. This book restores the truths that were lost and points us to living prophets and continuing revelation, so that corruption of the scriptures would never happen again.
Verse 29 reiterates this. The fact that many of the truths were taken out of the Bible is a great stumbling block to the people and for this reason, too, there are great disputations among the people and many sects and religions based off the same book of scripture. So, we must remember the counsel given in Doctrine and Covenants 123:12, " 12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—" So, this is why we must talk with everyone about the gospel restoration. We do not know who is seeking for the truth, but doesn't know where to find it.
In Verse 25, he is shown that the words of the Jews went forth to the Gentiles in purity, meaning that the records of the lives of the prophets were true and accurate. Then when the writings of the twelve apostles went unto them, the compilation of which is where we get the Bible, many plain and precious parts were taken out along with many of the covenants of the Lord. This was done to pervert the right ways of the Lord and blind the eyes of men and harden their hearts. Well, they have succeeded in many respects. But as we've said before, the wisdom of God is greater than the cunning of the devil. He has prepared another testament of Jesus Christ, namely the Book of Mormon. This book restores the truths that were lost and points us to living prophets and continuing revelation, so that corruption of the scriptures would never happen again.
Verse 29 reiterates this. The fact that many of the truths were taken out of the Bible is a great stumbling block to the people and for this reason, too, there are great disputations among the people and many sects and religions based off the same book of scripture. So, we must remember the counsel given in Doctrine and Covenants 123:12, " 12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—" So, this is why we must talk with everyone about the gospel restoration. We do not know who is seeking for the truth, but doesn't know where to find it.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
My Quiz from QuizYourFriends.com
Blog Extra: Good Quotes and Go Vote!
Today is voting day for the next president of the United States. During this time in the Book of Mormon, Nephi sees in vision the establishment of this great country. It was truly the work of the Lord. Here are some pertinent quotes from the Institute manual about one of the reasons this country was founded:
1 Nephi 13:15–19. The Establishment of America
“This great American nation the Almighty raised up by the power of his omnipotent hand, that it might be possible in the latter days for the kingdom of God to be established in the earth. If the Lord had not prepared the way by laying the foundations of this glorious nation, it would have been impossible (under the stringent laws and bigotry of the monarchical governments of the world) to have laid the foundations for the coming of his great kingdom. The Lord has done this. His hand has been over this nation, and it is his purpose and design to enlarge it, make it glorious above all others, and to give it dominion, and power over the earth, to the end that those who are kept in bondage and serfdom may be brought to the enjoyment of the fullest freedom and liberty of conscience possible for intelligent men to exercise in the earth” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 409).
1 Nephi 13:19. “Delivered by the Power of God”
Elder Spencer W. Kimball spoke of the Lord’s hand in the preservation of the early colonists of America and their deliverance from an army that was seemingly far superior to them:
“I have a firm conviction that the Lord led the Pilgrims and the Puritans across the ocean, perhaps permitted the persecutions that would bring them here, so that when they came to the American shores with their righteous blood and their high ideals and standards, they would form the basis of a nation which would make possible the restoration of the gospel. I am sure that since there was not religious liberty, not political liberty here, the Lord permitted these few poorly-armed and ill-clad men at Valley Forge and elsewhere to defeat a great army with its trained soldiery and its many mercenaries, a few against the many, but the few had on their side the Lord God of heaven, that gave them victory. And there came political liberty and religious liberty with it, all in preparation for the day when a young boy would come forth and would seek and make contact with the Lord and open the doors of heaven again. Following that great manifestation to Joseph Smith came the opening of Cumorah Hill and the speaking of the dead from the dust” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1950, p. 64).
Go Vote!
Here is a warning from the prophet/king Mosiah of the Nephites. Just before he was about to die, he set up a government whose officers would be determined by the voice of the people (see Mosiah 29). Here is the part that we should be concerned with in Verses 26 and 27:
" 26 Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people.
1 Nephi 13:15–19. The Establishment of America
“This great American nation the Almighty raised up by the power of his omnipotent hand, that it might be possible in the latter days for the kingdom of God to be established in the earth. If the Lord had not prepared the way by laying the foundations of this glorious nation, it would have been impossible (under the stringent laws and bigotry of the monarchical governments of the world) to have laid the foundations for the coming of his great kingdom. The Lord has done this. His hand has been over this nation, and it is his purpose and design to enlarge it, make it glorious above all others, and to give it dominion, and power over the earth, to the end that those who are kept in bondage and serfdom may be brought to the enjoyment of the fullest freedom and liberty of conscience possible for intelligent men to exercise in the earth” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 409).
1 Nephi 13:19. “Delivered by the Power of God”
Elder Spencer W. Kimball spoke of the Lord’s hand in the preservation of the early colonists of America and their deliverance from an army that was seemingly far superior to them:
“I have a firm conviction that the Lord led the Pilgrims and the Puritans across the ocean, perhaps permitted the persecutions that would bring them here, so that when they came to the American shores with their righteous blood and their high ideals and standards, they would form the basis of a nation which would make possible the restoration of the gospel. I am sure that since there was not religious liberty, not political liberty here, the Lord permitted these few poorly-armed and ill-clad men at Valley Forge and elsewhere to defeat a great army with its trained soldiery and its many mercenaries, a few against the many, but the few had on their side the Lord God of heaven, that gave them victory. And there came political liberty and religious liberty with it, all in preparation for the day when a young boy would come forth and would seek and make contact with the Lord and open the doors of heaven again. Following that great manifestation to Joseph Smith came the opening of Cumorah Hill and the speaking of the dead from the dust” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1950, p. 64).
Go Vote!
Here is a warning from the prophet/king Mosiah of the Nephites. Just before he was about to die, he set up a government whose officers would be determined by the voice of the people (see Mosiah 29). Here is the part that we should be concerned with in Verses 26 and 27:
" 26 Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people.
" 27 And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land."
Please research who would be someone that would best uphold the commandments of God and do that which is right and vote for them. We do not want to be visited with great destruction.
Please research who would be someone that would best uphold the commandments of God and do that which is right and vote for them. We do not want to be visited with great destruction.
1 Nephi 13:20-24
It is Nephi's turn now to see a book in vision (compare with 1 Nephi 1:11). But this book is a little different, and we know what this book is. At least I hope that we esteem this book to be of great worth and feel that the stories therein are worth knowing. Here are the clues that were given to Nephi by the angel. (1) The gentiles prospered after the Revolutionary War and this book was carried forth among them; (2) it has a great meaning (if the angel asks Nephi about the meaning thereof); (3) it came forth out of the mouth of a Jew; (4) it is a record of the Jews and contains the covenants of the Lord which He made unto the House of Israel; (5) it contains many prophesies of the holy prophets; (6) it is a record like unto the plates of brass (the ones Nephi and his brothers brought out of Jerusalem, but this book is smaller because is says that there aren't as many engravings as the plates of brass); (7) it is of great worth unto the Gentiles; (8) when it proceeded forth out of the mouth of a Jew, it contained the fullness of the gospel; and (9) this fullness came from the record of the twelve apostles. Give up? Well, it's the Bible! The next verses go into more detail about this record. But we should realize its divine origin and understand its history which will be given in the next part of Nephi's vision.
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