Book of Mormon

Yeah!!!

It's time for the Book of Mormon Class again!

We will be starting class back up tonight!

Come and join in.

Place: Sue G's house

Time: 7:30pm

*Every Tuesday except Holiday's

Sue leads a wonderful discussion and will be giving 

a brief overview to review what we covered last year. 

We will then continue on from there.

We learn so much from the scriptures 

and each other every week!

Each class is a good stand alone discussion so you 

don't need to feel like if you miss out on one, 

you can't come to another.

Come and fill your cup!

Book of Mormon Class Update

The Book of Mormon Class, taught by Sue G. will be taking a short break during the summer months but will be back in the fall. We'd like to thank Sue for putting so much time and effort into teaching the class every week. Every lesson was very interesting and well taught. We can't wait until the fall when the class returns to it's regular schedule. Thank you Sue!

Book of Mormon Class ~ 3 Nephi Chapter 11

Taught by Sue G.

The appearance of the resurrected Savior to the people of Nephi is recorded in chapters 11~26.

We are given a description of Heavenly Fathers voice as He bears witness of His Son to those who have gathered around the Temple in the land of Bountiful.

Jesus extends an invite to each of the 500 people assembled there to come forth individually and feel the wound in his side and the prints of the nails in his hands and feet. He will then teach them to avoid contention and will bear witness of the Father to them. Finally He will teach them the first principles of the gospel. 3 Nephi 11:1-2

The people are privileged to hear the Fathers voice bearing witness of the Son. Thus join the select few including Peter, James and John (Mount of transfiguration) (Matthew 17:5) and Joseph Smith (JS History 1:17) who have been privileged to hear his voice during their mortal lives. Next Mormon describes his voice and its effect on the people who heard it. In some detail. The people will not understand the voice until the third time they hear it.      3 Nephi 11:3-4

As you read verse 5 next note what they did differently this time which enabled them to understand the voice the third time they heard it.

3 Nephi 11:5-6

There are many lessons which could be taught from what the people did in verse 5 which led to their understanding the voice . One lesson might be that they opened their spiritual ears and focused completely toward heaven, tuning out all distractions  This would certainly be an example of how we may receive revelation and inspiration from above.

We will now listen to the message from the Father regarding his beloved son. then watch the savior come. 3 Nephi 11:7-12

In other words it finally according to them what was happening that the prophecies about Jesus appearing were actually being fulfilled in front of their very eyes. 3 Nephi 11:13-15

There is much symbolism in this scene. One of the the most important symbolic messages is the worth of each individual, in the sight of God. One of Satan's most devastating goals is to do away with the worth of the individual.

The word, Hosanna, used in verse 17, has much significance in our day. We give the hosanna shout when we dedicate a new temple. It has the meaning, 'save us now' and the waving of the white handkerchief is a symbolism for the waving of the palm in ancient days greeting a king as he arrived.

3 Nephi 11:18-22 Official Baptism is put in place.

One of the first major messages to the people of Nephi here is that of avoiding contention. He warns that Satan uses contention as one of his very successful tools against us. When the spirit of contention enters one can immediately feel the withdrawal of the spirit. 3 Nephi 11:29-30

The Lord describes his doctrine as repentance and baptism.  In similar language in 2 Nephi 31, Nephi described what he called "The Doctrine of Christ". He included faith, repentance, baptism, the holy ghost, scripture study and enduring to the end . Later in his visit to the book of Mormon people, the Lord repeated these same principles and labeled them "My gospel". These principles remind us of Articles of Faith 1~4.

The Savior warns us not to twist change or water down his doctrine. 3 Nephi 11:40-41

*What is the difference between the spirit of contention and a discussion to resolve a disagreement?

*How can people disagree without becoming contentious?

3 Nephi 12:3-12  

These verses are commonly known as the Beatitudes. The word "blessed" among other things means to be happy. Therefore each time we read "blessed are" in the Beatitudes we can think "happy are".

3 Nephi 12:4

Here are two lessons

A- Those who mourn the loss of a loved one will be comforted by the Spirit.

B- Those who mourn for their sins and thus repent are comforted by the forgiveness which they obtain.

3 Nephi 12:5

The word meek can be defined a being patient and mild not inclined to anger or resentment. It is also often defined as being teachable voluntarily humble. Thus being meek implies being kind, pleasant and humble from a position of deep inner strength.

3 Nephi 12:6

Things we can learn from this verse-

A- Happy are the people who didn't plateau in their striving for personal righteousness.

B- Happy are the people who truly want to be good.

c- Happy are those who continually strive others righteously.

d- Righteous in scriptures is sometimes a synonym for God(2 Nephi 26:9).

Therefore, to hunger and thirst after righteous common man to Christ the result of which is being with the Holy Ghost who bears witness of Him.

3 Nephi 12:7

Merciful behavior toward others is a sign of true personal righteousness. Sincere mercy offered to others is a very strong purifier of the soul.

3 Nephi 12:8

"Heart" is often used in scriptures to represent the true inner person. Thus, true personal purity in thought and action are required to see God and to ultimately be in his presence.

3 Nephi 12:9

Whether or not you are a peace maker is a significant measure of personal spirituality. Also, the more pure you become, the more offensive contention becomes. Verses 10-11 go together. It would seem that being persecuted is sometimes a significant indicator that the members of the Church are doing well at living the Gospel. 

3 Nephi 12:10-12

It is helpful to know that salt in Old Testament culture among other things represents covenants  the following quote from the Book Of Mormon student manual is helpful "In the Mosaic sacrificial ritual, salt was a token of covenants with God (Numbers 18:19). In a similar sense, Saints should be tokens on symbols of the Christ like life (D&C 101:39-40) indicates what one must do to be accounted as the salt of the earth. A little salt is a powerful influence in making a whole meal taste better. Therefore one aspect of symbolism here is that salt makes the environment better. So also, true saints make their environment better and more pleasant for those around them.

3 Nephi 12:13

This is rather stern warning that members of the church who don't keep their covenants in other words, who loose their savor will ultimately be called on scattered and smitten either by others or by Satan or both.

In verses 14-16 the Savior teaches the people of Nephi the importance of living the Gospel in order to help others see its value. It has been said that what people see is far more important than what they hear in the lives of members as far as influencing them to desire to know more about the church.

3 Nephi 12:23-24

We are taught a very vital lesson about the value of being a peacemaker and of the terrible poison we put on ourselves in if we refuse. This counsel you will see several differences between 3 Nephi 12:25-26. Such self built persons often make it nearly impossible for you to even rationally and clearly. Thus you are emotionally immobilized and find it very difficult to work your way out.

Book of Mormon ~ 3 Nephi Chapter 10

Taught by Sue G.

Silence is a very effective way to get peoples attention and to promote meditation and serious analyzing. Perhaps you've been in attendance at a general conference of the Church when the prophet entered the Tabernacle on the conference center and you "heard" the silence as it spread throughout the building by way of respect and honer for him.  There will be silence in heaven for the space of half an hour just before the Saviors second coming  (D&;C 88:15)

The Saviors love comes again to these people reminding them of how often He has gathered his people and blessed them in times past.  He also invite them to repent and return to him and enjoy the warmth and comfort He has for them.  He compares this warmth and security to chicks gathered under the soft warm secure wing of a mother hen. (3 Nephi 10:3-4)

There is symbolism in all the noises and groaning, eventually and tearings etc in vs 9  It can be symbolic of what happens to a persons soul as he or she goes through deep godly sorrow for sin during the process of repenting. Such deep concern for sin causes cleansing and permanent change for the better. Paul describes these aspects of godly sorrow to the Corinthians. (2 Cor 7 10:11)

After having gone through godly sorrow for sin, as described by Paul it is absolutely necessary to allow ones self to advance to the joy and thanksgiving described in verse 10.  This is one of the cleanest verse of all scripture in teaching the next step of repentance after godly sorrow. (3 Nephi 10:10)

As we approach the 2nd coming, many wonder when the line will be drawn between who will be burned and who will be spared. We understand the more righteous to be these who are at least living a terrestrial lifestyle feel a description of this lifestyle. (D&C 73:71-80)

Occasionally a student of the Book of Mormon will become confused about the timing of the Savior's visit to the Nephites and Lamanites in 3 Nephi because of verse 18.  The phrase "in the ending of the 30 and 4th year is the source of concern since the destruction and 3 days of darkness began in the thirty and fourth year in the first month on the fourth  day of the month (3 Nephi 8:5). Some wonder if it was right after or one year later. At the end of verse 18 Mormon says that the visit came soon after the ascension of Christ.

The fact that the multitude had gathered at the temple and were pointing out to each other the great changes that had occurred is evidence that this was an event immediately following the resurrection of our Lord.  If this event had occurred one year later, the multitude would have been perfectly familiar with these great changes, and they would not have been so awed by them.  It as in great astonishment and wonder that they had gathered and were pointing out to each other what had occurred.

Moreover it is contrary to reason that Jesus would make the Nephites and Lamanites, who had been faithful, wait for one whole year before he would make his appearance and give them instruction in relation to the closing of the period in which the law of Moses was in force, and the period when the fulness of the gospel was ushered in.

Book of Mormon Class ~ 3 Nephi chapter 6

Taught by Sue Green

(click on the scripture to read)

 (3 Nephi chapter 6)

By way of quick review in chapters 3 & 4, the Nephites had gathered together in one location, by the tens of thousands, with seven years supply of provisions  (Nephi 4:4) This was in response to the  Gadiation robbers, who threatened to destroy them completely if they did not agree to surrender if they did not agree to surrender and join them 

Over the next five or so years these robbers were destroyed. Now as we begin chapter six, the Nephites return to their former lands.  They will have a time of peace and prosperity. They will even give land to their former enemies who had covenanted to be peaceful, so that they could be self supporting and maintain their Lamanite identity if they so desired.

Sadly, we will once again see the "cycle of apostasy" follow the prosperity which came upon the Nephites. and those with them.  As usual pride will be the root cause.  Therefore, if we want to avoid this cycle, we must avoid pride!

The word "prosper" in verse 4, is a word we have come to almost fear by this point in the Book of Mormon, because it is almost always followed by pride and wickedness. We must remember that this does not have to be the case, as we will see during the nearly 200 years of peace following the Saviors visit to the Nephites.

We will recall that the Nephite democracy was founded upon the laws of God, and that as the Nephites became wicked, they changed the laws of the land to reflect their personal wickedness.  Now, at the end of verse 4, we see them reform their laws and change back to righteous ones, thus, the only danger to the Nephite democracy at this time is sin and wickedness.

Mormon reminds us of the vital role of righteous elected and appointed officials in securing true prosperity to a nation.

One of the very first messages the Savior taught the Nephites after he appeared to them was, that the Spirit of contention is not of me. (3 Nephi 1:29)

Contention is a powerful tool of the devil, and we see it being employed by him in verse 10.

In fact, Mormon will show us how Satan dismantles a righteous society in just seven years. Indicating that the government was growing much faster than the population, with a resulting decrease in self-reliance, and an increase in dependency on government.

Robert L. Simpson said,"Times have not changed. Less than two months ago, most of you read the disturbing article in our newspaper about a group of individuals who have established a so-called Satanic Church, with the sole purpose to participate only in the realms of evil and darkness. They are in open defiance of, and diametrically opposed to, all of Gods holy purposes that bring us together in this great conference.  Without a goodly number of God-fearing men committed to the cause of truth, these societies of evil could well take over our society.

As Mormon continues teaching us, we will basically point out how foolish and gullible people are who allow Satan to carry them about where ever he wants to. One of Satan's greatest deceptions is to convince people that he, himself, does not exist and that they are in charge of their own lives as they submit to wickedness.  Many who do believe in the devil have a strong tendency to underestimate his influence for evil in the lives of people and societies.

Mormon points out the extremely dangerous position these people had placed themselves in because they definitely knew better.  They were in intentional, open rebellion against the Gospel.  Thus their accountability level was high.

As the coming of Christ, with the accompanying destruction of the wicked among the Nephites, got closer and closer, more opportunities to understand and accept the Gospel were provided to the people.  The same thing is happening to our day as the gospel goes forth into all the world.

 

People among the Nephites became very angry and bitterly opposed to those who preached the truth.  In a pattern also repeated in our day, those who were especially angry were corrupt high government officials, prominent religious leaders and lawyers, all of whose livelihoods and unrighteous dominions were threatened if people become righteous.

Mormon tells us of murders carried out secretly by the wicked in power because they couldn't get rid of the righteous legally. We see the reappearance of secret combinations inspired by the devil.

Book of Mormon Class ~ 3 Nephi chapter 5

Taught by Sue Green

(click link's to read scriptures)

 3 Nephi Chapter 5

In this chapter Mormon first explains why the Nephites were so successful in repenting and how they rid themselves of the secret combinations which had come so close to destroying them completely as a people.

As to why these Nephites were so successful in repenting completely, Mormon explains that it was because they had complete faith.  This is an example of why faith in Christ has to be the first principle of the Gospel.  If we have faith in Christ and His Atonement, we then understand that repenting is worth while.

We are reminded that a change in heart brought about by the gospel of Jesus Christ is a very effective way to cut down on prison populations.  Without a true change of heart, enemies are still a danger to freedom and peace, and wisdom dictates that they be treated as such.

In verses 4-7, it is now 8 years before the destruction of the wicked and the coming of the resurrected Christ.  Mormon takes time to talk to us, in our day, about the records he is in charge of, and to introduce himself a bit more.

He also tells us a great many records were kept by the Nephites over the Centuries.

Just imagine how much work it would take for Mormon to make the delicately thin metal plates upon which he could carefully engrave his abridgement of the Nephite records.

From the accounts given buy Joseph Smiths mother, we understand that Mormons abridgement consisted of a set of gold plates, weighing about 60 lbs. and about 6 inches wide 9 inches in length and 6 inches high including the small plates of Nephi.  Such a set would contain a rather large number of individual thin sheets or plates.  While we don't know exactly how he made them, one possible scenario might be:

1- Find a source of gold and possibly other precious metals which could be alloyed with the gold for the exact qualities needed for the plates.

2- Hunt animals for hides with which to make a bellows in order to blow a fire to heat the ore hot enough to melt the metal out of it.

3- Perhaps find iron ore from which to smelt metal with which to make tools required for pounding the plates to the needed thinness.

4- Obtain the necessary metal with which to make an engraving tool which would hold up under extended use.

Whatever the process, we respect and admire Mormon for the tremendous effort required to make the plates himself, let alone for the great amount of time and effort to engrave them for our benefit.

As a side note: Pres. Joseph Smith quoted that, 

"the word Mormon means literally 

'MORE GOOD'".  

We know from (Mormon 1:15) that he was 15 years old, about AD 326, and that he was about 74 years old at the time of the final battles of his people which took place about 385 AD. (Mormon 6:5)

Mormon describes himself as a disciple of Christ . While in every instance the Nephite twelve are spoken of as disciples, the fact remains that they had been endowed with divine authority to be special witnesses for Christ among their own people. Therefore, they were virtually apostles to the Nephite race, although their jurisdiction was, as revealed to Nephi, eventually to be subject to the authority and jurisdiction of Peter and the twelve chosen in Palestine.

While Mormon's personal call was that of an Apostle, the term disciple can also have a more general definition.  A disciple is also "a follower of Jesus Christ who lives according to Christ's teaching".

The following has been written about discipleship.  The word disciple of Christ is one who is leaning to be like Christ - learning to think, to feel and to act as he does.  To be a true disciple, to fulfill that learning task, is the most demanding regimen known to man.  No other discipline compares.. in either requirement or rewards.  It involves the total transformation of a person from the state of the natural man to that of a Saint, one who loves the Lord and serves with all of this heart, might, mind and strength.  (D&C 41:5)

In addition to speaking about discipleship, Mormon may be making a statement about his authority not just as a disciple, but as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. In other word, it was necessary for Mormon to make his record for the prayers of past prophets to be answered, who prayed that these records would be preserved and that their descendants would have a chance to hear of them and the gospel. (Enos 1:3)

Mormon bears testimony to us of the truthfulness of his record and expresses his concern about the limitations of his written language

At the end of verse 20, Mormon reminds us that we must know the gospel in order to be saved.  Joseph Smith taught this same vital doctrine when he said, "It is impossible for a man to be save in ignorance". (D&C 131:6)

Lehi's descendants are among the "seed of Joseph" referred to in verse 21.  Joseph, who was sold into Egypt, was told that his posterity would "run over the wall", (Genesis 49:22) in other words, that his descendants would cross the ocean.  In verse 22, Mormon ties the descendants of Lehi into the blessings promised to Joseph's posterity.

Mormon prophesies of a great conversion and gathering of the descendants of Joseph, as well as all of the tribes of Israel, at some time in the future. He explains what will happen when people are converted and gathered in.  The most important cause of this "gathering" is that people will know and understand the Savior and His gospel in their own minds and hearts.

Elder Dalli H Oaks explained the meaning and purpose of the gathering, another sign of the times if the gathering of the faithful (D&C 133:4)  In the early years of this last dispensation, a gathering to Zion involved various locations in the United States: to Kirtland, to Missouri, to Nauvoo and to the tops of the Mountains.  Always these were gatherings to prospective temples with the creation of stakes and the construction of temples in most nations with sizable populations of the faithful. The current commandment is not to gather to one place, but to gather in stakes in our own homelands.  There, the faithful can enjoy the full blessings of eternity in a house of the Lord.  There, is their own homelands, they can obey the Lord's command to enlarge the borders of His people and strengthen her stakes (D&C 101:21)

In this way, the stakes of Zion are for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth (D&C 115:6)

Book of Mormon Class ~ 3 Nephi Chapter 4

Taught by Sue G.
(click on any scripture to read it)

3 Nephi Chapter 4

As we study chapter 4, we continue with the countdown to the coming of the Lord to the Nephites.  Remember that the Nephites under the direction of their leaders, have now gathered by tens of thousands (3 Nephi 3:22) into one location.  This will prove to be a most difficult problem for the Gadiaton Robbers who are used to living off of wild game as well as the efforts and products of others.

What would have happened if they would have only preserved a 2 year supply as we are asked to today?  The gathering took place in 16 AD and the final victory was between 21 -22 AD, that is between 5 and 6 years.

One of the messages which has been given a number of times already in the Book of Mormon, and one which could be considered to be sensitive and not politically correct, is that the farther people stray from God, the less modest, the more wild and bizarre their fashions, grooming and appearance become. (Enos 1:20) (Alma 3:5)

The Gadianton robbers will think that their appearance has frightened the Nephites into submission. They are mistaken.

Things are going from bad to worse among the Gadianton Robbers, they decide to give up.

Remember that Gidgiddoni was a righteous leader of the Nephite armies. (3 Nephi 3:19) This is important to keep in mind.  Otherwise a person could think that the actions of the Nephite soldiers, in verse 27, were to harsh.  Dangerous times often require no nonsense action .  The laws of self-defense (D&C 98) given by the Lord to His people through their prophets, are no doubt being applied here.

One of the most saving attributes of all, is that of gratitude.  We see a rich out pouring of this character trait in verse 33.

May we all learn the lesson of having GRATITUDE.

Book of Mormon ~ 3 Nephi 4-7 INTRODUCTION ~ OVERVIEW

Taught by Sue G.

In chapters 4-7, we will see many things among the Nephites before the destruction of the wicked and the appearance of the resurrected Christ to them, which are also typical of our last days before the Saviors second coming and the destruction of the wicked.

It is no doubt significant that such parallels exist.  They are, among other things a pattern from which we can learn and gain stronger testimonies.

*In the Book of Mormon at this point in time, there were a great number of wicked people whose whole goal in life was to rob and plunder others. It is basically the same in our day.

There was great prosperity among the Nephites,  many who had been faithful members of the Church who became entangled in pride, while many remained humble and faithful. 

Many people divided up into ethnic groups which destroyed the central governments ability to function. Church leaders continued to speak out boldly and clearly concerning the evils of the day and the availability of forgiveness through repentance.   

Many citizens became angry because of the power and authority of Nephi.

There were a great many miracles which provide much obvious evidence that God exists and the gospel is true.  There were many convert baptisms. 

 

 

Book of Mormon Class ~ 3 Nephi Chapter 3

Taught by Sue G.

 (Click to read: 3 Nephi Chapter 3)

 

One of Satan's great deceptions 

seems to be, 

to get his followers to believe that they 

are in the right,

and that those who follow God's teachings 

are in the wrong. 

     Korihor, the anti Christ, got to the point where he believed that the words he taught which came from the devil, were true. (Alma 30:53) 

     There is another wicked leader Giddianhi, who has been likewise deceived by the devil to the point that he claims with great cloquence, that the cause of the gadiation robers is just and that the Nephites are in the wrong.  

     We see much of this today as Satan gains converts through cunning deception.  Isaiah prophesied that we would see much of calling , evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20)

    

Look for the messages that Lucifer has succeeded in deceiving Giddianhi into believing that he is in the right. In fact Giddiahi seems to feel that he is a rather kind and generous soul and is treating Lachonoeus with respect.  Note also that Giddianhi has obviously had a lot of experience and success in using flattery which is another form of deception.

Lachoneus - Nephite chief judge governor prophet and a contemporary of Nephi, the son of Nephi  Lachoneus, described as a just and courageous man occupied the judgment seat for 29 or 30 years.

One characteristic of those who have been deceived is that they believe others cannot see through their own attempts at deceiving them.  

In verses 6 & 7 and the first part of verse 8, Giddianhi makes a ridiculous offer which he apparently thinks will sound good to Lachoneous.

There is a bit of a problem with Giddianhi's promise to the Nephites, that they can be 'partners of all our substance' because Giddianhi's people survive by robbing and plundering the Nephites.  Just where does he purpose to get 'all our substance' from if he keeps his word to the Nephites? There will be no 'substance' left.

The idea in the last part of verse 9 that something is 'good' because it is of ancient date seems to play prominently in the minds of many people.  For instance, many believe the words of ancient prophets but reject even the idea of having modern prophets.  The Jews rejected Christ because his teachings appeared to them to go against the teachings of Abraham, Moses and other ancient prophets. Satan seems to use the notion that ancient means good quite often in his winning and retaining of converts.

We see how Lachoneaus, a righteous leader of a democracy deals with the threats and demands of a terrorists like Giddianhi, whose ultimate goal is to exercise power and unrighteous dominion over others.

Remember that Gidianhi had invited the Nephites to surrender and to join with his band of robbers and share their 'substance'.  Watch what will happen now as the Nephites gather all their 'substance' and put it out of reach of these robbers.

As a righteous leader, Lachoneus preaches repentance to his people.  They listen and repent.

Next we will meet one of the great righteous military commanders of the great righteous military commanders of the Nephites.  His name is Giddiddoni.

The Nephites will request permission to attack the Gadianton robbers in their strongholds. Captain Moroni had rooted out the King-men in this manner, (Alma 51:17-18)  but the Lord will not allow these Nephites to do the same.  

This points out the importance of following the current word of the Lord,  no matter what has been done under similar circumstances by men of God in the past.

 

Book of Mormon Class ~ 3rd Nephi Chapter 2

Taught by Sue G.

 

In 3rd Nephi Chapter 2 we will cover
about 11 years from AD 5 to 16. 
 

One of the most important means of retaining a personal testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel is the remembering of past blessings from God.

On the other hand one of the ways to lose a testimony is to forget previous blessings and spiritual experiences.

 

In verse 1 we catch a glimpse of one way by which people bring themselves to ignore obvious testimony building experiences. Remember that among the things they are explaining away are the day, night, and day without darkness, plus the new star which appeared.  We are again reminded that personal wickedness leads away from the ability to think rationally.

 

In this chapter and others in the Book of Mormon we see a simple sequence employed by the devil to deceive people.
1- The people saw the actual signs from God bearing witness of the Saviors birth
2nd - While still acknowledging that they saw something they explain it in ways that put God out of the picture
3rd - they get to the point where they no longer even believe that they saw something out of the ordinary.

We are reminded that one tool Satan uses is to convince people who believe in God that miracles, signs, and wonders have ceased.  (Mormon 9:10) This has been a common teaching of many Christian churches today and was taught under Satan's direction anciently.

We are told that the Nephites began a new calendar system following the signs accompanying Christ's birth. Up to now they had been using two calendar systems.
1- Their first calendar was based upon how many years it had been since Lehi left Jerusalem in 600 BC
2- The second method of reckoning time began with the reign of judges and was based on how many years it had been since the beginning of the reign of the judges in 92 BC.

With the signs which accompanied the birth of Jesus they began a third calendar system, counting the years from the event.  Thus, at this point in the Book of Mormon, using all three calendar systems, we are 609 years from the time Lehi left Jerusalem, 100 years from the beginning of the reign of the judges and 9 years after the birth of Christ or AD in our modern terminology.
*AD stands for Anno  Domini, which means "in the year of our Lord in other words since the birth of Christ.



Mormon condenses the Nephite history at an increasing pace. Somehow we gain the impression that the valiant Mormon felt he was running out of time.  Many of the marvelous details which he took the time to share with us throughout the Book of Alma, now disappear from the pattern of his writing.  This means that the student of the Book of Mormon must concentrate on each minute aspect of what Mormon does record so as to catch the sweep of history as it rushes by.  There is also substantial evidence that Mormon was not working from a rough draft but writing directly onto the plates as fast as he completed his research.
Note how he sets down a date and then, finding that the events of that period were of no particular significance passes on to the next year without comment

3rd Nephi 2:8-11
A sign of the times for us in our day is that people will have to decide to be on the side of right or on the side of wrong.  There will not be much "grey area". (D&C 1:34-36)

Peace will be taken from the earth and "the devil shall have power over his own dominion And also the Lord shall have power over his saints. This same condition developed among the Nephites about 19 years before the Saviors coming




 

Helaman chapter 12 ... continued (#2)

Taught by Sue G.
(click on the scripture reference to read it)

Elder David Bednar expounded on the power of 

God's Grace
(click to read full talk)

"In the Bible Dictionary we learn that the word grace frequently is used in the scriptures to connote enabling power: The main idea of the word is, divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.

It is likewise through the grace of the Lord 
that individuals, through faith in the atonement 
of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, 
receive strength and assistance  to do good 
works that they otherwise would not be able 
to maintain if left to their own means.

This grace is an enabling power that allows men 
and women to have eternal life and exaltation 
after they have expended their own best.
    

Elder Gene R. Cook discussed the personal nature of the Saviors Grace.  "The grace of the Lord through the Atonement can both cleanse us of sin and assist in performing ourselves through out trials, sicknesses and even character defects... Christ can repair our flaws and failing that otherwise are not reparable.

That great truth ought to 
fill us with hope!

David Bednar said, "Grace is the divine assistance or heavenly help each of us desperately needs to qualify for the celestial kingdom. Thus, the enabling power of the Atonement strengthens us to do and be good and to serve beyond our own individual desire and 

natural capacity." 

"I declare my witness of and appreciation for the infinite and eternal sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. I know the Savior lives. I have experienced both His redeeming power and His enabling power, and I testify that these powers are real and available to each of us. Indeed, "in the strength of the Lord" we can do and overcome all things as we press forward on our journey of mortality."

The 

REDEEMING power of the ATONEMENT 

is given to us all without any effort on our part.

The 

ENABLING power of the ATONEMENT 

requires us to act to use it.

• How are you partaking of the enabling power of the atonement in your life?