Thought:
“The
Gospel in the Book of Mormon and the Gospel in the Bible both agree: the
doctrines in both books are one. The historical part differs only: the one
gives the history of an Asiatic, the other of an American people. … It is true,
and we know it.” (John Taylor, Journal
of Discourses, 5:240–41.) “Do not trust in yourselves, but study the
best books—the Bible and Book of Mormon—and get all the information you can,
and then cleave to God and keep yourselves free from corruption and pollution
of every kind, and the blessings of the Most High will be with you.” (John
Taylor, Journal of Discourses, 12:398.)
Books
of the Week: Charting the Book of Mormon, Welch.
A Book of Mormon Treasury, -Various
Gary's "GREEN VERSES" in 2nd Nephi
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2 Nephi 1:21
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It makes one think of the responsibilities we have as parents to
children and children to parents.
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2 Nephi 2:2
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Realization that whatever happens in our life can result in good
when we allow God to touch it.
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2 Nephi 3:12
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A one verse statement on a significant reason why God gave us
the Book of Mormon. 1) Confound false doctrines. 2)Lay down contention.
3)Establish peace 4) Help descendents find fathers. 5)Discover covenants.
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2 Nephi 4:31
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What I want my reaction to be to sin.
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2 Nephi 5:27
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What changes should I make in my life to allow me to live after
an increased manner of happiness.
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2 Nephi 6:13
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To be a person of the Lord, I must wait for him.
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2 Nephi 7:1-2
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The verses I read when I feel cast off.
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2 Nephi 8:7
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What should I do to have the law written in my heart? Getting it
written in my mind is easier.
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2 Nephi 9:28-29
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Learning is only a good thing IF we hearken to God.
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2 Nephi 10:24
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Reconcile means "to make consistent. My will needs to be consistent
with His.
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2 Nephi 11:3
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We should have our family members and the words of prophets be
another witness of our testimonies.
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2 Nephi 2:2-3
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When was the last time I learned something in the temple. It is
easy to go and not even think about learning.
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2 Nephi 13:10
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What fruit have I eaten because of my doings? What can I do to
have better meals in my future?
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2 Nephi 14:2
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We live "in that day". It really is a beautiful and
glorious time to be on the earth and in the Church.
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2 Nephi 15:20
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The world is calling good evil and evil good. We shouldn't be
surprised or fooled.
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2 Nephi 16:8
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This was true for the Savior and for Isaiah. Is it true for Gary
Poll?
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2 Nephi 17:14
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Preparations for the Savior's birth began centuries before he
was born. That is true for us too.
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2 Nephi 18:10
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Any time we include God in our personal, family or group
decisions, the outcome will be a winning one.
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2 Nephi 19:6
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Robes are placed upon shoulders as a symbol for governing. It is
a sign of regal authority.
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2 Nephi 20:15
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A little reminder to give God credit when He uses us to do His
work.
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2 Nephi 21:3
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I am grateful that my judgment will be based on more than what
eyes can see and ears can hear.
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2 Nephi 22:1
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Because of Jesus the anger and judgment of God will be turned
away. He knows how to forgive and forget.
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2 Nephi 23:3
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We need to remember that as judgments are poured out upon the
wicked, God will protect us in every way.
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2 Nephi 24:27
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As we search the words of Isaiah we get a reminder that the war
is fixed and God wins.
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2 Nephi 25:23
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Our best efforts are only good enough because of Jesus. But they
are good enough.
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2 Nephi 26:24
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Another wonderful reminder that the purpose of this earth is be
bless the children of God.
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2 Nephi 27:27
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We can fool some of the people some of the time, but we can
never deceive God.
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2 Nephi 28:7-8
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Look at Mormon 8:29-31 as Moroni sees our day.
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2 Nephi 29:8
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Another reminder of how grateful we should be for another
witness of Christ clarifying the Bible.
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2 Nephi 30:17
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God reminds us that there will be a time when ALL our questions
will be answered. Meanwhile-Faith.
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2 Nephi 31:20
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Key words: press forward, steadfastness in Christ, hope, feast
upon word of Christ, endure, Eternal Life.
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2 Nephi 32:3
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As we follow promptings we receive as we hearken to words and
feelings from above-we know what to do.
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2 Nephi 33:4
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I know that the Lord will consecrate my prayers for the gain of
my people. So Pray.
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Alma 34-39
Alma
34-
Vs.
2 - Amulek: Descendent
of Nephi, prominent, wealthy citizen of Ammonihah. - Knew-yet wouldn't know.-Alma
10:6. Angel appeared, Amulek gave Alma room and board. Became missionary
companion, confronted by Zeezrom, cast into prison, tortured, saw converts
burned, wall of prison fell to earth. Went to Sidom where Zeezrom was healed
& baptized. Amulek moved in with Alma, having lost his former priorities and
family. 4 years later off to reclaim Zoramites. Later (Alma 35) goes to Jershon
to teach Anti-Nephi-Lehies.
Vs. 9 - What kind of people need the
atonement?
Vs. 10 - Infinite Atonement - 1)
Without end. 2) ALL mankind saved from never-ending death. 3) Immense suffering
4) In time and scope. 5)Mercy extends to infinite people and worlds. 6)
Impossible to measure. 7) Jesus an infinite being because of parents.
(Russel M. Nelson, Ensign Nov. 1996)
Vs. 15-17 I once wondered if those who refuse to repent but who then satisfy the law of justice by paying for their own sins are then worthy to enter the celestial kingdom. The answer is no. The entrance requirements for celestial life are simply higher than merely satisfying the law of justice. For that reason, paying for our sins will not bear the same fruit as repenting of our sins. Justice is a law of balance and order and it must be satisfied, either through our payment or his. But if we decline the Savior's invitation to let him carry our sins, and then satisfy justice by ourselves, we will not yet have experienced the complete rehabilitation that can occur through a combination of divine assistance and genuine repentance. Working together, those forces have the power permanently to change our hearts and our lives, preparing us for celestial life. (The Broken Heart, Bruce C. Hafen, p. 7–8)
"When we view repentance as a mere checklist
of steps that must be taken for every sin ever committed, we fall prey to the
spiritual pitfalls and doctrinal deficiencies of such a simplistic and
superficial approach. Several deficiencies, each with potential pitfalls, are
evident.
First, without the understanding that
repentance is a fruit of faith, a person may go through a repentance checklist
and feel satisfied he has met all the requirements for repentance but not
realize his efforts have not been efficacious. Checklist repentance undertaken
without faith in the Redeemer may produce results similar to those described by
the prophet Isaiah: “It shall be unto them, even as unto a hungry man which
dreameth, and behold he eateth but he awaketh and his soul is empty; or like
unto a thirsty man which dreameth, and behold he drinketh but he awaketh and
behold he is faint, and his soul hath appetite” (2 Nephi 27:3).
Second, a mechanical approach to repentance
may prevent the repentant sinner from ever “catching up.” Seeking to apply some
arbitrary checklist for every sin committed is like taking two steps backward
for each step forward. Because we continually make mistakes and sin, it becomes
impossible to conscientiously go through this process for every sin. An
overemphasis on the mechanics of repentance may leave one so discouraged,
thinking it impossible to fully repent for every sin, that he may give up in
despair and sink deeper into the quicksands of sin.
A third deficiency in this approach to
repentance is that for some sins and situations there may not be any way to
complete the checklist. The “Rs of Repentance” (such as restitution) may not
apply. President Spencer W. Kimball wrote, “There are some sins for which no
adequate restitution can be made, and others for which only partial restitution
is possible.”
The final and most important doctrinal
fallacy in the concept of checklist repentance is that by concentrating on our
outward actions we tend to emphasize our efforts and ignore the cleansing power
of Christ. This approach to repentance makes it appear as though a remission of
sins is something obtained primarily by mortal effort. Such a view minimizes
the miraculous Atonement of Jesus Christ and the grace of God that makes a
remission of sins possible. If we focus all of our attention and efforts on the
steps we must take to repent, we tend to overlook what He did to make
repentance possible. A humanistic or mechanical approach to repentance promotes
“pseudo self-reliance.” Relying only upon our own efforts robs us of the
repentance-enabling power of Christ. Thus the worst danger of this superficial
view of repentance is that it causes an unwitting but crucial oversight of the
most important “R” of repentance—Redeemer." (Faith Unto Repentance, in A Book
of Mormon Treasury " 295-315. Available on Line)
My friend and his son
Vs. 17-27 - This is the 3rd chapter in a row where "Mighty
Prayer" is emphasized.
Vs. 31 - You don't have to wait for the blessings of the
Atonement.
Vs. 34 - The Hebrew word "LASHUV" may be translated
repent or return
Vs. 34-35 - "All men and women who are worthy to be called
Latter-day Saints should live hour by hour in such a way that if they should be
called suddenly from this life into the next they would be prepared...It is our
privilege to so live as to have the spirit of light and intelligence to that
extent that we shall feel satisfied that all will be well if we should be
called away at any hour." (Lorenzo Snow, CR. Oct. 1992, 2) Jessica Wilson
Vs. 38 - How do you live in Thanksgiving daily?
Alma 35 -
Vs. 3 - What are our crafts?
Vs. 8 - Don't be nice to people we have chosen to be mean to
Vs. 15 & 16 - Liken these verses unto today
Alma 36 - A "Chiastic" chapter
Vs. 2 - What we all we could say to our children.
(Could Alma the Younger say this?)
Vs. 3- If we
put our trust if God we can expect:
support in our trials, troubles,
afflictions and being lifted up at the last day.
Vs. 4-5 - Do
your children know how you gained your testimony?
Alma
37
Vs. 1 - Hand
off sacred items
Vs. 6-7 -
What little things have made a big difference in the World? the Church? Your
family? Your life?
Vs. 8 - The
value of scriptures- Has that value been manifested in our lives?
Vs. 11- We
need to forbear rather than teach things we are not sure of.
Vs. 13 -
Where do we get reminders of how strict the commandments are?
Vs. 15 - What
happens to our sacred when we transgress? What are our sacred things?
Vs. 17 -
God's track record in keeping promises should be noted.
Vs. 35 - My
other green verse in this chapter.
Vs. 37 -
Great counsel
Vs. 46 - Do
not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way. "Parenthetically,
those who worry if they currently seem to be untested should not feel guilty or
anxious, nor should they ray for trials. First of all, the absence of major
tribulation can, ironically, produce the trial of
tranquility with its very grave risks of careless ease. Second, the Lord does require a few intact individuals and families to help others manage their trials and tribulations, even though these roles often rotate. (NAMaxwell, "All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience, p. 28)
tranquility with its very grave risks of careless ease. Second, the Lord does require a few intact individuals and families to help others manage their trials and tribulations, even though these roles often rotate. (NAMaxwell, "All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience, p. 28)
Alma 38 - The Middle child
Vs. 11-15 - A dozen things: 1)Avoid
pride, 2) Do not boast of your wisdom, 3) Do not boast of your strength, 4) Use
boldness, 5) Don't use overbearance, 6) BRIDLE
YOUR PASSIONS THAT YOU MAY BE FILLED WITH LOVE, 7) Refrain from idleness,
8) Do not pray to be seen of men, 9) Do not think you are better than others,
10) Pray for God to forgive your unworthiness, 11) Teach the word unto this
people, 12) Be sober.
Alma
39 - Chapters in the 1830 edition were longer, in part because the Book
of Mormon was printed in narrative rather than verse form—what we would expect
from a historical record. The text was first arranged into its present verses
in the 1879 edition to facilitate the location of particular passages. Modern
readers may be interested to see how the sections of the Book of Mormon were
divided in the 1830 edition, which are divided along broad conceptual lines.
For example, all of Jacob’s speech in Jacob 2–3 and all of Alma’s blessing to
his son Corianton in Alma 39–42 were single chapters. (Charting the Book of Mormon)
Vs. 1, 2, 10
- It is a great thing when we see our children helping and setting an example
for our other children.
Contributing factors to Corianton's sin
1. Feelings
of self-sufficiency - "I can handle it" (39:2) My friend older than
I.
2. Forsook
ministry - Wrong places at right times. (39:3) One of the best reasons to be on
a mission.
3. Bad
associations (39:3-4) Issur Yahud
4.
Misunderstanding of Heavenly Father's plan and a weak testimony (Alma 40-42)
Three Biggest Sins-
1. Deny the
Holy Ghost - Unpardonable- Alma 39:6; Matt. 12:31-32; D&C 76:31-32; TPJS p.
358;
Jacob 7:19; Teaching of Spencer W.
Kimball p. 23; History of the Church v. 6:314.
2. Murder -Unforgiveable
3. Fornication
and Adultery- See, For the Strength of Youth booklet.
Within the LDS Church, chastity means more than
abstinence from sex. It means to be morally clean in "thoughts, words, and
actions." It also means sexual relations are only permitted between a
husband and wife. The church teaches its members that "no one, male or
female, is to have sexual relations before marriage. After marriage, sexual
relations are permitted only with our spouse. Mormons believe that sexuality
between man and woman lawfully married is divinely appointed and has two
purposes: to "multiply, and replenish the Earth" (Genesis
1:28) as commanded by God to Adam and
Eve, and to strengthen the bond between man and woman that they might
"become one flesh" (Mark 10:8).
A church handbook for leaders states that married couples should be made aware
"that sexual relations within marriage are divinely approved not only for
the purpose of procreation, but also as a way of expressing love and
strengthening emotional and spiritual bonds between husband and wife." The
church has made its views clear in many publications and in recent news
releases that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God".While
opposing homosexual behavior, the Church reaches out with understanding and
respect to individuals who are attracted to those of the same gender. Sexual
relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and
lawfully wedded as husband and wife. Any other sexual relations, including
those between persons of the same gender, are sinful and undermine the divinely
created institution of the family. The Church accordingly affirms defining
marriage as the legal and lawful union between a man and a woman. (Wikipedia)
Vs. 9 - The no porn plea - How do we teach our children?
Vs. 11- Everyone is an example.
Vs. 13 - A significant step in Repentance
Vs. 15-19 - The Atonement worked before it happened except the Resurrection.
Alma 36 -
(b) KEEP THE
COMMANDMENTS of God and ye shall PROSPER IN THE LAND (2)
(c) DO AS I
HAVE DONE (2)
(d) in
REMEMBERING THE CAPTIVITY of our fathers (2);
(e) for
they were in BONDAGE (2)
(f) he
surely did DELIVER them (2)
(g)
TRUST in God (3)
(h)
supported in their TRIALS, and TROUBLES, and AFFLICTIONS (3)
(i)
shall be lifted up at the LAST DAY (3)
(j)
I KNOW this not of myself but of GOD (4)
(k)
BORN OF GOD (5)
(l) I sought to destroy the church of God (6-9)
(m)
MY LIMBS were paralyzed (10)
(n) Fear of being in the PRESENCE OF GOD (14-15)
(o) PAINS of a damned soul (16)
(p) HARROWED UP BY THE MEMORY OF SINS (17)
(q) I remembered JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD (17)
(q') I cried, JESUS, SON OF GOD (18)
(p') HARROWED UP BY THE MEMORY OF SINS no more (19)
(o') Joy as exceeding as was the
PAIN (20)
(n') Long to be in the PRESENCE OF GOD (22)
(m') My LIMBS received their strength
again (23)
(l') I labored to bring souls to repentance (24)
(k') BORN OF GOD (26)
(j')
Therefore MY KNOWLEDGE IS OF GOD (26)
(h')
Supported under TRIALS, TROUBLES, and AFFLICTIONS (27)
(g')
TRUST in him (27)
(f') He
will deliver me (27)
(i')
and RAISE ME UP AT THE LAST DAY (28)
(e') As
God brought our fathers out of BONDAGE and captivity (28-29)
(d')
Retain in REMEMBRANCE THEIR CAPTIVITY (28-29)
(c') KNOW
AS I DO KNOW (30)
(b') KEEP
THE COMMANDMENTS and ye shall PROSPER IN THE LAND (30)
(a') This is
according to his WORD (30).
