In Moroni 9, Mormon tells Moroni he is still alive. He shares aboutnhow wicked the Lamanites have become, about the wars, and their evil ways. They dont listen to the prophet and they reject the words of the Lord. Mormon says they can't stop preaching, though.
Mormon tells Moroni that the Lamanites have taken men, women, and children captive. They killed the husbands and make their wives eat them. Many of the daughters of the Lamanites were also taken captive and raped. After they raped them they tortured their bodies and then murdered them. Lastly, they ate the women they raped, brutalized, and murdered as a sign of bravery.
Mormon tells Moroni to write some of what the people must do to repent but understand that both the Nephites and Lamanites have become wicked and have hard hearts.
Moroni 9:25 says, "25 My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever."
Moroni 10 is the last Chapter in the Book of Mormon. In Moroni 10:3-5 it says, "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.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
Likening These Verses Unto Me
I have done as Moroni asked of those who read this Book of Mormon. I prayed and asked God if The Book of Mormon is true. I received my answer by the power of The Holy Ghost that this book is indeed TRUE, real, and from God. I will lose relationships over publicly professing this, but I don't care anymore.
Some of my most precious relationships ended over this religion. What I gained, though was a closer relationship with God. He will make things right, and I know it. I am sure that my worst critics in this life will, in the next life, be taught the Gospel on the other side. Maybe, I will be able to someday do their Temple Work for them. They will express their sorrow and come to understand why I had to return to my faith when we meet in the next life.
This final Chapter in Moroni, Chapter 10, is powerful and you can not read this and believe it was written by an uneducated farm boy. I am sorry. You would be wrong. But now what? You have read this book with me for 90 days now? What will you do? Pray and then reach out to the Missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at churchofjesuschrist.org and let this book change your life!
I know this book is true. I know Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, and I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints IS the Lord's Kingdom restored upon the earth in preparation for the Second Coming. God speed. -Stacey
In Moroni 7, Moroni recounts his father Mormon's teachings. The Lord looks on the heart and intentions matter. Doing a good deep but no meaning it, just giving lip service or actions alone is not rewarded by God. If someone gives service or does good works, but their heart is not good, God will not look on the act with favor, and the giver of the gift will not be accepted by God. Read that again. Read it outloud so the folks in the back can here! Intent matters!
We also need to have Faith in Christ, Hope in The Atonement, and Charity for others. We must actively practice, faith, Hope, and Charity which is the pure love of Christ.
Moroni 7:48, says" 48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.
In Moroni 8, Moroni shares what Mormon taught about little Children NOT needing baptism. Christ is adamant, and very serious about this! Little Children have zero need for baptism because they do not sin, are not capable of repentance, are not in danger of hell if they die before being baptized, and that infant baptism is an abomination unto God.
Likening these Chapters Unto Me
I believe that someone's actions are absolutely judged by God by the intent with which they are done. If someone outwardly does something good, but inwardly they resent it, scoff at it, make light of it, and tell others how their actions did not align with their heart, God will NOT accept the actions. God knows people's hearts!
I believe that little Children do not need to be baptized and that it does offend Heavenly Father. Babies and little children are saved by Jesus Christ and if they die before baptism they go straight back to Heavenly Father. God sees baptism of infants as a serious sin!
I am thankful for Heavenly Parents who love me and want me to know The truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am rather alone in this world and won't expound on it, but I am acutely aware of it. At one time, this would have caused me serious distress, but I have so much peace and comfort because God knows my heart and he can not misunderstand me, nor can I deceive Him.
This brings me immense comfort because I know that God will not be mocked, I love him, Christ knows this about me, and in this life, this brings me peace not measured or explained by me at this time.
I am loved by Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, Heavenly Mother, and The Holy Ghost! I will be okay.
Moroni 1, The Lamanites put to death any Nephite that will not deny Christ. Moroni wanders and avoids the Lamanites to stay alive and he decides to write more for themselves future Lamanites that may read his words.
Moroni 2, Jesus told the Nephites that when they give the Holy Ghost to others, to do so in the Name of the Son.
Moroni 3, by The Power of the Holy Ghost, Christ taught them how to give the Priesthood by the laying on of hands.
Moroni 4, the Elders bless the Bread for Sacrament with the prayer in Moroni 4.
Moroni 5, the Elders bless the wine (water) for the Sacrament with the prayer in Moroni 5.
Moroni 6, people who repent and are baptized are numbered among the children of God. Those who do not, their names are blotted out. Those who repent and come back are always forgiven. The Church is run by the power the Holy Ghost.
In Ether 13, Moroni describes the New Jerusalem that would come to the American Continent. After the Jerusalem that Lehi came to America from was destroyed, a New Jerusalem would come to earth from Heaven and be placed in this Hemisphere. Remnants of the House of Joseph would be placed upon the New Jerusalem. The Old would pass away and the New would come. The first would be last and the last would be first. Then the Old Jerusalem will be restored and all of the Lost Tribes of Israel will be found.
The people refused to listen to Ether and he was cast out of their cities and hid in the rocks during the day and at night would come out to see the city that would be destroyed by the people's unbelief. Secret combinations killed many of the unrighteous unbelievers. Wars, beatings, and captivity abounded among the kings to the people and the sons to the fathers. There were many wars and much blood being shed.
In Ether 14, there was a curse upon the land because of the wickedness of the people and then there was much bloodshed and war. The entire chapter described war and death.
In Ether 15, 2 million of Coriantumr's people were killed in war. He remembered what Ether said about what would happen to the people if they didn't repent. The entire chapter describes graphic war, blood, and murder. In the end, Ether said he didn't care how he returned to God as long as he did.
Likening these Chapters Unto Me
When the Prophets warn I get to listen. Harship and pain is not always, but often a result of disobedience somehow and the consequences of not heeding the Commandments; it's a hard pill to swallow. I want to say on my death bed what Ether did.
In Ether 10, Shez who became King after the death of Heth during the famine rebuilt his broken people and served as a good King.
The King later on that took over was wealth hungry and did over tax the people, caused stress, and was not a good King. His name was Riplakish. He had concubines and many wives and was worldly. He built himself a throne and then he built many great and spacious buildings but taxed poor people and if they couldn't pay, created debtors prisons.
Kings reigned and died and others took their place. Levi and then Corom were good kings. This chapter reviews the genealogy of the Kings.
Ether 11 talks about how the Brother of Shiblon hated the messages of the Prophets and demanded that Prophets who taught the people repentance or destruction be put to death! The warnings of the Prophets started to come to pass with plagues, illnesses, famine and drought, etc.
The people started to repent but Shiblom was slayed. Kings after Shiblom were all wicked. Chapter 11 continues to describe the wars and wicked Kings and warnings of God for the non-repenting.
In Chapter 12, Ether the Prophet is introduced and he was a Prophet that taught the people that by faith, all things are fulfilled.
He taught in Ether 12:4, "4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.
In Ether12:7-9 it says, "7 For it was by faith that Christ showed himself unto our fathers, after he had risen from the dead; and he showed not himself unto them until after they had faith in him; wherefore, it must needs be that some had faith in him, for he showed himself not unto the world.
8 But because of the faith of men he has shown himself unto the world, and glorified the name of the Father, and prepared a way that thereby others might be partakers of the heavenly gift, that they might hope for those things which they have not seen.
9 Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith.
In Ether 12:12 it says, "12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith.
Moroni shares in Chapter 12 how Faith affected all the Prophets.
Ether 12:27-28 says, "27 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 humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
28 Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness.
Likening These Chapters Unto Me
Chapter 12 Especially is one I will spend a few days on after I finish the Book of Mormon on Thursday. I want to spend extra time pondering these words of Moroni.
I was reminded how much I loved Ether 12 on my mission. It helped carry me through a really dark time when my lung collapsed, I was in the hospital alot, and had to go home early before being sent back out 3 months later from Nebraska to Utah where I finished another 6 months before going home for good.
Back then, there were not service missions that let Elders and Sisters finish near home while getting help for sicknesses. I still desire to serve a Service Mission locally in my Area. Someday maybe in the Lord's time this will be realized for me, maybe even with my husband.
"Greater Love" Music Video on Youtube (song written by Kenneth Cope)
In Ether Chapter 7, Orihah is reigning the people as a righteous king. He had 31 kids as King and 23 of them were boys. Kib was his son born in his old age and he took over the kingdom after his father died. Kib had a son named Corihor and he rebelled against his father Kib and took many people with him when he left for a place called Nehor. Corihor took his own father Kib, the king, and took him captive which is exactly what the brother of Jared said would happen. During this time King Kib had a son named Shule. Shule decided to make war weapons of Iron and get an army together to fight his own brother Corihor who took their father captive, and he went and rescued Kib. Because Shule rescued Kib, Kib gave him the Kingdom and had him rule as King in Nehor.
Corihor repented of his wrong doings and Shule gave him power in his Kingdom. Corihor had many sons and daughters. One of them was named Noah. Noah rebelled against Shule and Corihor and brought people with him to rebel against the King and Corihor. Even Cohor his brother went with him. He battled Shule, took his land, and then made him captive in Moron. Noah was gonna kill Shule, but Shule's sons broke in and rescued Shule and killed Noah. They placed Shule back on his own throne in his own Kingdom!
After Noah was killed, his son Cohor took over in his place and there began to be two kingdoms. Shule had a kingdom and Noah's son Cohor had a kingdom. Cohor told his people to battle and go after Shule's Kingdom but Shule had his people win the battle and kill Cohor. Cohor had a son named Nimrod and he gave up his Kingdom to Shule. This made Shule happy and Nimrod did whatever Shule asked of him in his Kingdom. Prophets came to Shule's Kingdom and taught them and cried repentance unto them telling them that if they didn't repent they would be destroyed.
Shule gave permission to the prophets to teach in all of his lands and the people began to repent and be righteous. Shule ruled all his days as a good King and the people were obedient and prospered.
depiction of Daughter of Jared and the Secret Combination Plot to Kill King Omer
Ether Chapter 8, it talks about Secret Combinations that following them will bring the downfall of the Jaredites. There are warnings for us today about Secret Combinations and how to recognize and avoid them. Moroni says to stand firm and protect ourselves and our families to be vigilant, recognize and examine our hearts, don't allow our hearts to be deceived, and always stay righteous.
We are encouraged to learn and recognize that we must choose to live righteously, even when it is hard! There were brothers of Jared that were angry at Him. They said that they would not kill Jared if Jared would give his kingdom to them.
Shule had a son named Omer and Omer had a son named Jared. Jared ended up rebelling against the King Omer. Jared battled his own father and made him a captive servant in his Kingdom. Ezrom and Coriantumr were brothers of this wicked guy Jared. They got upset at what he had done to their father Omer and went to war against him and his army at night. Jared got scared and begged them to give him his life, he would
give back his father and give his father back his Kingdom, if they would spare his life. The brothers agreed.
Jared was sad that he lost his stolen kingdom and the daughter of Jared noticed her wicked dad's sorrow and devised a plan. She would win the heart through dance, of a guy named Akish and this Akish guy would want to marry the daugher of Jared. He would ask what she wanted as a wedding gift and she would tell him she wants her own grandfather King Omer's head on a platter! Gross. What a wicked woman, but she also had learned and knew about Secret Combinations and it gave her the idea. They were all evil and swore on Satanic Oaths passed down from Cain. These oaths passed down by the Devil allowed evil people to have Power, commit wickedness, and whoredoms.
Ether 8:26 says, " Wherefore I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power over the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness, and be saved."
In Ether Chapter 9, Akish and his friends overthrew the Kingdom of King Omer and took it back but God was merciful to King Omer and his people and warned him in a dream to take his family, people and himself and flee which they did. Jared became a King through wickedness and gave his daughter to Akish. Akish was evil and killed Jared by beheading on his throne. This guy Akish was so evil that when he was jealous of his son he made him a prisoner and starved him to death. Akish had another son named Nimrah, and knew what his dad did to his brother and he was angry with him. He took a small group with him and they defected from Akish and went and lived with Omer and his people.
There were wars fought between Akish and his sons for a long time until Omer regained his rightful kingdom. Omer got old and gave the Kingdom to his son Emer. People under King Emer became strong and wealthy having grains, field, silks, and much livestock and animals (they even had cureloms and cumoms with their livestock! ha-ha I must google these creatures). Apparently, those beasts were as useful as the Elephant to the people, so I am assuming they were big.
Emer before he died named his son Coriantum as King and it said that he died having reigned in such righteousness that he saw the Son of Righteousness before he died. Coriantum reigned in goodness and built many mighty cities, but he had no children to leave his throne to in old age. Then when his first wife died at age 101, he remarried a young maid and they had many children. He lived to be 142 years old!
He died leaving the Kingdom to Com and Com had a son Heth. Heth became wicked and wanted to overthrow his own father, Com. Heth did kill King Com (haha King Com; sorry a bit of levity there). Anyways, Heth killed his father King Com. Prophets started to come teach the evil people under King Heth about their need to repent and the people would not listen. King Heth was putting the Prophets in Jail and dropped them in pits to be left to die.
There started to be a great drought and famine in the land. There were poisonous snakes, no rain, and the people were dying. When all of this was happening and they saw they were gonna perish, they began to repent. When the Lord saw their repentance he did bring on the rain which allowed for fruit trees to grow to feed the people and he kept them from dying further.
Likening these Chapters Unto Me
Wow! So much here guys. Okay, It really is simple. We need to heed the Prophets (remember Amos 3:7, "The Lord will do nothing save he revealeth his secrets to his servants, the Prophets) and we need to be guided to avoid Secret Combinations, evil doing, evil reading, evil media, evil print, evil ways, evil thoughts, anything that draws us away from Heavenly Father. This included but is not limited to what we watch, wear, eat, drink, entertain, study, read about, introduce in to our minds, and allow others to influence us with. I have these thoughts.
#1 I am 50 years old and not getting younger. I have decided after this Book of Mormon reading in 90 days and the deep dive I have done in to the Holy Spirit allowing me to be taught additional truths just for my life, that I no longer will allow things to enter in to my heart, mind, relationships, or life that I could not sit and do with Jesus there in person. If I can't feel comfortable discussing this with a Prophet or Apostle sitting in my living room, it won't be allowed into my life. That includes books, movies, Paranormal Stuff, Aliens, Rated R Movies, Word of Wisdom don'ts (including spirit of the law things like anything that I feel won't be good for me or could be addictive (like Sugar, diet colas, caffeine energy drinks, and only allow myself desert sparingly, like when we feed the missionaries). This is not a commandment thing for the world or these readers, but something I am being called to do just for me.
#2 In the same spirit as the above mentioned, I have decided that I will be listening to the Prophet more, read his words more, following his counsel more, read the conference talks to memorization, and that I will do what my friend Francis told me to do all of the time when he was alive, "Stay in the Word, Stace. If you do this, you will never ever be led astray". I have many friends that are way less "rigid" as they see me, in their approach to friends, movies, books, interests, etc. and this might make them uncomfortable to read these things I am committing to, but this is for me. I feel very strongly that this time the past 85 days has transformed my spirit and the fact that I was brought to this decision during a time where my body has been made to be ill and low causing me additional humility makes me realize this is not a coincidence. God's timing is perfect.
#3 God's timing is perfect which leads me to the third thing from these reflections today. There is a song from the Kenneth Cope called, "Greater Love" and it makes me think. I will post the lyrics of the song from the video above, at the end of this post tonight. Would I have been Jesus's disciple like Mary or Martha. Will I be ready when he comes again? I do believe that the Savior will come soon. I know that we have been hearing this since Antiquity. I do believe it's here. Am I too late? Will my Temple Blessings ever get restored? Who knows. What I do know is that Jesus Christ has the Final Say about redemption, not man. I don't get to question the decision making of my Leaders because they are inspired by God. I get to walk in Faith, NEVER again wavering. NEVER AGAIN! That means I WILL lose my relationships with people, I will lose sibling relationships, parent relationships, and maybe even the relationships of those closest to me as they choose not to follow the "Covenant Path". I have to be willing, like at no other time in my life, to be loyal to Christ over people, even family. It's time.
"Greater Love"
By Kenneth Cope
If I had been there at his trial, And watched as they mocked Israel's King, I wonder if I would have tried to turn their hearts to Him, If I had been there when they whipped him, And watched as he fell to his knees, Would I have been willing to offer my own life for Him, For His friends, how he bled His love for them was just as he said Greater love he showed the greatest love, of all
If I had been there at the hillside when they fastened his hands to the cross, I'm sure that my heart would have broken,
For His friends, For His friends, And that's me if I do what he said Would I give? Could I live my life like Jesus? Jesus
Well now, it's been years since his lifetime, But he and his love still remain, And all that I want is to be like him, He was all I hope to be, I would give my life to be, The kind of friend, Jesus was to me, Greater love. https://www.songlyrics.com/kenneth-cope/greater-love-lyrics/
Ether Chapter 3 talks about how The brother of Jared went to the Lord with 16 clear glass-like stones and asked the Lord to touch them so that they could be placed in their 8 vessels that would cross the sea otherwise in darkness. The Lord touched the stones with his finger and Jared's brother became afraid because he didn't know the Lord had a body. The Lord tells him that he sae him because of his faith then appeared to him fully as he announced that he is Jesus Christ.
They spoke, and Christ tells him that because he has a perfect knowledge of Christ now and not just faith belief without sight, that he would now have no veil between himself and the Lord. He also told him that he would not withhold anything from him.
Ether 4 talks about how Christ tells the brother of Jared that the things thst have been revealed to him he must wrote down but that those things will he hidden and will not come forward until the people have Christ return to the Nephites after his resurrection and ascension in to Heaven. Moroni knows there is noone left who believes who he can pass the records down to. Moroni buried them with 2 stones.
Ether 4:18-19 says, "18 Therefore, repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and believe in my gospel, and be baptized in my name; for he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned; and signs shall follow them that believe in my name.
19 And blessed is he that is found faithful unto my name at the last day, for he shall be lifted up to dwell in the kingdom prepared for him from the foundation of the world. And behold it is I that hath spoken it. Amen.
Likening These Words Unto Me
I really love how direct and guiding these verses are in Ether 4.
#1 Repent and come unto Christ
#2 Be Baptized
#3 If I believe in Christ, I am saved
#4 Those who do not believe will be damned
#5 Blessed are the faithful at the last day
#6 The faithful will dwell in a Kingdom Christ prepares for us.
In Ether Chapter 5, Moroni addresses that the record he has buried will come forward in the Latter Days to 3 Witnesses and that The Book of Mormon will Testify for itself of The truth of it.
In Chapter 6 of Ether, the Brother of Jared took the stones and placed 2 stones in each barge.
There was light as they were sealed tight and tossed at sea. The families sand and praised and prayed night and day. The Lord kept the winds strong to keep them going. The boats were sealed tightly so water didn't enter as they sometimes were brought below the surface as they traveled. The Lord kept them safe the entire 344 days that they were on the sea. The families were wanting a King even though The Brother of Jared and Jared and the other brothers refused to be a King. Orihah became King but he walked humbly with the Lord and was a good king.
Wonderful Song at the end of this blog post! Please Listen.
picture from bookofmormoncentral.org
The Book of Ether has an introductory explanation of the book in The Book of Mormon which states that it is, "The record of the Jaredites, taken from the 24 plates, found by the people of Limhi in the days of King Mosiah."
In Ether Chapter 1 right off the bat, in the description of the Chapter in the Book of Mormon, there is proof to support the notion that not ALL languages were confused at the Tower of Babel, which is why the Bible is only accurate as far as translated correctly, and why we need the additional inspiration and information found in The Book of Mormon. Why? Because we learn from reading Ether 1, in the Book of Mormon, that the language of the Jaredites was NOT confounded at the Tower of Babel!
Moroni explains in Chapter 1 why he was abridging the book of Ether. He said that in the beginning of the Book of Ether, there is the story of Adam and Eve until the Tower of Babel. He knew that the Jews already had that information and record, so he left it out and started from the Tower of Babel to the destruction of the people. He says that if anyone finds the original record that they will see that what is written that is unabridged will follow the pattern of how he described it and so nothing was left out or would be missing.
Moroni saved room for the parts that were of importance and were not included in Genesis (The Torah or Pentateuch. The Torah is the Hebrew word for the First five books of the Old Testament and The Pentateuch is the Orthodox Christian Greek word for the first five books of the Old Testament: the same five books, just different traditions of usage in name alone). God in his love for his children did not allow these people and their story to go undiscovered!
The book of Ether was written by Ether who was a descendant or Coriantor. The genealogy in Chapter 1 of Ether goes from Coriantor back to Orihah who was the son of Jared. Jared, his brother, and their family are shared about in Ether at the time of the Tower of Babel.
The brother of Jared was a man large in stature and strong (I picture him looking a bit like Captain Moroni), and he was also close to the Lord. Jared knew this, and so he went to his brother, asked him if he would please go to the Lord, pray, and ask him if he would preserve the language of their people. The languages were being confused, and people were being scattered throughout the earth. God honored their petition to Him and preserved their language along with their friends and family so that they all could still communicate.
Jared asked his brother to petition the Lord again and ask him where they should go because only God would know. This reminds me so much of how Moses used Aaron as his mouthpiece when Aaron spoke with the Jews but instead of the brother of Jared speaking to the jews, Jared had him speak to the Lord on their behalf. He had so much faith in the goodness and faithfulness of his brother! I find that really awesome, honestly.
The Lord answered the brother of Jared and instructed him to take their families, their flocks both male and female of every kind, and seeds, and head northward (Reminds me of how God instructed Noah; we have God doing the same thing with different people at different times but always the same God in a similar way (Noah and his family, Lehi and his family, Jared's family). The Lord said he would meet them there and lead them to a choice land, personally. God promised to make them a mighty nation wherever he leads them because of the faith and goodness of the brother of Jared (which he also promised Noah and Abraham). Heavenly Father blesses his children who are faithful.
Picture from The Book of Mormon Art Catalog
Can I just tell you how much I love this next chapter? Ether Chapter 2 begins telling the story of the Brother of Jared, Jared, and their families as well as their friends and their own families who journey to meet the Lord in a land they called Nimrod. They caught fish and took honeybees with them as well.
When they got to Nimrod, the brother of Jared met with the Lord but the Lord was in a cloud so that the brother of Jared could NOT see him but just hear him. Now, there is a message in Ether Chapter 2 for us. We are the people that the Book of Mormon would come to, right? We are warned by Moroni as we read to repent and keep the commandments because the land that we inhabit is the very same land that the Jaredites would come to and that God promised that in the day that this land was inhabited by the wicked it would be destroyed. Also, we are instructed to serve the God of this land, who is Jesus Christ and if we do, we will be a free people, and this will be a land of Freedom without a king and without tyranny! Are we all paying attention right now? I know I am!
When they got to a land they named Moriancumer, the brother of Jared spoke to the Lord for 3 hours in that cloud that shrouded the Lord from him seeing him. He was chastened for not praying to him. The brother of Jared repented. This next part blows me away. The Lord tells the brother of Jared that he forgives him and his people but that he is commanded never to sin again; never to sin again! Holy Cow. Can you imagine talking to the Lord for 3 hours, repenting, and then being told you are forgiven but don't you ever sin again. That is exactly what the Lord told the brother of Jared! This tells me that the Lord had so much faith in his ability to obey the command. I wish I could even be 1% of what the brother of Jared was.
The brother of Jared and his people were commanded to make barges and they were made as the Lord instructed. The brother of Jared went to the Lord and asked him how they would see or breath because they were water and airtight. The Lord told him to make holes, and what to do to get air, and how to prevent water from going into the barges. Then the brother of Jared asks the Lord how they will receive light? The Lord asks the brother of Jared how he would like him to receive light because they can't have windows or fire? ....
Likening These Chapters Unto Me
Wow! I mean, wow! This is a wonderful account. So what do I think? How can I liken these Chapters unto me?
#1 Would I have the faith to ask my brother to pray on behalf of me and my family and our friends? And if my brothers came to me and asked me to pray on their behalf would I have the worthiness and relationship with God to do such a thing for them?
#2 I love that the brother of Jared talked for 3 hours with the Lord. I do this sometimes but I've never had him visit me in a cloud. I have heard the Holy Spirit whisper things to me that the Lord wants me to know, though and that in and of itself to me is a miracle.
#3 I think about language and how important it is. To be able to communicate in some way with family and friends. The Love that the Lord had to allow them to keep their language intact and be able to communicate with each other. Those are the tender mercies that God gives to those who love him and who he loves.
#4 When I go to Heaven, I want to find Jared and his brother and sit and talk to them. I have a million questions. I know that I want to emulate their faith in Christ. I know that I want to be in a position in my life where I can pray and ask for the prayers of my friends and family to be heard by Heavenly Father and that I know that those prayers will be answered. I feel like during these floods many prayers by many were heard by Heavenly Father and I believe they will continue to be heard. Only one person died so far in these floods and to me that is a miracle. We were told that there would be casualties and there was one, but only one (bless his soul and prayers for his family that are grieving him at this time).
I am sick today so this blog post will be super short.
In Mormon Chapter 7, Mormon speaks to the Remnants of The House of Israel in the Latter Days (Now and at the time of Joseph Smith, when the Book of Mormon was brought forward, and the Gospel was restored).
He spoke to the future generations who's people were spared at the Hill Cumorah. Come unto Christ, repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ or you can not be saved! Put down your weapons of war and stop shedding blood of man.
He tells the people that the New Testament of The Holy Bible will come forth and if the people believe it, they will also believe the Book of Mormon.
In Chapter 8 of Mormon, 400 years passed since the Savior visited America. Mormon was slaughtered and all of the Nephites. Moroni was alone and had no where to go so he buried the records in the ground to preserve them before he set out. Noone good was left around him. Only the wicked Lamanites and the Gadianton Robbers.
Mormon 8:23-25 says, "23 Search the prophecies of Isaiah. Behold, I cannot write them. Yea, behold I say unto you, that those saints who have gone before me, who have possessed this land, shall cry, yea, even from the dust will they cry unto the Lord; and as the Lord liveth he will remember the covenant which he hath made with them.
24 And he knoweth their prayers, that they were in behalf of their brethren. And he knoweth their faith, for in his name could they remove mountains; and in his name could they cause the earth to shake; and by the power of his word did they cause prisons to tumble to the earth; yea, even the fiery furnace could not harm them, neither wild beasts nor poisonous serpents, because of the power of his word.
25 And behold, their prayers were also in behalf of him that the Lord should suffer to bring these things forth.
Mormon 9 talked about how The Book of Mormon would come forward at a time of great wickedness in the land. That there will be a need for caring for others, the poor, the widow, the sick, the needy. And there will be churches that want power, money, flashy jewels, and be wicked and not humble. He reminded that the Peophets and the people of God were Martyred and died for this true Church of God.
Likening These Chapters Unto Me
I was thinking about what Moroni said when he said that the time would come when the Plates of Brass would be found and that those who read it will believe and know that the words were written and preserved of great and loyal, valiant, and true believers in God.
It makes me appreciate The Book of Mormon. It makes me love it more that the book was sealed by the blood of the faithful.
Mormon 4 starts out describing how the Lamanites and Nephites went to war AGAIN! The Nephites held off the Lamanites and became wicked in their boasting of their own strength. They didn't give their credit to God for protecting them.
The Lamanites eventually beat the Nephites and slaughtered their women and children. When Mormon saw all of the war happening, he went and collected the Plates of Nephi from where Ammaron had placed them.
In Mormon Chapter 5, Mormon leads the Nephites in to battle again the Lamanites. Initially, they held them at bay, but then because of their wickedness they were slaughtered. Mormon tells the Nephites to repent and come unto the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who they used to worship! Mormon also promises that the Lord will hear the prayers of the righteous.
In Mormon Chapter 6, Mormon asked rhe King of the Lamanites if he could bring the Nephites to Cumorah and battle tge Lamanites there. The Lamanite King said yes so they gathered all of there people to the Hill Cumorah. Mormon buried the Plates he had at the Hill Cumorah for safe keeping.
Mormon saw that because of the Nephites wickedness they all were slain and 10,000 of his soldiers, too. The Lamanites walked among the dead Nephites and Mormon laid there still, so they didn't slaughter him but passed right over him.
All of Mormon people and 20s of 10 000s died but 24 people under Mormon survived, including Mormon's son, Moroni. Mormon grieved the loss of all of the Nephites to the Lamanites because they turned their back on Christ.
Likening these Chapters Unto Me
I absolutely understand and feel for Mormon in these Chapters. He was a good man of God and he wanted others to know that their obedience, faith, and goodness would protect them and keep them safe. He mourned the loss of all of them because they woukd not repent and because they no longer believed. 24 men did survive and Mormon's son Moroni. They were the people of God.
I have a great desire in my life to be obedient. I struggle with things sometimes like doubts about my personal abilities vs what I believe God wants me to be. I struggle with my self-esteem, but I absolutely know that I have Self Worth as the daughter of God.
Self Worth and Self-Esteem are different. I try everyday to thank God for my life however it looks. I ask God to make me into the best version I can be to glorify him alone; nothing of myself. I also ask God every day to let me feel joy even in suffering and he does.
I hurt every day over losses and trials (personal ), but I also genuinely smile, laugh, and feel real joy because I know God has a purpose for my eternal life and it doesn't matter in the end how man sees me, it matters how God sees me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made! I remember years ago a quote by President David O McKay that said, "No success can compensate for failure in the Home".
He was right. Money, status, callings, power, popularity, or anything else that makes us "feel good" will never make up for not living the Gospel, relying on God, having good relationships with your parents, siblings, spouse, and anyone else living in my home. Nothing.
Repentance is REAL and estrangement is, too but letting Heavenly Father take the helm of the Ship of my life will correct the course and allow the Savior to fix what is broken. I believe that! Everyone makes choices that have natural consequences and sometimes we do not get to see the fruits in this life of obedience to God, but the blessings do come! Trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Mormon 1 introduces Mormon the son of Mormon and Ammaron, who when Mormon was 11, was instructed that at 24 he was to obtain the Plates of Nephi. Mormon recalls the wars that were being waged between the Gadianton Robbers, Lamanites and the Nephites.
Mormon was instructed not to teach the people because his voice would have fallen upon the ears of the wicked. The people were disobeying and went against God so Mormon was instructed not to teach them. Mormon 1:19 says, " 19 And it came to pass that there were sorceries, and witchcrafts, and magics; and the power of the evil one was wrought upon all the face of the land, even unto the fulfilling of all the words of Abinadi, and also Samuel the Lamanite."
In Mormon 2, Mormon explained that although young, he was a large man and was chosen to lead his people in battle. He led the army when he was only 16! They fought the Lamanites and the Gadianton Robbers until they regained their lands.
In Mormon chapter 3, the people hardened their hearts and would not repent. The Lamanites battled rhe Nephites again. Mormon refused to continue leading the Nephites in battle because of their wicked actions. Mormon wants all of the people to repent and tells them that they are judged by their works at the last day!
Likening these Chapters Unto Me
#1 Do I want to be keep myself focused on enduring to the end and right living so that I can prepare to meet God, or do I want to be lax, unconcerned about my exultation, and disregard the Prophets?
#2 Am I concerned about others and striving to be a peacemaker or do I want to hold grudges, cause contention, and invalidate others?
#3 How can I take what I read in Mormon 1-3 and apply them to my life to strive to be a Kingdom Builder?
#4 Am I trusting fully in God and allowing him to use me for good continually all the days of my life?
4 Nephi begins with explaining that for a time the Nephites and the Lamanites were all righteous, worked together, had good feelings and good associations one with another and lived peacefully in The Church of God. They all were baptized and received the Holy Ghost. There were no rich, poor, bond, free but everyone was equal and lived among each other happily. They worked many miracles in the name of Jesus Christ.
The people rebuilt their cities that had been burned. They even rebuilt Zarahemla, but there were cities that had flooded and been sunk and they could not rebuild them. They no longer lived the Law of Moses but did live by Jesus words. They fasted, prayed, and lived the Commandments the Lord gave them. 9 of the 12 disciples that Jesus had set apart had all passed away except for the Three Nephites. The disciples who passed away were replaced for a few generations. There were no Lamanites or any "ites" but they were all named the Children of God and the Church of God.
Nephi's son Amos took the plates of brass and kept them when Nephi died. Most of the people continued to be righteous but a small number renamed themselves Lamanites and began to do wickedness again. Amos died and his son Amos took the Plates of Brass and continued to write in the Book of Nephi which is this book.
People started creating different churches and going away from the Church Jesus established among the Nephites when he visited. The evil churches began to persecute the Church of God in the Name of Jesus and put them in prison but they could not be kept there. They were putting them in dens with wild animals but the people of God were not harmed.
Over time the people became so wicked that they began to outnumber the faithful members of the Church of God. The Nephites began to be vain like the Lamanites and the Gadianton Robbers were recreated. Amos died and his son Ammoron hid the plates of brass.
In 3 Nephi 27, Christ tells the people to name his church by his name. He tells them to be baptized and repent. Christ reminds them that if they are baptized in Christ's name and repent, they will stand guiltless before the Father at the last day.
Faith and repentance are the way to be clean and stand in the presence of God. No unclean thing can dwell with God. "Straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to eternal life!"
In 3 Nephi 28, nine of the twelve shared their desire with Christ to be with Him quickly, but 3 of the 12 Nephite disciples desired as John the Beloved, to stay on earth and bring souls unto Christ until the Second Coming. They are called the three Nephites. Jesus granted their desire.
In 3 Nephi 29, it is told that in the last days there will be a curse upon those who deny Jesus Christ and they will be as sons of perdition.
In 3 Nephi 30, Jesus Christ says to the Nephites in 3 Nephi 30:2, "2 Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel.
Likening these Chapters unto Me
These chapters reminded me of three things.
#1 No Unclean thing can dwell with God
#2 If I ask Heavenly Father and Jesus to help me bring other people unto Christ through missionary work, and if my desires are honest and true, God will answer my prayers and put people in my path who want to find the truth and the Gospel. As the 3 Nephites, I can steer folks closer to Christ by praying and asking Heavenly Father to lead them to Him by sending them my way!
#3 Repentance and enduring to the end is the formula and fool-proof way to gain favor with the Lord and live with him again some day.
3 Nephi Chapter 22 begins with Isaiah. Basically Isaiah has told people to rejoice who have not been blessed with what they expected (giving the example of a barren woman who cannot have children. Isaiah said that more people who are wicked were giving birth than the married woman and God would not look well on that).
The Nephites were commanded to set themselves up in Stakes and expand throughout the land so that the Gentiles would come unto Christ. Christ will take upon him the widow, the barren, the unmarried, the lost and forgotten and he will be the bride groom, father, family of those that are alone and need him. He also tells the Nephites that he will not be upset with them but will love and protect them.
He will comfort the comfortless. Children that are taught about Christ will be children of Peace. He told them that anyone who gathered against them were not of Christ. He called the Nephites HIS.
3 Nephi 22:17 says, "17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall revile against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.
In 3 Nephi 23, Jesus expounds on the scriptures and instructs Nephi to write about it. He tells them to study Isaiah, follow the Prophets, and record the prophesies that came to pass and were fulfilled )like Samuel the Lamanite, for instance).
In 3 Nephi 24, Jesus instructs pertaining to the words of Malachi about tithes and offerings.
In 3 Nephi 25, people who are wicked and prideful will be burned. He says in
3 Nephi 25:5-6,
5 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord;
6 and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse"!
In 3 Nephi 26, Jesus teaches, heals, and them ascends to his Father again a second time. The next day little Children were prophesying and the people were forbidden to record their words. They were baptized and called the church of Christ.
Likening these Chapters Unto Me
I believe in the principle of tithes and offerings. I have seen how they bless the church and allow the church to bless others. I have also seen how paying tithing blessed our lives over the years.
I love that Jesus came to this Continent and did the same things he did in Jerusalem; he healed the sick, the dead he raised, he taught and instructed them to follow the words of the Prophets and to record when the prophesies are fulfilled.
The children prophesying and speaking words of knowledge would have been something so special to see! I love children, and know that they are so special to Heavenly Father.
In 3 Nephi Chapter 19, the people went home and talked among each other all night after Jesus left them until the next day. The next day the 12 disciples who Jesus called split up the people in to 12 groups to minister to them all of the things ver batim that Jesus taught. The people desired to receive the Holy Ghost. Nephi was baptized and then all the people were baptized. After this the Holy Ghost came to them. Angels also came down and ministered unto them.
Likening this Chapter unto Me
I just cannot imagine what that would have felt like to be with him!
3 Nephi Chapter 20 talks about how Jesus told the people to never stop praying in their hearts. Then he broke bread and gave them the Sacrament. They did not have bread or wine and so he truly gave it to them! Jesus told the 12 disciples and the Nephites that they had more faith than the Jews in Jerusalem and so they saw more than the Jews in Jerusalem did. He told them that their land was consecrated and would be a place that will gather the lost tribes together in the last days. He told them that they were important and worthy. He made them promises which you can read in this chapter.
In Chapter 21 of 3 Nephi, Jesus prophesies about his 2nd coming and the signs and wonders that would occur. He shared how men will believe and others will not. Jesus Christ cried repentance for the people in the last days. He will cut off witchcraft, soothsayers, and people who make idols to worship. He will destroy cities of wicked people. All sin will be done away with! If the people repent, he will establish his church among them! He will gather all of the lost tribes to the New Jerusalem.
Likening these Chapters unto Me
The theme of the entire Book of Mormon is repentance. It is that gift we are given to become clean and be able to stand before the Lord at the last day and know we are forgiven. I am thankful for this knowledge and the opportunity every night before I go to bed to repent of the things I am weak in, and become strong in Christ asking him to make tomorrow better, forgive me where I fall short, and thank him for his love and mercy.
There actually is a lot of reading in these 3 chapters and I did not go over in detail as I normally do. I have much to think on and ponder of these chapters especially 3 Nephi 19. I hope you will read and ponder as well.
In 3 Nephi 16, Jesus tells the Nephites that not only did he show himself in Jerusalem and The Americas and teach the people, but there are others he will visit, too that he loves and will visit. That he is there shepherd, too and they are his sheep. He testifies of the lost sheep he will gather. Read Chapter 16 fully. There is so much here.
In 3 Nephi Chapter 17, Jesus tells the Nephites to go home and think about what he taught them and he will come back tomorrow. He says he is going to visit the lost tribes of Israel and his Father, and that he will return tomorrow.
Before he leaves he asks for the sick among them to come forward to be healed. They kissed Jesus feet and bathed his feet with their tears. They saw Jesus kneel and pray unto the Father for the wickedness of the people of the house of Israel. The people were moved by his prayers to Heavenly Father.
Jesus took their children and blessed them. Angels came and surrounded the children and ministered unto them. There were 2500 people, men, women, and children there with Jesus.
3 Nephi 18 talks about Jesus administering the Sacrament to the Nephites. Jesus tells them to never take the Sacrament unworthily. He says blessed are they who do not argue or fight (disputations).
Jesus gave power to confer the Holy Ghost on others to some of the disciples. They watched and saw him ascending in to Heaven.
Likening these Chapters Unto Me
In 3 Nephi 17 when Jesus heals the sick and blesses the children, this has always touched my heart. I know he still blesses the children and heals the sick and wounded today. We have the Priesthood who annoint and bless the sick and we have little Children who are blessed by the Priesthood, too. Jesus loves his children and we are his sheep. I am his lamb.
In 3 Nephi 13, Jesus preaches to the Nephites the same as he did in his ministry to the people of Jerusalem the teachings recorded in Marthew 6.
1. When you give to the poor, do so privately so God will bless you openly.
2. When you pray, pray in your closets or privately. Do not pray loudly on street corners or synagogues to be recognized and praised for your words.
3. Pray, "Our Father Who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not in to temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
4. When you fast, fast in secret.
5. Do not keep treasures on earth, but layup treasures in Heaven. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
6. Do not worry about your food or provisions because God will take care of you! Dont take worry of tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself.
In 3 Nephi Chapter 14, he continues...
7. Judge not that ye not be judged.
8. Do not cast your pearls before swine. Keep things of a sacred nature protected from those who would defile, mock, or disrespect it.
9. Ask and ye shall receive, seek, and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you.
10. If your actions are evil, you can not produce good things. Good trees produce good fruit!
11. Beware of false prophets!
12. Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of God. Those who follow God's will shall inherit the Kingdom of God.
13. Be like the wise man who built his house upon the rock and not the foolish man who built his house upon the sand.
In 3 Nephi Chapter 15, Jesus tells the Nephites that these are all the things he taught his followers before he ascended to Heaven and then visited them. He says that the law of Moses is fulfilled through him. He said he gave the law (God of the Old Testament) and it is he who fulfilled it.
Jesus said his covenant with his people has not yet all been fulfilled but the Law of Moses has been fulfilled.
Jesus told the Nephites that the people of Jerusalem do not know about the Nephites but that the Nephites are who Jesus refered to when he told his 12 disciples in Jerusalem that there are sheep that he had of another fold and them too he must visit!!!
The twelve Apostles thought Jesus was referring to the Gentiles as the sheep of another fold, not the Nephites. And Jesus told the Nephites they are his sheep too and he died for them, too!
Likening These Chapters Unto Me
These Chapters mean so much to me. I remember as a girl being taught Matthew 5 and 6 and always imagining what it would be like to sit at Jesus feet and listen to him in person. I used to beg my parents to read bible stories to me. I felt like I was there. Reading these Chapters in 3 Nephi, I felt that same tender thought return and I felt so happy for the Nephites that they got to sit and listen at the feet of Jesus. I am excited to finish this book on Christmas Day, so that I can do this 90 day challenge again and finish in March 2026!
In Chapter 12, Christ sets 12 Nephites apart to be disciples and lead the people. He also gives the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount to the people (Matthew 5)
Likening This Chapter Unto Me
I have always love the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes. I memorized Matthew 5 as a girl (age 12). When I realized that Jesus gave the same Sermon to the Nephites I was so happy because he wanted them to have the same teaching as he shared with the people in Jerusalem.
I have thought often about the Beatitudes over the years and have tried to remmeber them as a guide post for my life. I also wonder if because these teachings were so important for Christ to teach in both sides of the world, if when we are judged on judgement day, if our judgements will be based on Matthew 5 and 3 Nephi 12! Something for me to think about and ponder on.
I am thankful for my Savior, his love for me, and this time of year that allows me to reflect whole heartedly upon the Words of Christ. I am really thankful that I chose to read the Book of Mormon in 90 days at this time of year. It has been such a wonderful experience!
My testimony has grown exponentially as well as my love for other members of my faith. You can not read the words of the Prophets, believe what they teach, and not feel incredible compassion for the Church of God and those who love Jesus Christ, do his will, and endure to the end!
