Sunday, January 26, 2020

Book of Mormon 35 to 48

Well, I let myself down quite significantly! As I had been released as the Gospel Doctrine teacher and I became more and more involved in analysing my research data and writing my thesis, I let this blog slide. I know, from personal experience, that writing about my gospel studying brings great blessings. I have now moved my focus back to studying the things that are really important, the scriptures and messages from our prophets and Church leaders. This movement is depicted below. I was placing emphasis on my secular studies and my energy was deflected away from spiritual matters. I have now tipped my scale in the opposite direction back to the issues of eternal importance.


As I re-read these last sections of the Book of Mormon, I will edit this post and add any thoughts or ideas I do not want to forget. Hopefully, this will help me when I get to teach these scriptures again. That's one of the things I love the most about the Book of Mormon, i.e. every time you read it, you learn and understand more. Different things become clearer as you re-read, pray, and seek for the Spirit's guidance.


Lesson 35
“Repent and Return unto the Lord”
Helaman 13–16

I enjoyed reading through these chapters from Helaman. Samuel the Lamanite was “one of the most colourful characters in the Book of Mormon, and few readers can forget the image of this fearless servant of God announcing the dramatic signs of Christ’s birth and death, crying repentance from the walls of Zarahemla” (John Bytheway, Gospel Doctrine Prep – Lesson 35). I can see this brave and courageous Lamanite missionary standing on the walls of the city, preaching and prophesying to the Nephites. He did not waver because the Nephites looked down on the Lamanites. He did not hesitate, even though he must have felt the hostility and heard the derogatory comments. And then, his life was threatened. The Lord protected him. In Chapter 16, we learn that the Nephites who aimed stones and arrows at Samuel, could not hit him. What an amazing and stunning scene this must have been. Even though the Lord protected him, there were those who did not see the miracle that was taking place in front of their eyes because their hearts were so hardened by pride and evil.
Samuel the Lamanite
In Helaman 13:37, we read, “Behold, we are surrounded by demons, yea, we are encircled about by the angels of him who hath sought to destroy our souls. Behold, our iniquities are great.” This is the substance of nightmares. I know that Satan’s followers are helping the master of sin to divert members of the house of Israel away from the Lord’s teachings. It makes sense that they are all around us. We need a shield of righteousness to fight against this ever-present threat of evil. 

President Thomas S. Monson
In researching the topic of demons, I found that not only are Satan’s followers regarded as demons, but demons can be those things that are in themselves evil. President Thomas S. Monson (in a General Conference talk, October 2002) listed some demons: “the Demon of Greed; the Demon of Dishonesty; the Demon of Debt; the Demon of Doubt; the Demon of Drugs; and those twin Demons of Immodesty and Immorality.” We need to avoid these demons at all cost. The greatest assurance we can have is, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). In Helaman 15:6, there is a wonderful expression, “striving with unwearied diligence.” Isn’t this the best way to avoid demons and always be worthy of the guidance of the Spirit?


I was astounded by the accuracy of the prophecies of Samuel the Lamanite. In Helaman 13:5, he stated that 400 years would pass away before the sword of justice fell on the Nephites. Then in Helaman 14:2, he declared that it would be five years until the birth of the Saviour. The Book of Mormon Central website has many, many KnoWhy videos explaining interesting facts found in the Book of Mormon scriptures. The following short video explains the precision of time in Samuel’s prophecies.


Lesson 36
“On the Morrow Come I into the World”
 3 Nephi 1–7
Chapters 1 to 7 in 3 Nephi make exciting reading. 3 Nephi 1 starts five years after the prophesies of Samuel the Lamanite. There were many who mocked the faithful and claimed that the time for Samuel’s prophecies to be fulfilled had passed. In verse 9 we read, “Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet.” This must have been a terrible time for those who had followed the prophets. Nephi, son of Nephi pleaded with the Lord and, in verse 13 the Lord calmed him by reporting, “on the morrow come I into the world.” Many people believed and repented of their sins and wickedness.
Nephi, son of Nephi
In the years that followed the signs of Christ’s birth, we see the cycle of pride and wickedness 4a fall/needing the Lord’s help 4humility and repentance/living righteously/being rewarded for righteousness 4and back to pride and wickedness. The Gadianton Robbers were a constant threat to the safety of the Nephites and Lamanites. In Chapter 3, Lachoneus, Governor of the Nephites in Zarahemla received a letter from Giddianhi, the leader of the Gadianton Robbers, expecting the Nephites and righteous Lamanites who had joined with them, to become subject to the Gadianton Robbers. Lachoneus brought all the people together and made sure they were fortified from attack by the Gadianton Robbers, and appointed Gidgiddoni as the leader of his armies. Many of the Nephites repented because they knew the Lord would protect them only if they were obedient. Giddianhi died when the Gadianton Robbers attacked the Nephites. The sight of his army must have been horrific. In 3 Nephi 4:7, there is a description,” they had a lamb-skin about their loins, and they were dyed in blood, and their heads were shorn, and they had head-plates upon them”. Another leader was appointed by the Gadianton Robbers and this leader, Zemnarihah, was responsible for an unsuccessful siege of the Nephites and he was later put to death. Literature in psychology and education today stresses the importance of intrinsic (internal) motivation over extrinsic (external) motivation. It seems to me that the ‘righteousness’ of many of the Nephites was externally motivated by the threat of the Gadianton Robbers and this possibly allowed them to be led back into unrighteous behaviours once the threat from the Gadiantion band no longer existed.
The Gadianton Robbers


In 3 Nephi 7, we read about the break-down of the Nephite system of judges. There was a lack of cohesion and tribes separated from each other, each electing their own chief or leader. A new secret combination, under a ‘king’ called Jacob, caused further bloodshed and hatred. The most memorable verse to me is verse 8, which reads, “the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire.” The ugliness of sin is perfectly clear in this scripture. Reading about the destruction of government and how Satan divides people to accomplish his purposes, makes me think of the current state of American politics. I think the comparison is all too clear.


Lesson 37
“Whosoever Will Come, Him Will I Receive”
3 Nephi 8–11

There is an emotional roller coaster from 3 Nephi 8 to 11. This starts with disputations and doubts of many Nephites concerning the signs which Samuel the Lamanite had prophesied would accompany the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is hard to believe that after the people had already witnessed the signs that accompanied the birth of the Saviour, and been witness to the strength of the Lord helping them overcome secret combinations, that they could still doubt that the signs of the crucifixion would be fulfilled. Then, when the three hours of terror started, I can imagine the panic in the hearts of the people, especially the unrighteous. I am sure even the righteous were scared. Who would not have been? Imagine cities being swallowed up and mountains in their place, cities sinking beneath the sea, cities burned to the ground, whirlwinds, the earth shaking and tearing apart. I know I would have been petrified and praying continuously for the Lord’s help. What else could you do? I would be trying to find my children and wanting them to be safe. Then imagine three days of total darkness. The only solace in pitch darkness would have been prayer. I remember once, as a very young student at the Church College of NZ in Temple View, a terrible storm left the dormitories completely without power. Our dorm monitor had us climb the stairs, holding on to the railing and holding a hand of the person in front of us. When we got to the top of the stairwell, we could see the temple with its lights shining brightly. What comfort and reassurance!
The Hamilton, NZ temple lit up at night
Can you imagine the intense relief and resulting joy when the veil of darkness was lifted? I love 3 Nephi 10:10, “And the earth did cleave together again, that it stood; and the mourning, and the weeping, and the wailing of the people who were spared alive did cease; and their mourning was turned into joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer.” The voice of Heavenly Father was heard three times before it was understood. Perhaps many were still in shock over death, destruction, fear, and loss. It must have taken a while before their ears were opened enough to truly hear

Then the ultimate experience was seeing the Lord descending from heaven. They were told, “thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet,” (3 Nephi 11:14) as a witness that He was truly the Saviour of the world. With Nephi, I would have fallen to the ground and kissed the feet of the Master (3 Nephi 11:19).
Jesus Christ speaking to the righteous survivors
Why do I feel so emotional when I read these chapters? I know that this will happen again. At the Second Coming many will be destroyed and the Lord will once again show Himself to His people. The fear of the Last Days will be conquered through hope in Christ and this hope will only be given to the righteous. As to whether or not I want to remain obedient and follow the counsel of our leaders, there can be no doubt. I hope I will be ready when the time comes.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: "'Come,' [Christ] says lovingly. 'Come, follow me.' Wherever you are going, first come and see what I do, see where and how I spend my time. Learn of me, walk with me, talk with me, believe. Listen to me pray. In turn you will find answers to your own prayers. God will bring rest to your souls. Come, follow me." (Ensign, Nov 1997, p. 65)

Lesson 38
“Old Things Are Done Away, and All Things Have Become New”
3 Nephi 12–15

What gentle, beautiful scriptures and what an idyllic, inspiring teaching session with the Master. In 3 Nephi 12 to 14 we learn wonderful things that were previously taught by the Saviour during his sojourn on earth. The principles Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount are repeated here, but there are clarifications that explain and expound important doctrines.

This can be seen in the Beatitudes. There are some minor differences, but they make the meaning so much clearer. See the chart below from Brother Bill Beardall’s Gospel Doctrine class.

The Beatitudes: A Comparison
Differences in italics
 
3 Nephi 12
Matthew 5
Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
And again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 
And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 
And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
And blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. 
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 And blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 And blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake;
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 For ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  
Brother Daniel Ludlow, in A companion to your study of the Book of Mormon said, "This more complete version of the sermon changes the entire emphasis of the Beatitudes. Here the Saviour is not saying 'you are more blessed if you mourn than if you do not mourn,' but he is saying 'If you are called upon to mourn, then you are blessed if you come unto me, and are baptised, receive the Holy Ghost, etc.' Thus, if you do truly hunger and thirst after righteousness, you shall be filled 'with the Holy Ghost’…It is also of interest to note that each of the Beatitudes in the Book of Mormon begins with the coordinating conjunction 'and,' which helps to relate them back to the introductory statement" (p. 263).

There are so many scriptures in these chapters that speak to me personally, I have chosen just four on which to comment. Firstly, in 3 Nephi 13: 19-21, we read, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal; But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” I often look around my house in despair. There is so much work that needs to be done but I do not have the money or the expertise to make it happen. I see how the guttering and roof need repair as they have deteriorated over the years. I hear the pipes groaning, from years of wear and tear. But then, I look at my children and I read the scriptures, and I realise the roof, the guttering, and the pipes do not hold that much value to me. The roof keeps me dry, rain runs along the guttering, and water is delivered via the pipes. They may not be ‘flash’ but they still function. Whatever principle of intelligence I attain in this life, will rise with me in the resurrection (D&C 130:18). The scriptures cannot wait. My children are already adults. They need my guidance now, more than ever. The gospel and my family are my treasures.
Also 3 Nephi 13:20-21
The next scripture is 3 Nephi 13:28, which reads, “And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.” I try to dress appropriately and modestly but I have never considered myself beautiful. I have never tried to buy clothing that impresses with its cost or its label. I find little value in outward beauty. I want to develop my inner beauty and shine with the light of the gospel.

In 3 Nephi 14: 24-27 we read the parable of the foolish man who built his house upon the sand and the wise man who built his house upon the rock. It is clear which house will stand when the storms descend. My house needs to be built on the rock of the Redeemer.


The last scripture I will mention is in 3 Nephi 15:9. This reads, “Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.” My Saviour and Redeemer has asked me to look to Him, to follow Him, and to endure to the end. This is my goal.

Lesson 39
“Behold, My Joy Is Full”
 3 Nephi 17–19


In 3 Nephi 17:1-3 we learn what we need to do in order to understand the word and the will of the Lord. We need to ‘liken the scriptures’ to ourselves. We need to do three things: firstly, go into our homes where we can be quiet and safe; secondly, ponder what we hear and read in our hearts; and, thirdly, pray for understanding. In Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, we gain an insight. Joseph stated, "The things of God are of deep import; and...careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them." In a similar vein, in the April 1946 General Conference, President David O. McKay stated,  "Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord." The best way for me to ponder on the scriptures is to write about them. This is the reason I write in this blog. I find it spiritually challenging to have to ponder and pray about the scriptures I read, apply them to myself, and allow the Spirit to help my understanding grow.

I loved the words of Brother Bill Beardall (Gospel Doctrine Class) in his commentary on avoiding the snares of Satan (3 Nephi 18:15; 18). He suggested, “Be constantly alert. We never know when or how Satan will launch his next attack. Combined with prayer, we have an early warning system that will enable us to avoid being ‘led away captive’.” Prayer is the greatest comfort to me. I know the Lord listens to me and I know I receive answers to my prayers. I find it important to pray at odd times during the day, whenever I need guidance or whenever I cannot sort out a problem without help. As we continue to face the harsh reality of life, we need to be cautious, watchful, and prayerful.

3 Nephi 19 provides us with a visual witness of why we can have faith in the apostles and prophets. This was the second day of Christ’s visit and the number who attended was so great that they had to be split into 12 groups, each with one of the 12 chosen by the Lord Himself. The apostles prayed for their greatest desire, which was to have the Holy Ghost (3 Nephi 19: 9). In verses 10 to 12, those who had been chosen were baptised and in verses 13-14, filled with the Holy Ghost as if with fire. In verse 19, the Lord commanded the disciples to pray and then He prayed with them. The words of the Lord’s prayer are recorded in 3 Nephi 19:20-21: “Father, I thank thee that thou hast given the Holy Ghost unto these whom I have chosen; and it is because of their belief in me that I have chosen them out of the world. Father, I pray thee that thou wilt give the Holy Ghost unto all them that shall believe in their words.” This is a message for us. We need to believe in the words of our prophets and apostles. 

As the disciples continued to pray, we read the most awesome verse, 3 Nephi 19:25, which states, “Jesus blessed them as they did pray unto him; and his countenance did smile upon them, and the light of his countenance did shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus”. How unforgettable and how inspiring must this scene have been. It took place a second time in verse 30. We have a special General Conference session in a few weeks. Imagine if we could see this scene with our current general authorities. Would any of us doubt that they were the Lord’s anointed? Perhaps if we approach the conference sessions with spiritual ears and spiritual eyes, we would be able to receive the confirmation that must have been in the hearts of the righteous on this second visit from the Lord.
President Nelson with the apostles - the dedication of the Rome temple
Lesson 40
“Then Will I Gather Them In”
3 Nephi 163 Nephi 20–21

In 3 Nephi 15:21 we read, “Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." Again, in 3 Nephi 16:1, we read, “I have other sheep, which are not of this land”. The following short YouTube video from KnoWhy (Book of Mormon Central) discusses these ‘other sheep’.

In order to understand the scattering and the gathering of Israel, it is important to define who is the house of Israel and who are the Gentiles. In Isaiah for Airheads, Brother John Bytheway explains the meaning of the house of Israel. God made a covenant with Abraham that his seed were to hold the Priesthood and carry the message of the gospel to the world, and that through them the world would be blessed. Abraham’s son was Isaac, and Isaac’s son was Jacob. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel and his descendants are the house of Israel. We become members of the house of Israel when we join the Lord’s Church. The word Gentiles generally refers to non-Israelites or non-members of the church.

A wonderful summary of the scattering and gathering of Israel was given in a conference talk by Elder Russell M. Nelson (in the Quorum of the Twelve at the time) in April, 2010. This explanation is in the YouTube clip below.


The restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith was the beginning of the time for the fullness of the gospel to be taken to the Gentile nations. This will culminate in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. One scripture which seems a little harsh but difficult to interpret is in 3 Nephi 20:16, which reads, “…ye shall be among them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he goeth through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.” This same image is used in 3 Nephi 21:12. In Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon (McConkie, Millet, & Top, 1993) spoke about the remnant of the house of Israel who can withstand the evils and sin of the majority of the Gentiles. “It will be as though the remnant of Israel overthrew their enemies as a young lion among the flocks of sheep” (p. 112).
Artists renditions of the two Jerusalems

Lesson 41
“He Did Expound All Things unto Them”
3 Nephi 22–26

In 3 Nephi 22 we witness the greatness of the prophet Isaiah. The Lord Himself quotes the words of Isaiah. In 3 Nephi 23:1-2 he told the people to not just read but ‘search’ the words of Isaiah. In Isaiah for Airheads, Brother John Bytheway provides us with four reasons why we should search Isaiah’s words.
1.       Form: Isaiah was a master of the Hebrew language, like the Shakespeare of the ancient Jewish world. His words have beauty and power.
2.       Span: Isaiah’s words cover the span of human existence, from the beginning of the world to the end of time. He was a marvellous narrator and told the story of the Plan of Salvation in a remarkably memorable way.
3.       Detail: In a single verse, Isaiah could prophecy of multiple events in different periods of time. Brother Bytheway cites Brother Robert J. Matthews who described this ability as ‘pattern prophecies,’ which can encompass events in different ages and among different people but still fit a pattern.
4.       Testimony: The scriptural account of Isaiah’s cleansing is great. The Lord stated, in 3 Nephi 23:3, “And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake.”

The following YouTube video from KnoWhy (Book of Mormon Central) provide further evidence for the greatness of the words of Isaiah.

One of my favourite gospel principles is covered in 3 Nephi 24:8-10, the principle of tithing. I have a strong testimony of the blessings of paying tithing. I have never hesitated to pay tithing as that money is not mine. It is the Lord’s money and I am not a thief! I watched the old movie, Windows of Heaven, first made by BYU Productions in 1963 and then re-released in1979. I loved it as much this time as I did when I watched it as a child. It can be found on YouTube (see below).


Malachi
In 3 Nephi 24 and 25 we hear the words of Malachi (chapters 3 and 4). These chapters are full of eternal blessings promised to those who are righteous. The righteous need to revere the name of the Lord in order to have their names written in ‘a book of remembrance’ and to be spared (3 Nephi 24:16-17). In 3 Nephi 25:5-6, we read, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; 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.” My mother invested her time and energy into family history for over fifty years, so I am a witness to the fact that Elijah has restored this passion for genealogy to the earth. The messages in these chapters are so critical that they were delivered to the Prophet Joseph Smith, when he was being instructed by the Angel Moroni.

Elijah appearing to the Prophet Joseph Smith & Oliver Cowdery
In 3 Nephi 26:14, we learn that after all the miracles that Jesus performed with the righteous in the Americas, He blessed the children once again. “He did loose their tongues, and they did speak unto their fathers great and marvelous things, even greater than he had revealed unto the people; and he loosed their tongues that they could utter.” Then, in verse 16 we read that on the following day, “even babes did open their mouths and utter marvelous things; and the things which they did utter were forbidden that there should not any man write them.” The veil that was thin for the young ones must have been dropped and they must have seen and spoken of things that were eternal and magnificent. What an incredible experience that must have been!
The veil is thin

Lesson 42
“This Is My Gospel”
3 Nephi 27–304 Nephi

In 3 Nephi 27, the 12 disciples of Christ fasted and prayed for the Lord’s guidance. When He appeared to them, they asked Him about the name of the church, as this had been debated by those who had entered the waters of baptism. In reply, Christ delivered the same answer three times. In 3 Nephi 27:4-5 He stated, “Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name?” Then again, in 3 Nephi 27:7 He answered, “Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name.” The once again, in 3 Nephi 27:8 He said, “...if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.” In the October 2018 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson stated categorically, “I did this because the Lord impressed upon my mind the importance of the name He decreed for His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” There can be no doubt. We are not Mormons. The term Mormon brings with it a lot of break-off, polygamous groups, even cults, who are included in the ‘umbrella’ term Mormon. I noticed this particularly in November 2019, when nine American citizens, including children, were killed by a Mexican drug cartel after being ambushed. The news labelled them as a Mormon family. The reality was they did not belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were from Le Mora, a small community in Sonora state, where they have lived for a very long time. The early leaders of La Mora were excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
LeBaron, home to La Mora
There is a great scripture in 3 Nephi 27:6, that states, “And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day.” This made me think about the covenants I renew when I partake of the Sacrament every Sunday. I promise to always remember Him and to keep His commandments. The Sacrament allows me to renew not just my covenants, but my Spirit and determination to live them.

4 Nephi is a remarkable chapter. It starts with a description of the state of the united people living on the American continent. All Nephites and Lamanites had been converted following the visit of Jesus Christ and the proselyting of the disciples. They had no ‘contentions and disputations’. In verse 16 it states that “there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness.” Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to live in a society such as this? The key to the peace and joy in their society is recorded in verse 15, “because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.”
The scriptures help us keep God's love in out hearts
Unfortunately, after two hundred years had passed, the people started to feel pride in their riches and their achievements. Brother Bill Beardall, in his Gospel Doctrine Class outlined the pattern of decline of the people.
A group of Nephites revolted from the Church and called themselves Lamanites (verse 20).
  • The people became proud of their exceeding prosperity and began wearing costly clothing and adornments (verse 24).
  • The law of consecration was abandoned (verse 25).
  • The people began to be divided into social classes (verse 26).
  • False churches were organized to get gain (verses 26-28).
  • Followers of the true church were persecuted (verses 29-34).
  • There was a great division among the people (verses 35-38).
  • The children were taught to reject the truths of the gospel (verses 38-39).
  • The wicked became more numerous than the righteous (verse 40).
  • Secret oaths and combinations were started again (verse 42).
  • The righteous people began to be proud and seek the things of the world (verses 43-45).
  • The Gadianton conspiracy overran the whole land (verse 46).

This pattern has been repeated so often, not just in the Book of Mormon, but in world history. We need to be obedient, humble, receptive to the Spirit, listen to our leaders, study the scriptures, and pray continuously. Only then will we be able to endure until the Second Coming.


Lesson 43

“How Could Ye Have Departed from the Ways of the Lord?”
 Mormon 1–6Moroni 9

I found these scriptures incredibly sad. My heart went out to Mormon. He must have been very, very special, even as a child. Ammaron visited the child Mormon, when he was only ten years old. He said, in Mormon 1:2,“I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe.” As Brother John Bytheway pointed out, in Heroes: Lessons from the Book of Mormon, this cannot be said about most ten-year-old boys! In Mormon 1:15, we hear about young Mormon at the tender age of 15 years old. We read, “being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus.” As did the young Prophet Joseph Smith, Mormon was visited by the Lord Himself. Then, at 16 years of age, Mormon was made head of the Nephite army (Mormon 2:2). What an exceptional young man he must have been.
Young Mormon
In Mormon 2:10, it appeared as if the Nephites had started to “repent of their iniquity”, as their loud cries could be heard. The verse continues, “behold no man could keep that which was his own, for the thieves, and the robbers, and the murderers, and the magic art, and the witchcraft which was in the land”. How terrifying for the people. Yet, Mormon was disappointed that this was not true repentance. He explains this in verses 13 and 14, “But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin. And they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite spirits, but they did curse God, and wish to die.” This is something we see so often in the world today. People sin and are caught. It is being caught that leads them to regret the sin, not knowing that the sin itself is wrong. Yet, Mormon was clear that true repentance required a broken heart and a contrite spirit. There is and can never be ‘happiness in sin’.

Mormon reached a point where he did “utterly refuse” to lead the Nephite army because of their wickedness and boasting in their own strength (Mormon 3:11). Verse 12 reveals Mormon’s great love and great sadness, “Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts.” Mormon sees the fighting deteriorate, until in Mormon 4:11, he states, “And it is impossible for the tongue to describe, or for man to write a perfect description of the horrible scene of the blood and carnage which was among the people, both of the Nephites and of the Lamanites; and every heart was hardened, so that they delighted in the shedding of blood continually.”
Mormon with his letter to the Lamanite King
Brother Bill Beardall, in his Gospel Doctrine Class states, “[Mormon] loved his people and even though he felt it was hopeless, his loyalty to the nation was such that he once again took up command to assist the Nephites.” At Mormon’s request, the Lamanites allowed the Nephite armies to gather in the land of Cumorah, to contend “the last struggle” between the Nephites and Lamanites (Mormon 6:6). Mormon, who was now getting on in years, hid the plates in the Hill Cumorah, except for the abridged record that he handed over to his son Moroni. “In fearful anticipation and finally horrible realization, Mormon and Moroni fought as the remaining Nephite men, women, and children fell before the oncoming armies of the Lamanites. Mormon himself fell wounded, but his life, for a time, was spared as the Lamanite armies swept on. Only he, Moroni, and twenty-two other Nephites remained; 230,000 of their nation had fallen” (From Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Mormon: The Man and the Book, Part 1, Ensign Mar. 1978).
The final battle
For his entire life, 73 years, he saw and experienced nothing but war and death. In Mormon’s letter to his son Moroni (Moroni 9:7-10), the scenes Mormon describes the most evil horror scenes that could ever be imagined: rape, cannibalism, and unimaginable cruelty. It is a testament to Mormon’s love for the Lord and the goodness of his heart, that he survived these truly terrible things that he witnessed over such a long period of time. Yet, he still managed to write about things like ‘charity’ being the ‘pure love of Christ’ (Moroni 7:47).

Lesson 44
“I Speak Unto You As If Ye Were Present”
Mormon 7–9

In Mormon 8 we learn that Mormon has died, and his son Moroni has taken over writing on the plates. In this chapter, Moroni has lost everyone: his father, his kinsfolk, and friends. All the “Nephites that had escaped to the south country were hunted by the Lamanites until they were all killed” (Mormon 8:2). Moroni had few resources and no ore to create extra plates on which to write. He describes himself as all ‘alone’. How incredibly sad. What a difficult situation to endure. Moroni states that the Lamanites attacked each other, once all the Nephites had been slain. I question whether I could survive, like Moroni, if I was completely alone and hunted by enemies who wanted to kill me. I could not maintain the faith and courage that Moroni displayed under these conditions. Yet, I do need survival skills. The world we live in today is not easy. Satan has a firm grasp on the hearts of many people, groups, and even governments. It will take faith and courage to grasp the Iron Rod and endure to the end. I need to have strong faith and be obedient.

Moroni bids the first of three farewells in Mormon 8. He writes a further farewell in Ether 12, and a third in the book of Moroni. It is interesting to consider why he repeated these farewells. A short video from KnoWhy (Book of Mormon Central) provides a clear explanation (see below).


There is an important message in Mormon 9. Moroni states, “Behold, I say unto you that ye would be more miserable to dwell with a holy and just God, under a consciousness of your filthiness before him, than ye would to dwell with the damned souls in hell. For behold, when ye shall be brought to see your nakedness before God, and also the glory of God, and the holiness of Jesus Christ, it will kindle a flame of unquenchable fire upon you” (verses 4-5). Later in verse 29, Moroni provides cautions about not being baptised unworthily or partaking of the Sacrament unworthily, but we must “do all things in worthiness.” I see these as connected ideas. We are told of the importance of worthiness and that we will only be comfortable being in the presence of the Lord if we are worthy. We need to be worthy now, keep our worthiness to the end, and present ourselves in worthiness before the Lord. Imagine the brilliance and purity of the Lord. No matter how hard I try, I struggle to see myself as truly worthy of being in His presence. I need to make every effort, so that I can fall at His feet in reverence and gratitude.


Lesson 45
“Never Has Man Believed in Me As Thou Hast”
Ether 1–6

Oh, for the faith of the Brother of Jared! We learn so much from the events that start the story of the Jaredites in Ether 1-6. The Brother of Jared, Mahonri Moriancumer, cried to preserve the language of his family, Jared’s family, and their immediate friends (Ether 1:34). His prayer was answered. He then cried to the Lord to have compassion upon the group (Ether 1:36) and again his prayer was answered. He further prayed that they would be led to a choice land (Ether 1:38) and the Lord gave him instructions, “Go to and gather together thy flocks, both male and female, of every kind; and also of the seed of the earth of every kind; and thy families; and also Jared thy brother and his family; and also thy friends and their families, and the friends of Jared and their families. And when thou hast done this thou shalt go at the head of them down into the valley which is northward. And there will I meet thee, and I will go before thee into a land which is choice above all the lands of the earth” (verses 40 and 41).
The pillar of cloud

Imagine that answer, the Lord himself would lead them. “And it came to pass that the Lord did go before them, and did talk with them as he stood in a cloud, and gave directions whither they should travel” (Ether 2:5). This reminded me of the Biblical account of the journey of the children of Israel, where a pillar of cloud hovered over the camp by day and went before them when they were to travel to the next stopping place. At night it became a pillar of fire over the tabernacle (Exodus 13:21-22).

The Lord instructed the Brother of Jared to build barges and gave him specific instructions for the way the barges were to be constructed. They were to be “exceedingly tight” (Ether 2:17), with ‘peaked ends’, ‘the length of a tree’, with a hole in the top and a hole in the bottom that could be closed tightly. The barges sound like early submarines!


President Harold B. Lee
The problem was how to light the barges. The Brother of Jared went to the Lord with this problem. He went to the Lord with a righteous request and asked with great faith. President Harold B. Lee stated, “It was as though the Lord were saying to [the brother of Jared], 'Look, I gave you a mind to think with, and I gave you agency to use it.  Now you do all you can to help yourself with this problem; and then, after you've done all you can, I'll step in to help you'” (Stand Ye in Holy Places, p. 243). And, in the November 1997 Ensign, Elder Russell M. Nelson stated that he has often heard President Gordon B. Hinckley say, "I don't know how to get anything done except getting on my knees and pleading for help and then getting on my feet and going to work" (p. 16). 

The Brother of Jared did just that. He went and shaped stones and presented them to the Lord to light. This is like Noah’s Ark being lit with lighted stones, an event which must have been known to the Brother of Jared (see the KnoWhy video from Book of Mormon Central below).
The Brother of Jared sees the Lord's finger
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

It is important for me to remember that I can gain knowledge by following the example of the Brother of Jared. If I exercise faith, cast away any ‘unbelief’ and call upon the Father with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, I will receive knowledge. I love the words of President Jeffrey R. Holland, who said, “God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can’t if you don’t pray, and He can’t if you don’t dream. In short, He can’t if you don’t believe” (from https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jeffrey-r-holland_terror-triumph-wedding-feast/).

Looking both at this scripture and ahead to the rest of the story of the Jaredites, Brother John Bytheway presented Ether as a “mini Book of Mormon” (Gospel Doctrine Preparation). The following is from Brother Bytheway.


Over the years of teaching the Book of Ether, my students and I have compiled a list of how the Book of Mormon as a whole and the Book of Ether individually are similar witnesses:
The Book of Ether is a second witness of Jesus Christ:

  • Numerous Book of Mormon prophets saw the Saviour
  • The Brother of Jared saw the Saviour
The Book of Ether is a second witness for how nations fall as a result of rejecting Christ:

  • Jaredites and Nephites both experienced the pride cycle
  • Jaredites were told to serve God or be “swept off;” Nephites were told to keep the commandments and “prosper in the land”
  • Secret combinations destroyed both civilizations
  • Wicked kings eventually lead to captivity in both civilizations
  • The Lord in His mercy sent prophets to the wicked in both civilizations
  • The Lord also used famines to bring repentance in both civilizations
  • The land was cursed in both civilizations when people set their hearts on their possessions
  • Both Moroni and Ether say in the end, “It mattereth not” what happens to me.

Lesson 46
“By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”
Ether 7–15

After reading about the total destruction of the Nephites, reading about the destruction of the Jaredites was deeply disturbing. The Lord specifically said that America was a choice land and that those who are obedient will prosper while those who are disobedient will be destroyed. In the Book of Mormon Teacher Resource Manual (2004) it states, “The Jaredites experienced many of the same successes and failures as the Nephites and Lamanites. They were blessed when they were obedient and were punished when disobedient. They prospered under righteous kings and suffered under wicked ones. Prophets in their midst foretold their utter destruction if they refused to repent. These prophets were often rejected and killed. The people built up secret combinations according to the ancient oaths, which led to their destruction. Eventually they were destroyed by civil war.”
Jaredite battle
It is terrifying to look at the state of America today under the leadership of Donald Trump. Trump is not a righteous leader. He supports money-makers in industry at the expense of the American people. He trumpets his own righteousness yet is a bigoted, ignorant, and untrustworthy individual. An FBI report from 2019 found that under Trump, hate crimes had reached a 16-year high, with particularly high levels for the disabled and transgender groups (Axios.com). The current crisis with the Coronavirus has seen how Trump has failed the American people. Every single test for the virus costs over $900 (here in NZ, the test is free). Just today, Trump has said that businesses should operate as usual despite the virus, while those around him are encouraging regulations to flatten the curve. Trump even tried to buy a company that was testing a virus vaccine. Is he thinking this would be a good way to make money? But Trump is not the only problem.

The Jaredites, like the Nephites, suffered with secret combinations that led people from the truth, encouraged lawlessness, and led to the destruction of society. There is a problem with these same organisations world-wide. The biggest gangs, crime families, and drug dealers, lead many from the truth. Particularly in the US, the network of industrial giants represented in politics reeks from the stink of financial intrigue. Then there are terrorist groups and cults. What a mess the world is in! We are so fortunate to have the gospel to guide us through these troubled times.

I love the book Prophecy Checklist by Norma Pyper Mitchell. She draws together the prophesies of the ancient Biblical and Book of Mormon prophets with the prophesies of many of the prophets and general authorities from this dispensation. Joseph Smith saw the bloodshed on the American continent in our days from pestilence, famine, and earthquakes. Orson Pratt described the fighting between neighbourhoods, cities, counties, and states, and Joseph Smith prophesied the US government’s overthrow. This all reminds me of the experiences of the Nephites and the Jaredites. What dire warnings for a country so corrupt from the top down. The only hope for the people lies with the Priesthood.

There was a very interesting verse in Ether 9: 19. It reads, “And they also had horses, and asses, and there were elephants and cureloms and cumoms; all of which were useful unto man.” There has been a lot of debate about these three animals, particularly the last two. I am fascinated and cannot wait to find out more about them as more truth is revealed. Just because an animal is not known to us currently, it dies not mean it never existed. When I look at some of the endangered animals today, there are many that defy the normal names given to their species. See the picture below. Do these animals look familiar? And, check out some of the strange bones that have been found in southern USA and the mid-Americas. The second set of photos is from Texas Memorial Museum showing bones that were unearthed in the local area. Were any of these cureloms and cumoms?
Saiga antelope (left) & Kashmir musk deer (right)
Fossil remains - Texas Memorial Museum
In Ether 12 we read about faith. We know the brother of Jared had so much faith that he saw the finger of the Lord and the Lord could not withhold anything from his sight. In verse 30 we read that “the brother of Jared said unto the mountain Zerin, Remove—and it was removed.” The kind of faith that moves mountains is rare but there have been many experiences where those of great faith have performed miracles. Check out the story of Opapo and the power of his faith. To protect their beloved chapel from a raging fire, he commanded the wind to change direction and it did.


There are two scriptures that I love. The first is in Ether 12:27, “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.” As one who often feels weak, I know I can be strong with the help of the Holy Ghost. 

And, the second is in Ether 13:12, “…there are they who were first, who shall be last; and there are they who were last, who shall be first.” What does this scripture mean to me? To me ‘the first’ are those who consider themselves superior for one reason or the other, yet they reject the Lord and are disobedient. ‘The last’ are those who live the gospel in humility and gratitude. I want to be counted in ‘the last’ category.

Lesson 47
"To Keep Them in The Right Way"
Moroni 1-6

Moroni 1 is Moroni’s preface to his own book. He describes his life and his reason for writing. In Moroni 1:3, we read, “…wherefore, I wander whithersoever I can for the safety of mine own life.” We are in Day 5 of a lock-down due to the Coronavirus. It is easy to moan about not having the freedom of movement we once had and having limited contact with family and friends. We are, indeed, fortunate! Moroni had no contact of any sort with any other human being. He faced the risk of death every day because he knew he could never deny Christ. Despite seeing the ferocity of the Lamanites in killing each other, he was still concerned that he could write something that would benefit his Lamanite brethren at some future time.

The following five chapters all deal with procedures and practices followed by the church at the time of Moroni. This included the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, priesthood ordinations, the blessing and passing of the sacrament, and the conduct of church meetings. Brother Bill Beardall (Gospel Doctrine, Lesson 47) said, “Though brief, these chapters in Moroni are a witness to the unchanging nature of the gospel.” It always strengthens my testimony to see the truth in action in the past as it is in the present.
Priesthood ordinances
One thing I really miss about not being able to attend weekly meetings at the chapel is the ordinance of the sacrament. I love the sacrament hymns and the opportunity to renew my covenants. Now, during lock-down, I still love listening to the sacrament hymns and contemplating the words and what they mean to me. In Moroni 4:3 we read the words of the blessing on the bread. Part of this prayer is, “that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son…that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them.” And, in Moroni 5:2, the words of the blessing on the water include, “that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them.” The act or remembrance is an essential part of living the gospel. We must always remember our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We are blessed with so many wonderful church songs, apart from the sacrament hymns, that can make the Saviour foremost in our minds and hearts. Two of my favourites appear below.



President Gordon B. Hinckley
An important scripture is found in Moroni 6:4. It reads, “And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.” We have a responsibility to fellowship new members. President Gordon B. Hinckley stated, “"With the ever-increasing number of converts, we must make an increasingly substantial effort to assist them as they find their way.  Every one of them needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with 'the good word of God' (Ensign, May 1997, p. 47). We need to be that friend. And, in times such as these when we are required to self-isolate and remain within our ‘bubbles’, we still have a responsibility. This is where we can make social media work for us. We can send a friendly message through Messenger or post directly to our timeline, words of encouragement and inspiration. How about sending an email asking how our new friend is coping? We can share an uplifting link or a memorable story.


Lesson 48
“Come unto Christ”

The final few chapters in Moroni contain quotes from a sermon given by Moroni, Letters from Mormon to Moroni, and Moroni’s final farewell. Mormon’s sermon includes doctrinal guidance on some incredibly important topics: being ‘peaceful followers of Christ’ (vs. 3-4); purifying our motives for doing good (vs. 6-9); how to discern good from evil (vs. 12-19); and the importance of faith, hope, and charity (vs. 21-48).


 President Marion G. Romney told a delightful personal story about having pure motives, that appeared in a Relief Society magazine (Feb. 1968). President Romney, as a young, newly married man, was approached by the bishop to contribute what he considered a ‘staggering’ amount of money for the building of the new ward meeting house. President Romney told the bishop that he would have to pay in instalments as the amount was so high. He paid repeatedly until he was approaching the last three payments. At this stage he was reading Mormon’s sermon when he read this scripture, “...if a man...giveth a gift...grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God” (Moroni 7:8). This was a wake-up call for President Romney. He had paid nearly a thousand dollars already. He paid the last three installments and then made several more payments to demonstrate to the Lord that he had done what was required and more with the right attitude!


There are three things I need in my life right now. The first is faith. In Moroni 7:25, we read “by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing.” Faith provides us with the answer to prayers, personal revelation, and permits miracles to occur in our lives. I have received direct answers to prayer and witnessed miracles throughout my life. Faith is the most important thing for me currently. I need to exercise faith that the Lord will protect us through this pandemic and the faith to follow the guidance of our Prophet Russell M. Nelson, as he leads us through this troubled time.


The faith that I have will allow me to hope for the future. In Moroni 7: 40 it states, “I would speak unto you concerning hope. How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope?” and then in verse 42, “Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope.” Since the start of Covid 19, I have seen faith and hope in so many posts from members of the church on social media. There has been an outpouring of faith, hope, and charity. Members reaching out to each other over the Internet, missionaries continuing the work of sharing the gospel, and friends connecting with words of support and encouragement. The world-wide fast today was a symbol of the faith and hope of members around the world.

The second most memorable scripture from the Book of Mormon is in Mormon’s sermon. “But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him” (Moroni 7:47). Charity is the love that Christ manifested in the Garden of Gethsemane when blood replaced tears and He suffered for our sins, our pain, and made it possible for us to repent and prepare ourselves to once again meet Him and our beloved Heavenly Father. I have always felt loved and valued. I find it easy to love others. This is my greatest blessing. I want to earn the love of my Saviour.

The most memorable scripture must be the promise of the Book of Mormon. As with all things connected to the gospel, we can prove for ourselves that the Book of Mormon is true. “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. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:4-5).


I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I have tested this for myself. I have studied it, prayed about it, and I know with every fibre of my being that it is, indeed, the word of God. It has taught me more about my Saviour. I know my Saviour lives. I know He loves me. I love the gospel. I am deeply grateful for a wonderful family, for my calling, for the temple, and for modern-day revelation and personal revelation. I have faith and I have hope.



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