In verse 21, Nephi illustrates a necessary duality. He talks about prophets of old and how they were shown the future, Nephi's people, and how they came across the sea to the Americas. It was necessary that they knew about it and that they prophesy about it. Perhaps one reason might be so that those who read their words might receive a testimony of their calling as prophet and thus believe and follow their teachings. The other side of the coin is that it was necessary that Nephi had their words and read them and knew them. This is perhaps so that they can know what words to follow, what direction to follow.
I wanted to illustrate one other part in the Book of Mormon where this takes place. In 3 Nephi 19, Jesus is visiting the people and comments on their great faith. They had seen many marvelous works. So, what does Jesus do next. He teaches them about the future. It is interesting that He does this because I'm not exactly sure how it pertains to the people specifically at that time. Maybe they had a question about it.
Here are the next few chapter synopses that will show us a little about what He taught them about the future:
Chapter 20: Jesus provides bread and wine miraculously and again administers the sacrament unto them—The remnant of Jacob shall come to the knowledge of the Lord their God and shall inherit the Americas—Jesus is the prophet like unto Moses, and the Nephites are children of the prophets—Others of the Lord’s people shall be gathered to Jerusalem.
Chapter 21: Israel shall be gathered when the Book of Mormon comes forth—The Gentiles shall be established as a free people in America—They shall be saved if they believe and obey; otherwise they shall be cut off and destroyed—Israel shall build the New Jerusalem, and the lost tribes shall return.
Chapter 22: In the last days, Zion and her stakes shall be established, and Israel shall be gathered in mercy and tenderness—They shall triumph—Compare Isaiah 54.
Chapter 23: Jesus approves the words of Isaiah—He commands the people to search the prophets—The words of Samuel the Lamanite concerning the resurrection are added to their records.
Chapter 24: The Lord’s messenger shall prepare the way for the Second Coming—Christ shall sit in judgment—Israel is commanded to pay tithes and offerings—A book of remembrance is kept—Compare Malachi 3.
Chapter 25: At the Second Coming the proud and wicked shall be burned as stubble—Elijah shall return before that great and dreadful day—Compare Malachi 4.
Finally, in chapter 26, Jesus expounds all things unto the people. What an amazing thing. What we have touched on in the chapter descriptions is in the process of happening or has not happened yet. We need to study these words and those of Isaiah, too, and we will know more about what will happen when Jesus comes again, which the prophets say is close.
About Me
Joseph Smith Movie
Here is a new movie portraying the life of Joseph Smith the Prophet.
I know that he was a prophet and that the events portrayed in the movie are true. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
To the Reader...
This entry and the ones that follow are directed to you, the reader, whoever you might be. I want you to consider yourself my friend. These entries are going to be about things that I feel are very important for you to know. They are about things that can affect your life here on earth and into the hereafter.
First, I wanted to state here my reason for setting this up. I read a talk given by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles that mentioned a purpose that blogging can have. It can be used to let other's know what I believe to be true in this life, religiously speaking. I agreed with what he said so much, that I had to do it. Thus, the page you are reading now. Here is a link to that talk:
Elder Ballard's Commencement Address--Brigham Young University Hawaii (December 2007)
I know that there are many out there who are searching for truths in life, stable principles to believe in and hold on to, and if they do they can be truly happy. I know that those truths and principles are found in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
As you may know, Jesus Christ was a person that lived a long time ago and He taught good things to the people of His day. But what did he say? How can those things said so long ago affect a person today? I can tell you now, that the things He said and did 2,000 years ago will help enrich our lives if we even experiment on His teachings.
One of the first steps is to find faith in Him. This video is a good introduction to some of the things He taught and did so many years ago. It also helps us believe that what He said is true.
Finding Faith in Christ Video (from JesusChrist.lds.org)
I know that Jesus Christ lived on the earth and that He lives today. I know that what He taught is true. I know that if I pray to my Father in Heaven in the name of Jesus Christ, I am speaking to someone who cares about me and my life here on earth. I have felt a special peace and assurance when I do so. You can too, friend. Now, you try it and see for yourself. Ask God if He is there and aware of you.
Next, you might want to know more about what Jesus Christ has said to the people He mingled with. There have been several texts that have survived the two millennia since He died and was resurrected. His mortal life was lived in Jerusalem and its surrounding area in what some term the Old World. A record of his words is contained in the Bible. Here is a link to the King James Version:
The Old Testament (beginning at the creation of the world to about 400 B.C.)
The New Testament (beginning at the birth of Christ to about the death of the 12 apostles)
You may ask, if Jesus lived in the Old World, what about the inhabitants of the New World? Do they not deserve His teachings? At the time of the Old and New Testaments in the Old world, the New World, the ancient Americas, did have the words of Jesus Christ. Just as Jehovah spoke to the prophets in the Old Testament, He called prophets in the New World and spoke to them. Even Jesus Christ, Himself, appeared to the inhabitants of the New World after his resurrection and ascension into heaven in the Old World. You may ask, where is this record? Not many have heard of this record. It is called:
The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ (beginning at 600 B.C. to 400 A.D.)
If you click on the link it will take you to the text. Since it may be new to you, I recommend that you ask God, the fountain of all truth, if it is true. Here is the challenge from the last prophet who wrote in it:
3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
You can pray, with sincerety, about anything and God will answer your prayer through the Holy Ghost. The key is to do sufficient investigation and then kneel down in a quiet, secluded place with your question in mind, perhaps about if the Book of Mormon is true. Then talk to God and ask Him as if He was a loving Father, which He is, if what you've read was true. He will answer you with a warm feeling inside that it is, if it is. This warm feeling is the Holy Ghost communicating Heavenly Father's message to you. I know this is true. This is the first part of the amazing this I created this blog about. If you have questions, just let me know. You could also click on the link below and then click on the "Ask a question" link in the upper right corner. You could even request a hard copy of the Bible and Book of Mormon for yourself, free of charge and shipping.
Ask a Question (mormon.org)
Thanks, friend, for stopping by. Have a great day!
First, I wanted to state here my reason for setting this up. I read a talk given by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles that mentioned a purpose that blogging can have. It can be used to let other's know what I believe to be true in this life, religiously speaking. I agreed with what he said so much, that I had to do it. Thus, the page you are reading now. Here is a link to that talk:
Elder Ballard's Commencement Address--Brigham Young University Hawaii (December 2007)
I know that there are many out there who are searching for truths in life, stable principles to believe in and hold on to, and if they do they can be truly happy. I know that those truths and principles are found in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
As you may know, Jesus Christ was a person that lived a long time ago and He taught good things to the people of His day. But what did he say? How can those things said so long ago affect a person today? I can tell you now, that the things He said and did 2,000 years ago will help enrich our lives if we even experiment on His teachings.
One of the first steps is to find faith in Him. This video is a good introduction to some of the things He taught and did so many years ago. It also helps us believe that what He said is true.
Finding Faith in Christ Video (from JesusChrist.lds.org)
I know that Jesus Christ lived on the earth and that He lives today. I know that what He taught is true. I know that if I pray to my Father in Heaven in the name of Jesus Christ, I am speaking to someone who cares about me and my life here on earth. I have felt a special peace and assurance when I do so. You can too, friend. Now, you try it and see for yourself. Ask God if He is there and aware of you.
Next, you might want to know more about what Jesus Christ has said to the people He mingled with. There have been several texts that have survived the two millennia since He died and was resurrected. His mortal life was lived in Jerusalem and its surrounding area in what some term the Old World. A record of his words is contained in the Bible. Here is a link to the King James Version:
The Old Testament (beginning at the creation of the world to about 400 B.C.)
The New Testament (beginning at the birth of Christ to about the death of the 12 apostles)
You may ask, if Jesus lived in the Old World, what about the inhabitants of the New World? Do they not deserve His teachings? At the time of the Old and New Testaments in the Old world, the New World, the ancient Americas, did have the words of Jesus Christ. Just as Jehovah spoke to the prophets in the Old Testament, He called prophets in the New World and spoke to them. Even Jesus Christ, Himself, appeared to the inhabitants of the New World after his resurrection and ascension into heaven in the Old World. You may ask, where is this record? Not many have heard of this record. It is called:
The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ (beginning at 600 B.C. to 400 A.D.)
If you click on the link it will take you to the text. Since it may be new to you, I recommend that you ask God, the fountain of all truth, if it is true. Here is the challenge from the last prophet who wrote in it:
3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
You can pray, with sincerety, about anything and God will answer your prayer through the Holy Ghost. The key is to do sufficient investigation and then kneel down in a quiet, secluded place with your question in mind, perhaps about if the Book of Mormon is true. Then talk to God and ask Him as if He was a loving Father, which He is, if what you've read was true. He will answer you with a warm feeling inside that it is, if it is. This warm feeling is the Holy Ghost communicating Heavenly Father's message to you. I know this is true. This is the first part of the amazing this I created this blog about. If you have questions, just let me know. You could also click on the link below and then click on the "Ask a question" link in the upper right corner. You could even request a hard copy of the Bible and Book of Mormon for yourself, free of charge and shipping.
Ask a Question (mormon.org)
Thanks, friend, for stopping by. Have a great day!
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