Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Book of Mormon II - 12


Thought: From the Title Page of the Book of Mormon, the Prophet learned that one of the two purposes of the book was the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ. For the accomplishment of this purpose, the book is from beginning to end a witness for Christ. It’s first chapter contains an account of a vision in which Lehi beheld Jesus “descending out of the midst of heaven” in luster above the noonday sun. (1 Nephi 1:9.) Its last chapter concludes with Moroni’s great exhortation to come unto Christ and be perfected in him, with this assurance: “ . . . and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness and love God with all your might, mind, and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be . . . sanctified . . .” (Moroni 10:32.) Numerous and great are the stirring testimonies that illuminate the five Hundred pages between these two chapters. (Elder Marion G. Romney, C.R., Oct. 1970, p. 28)

Book of the Week: A Complete Concordance of the Book of Mormon - George Reynolds

 
Gary's "GREEN VERSES" Moroni


Moroni 1:3
Moroni made up his mind that he would be true to his testimony-no matter what!
Moroni 2:2
Christ gave the pattern for conferring the Holy Ghost.
Moroni 3:3
Christ gave the pattern for ordinations to the priesthood.
Moroni 4:3& 5:2
The Sacrament Prayers. My nominations for God's favorite scriptures.
Moroni 6:4
One of my favorite things about our Church is "we take names" and remember and nourish.
Moroni 7:48
Pray with All of our energy so that we may be filled with love so we may be more like the Savior.
Moroni 8:8
One of the first requirements for sinning is being accountable. Little children are not accountable.
Moroni 9:6
We are not the judges. Our job is to labor diligently.
Moroni 10:32
Come unto Christ. Deny ourselves of all ungodliness. Love god and our imperfections will be changed to perfections because of the grace of God. - this is a good deal.

 
Moroni's Abridgment Chronicles the Cycle of Jaredite Wickedness  - Ether 7-11

1. The perils and results of the reigns of wicked kings.

2. The purpose, means of growth, and final end of a people who uphold secret combinations.

3. America, a land choice above all other lands.

4. The power of faith and the results of gospel living.

5. The important place of prophets and the plight of those who reject their words.

6. The sending of natural disasters to humble the people.

7. The reality and power of Jehovah, Jesus Christ. (Stolen from DCMB 4:289-292)

Ether 12

Vs. 1-3 - There is nothing more rare than a lazy prophet. Ether is not rare.

Vs. 4 - Hope, like faith implies action. A better next world should begin with us making this world a better place.

Vs. 6 - Believing without seeing will lead to greater seeing. See 1 Peter 1:7-9.

"God can hold people responsible of faith in Christ for three reasons: (1) Jesus Christ IS the Savior of all. (2) God created people such that they could discern truth from error. Their existence and progression involve the divine substances of light, spirit, truth, intelligence, and glory. (D&C 93) This divinity underlies the nature of God and man. People may enlarge their portion of divinity until like Christ they obtain the fullness, at which point they too become gods. Another term for the divine element in mortals is "Spirit of Christ." (Moroni 7:16; John 12:4) (3) Faith implies a desire, a choosing to know. Many people have sensed spiritual truths but have not wanted to exert the effort leading to personal sanctification. Amulek said, "I knew . . . yet I would not know." (Alma 10:6) Here is the distinction between testimony-seeking and sign-seeking: the sign-seeker wants to keep his disobedient life and still have spiritual power. He wants to reap when he has not sown. The testimony-seeker wants to submit to God, repent, and live by the light that the Lord gives through the Holy Ghost. Catherine Thomas, "A More Excellent Way," in Studies in Scripture: Book of Mormon, Part 2, pp. 274-277]

Vs. 18 - Faith precedes miracles.

Vs. 22 - When we take the Book of Mormon to the Lamanites we are doing so in response to the faith of Book of Mormon prophets. (See also Enos 1:13)

Vs. 24 - See 1 Nephi 19:6; Jacob 4:1; Mormon 8:13-17; and 9:31, 33.

Vs. 27 -

Catherine Thomas - The truth is that we were born into an imperfect state in a fallen world.  We chafe against our imperfection, but we cannot completely eradicate our humanity in this life.  Here power is an attribute of God, not of man.  We were created weak so that we would turn to the only source that could develop real spiritual stamina in us.  Moroni recorded his conversation with the Lord on this subject in Ether 12:23-37.  He feared that the Gentiles would not accept the precious records because of the weaknesses in their writing.  (Ether 12:25)  The Lord comforted him with this wonderful principle: "My grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness; 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; for if they .  . .  have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”  (Ether 12:26-27)  When the Lord told the Apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness," Paul declared, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  (2 Corinthians 12:9)  (From her chapter in Studies in Scripture, Vol.  8: Alma 30 to Moroni, p. 277)

McConkie and Millet - Weaknesses of the flesh come in many forms, but all come as a result of the fall of Adam, which introduced into the world pains and problems, sicknesses and sorrows, temptations and trials.  Not only did the nature of man become fallen- carnal, sensual, and devilish (see Ether 3:2; Mosiah 16:3; Alma 22:13) - but the entire world fell to a telestial state with all of its accompanying "weaknesses" and inherent problems.  Such weaknesses affect all mankind - even the prophets of God.

These Fall-induced "weaknesses of the flesh" impose natural limitations upon us all.  Mortals are always bound by worldly weaknesses and limitations in strength, knowledge, and power.  Recognizing these limitations in stark contrast to God's infinite wisdom and power causes one to be humble.  "The foolishness of God is wiser than men," declared Paul the Apostle, "and the weakness of God is stronger than men”.  (1 Corinthians 1:25)  One of the purposes of the conditions created by the Fall is to impel men to acknowledge their own weaknesses of the flesh and depend more on the power of God than on the "arm of flesh" (see 2 Nephi 4:34; D&C 1:19; D&C 18:11).  Hardships and afflictions in mortality are often allowed by an omniscient God in order to turn the hearts of the children of men to him (see Mosiah 1:17; Helaman 12:3; Psalms 78:34-35).

In addition to the universal weaknesses of the flesh that come as a result of the Fall, the Lord will at times "give unto men" a personalized, individual challenge that is designed to increase a person's faith in and dependence upon the Lord.  It is in these moments of personal pain and recognition of our individual weaknesses and limitations that humbly leaning upon the "ample arm" of Jesus (see Hymns, no. 120) produces strength which compensates for and overcomes mortal weaknesses.  The Lord's giving us weaknesses in order that we may humbly look to him as our source of strength is not just a series of isolated events in a lifetime but rather is an ongoing process. 

C. S. Lewis insightfully observed: "When a man turns to Christ and seems to be getting on pretty well (in the sense that some of his bad habits are now corrected), he often feels that it would now be natural if things went fairly smoothly.  When troubles come along- illnesses, money troubles, new kinds of temptation - he is disappointed.  These things, he feels, might have been necessary to rouse him and make him repent in his bad old days; but why now?  Because God is forcing him on up, to a higher level: putting him into situations where he will have to be very much braver, or more patient, or more loving, than he ever dreamed of before.  It seems to us all unnecessary: but that is because we have not yet not the slightest notion of the tremendous thing He means to make of us.”  (Mere Christianity, p. 174.)  (Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, v. 4, p. 301)

Neal A. Maxwell - There may be those who choose to debate the significance of whether or not an omnipotent God gives us a particular trial or simply declines to remove it.  The outcome is obviously the same either way; God is willing for us to undergo that challenge.  Yet He promises us that His grace is sufficient for us.  (2 Corinthians 12:9; Ether 12:26-27)  He even indicates that some of the weaknesses and infirmities given to us can actually become a strength to us.  It is in our weakness and extremity that God's power is fully felt.  Only when, of ourselves, we are helpless is His help truly appreciated.

Parenthetically, those who worry if they currently seem to be untested should not feel guilty or anxious, nor should they pray 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.   (All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience, p. 31)

Nephi rejoiced that God was able to use him notwithstanding his weakness.  (2 Nephi 33:11)  Yet another prophet, Moroni, indicated that God will both show us our weaknesses and give unto us certain weaknesses in order to help us be humble and to accelerate our growth. (Ether 12:27)  Given these realities, it would be unwise and unfair for us to overreact to the weaknesses of others, especially as an excuse for not overcoming our own.

It is strange that when one is remodeling a portion of his house, he expects visitors to be tolerant of improvements that are so obviously underway.  Yet while one is remodeling his character, we often feel obligated to call attention to the messy signs of remodeling, or feel called upon to remember aloud things as they were.  Forgetting is such a necessary part of forgiving.  (All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience, p. 113)

The gospel not only warns us of our weaknesses, but helps us to overcome them.  This requires a mortal setting where real growth is possible.  Apparently, God even gives us weaknesses that we may be humble.  (Ether 12:23-27)  The humble individual can see and feel things and can admit things, own up to them, in ways that the proud person cannot do.  Pride not only isolates one from others—but, alas, from himself and his possibilities.  (Deposition of a Disciple, p. 38)

Vs. 30 - Anybody know anybody else who has moved a mountain besides the brother of Jared?

Vs. 34 - Charity does not appear to be an optional characteristic of those who are going where we want to.

Vs. 36-38 - Hyrum Smith had been reading these verses before going to Carthage. (See D&C 135:4-5)

Vs. 38 - Moroni's 3rd farewell.

Chapter 13

              This chapter contains one of the most significant discussions in scripture of the three Jerusalems that are to be restored on earth in preparation for and as part of the Millennium. These are first, the New Jerusalem, the city of Zion or city of Enoch, which was taken from the earth when Enoch was translated and which will come down out of heaven; second, the Jerusalem of Lehi's residence, rebuilt after its several destructions according to the prophecy by Ezekiel, and, third the New Jerusalem, in America, Jackson County, Missouri built by the seed of Joseph. ( Ogden p. 282-3; See also Moses 7:60-64; D&C 101:16-38)

Vs. 2 - When America became chosen

Vs. 3 - America is the place for the New Jerusalem.

Vs. 8 - America is the promised land for the tribe of Joseph.

Vs. 20 - The difference 1 man could have made.

Vs. 21 - Coriantumr's promise of last survivorship.

The Book of Moroni - Try to find a "and it came to pass" in this book. It is not a story. It is info for our day.

Moroni 1-6- Procedures to be observed in our day. Common in our Church, but defining significant differences from other Churches.

Moroni 7 - One of the greatest sermons ever given. Ranking behind those of the Savior, but up there with King Benjamin. Given by Mormon-recorded for us by his son.

"Basically, three things are required for salvation: works, faith, and grace...Because hope for eternal life produces works, individuals will be judged according to their works. through faith we faith the ordinances prerequisite for salvation. However, after we receive all of the ordinances and do all of the works, it is the grace of God that prepares and purifies us for salvation. this is what Nephi meant when he said, 'It is by grace that we are saved after all we can do." (Monty S. Nyman, "Hope, Faith and Charity" in Studies in Scripture V. 8 p.297-8)

Vs. 3 - The rest of the Lord- "The state of peace that comes with redemption; spiritual enjoyment resulting from the power or presence of the Lord. Ultimately, it is the fulness of Godd's glory (D&C 84:24). Prophets labor diligently to persuade their people to enter into this rest (Jacob 1:7; Alma 13:6; D&C 84:23-24)/ the Book of Mormon refers to three degrees of divine rest; the rest available in mortality, in Paradise, and in the kingdom of God after resurrection. (Largey, Book of Mormon Reference Companion, p. 679. See also Gospel Doctrine p. 126, 128)

Vs. 8 - See the story of Marion G. Romney's building fund donation in the Book of Mormon Student Manual p. 389.

Vs. 14-17 - An event, idea or practice may appear to be good, but if it detracts a person from serving God, it is of the devil. (GLP)

Vs. 19 - Knowing good from evil often requires SEARCHING.

Vs. 33 - "To gain unshakable faith in Jesus Christ is to flood your life with brilliant light. You are no longer alone to struggle with challenges you know you cannot resolve or control yourself, for He said, If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me." (RGScott - Ensign - April, 2005 p. 8-10)

Vs. 45 - "charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not [there is no resentment or discontent over the good fortune of others], and is not puffed up ;there is no contention for superiority; those converted to Christ are not threatened by others' abilities, and successes; there is no pride', seeketh not her own [there is no selfishness], is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity" (Ogden p. 301-2)

Vs. 48 - When was the last time I prayed for charity? When was the last time I prayed will all the energy of my heart?

Moroni 8

Vs. 10 - By teaching our children-we save ourselves.

Moroni 9

Vs. 5-6 - The people in Mormon's time had 1) Lost their love for each other, 2) thirsted for blood and 3) Thirsted for revenge. - What was the responsibility of Church members?

Vs. 9 - The value of virtue.

Moroni 10 - The exhortation chapter

1) vs. 3- Remember God's mercy, 2) Ask God, 3) Don't deny God's power, 4) Don't deny the Gifts of the Spirit, 5)Remember that all gifts come from Christ, 6) God doesn't change, 7) remember vs. 20 & 26, 8) Come unto Christ, Lay hold of good gifts and don't touch the unclean, and 8) /Come unto christ and deny self of all ungodly. Love God

Vs. 1 - Note that Moroni is not writing to Nephites. There are none. He writes to the Lamanites.

Vs. 34 - Moroni's final and 4th farewell.


CLASSES START AGAIN THE 2ND WEEK OF JANUARY- SAME TIMES- SAME PLACES

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