| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 12.1 | Come Unto Christ | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Mon Apr 25 1988 09:39 | 26 |
| In studying the Book of Omni this week, I was impressed by the words of
Amaleki, who wrote:
And it came to pass that I began to be old; and, having no
seed, and knowing king Benjamin to be a just man before the
Lord, wherefore, I shall deliver up these plates unto him,
exhorting all men to come unto God, the Holy One of Israel,
and believe in prophesying, and in revelations, and in the
ministering of angels, and in the gift of interpreting
languages, and in all things which are good; for there is
nothing which is good save it comes from the Lord: and that
which is evil cometh from the devil.
And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come
unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of
his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come
unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him,
and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end;
and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.
Omni 1:25-26
In His name,
Rich
|
| 12.2 | Power needed | TEMPE1::LARSEN | | Thu Apr 28 1988 08:34 | 50 |
| Thanks Rich,
Those are some good thoughts.
...> and the power of his redemption. Yea come unto him,..
Speaking of power reminded me of one of the themes of my
study this year.
This year I am trying to focus on the words of God that tell
of the power that is available to me (us) to help me obey
that seemingly overwhelming commandment to be perfect. It is
not enough for me to learn of Gods ways and how far short I am.
High lighting my short comings is not enough and only seems to
discourage and disable me. I need to find how to get some help to
be as my Father wants me to be. As I want to be. I want to be
perfect at at least one thing besides failing. The words
of that great American Jew, Nephi helped me to understand that
there is indeed power available.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father:
I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for
I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children
of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may
accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
1 Nephi 3:7
The Book of Mormon has some wonderful "Power Scriptures" that
teach me how to get the help I need so very much to change not
only my behavior but let me change my very nature, my selfish
heart and manage this willful flesh.
This one is a Mormon classic. It is a another slant on the idea
of `where there is a will there is a way`.
When it is Father's will
He will provide the way
Rich, I know that what you said is so true, that one must come unto
Him in order to partake of His salvation. I believe there are even
more Scriptures that show how to come to Him.
I hope all will share some favorite Scriptures that bring
the power of Christ into our lives.
In the Love of our Lord,
-gary
|
| 12.3 | King Benjamin's Vision | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Tue May 03 1988 15:02 | 76 |
| In studying Mosiah, I found the words of King Benjamin to be richly
rewarding. He lived about 124 B.C., and tells of a vision he had, in
which an angel from God came to him.
And the things which I shall tell you are made known unto me by an
angel from God. And he said unto me: Awake; and I awoke, and behold
he stood before me.
And said unto me: Awake, and hear the words which I shall tell
thee; for behold, I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of
great joy.
For the Lord hath heard thy prayers, and hath judged of thy
righteousness, and hath sent me to declare unto thee that thou
mayest rejoice; and that thou mayest declare unto thy people, that
they may also be filled with joy.
For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with
power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all
eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the
children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall
go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the
sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to
receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of
diseases.
And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in
the hearts of the children of men.
And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger,
thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be
unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great
shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his
people.
And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of
heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and
his mother shall be called Mary.
And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the
children of men even through faith on his name; and even after all
this they shall consider him a man, and say that he hath a devil,
and shall scourge him, and shall crucify him.
And he shall rise the third day from the dead; and behold, he
standeth to judge the world; and behold, all these things are done
that a righteous judgment might come upon the children of men.
For behold, and also his blood atoneth for the sins of those who
have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing
the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned.
But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth against God! For
salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and
faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children
of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and
tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ should
come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice
with exceeding great joy, even as though he had already come among
them.
And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name
given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto
the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the
Lord Omnipotent.
Mosiah 3:2-13,17
Imagine what it would have been like to be King Benjamin, and to have
an experience like that!
Your Brother in Christ,
Rich
|
| 12.4 | Become as little children | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Tue May 03 1988 15:13 | 43 |
| The angel also spoke to King Benjamin regarding little children:
Yet the Lord God saw that his people were a stiffnecked people, and
he appointed unto them a law, even the law of Moses.
And many signs and wonders, and types, and shadows showed he unto
them, concerning his coming; and also holy prophets spake unto them
concerning his coming; and yet they hardened their hearts, and
understood not that the law of Moses availeth nothing except it
were through the atonement of his blood.
And even if it were possible that little children could sin they
could not be saved; but I say unto you they are blessed; for
behold, as in Adam, or by nature, they fall, even so the blood of
Christ atoneth for their sins.
And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name
given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto
the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the
Lord Omnipotent.
For behold he judgeth, and his judgment is just; and the infant
perisheth not that dieth in his infancy; but men drink damnation to
their own souls except they humble themselves and become as little
children, and believe that salvation was and is, and is to come, in
and through the atoning blood of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.
For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall
of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the
enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and
becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and
becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of
love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to
inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.
Mosiah 3:14-19
May we all become as little children!
Your Brother in Christ,
Rich
|
| 12.5 | Salvation | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Tue May 17 1988 18:15 | 46 |
| King Benjamin taught his people the conditions for salvation:
I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of
God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and
his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the
atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world,
that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust
in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments,
and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the
life of the mortal body -
I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the
atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world for
all mankind, which ever were since the fall of Adam, or who are, or
who ever shall be, even unto the end of the world.
And this is the means whereby salvation cometh. And there is none
other salvation save this which hath been spoken of; neither are
there any conditions whereby man can be saved except the conditions
which I have told you.
Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things,
both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend
all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake
them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of
heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these
things see that ye do them.
Mosiah 4:6-10
According to King Benjamin, salvation is obtained through the atonement
by those who:
1- Come to a knowledge of God and of the atonement and
put their trust in the Lord. (Faith)
2- Are diligent in keeping God's commandments, including
repenting of their sins. (Repentance and Obedience)
3- Continue in the faith to the end of their mortal life.
(Endure to the end)
In His service,
Rich
|
| 12.6 | Service | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Tue May 17 1988 18:21 | 10 |
| King Benjamin taught a great lesson about service to one another, which
is perhaps best summarized with this verse:
And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom;
that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your
fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
Mosiah 2:17
Rich
|
| 12.7 | Prepare ye the way of the Lord | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich (Welcome Back) Kotter | Fri Jul 08 1988 18:46 | 26 |
| One thing I like about the Book of Mormon is the clarity which which
many principles are taught. Alma tells the wicked people of Ammonihah
in no uncertain terms the requirements for salvation.
And not many days hence the Son of God shall come in his
glory; and his glory shall be the glory of the Only Begotten
of the Father, full of grace, equity, and truth, full of
patience, mercy, and long-suffering, quick to hear the cries
of his people and to answer their prayers.
And behold, he cometh to redeem those who will be baptized
into repentance, through faith on his name.
Therefore, prepare ye the way of the Lord, for the time is at
hand that all men shall reap a reward of their works,
according to that which they have been - if they have been
righteous they shall reap the salvation of their souls,
according to the power and deliverance of Jesus Christ; and
if they have been evil they shall reap the damnation of their
souls, according to the power and captivation of the devil.
May we all prepare the way of the Lord, and through righteousness obey
our Lord!
Rich
|
| 12.8 | Sons of Mosiah | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich (Welcome Back) Kotter | Thu Jul 21 1988 02:58 | 93 |
| One of my favorites is the story of the four sons of Mosiah. They were
going about trying to destroy the church and were 'vile sinners'. They,
along with Alma, were confronted by an angel, who commanded them to
repent or be destroyed. They did repent, and began to serve the Lord
with all their might.
The sons of Mosiah, the king, wanted to preach the gospel to the
Lamanites, who were the mortal enemies of the Nephites. King Mosiah
inquired of the Lord as to whether he should permit them to go, and the
Lord told him that his sons should go, and also gave him a promise that
his sons would not be slain, and that they would have eternal life, and
bring many others to eternal life, through their efforts.
One of these sons was Ammon, who received an opportunity to teach the
gospel to the Lamanite king, Lamoni. Lamoni's conversion was
miraculous, and he fell to the ground, overcome by the Spirit of the
Lord. When he arose, he bore testimony of the Savior:
And it came to pass that he arose, according to the words of
Ammon; and as he arose, he stretched forth his hand unto the
woman [his wife], and said: Blessed be the name of God, and
blessed art thou.
For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer;
and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall
redeem all mankind who believe on his name. Now, when he had
said these words, his heart was swollen within him, and he
sunk again with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being
overpowered by the Spirit. (Alma 19:12-13)
At this time, Ammon also was overcome by the Spirit and fell to the
earth. Some of the people of the kingdom thought that Ammon had brought
a great evil upon them, and one of them lifted his sword to kill Ammon,
and as he did so, he fell dead. The promise of the Lord to his father,
Mosiah, was fulfilled!
Then one of the queen's servants went up to her lying on the ground...
And it came to pass that she went and took the queen by the
hand, that perhaps she might raise her up from the ground;
and as soon as she touched her hand she arose and stood upon
her feet, and cried with a loud voice, saying: O blessed
Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell! O blessed God,
have mercy on this people!
And when whe had said this, she clasped her hands, being
filled with joy, speaking many words which were not
understood; and when she had done this, she took the king,
Lamoni, by the hand, and behold he arose and stood upon his
feet. (Alma 19:29-30)
And it came to pass that when Ammon arose he also
administered unto them, and also did all the servants of
Lamoni; and they did all declare unto the people the
self-same thing - that their hearts had been changed; that
they had no more desire to do evil.
And behold, many did declare unto the people that they had
seen angels and had conversed with them; and thus they had
told them things of God, and of his righteousness.
And it came to pass that there were many that did believe in
their words; and as many as did believe were baptized; and
they became a righteous people, and they did establish a
church among them.
And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the
Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit
upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to all people
who will repent and believe on his name. (Alma 19:33-36)
In another part of the land, Ammon's brother, Aaron, was teaching
some of the Lamanites about Christ:
Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning
the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection
of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for
mankind save it were through the death and suffering of
Christ, and the atonement of his blood. (Alma 21:9)
And they did keep the the commandments of God with zeal!
And Ammon did preach unto the people of king Lamoni; and
it came to pass that he did teach them all things concerning
things pertaining to righteousness. And he did exhort
them daily, with all diligence; and they gave heed unto
his word, and they were zealous for keeping the commandments
of God. (Alma 21:23)
May we also be zealous, as they were!
Your brother in Christ,
Rich
|
| 12.9 | They ought to make it into a movie! | TWIST::LARSEN | | Fri Jul 22 1988 00:39 | 68 |
| Re: .8
Hi Rich,
I enjoyed your note. I talked about that story last Sunday
in our Gospel Doctrine class. We touched on a couple of points
in the story (Alama chapters 17 to 19) that I had not noticed
before and I would like to share them with you here.
I found it interesting to note that there seems to be some
effort made to differentiate between the king and his people
who were of Ishmael from the Lamanites. He asks Ammon if he
wanted to live with the Lamanites or stay there with his people.
Also the woman who runs to tell others of what had happened to
the King and Queen was a "Lamanitish" woman. Not a major
point, certianly, but I found it interesting.
Ammon and the men he was with returned after fighting those
who scattered the king's sheep. Instead of standing around
boasting of the 6 men he had killed with stones and sling or
of the leader he killed, or of the arms he had surgically
removed with his sword while defending himself, he simply
started working with the kings horses. The rest of those who
were supposed to be doing those chores were in looking at a
pile of arms that Ammon had cut off in the fighting. It seems
that the king was all the more impressed that Ammon was with
the horses instead of boasting as the others were doing.
I wonder how long it took Ammon to tell the king everything
from the creation to that time as well as the prophecy that
Christ was to come in less than a hundred years? What a
tremendous lesson that must have been.
I believe that the lamanitish woman went out to show her friends
in order to win them over to the Lord. When they began to quarrel
over the probable evil that had caused the seeming demise of their
King and Queen the lamanitish woman must have experienced a
tremendous aount of frustration and exaserbation as she began to
cry. One could almost imagine her stomping her feet and saying
"Will you please listen to me. They are not dead! They are asleep
in the Lord. See I'll show you.." as she ran and caught the hand
of the Queen.
When all had risen from their sleep some said they had seen angels
and the King went among those present and claimed to have seen
Christ. I found it significant that even though a lot were converted
and a church was started, it mentions that not all believed.
The story of Ammon and Lamoni meeting his father on the way to
Midoni (SP ?) is another good one. He was supposed to be at a
gathering his father was having and because he wasn't his father
was mad. Ever wonder why Lamoni's father, King Laman, was not where
he was supposed to be either?
I don't have my B.of M. with me so if I made some mistakes I hope
they are not to great and please feel free to set it right. I
should wait until I can compile an authoritative documented entry
but why spoil a perfect reputation as cross eyed hip shooter now?
I and others have mentioned that they would like to see more
fraternization and fellowship and less contention. I feel that
"I and others" should take every oportunity to make this great
conference what they would like it to be. I did not know where
to put that idea Rich, I hope you don't mind and I hope you share
some more of your ideas with us.
In His Love,
-gary
|
| 12.10 | Light vs. heat | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich (Welcome Back) Kotter | Fri Jul 22 1988 09:35 | 38 |
| Re: Note 116.9 by TWIST::LARSEN
> The story of Ammon and Lamoni meeting his father on the way to
> Midoni (SP ?) is another good one. He was supposed to be at a
> gathering his father was having and because he wasn't his father
> was mad. Ever wonder why Lamoni's father, King Laman, was not where
> he was supposed to be either?
Gary, you're right, that is a good story, too. My impression is that
enough time had passed that Lamoni had missed the celebration
altogether. Once it was over, the old king Laman came looking for his
son, Lamoni, to find out what was wrong. When he found out that his son
had missed the important event because of his association with a
Nephite, he was furious. Just some thoughts...
> I and others have mentioned that they would like to see more
> fraternization and fellowship and less contention. I feel that
> "I and others" should take every oportunity to make this great
> conference what they would like it to be. I did not know where
> to put that idea Rich, I hope you don't mind and I hope you share
> some more of your ideas with us.
It is unlikely that all of the 'contention' will completely go away, so
long as there are those who have disagreements with us. They, too, are
welcome in this conference, and I feel it is our opportunity to answer
as best we can why we believe as we do, and to do so as calmly and
peacefully as we can. Certainly none of us has all the answers right
now, and we do have to trust in the Lord that eventually we will.
The ratio of light to heat in this conference can be greatly increased
with increased participation by those who wish it to be so. If we all
pitch in and share our uplifting ideas, we can make it a source of
ongoing enlightenment and fraternization.
Your brother in Christ,
Rich
|
| 12.11 | Humility | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich (Welcome Back) Kotter | Mon Aug 15 1988 12:18 | 51 |
| Alma and his brethren went to preach to the Zoramites who had dissented
from the church, and had established their own church. They taught
strange doctrines, and denied that there would be a Christ. They
refused to allow the poor segment of their population worship in their
churches, even though they had labored to build them.
Alma was approached by the poor people and asked what they should do.
The teachings of Alma and Amulek to these people include some of the
most choice parts of the book of Alma. Eventually, many of these people
were converted to believe in Christ, and those that were converted were
cast out of the land by those who refused to be converted.
Humility
--------
Alma taught that we must humble ourselves.
I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your
synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom;
for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because
that ye are cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren
because of your exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a
lowliness of heart; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble.
And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for
a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh
repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy;
and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall
be saved.
And now, as I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be
humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more
blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?
Yea, he that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins,
and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed -- yea, much
more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble because of
their exceeding poverty.
Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being
compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he
that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without
stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the
word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe. (Alma
32:12-16)
How often do we fail to humble ourselves before God until we are
compelled to be humble by trying circumstances? Yet, if we will humbly
submit ourselves to God, then He will surely bless us.
Rich
|
| 12.12 | Worship | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich (Welcome Back) Kotter | Mon Aug 15 1988 13:14 | 74 |
| The poor people who were cast out of the synagogues presumed that they
had no place to worship God. Alma responded by quoting the prophet
Zenos, whose writings were included in the Old Testament scriptures
that the Nephites took with them when they left Jerusalem, but have
apparently since been lost.
Where should we worship God?
----------------------------
Alma taught that we can worship God wherever we are, and not only in a
house of worship.
And Alma said unto them; Behold, ye have said that ye could not
worship your God because ye are cast out of your synagogues. But
behold, I say unto you, if ye suppose that ye cannot worship God,
ye do greatly err, and ye ought to search the scriptures; if ye
suppose that they have taught you this, ye do not understand them.
Do ye remember to have read what Zenos, the prophet of old, has
said concerning prayer or worship?
For he said: Thou art merciful, O God, for thou hast heard my
prayer, even when I was in the wilderness; yea, thou wast merciful
when I prayed concerning those who were mine enemies, and thou
didst turn them to me.
Yea, O God, and thou wast merciful unto me when I did cry unto
thee in my field; when I did cry unto thee in my prayer, and thou
didst hear me.
And again, O God, when I did turn to my house thou didst hear me
in my prayer.
And when I did turn unto my closet, O Lord, and prayed unto thee,
thou didst hear me.
Yea, thou are merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee,
to be heard of thee and not of men, and thou wilt hear them.
Yea, O God, thou has been merciful unto me, and heard my cries in
the midst of thy congregations.
Yea, and thou hast also heard me when I have been cast out and
have been despised by mine enemies; yea, thou didst hear my cries,
and wast angry with mine enemies, and thou didst visit them in
thine anger with speedy destruction.
The Son of God
--------------
And thou didst hear me because of thy Son that thou hast been thus
merciful unto me, therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine
afflictions, for in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned thy
judgments away from me, because of thy Son. (Alma 33:2-13)
Alma goes on to tell the people that another ancient prophet, Zenock,
and also Moses testified of the atonement of the Son of God. He then
bears witness himself of the atonement of Christ, who was yet to come:
...begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem
his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their
sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall
bring to pass the resurrection, and all men shall stand before
him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their
works.
And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in
your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by
your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you
unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your
burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all
this can ye do if ye will. Amen. (Alma 33:22-23)
Rich
|
| 12.13 | Faith | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich (Welcome Back) Kotter | Tue Aug 16 1988 12:12 | 99 |
| Alma taught the Zoramites a beautiful message about faith:
Many desire signs
-----------------
Yea, there are many who do say: If thou wilt show unto us a sign
from heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we shall
believe.
Now I ask, is this faith? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for if a
man knoweth a thing he hath no cause to believe, for he knoweth
it. (Alma 32:17-18)
What is faith?
--------------
And now as I said concerning faith -- faith is not to have a
perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope
for things which are not seen, which are true. (Alma 32:21)
Try an experiment
-----------------
Now, as I said concerning faith -- that it was not a perfect
knowledge -- even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their
surety at first, unto perfections, any more than faith is a
perfect knowledge.
But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an
experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea,
even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire
work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give
place for a portion of my words. (Alma 32:26-27)
The word is like a seed
-----------------------
Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place,
that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true
seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief,
that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin
to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling
motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves -- It must needs
be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it
beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my
understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.
Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you,
Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.
But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to
grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it
swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold,
will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your
faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold
it sprouteth and beginneth to grow. (Alma 32:28-30)
Nourish the seed
----------------
And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us
nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow
up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish
it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth
fruit.
But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its
nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of
the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it
withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.
Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it
because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is
because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree,
therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof. (Alma 32:37-39)
Tree of Life
------------
But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it
beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with
patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take
root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting
life.
And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience
with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you,
behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most
precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is
white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is
pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled,
that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.
Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and
your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the
tree to bring forth fruit unto you. (Alma 41-43)
Rich
|
| 12.14 | This life is the time to prepare to meet God | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | I will go and do... | Thu Aug 18 1988 11:27 | 40 |
| After Alma spoke to the Zoramites, his missionary companion, Amulek,
spoke to them also, reaffirming in the mouth of a second witness the
truths of which Alma had testified.
Amulek's testimony of Christ
----------------------------
And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these
things are true. Behold, I say unto you that I do know that Christ
shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the
transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins
of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
Faith unto repentance
---------------------
And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe
on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to
bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and
bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto
repentance.
And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles
them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto
repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice;
therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought
about the great and eternal plan of redemption.
Prepare to meet God
-------------------
And now, my brethren, I would that, after ye have received so many
witnesses, seeing that the holy scriptures testify of these
things, ye come forth and bring fruit unto repentance.
For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meed God;
yea behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform
their labors. (Alma 34:8,15-16,30,32)
|
| 12.15 | Let your hearts be full | SLOVAX::KOTTER | Rich Kotter | Fri Aug 19 1988 13:49 | 64 |
| Just as Alma had taught the Zoramites who were poor about how to
worship God, Amulek reaffirmed these principles.
Cry for Mercy
-------------
Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin
to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon
his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;
Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is might to save;
Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.
Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your
flocks.
Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both
morning, mid-day, and evening.
Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all
righteousness.
Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in
them.
Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.
But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets,
and your secret places, and in your wilderness.
Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be
full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare,
and also for the welfare of those who are around you. (Alma
34:17-27)
Be charitable
-------------
And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not
suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these things,
if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick
and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those
who stand in need -- I say unto you, if ye do not any of these
things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and
ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith.
Therefore, if ye do not remember to be charitable, ye are as
dross, which the refiners do cast out, (it being of no worth) and
is trodden under foot of men. (Alma 34:28-29)
Bring forth fruit unto repentance
---------------------------------
And now, my brethren, I would that, after ye have received so many
witnesses, seeing that the holy scriptures testify of these
things, yea come forth and bring fruit unto repentance.
Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts
any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your
salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your
hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought
about unto you. (Alma 34:30-31)
|
| 12.16 | Born of God | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Tue Aug 23 1988 01:05 | 81 |
| Alma counseled his three sons and instructed them on matters of
righteousness. To the first of his sons, Helaman, he related his own
powerful conversion story, which is somewhat reminiscent of the
conversion of the apostle Paul.
Born of God
-----------
Now, behold, I say unto you, if I had not been born of God I should not
have known these things; but God has, by the mouth of his holy angel,
made these things known unto me, not of any worthiness of myself;
The holy angel
--------------
For I went about with the sons of Mosiah, seeking to destroy the church
of God; but behold, God sent his holy angel to stop us by the way.
And behold, he spake unto us, as it were the voice of thunder, and the
whole earth did tremble beneath our feet; and we all fell to the earth,
for the fear of the Lord came upon us.
And he said unto me: If thou wilt of thyself be destroyed, seek no more
to destroy the church of God.
Racked with torment
-------------------
And it came to pass that I fell to the earth; and it was for the space
of three days and three nights that I could not open my mouth, neither
had I the use of my limbs.
...I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to
the greatest degree and racked with all my sins.
...the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my
soul with inexpressible horror.
Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct both soul
and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of my
God, to be judged of my deeds.
And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with
the pains of a damned soul.
O Jesus, have mercy on me
-------------------------
And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was
harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to
have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of
one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart:
O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of
bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
Exquisite joy
-------------
And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no
more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul
was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!
Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite
and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son,
that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as
was my joy.
But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again, and I stood upon
my feet, and did manifest unto the people that I had been born of God.
I will praise Him forever
-------------------------
And I know that he will raise me up at the last day, to dwell with him
in glory; yea, and I will praise him forever...
(From Alma 36)
|
| 12.17 | Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Tue Aug 30 1988 09:30 | 34 |
| Alma instructed his son, Helaman, to preach unto the people to repent
and to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and to counsel with the
Lord in all his doings.
Faith on the Lord Jesus Christ
------------------------------
Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ;
teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart;
teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their
faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and
lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.
O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in they youth; yea, learn in
thy youth to keep the commandments of God.
Counsel With the Lord
---------------------
Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings
be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the
Lord; yea, let all they thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea,
let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
Counsel with the Lord in all they doings, and he will direct thee
for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the
Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou
risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God;
and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
(From Alma 37)
|
| 12.18 | The Word of Christ -- Our Liahona | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Thu Sep 01 1988 10:59 | 48 |
| After Lehi and his family left Jerusalem according to the commandment
of the Lord, they were given a device, prepared by the Lord, to guide
them in their journey to the promised land. They called this device the
Liahona, and it worked according to their faith. When they exercised
their faith, it showed them the way to go in the wilderness, and when
they did not, they did not progress in their journey.
Alma used the Liahona as an object lesson in teaching Helaman that we
must also exercise faith in the word of Christ, which will guide us to
our 'promised land'.
Shadow
------
And now, my son, I would that ye should understand that
these things are not without a shadow; for as our fathers
were slothful to give heed to this compass (now these
things were temporal) they did not prosper; even so it
is with things which are spiritual.
Easy to heed the word of Christ
-------------------------------
For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of
Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal
bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this
compass, which would point unto them a straight course
to the promised land.
Our Land of promise
-------------------
And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For
just as surely as this director did bring our fathers,
by following its course, to the promised land, shall the
words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond
this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.
Look and live
-------------
O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness
of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was
it prepared for them, that if they would look they might
live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and
if we will look we may live forever.
(From Alma 37)
|
| 12.19 | No other way | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Wed Sep 07 1988 16:36 | 44 |
| Alma bore powerful testimony of Christ to his son, Shiblon.
Trust in God
------------
And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember that
as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye
shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and
your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
Born of God
-----------
Now, my son, I would not that ye should think that I know
these things of myself, but it is the Spirit of God which is
in me which maketh these things known unto me; for if I had
not been born of God I should not have known these things.
But behold, the Lord in his great mercy sent his angel to
declare unto me that I must stop the work of destruction
among his people; yea, and I have seen an angel face to face,
and he spake with me, and his voice was as thunder, and it
shook the whole earth.
Lord Jesus
----------
And it came to pass that I was three days and three nights in
the most bitter pain and anguish of soul; and never, until I
did cry out unto the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy, did I
receive a remission of my sins. But behold, I did cry unto
him and I did find peace to my soul.
No other way
------------
And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn
wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or
means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ.
Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he
is the word of truth and righteousness.
(From Alma 38)
|
| 12.20 | Corianton's Mistakes | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Mon Sep 12 1988 16:15 | 94 |
| The third son that Alma gave counsel to was Corianton, who had made
some serious mistakes while preaching the gospel to the Zoramites. Alma
counseled him to repent and bore testimony that the Savior would come.
Corianton's Mistakes
--------------------
Now this is what I have against thee; thou didst go on unto
boasting in thy strength and thy wisdom.
And this is not all, my son. Thou didst do that which was
grievous unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, and
did go over into the land of Siron, among the borders of the
Lamanites, after the harlot Isabel.
Seriousness of Sexual Sins
--------------------------
Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in
the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins
save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy
Ghost?
For behold, if ye deny the Holy Ghost when it once has had
place in you, and ye know that ye deny it, behold, this is a
sin which is unpardonable; yea, and whosoever murdereth
against the light and knowledge of God, it is not easy for
him to obtain forgiveness; yea, I say unto you, my son, that
it is not easy for him to obtain a forgiveness.
And now, my son, I would to God that ye had not been guilty
of so great a crime. I would not dwell upon your crimes, to
harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good.
Repent and Forsake Sins
-----------------------
But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes from God; and except
ye repent they will stand as a testimony against you at the
last day.
Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your
sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross
yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in
nowise inherit the kingdom of God.
Behold, O my son, how great iniquity ye brought upon the
Zoramites; for when they saw your conduct they would not
believe in my words.
Turn to the Lord
----------------
And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me; Command thy
children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many
people to destruction; therefore I command you, my son, in
the fear of God, that ye refrain from your iniquities.
That ye turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and
strength; that ye lead away the hearts of no more to do
wickedly; but rather return unto them, and acknowledge your
faults and that wrong which ye have done.
Coming of Christ
----------------
And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the
coming of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that
surely shall come to take away the sins of the world; yea, he
cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people.
And now, my son, this was the ministry unto which ye were
called, to declare these glad tidings unto this people, to
prepare their minds; or rather that salvation might come unto
them, that they may prepare the minds of their children to
hear the word at the time of his coming.
Why These Things Are Known Beforehand
-------------------------------------
And now I will ease your mind somewhat on this subject.
Behold, you marvel why these things should be known so long
beforehand. Behold, I say unto you, is not a soul at this
time as precious unto God as a soul will be at the time of
his coming?
Is it not as necessary that the plan of redemption should be
made known unto this people as well as unto their children?
Is it not as easy at this time for the Lord to send his angel
to declare these glad tidings unto us as unto our children,
or as after the time of his coming?
(From Alma 39 - about 73 B.C.)
|
| 12.21 | Paradise and Outer Darkness | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Mon Sep 26 1988 19:24 | 76 |
| Alma taught his son, Corianton, what happens after death.
State of the soul between death and resurrection
------------------------------------------------
There is a time appointed unto men that they shall rise from
the dead; and there is a space between the time of death and
the resurrection. And now, concerning this space of time,
what becometh of the souls of men is the thing which I have
inquired diligently of the Lord to know; and this is the
thing of which I do know.
Now concerning the state of the soul between death and the
resurrection -- Behold, it has been made known unto me by an
angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are
departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men,
whether they be good or evil, are taken home to the God who
gave them life.
Paradise
--------
And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who
are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which
is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where
they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care,
and sorrow.
Outer Darkness
--------------
And then shall in come to pass, that the spirits of the
wicked, yea, who are evil -- for behold, they have no part
nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose
evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the
devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house
-- and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there
shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and
this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the
will of the devil.
Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in
darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery
indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain
in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until
the time of their resurrection.
Reuniting of body and soul
--------------------------
There is a space between death and the resurrection of the
body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery until
the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come
forth, and be reunited, both soul and body, and be brought to
stand before God, and be judged according to their works.
The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the
soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its
body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all
things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.
And now, my son, this is the restoration of which has been
spoken by the mouths of the prophets--
And then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of
God.
But behold, an awful death cometh upon the wicked; for they
die as to things pertaining to things of righteousness; for
they are unclean, and no unclean thing can inherit the
kingdom of God; but they are cast out, and consigned to
partake of the fruits of their labors or their works, which
have been evil; and they drink the dregs of a bitter cup.
(From Alma 40)
|
| 12.22 | Wickedness Never Was Happiness | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Tue Sep 27 1988 16:09 | 68 |
| Alma continued to teach Corianton that we shall be judged according to
our desires:
Judgment and Restoration
-------------------------
It is requisite with the justice of God that men should be
judged according to their works; and if their works were good
in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that
they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that
which is good.
And if their works are evil they shall be restored unto them
for evil. Therefore, all things shall be restored to their
proper order, everything to its natural frame -- mortality
raised to immortality, corruption to incorruption -- raised
to endless happiness in inherit the kingdom of God, or to
endless misery to inherit the kingdom of the devil, the one
on one hand, the other on the other --
The one raised to happiness according to his desires of
happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the
other to evil according to his desires of evil; for as he has
desired to do evil all the day long even so shall he have his
reward of evil when the night cometh.
Repentance
----------
And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of his
sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days,
even so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness.
These are they that are redeemed of the Lord; yea, these are
they that are taken out, that are delivered from that endless
night of darkness; and thus they stand or fall; for behold,
they are their own judges, whether to do good or do evil.
Wickedness never was happiness
------------------------------
Now the decrees of God are unalterable; therefore, the way is
prepared that whosoever will may walk therein and be saved.
And now behold, my son, do not risk one more offense against
your God upon those points of doctrine, which ye have
hitherto risked to commit sin.
Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning
restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness.
Behold I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.
Do good continually
-------------------
Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your
brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good
continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye
receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto
you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye
shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and
ye shall have good rewarded unto you again.
For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again,
and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully
condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all.
(From Alma 41)
|
| 12.23 | Can Mercy Rob Justice? | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Tue Nov 01 1988 15:31 | 146 |
| Corianton was confused about the justice of God as opposed to the mercy
of God. Alma taught him the relationship between these two principles
in a beautiful way.
A Probationary State
--------------------
Now behold, my son, I will explain this thing unto thee. For
behold, after the Lord God sent our first parents forth from
the garden of Eden, to till the ground, from whence they were
taken -- yea, he drew out the man, and he placed at the east
end of the garden of Eden, cherubim, and a flaming sword
which turned every way, to keep the tree of life --
Now, we see that the man had become as God, knowing good and
evil; and lest he should put forth his hand, and take also of
the tree of life, and eat and live forever, the Lord God
placed cherubim and the flaming sword, that he should not
partake of the fruit --
And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to
repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve
God.
For behold, if Adam had put forth his hand immediately, and
partaken of the tree of life, he would have lived forever,
according to the word of God, having no space for repentance;
yea, and also the word of God would have been void, and the
great plan of salvation would have been frustrated.
Fallen Man
----------
But behold, it was appointed unto man to die -- therefore, as
they were cut off from the tree of life they should be cut
off from the face of the earth -- and man became lost
forever, yea, they became fallen man.
And now, we see by this that our first parents were cut off
both temporally and spiritually from the presence of the
Lord; and thus we see they became subjects to follow after
their own will.
Now behold, it was not expedient that man should be reclaimed
from this temporal death, for that would destroy the great
plan of happiness.
Therefore, as the soul could never die, and the fall had
brought upon all mankind a spiritual death as well as a
temporal, that is, they were cut off from the presence of the
Lord, it was expedient that mankind should be reclaimed from
this spiritual death.
Therefore, as they had become carnal, sensual, and devilish,
by nature, this probationary state became a state for them to
prepare; it became a preparatory state.
The Justice of God
------------------
And now remember, my son, if it were not for the plan of
redemption, (laying it aside) as soon as they were dead their
souls were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the
Lord.
And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen
state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own
disobedience;
Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could
not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men
in this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state, for
except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take
effect except it should destroy the work of justice. Now the
work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would
cease to be God.
And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were
in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which
consigned them forever to be cut off from his presence.
The Mercy of God
----------------
And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except
an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth
for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy,
to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a
perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.
Now, repentance could not come unto men except there were a
punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul
should be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which
was as eternal also as the life of the soul.
There is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a
repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth;
otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the
law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the
works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to
be God.
But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the
penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the
atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and
the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the
presence of God; and thus they are restored into his
presence, to be judged according to their works, according to
the law and justice.
For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also
mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the
truly penitent are saved.
What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto
you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God.
And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal purposes,
which were prepared from the foundation of the world. And
thus cometh about the salvation and the redemption of men,
and also their destruction and misery.
Partake of the Waters of Life
-----------------------------
Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake
of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the
same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall
be restored unto him according to his deeds.
If he has desired to do evil, and has not repented in his
days, behold, evil shall be done unto him, according to the
restoration of God.
And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things
trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with
that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance.
O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no
more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point
because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do
you let the justice of God, and his mercy, and his
long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring
you down to the dust in humility.
(From Alma 42)
|
| 12.24 | Defending Freedom | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Thu Nov 17 1988 09:04 | 78 |
| The Book of Mormon teaches that man is justified in defending his
liberty and his freedom.
The Nephites, who were righteous at the time, were being attacked by
the Lamanites, who were not. Moroni was the military leader of the
Nephites.
Inquire of the Lord
-------------------
Mormon sent spies into the wilderness to watch their [Lamanite]
camp; and Moroni, also, knowing of the prophecies of Alma,
sent certain men unto him, desiring him that he should inquire
of the Lord whither the armies of the Nephites should go to
defend themselves against the Lamanites.
And it came to pass that the word of the Lord came unto Alma,
and Alma informed the messengers of Moroni, that the armies
of the Lamanites were marching round about in the wilderness,
that they might come over into the land of Manti, that they
might commence an attack upon the weaker part of the people.
Defend lands and liberties
--------------------------
Moroni... took... part of his army and marched over into the
land of Manti.
And he caused that all the people in that quarter of the land
should gather themselves together to battle against the Lamanites,
to defend their lands and their country, their rights and their
liberties; therefore they were prepared against the coming
of the Lamanites.
Stratagem
---------
And now, as Moroni knew the intention of the Lamanites, that
it was their intention to destroy their brethren, or to subject
them and bring them into bondage that they might establish
a kingdom unto themselves over all the land;
And he also knowing that it was the only desire of the Nephites
to preserve their lands, and their liberty, and their church,
therefore he thought it no sin that he should defend them by
stratagem; therefore, he found by his spies which course the
Lamanites were to take.
Not guilty of the first offense
-------------------------------
The Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were
not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting
for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their
children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and
their church.
And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which
they owed to their God; for the Lord had said unto them, and
also unto their fathers, that: Inasmuch as ye are not guilty
of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer
yourselves to be slain by the ands of your enemies.
And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families
even unto bloodshed.
Cry unto the Lord
-----------------
And it came to pass that they turned upon the Lamanites, and
they cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for their
liberty and their freedom from bondage.
And they began to stand against the Lamanites with power;
and that selfsame hour that they cried unto the Lord for their
freedom, the Lamanites began to flee before them.
(Selected passages from Alma 43)
|
| 12.25 | Title of Liberty | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Mon Dec 12 1988 19:23 | 55 |
| The chief commander of Nephite armies was Moroni, who was a righteous
man. When he learned of the dissension caused by the wicked Amalickiah,
who desired to be king, and who sought to destroy the church and the
freedom of the people, Moroni made a flag and called it the title of
liberty and used it to stir the people up to defend their liberty.
Title of Liberty
----------------
He rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it
-- In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace,
our wives, and our children -- and he fastened it upon the end of
a pole.... (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed
himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the
blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there
should a band of Christians remain to posses the land --
Christians
----------
For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to
the church of God, called by those who did not belong to the
church.
And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all
those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly,
the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of
their belief in Christ who should come.
And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the
Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored.
Freedom preserved
-----------------
The prayers of the Nephites were answered, and their freedom was
preserved, and they had peace for a time.
And it came to pass also, that he caused the title of liberty to
be hoisted upon every tower which was in all the land, ...and thus
Moroni planted the standard of liberty among the Nephites.
And Helaman and the high priests did also maintain order in the
church;
Redeemed by Christ
------------------
And it came to pass that there were many who died, firmly
believing that their souls were redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ;
thus they went out of the world rejoicing.
(Selected passages from Alma 46)
|
| 12.26 | Believe in Christ | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Tue Dec 13 1988 15:02 | 40 |
| The Lord is Merciful
--------------------
And it came to pass that the work of the Lord did prosper unto the
baptizing and uniting to the church of God, many souls, yea, even
tens of thousands.
Thus we see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the
sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.
Gate of Heaven Open to All Who Believe in Christ
------------------------------------------------
Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to
those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son
of God.
Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God,
which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the
cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the
man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that
everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the
wicked--
And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand
of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and
Isaac, and with Jacob, and will all our holy fathers, to go no
more out.
Firm in the Faith of Christ
---------------------------
They did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in
their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto
the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the
purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which
sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto
God.
(Selected passages from Helaman 3)
|
| 12.27 | Build on the Rock of Christ | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Fri Dec 16 1988 08:20 | 41 |
| Helaman taught his sons, Nephi and Lehi, about the Lord Jesus Christ:
No Other Way
------------
O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake
unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor
means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of
Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to
redeem the world.
Redeem From Our Sins
--------------------
And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom, in
the city of Ammonihah; for he said unto him that the Lord surely
should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to
redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins.
Repentance
----------
And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them
from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his
angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance,
which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation
of their souls.
Build Upon the Rock of Christ
-----------------------------
And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of
our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build
your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty
winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail
and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power
over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo,
because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure
foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.
(From Helaman 5)
|
| 12.28 | Now why can't we live like this ? | FSTRCK::ROLLINS | | Fri Dec 16 1988 09:12 | 22 |
| And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people
were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land,
both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and
disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with
another.
And they had all things in common among them; therefore there
were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made
free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.
And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land,
because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the
people.
And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor
whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness;
and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people
who had been created by the hand of God.
There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there
Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the
children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.
And how blessed were they !
4 Nephi 1:3-4,15-18
|
| 12.29 | Nephi and Lehi in Prison | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Sat Dec 17 1988 10:06 | 48 |
| Nephi and Lehi did preach with such great power and authority, for
they had power and authority given unto them that they might
speak, and they also had what they should speak given unto them,
and there were eight thousand baptized unto repentance.
And it came to pass that they were taken by an army of the
Lamanites and cast into prison. And after they had been cast into
prison many days without food, behold, they went forth into the
prison to take them that they might slay them.
And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi were encircled about as if
by fire, even insomuch that they durst not lay their hands upon
them for fear lest they should be burned.
And it came to pass that there came a voice saying: Repent ye,
repent ye, and seek no more to destroy my servants whom I have
sent unto you to declare good tidings.
It was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great
tumultuous noice, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect
mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to
the very soul --
And the Lamanites were told:
You must repent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have
faith in Christ. And it came to pass that they all did begin to
cry unto the voice. And it came to pass that when they cast their
eyes about, they saw that they were encircled about, yea every
soul by a pillar of fire and they were filled with that joy which
is unspeakable and full of glory.
And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and
did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire,
and they could speak forth marvelous words.
And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them yea, a
pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper, saying:
Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well
Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.
And now, when they heard this they cast up their eyes as if to
behold from whence the voice came; and behold, they saw the
heavens open; and angels came down out of heaven and ministered
unto them.
(Selected passages from Helaman 5)
|
| 12.30 | Samuel the Lamanite | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Sat Jan 07 1989 10:47 | 59 |
| Samuel, a Lamanite prophet, testified of Christ to the Nephites:
Believe on the Son of God
-------------------------
And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall believe on the Son
of God, the same shall have everlasting life.
And if ye believe on his name ye will repent of all your sins,
that thereby ye may have a remission of them through his merits.
Resurrection
------------
He surely must die that salvation may come; yea, it behooveth him
and becometh expedient that he dieth, to bring to pass the
resurrection of the dead, that thereby men may be brought into the
presence of the Lord.
Yea, behold, this death brigeth to pass the resurrection, and
redeemeth all mankind from the first death -- that spiritual
death; for all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from
the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead, both as to
things spiritual.
But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea,
even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the
Lord.
Repentance
----------
Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance, that
whosoever repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the
fire; but whosoever repenteth not is hewn down and cast into the
fre; and there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea, a
second death, for they are cut off atain as to things pertaining
to righteousness.
Therefore repent ye, repent ye, lest by knowing these things and
not doint them ye shall suffer yourselves to come under
condemnation, and ye are brought down unto this second death.
Free to Choose
--------------
And now remember, remember, by brethren, that whosoever perisheth,
perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeith iniquity, doeth it
unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for
yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he
hath made you free.
He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he
hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can
do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that
which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that
which is evil restored unto you.
(Selected passages from Helaman 14)
|
| 12.31 | On the morrow come I into the world | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Tue Jan 10 1989 15:23 | 72 |
| Samuel the Lamanite had prophesied that in five years time Christ would
be born in the land of Jerusalem, and that the people on the American
continent would have a sign of a day and a night and a day with no
darkness, and also a new star would appear...
The time has past
-----------------
But there were some who began to say that the time was past for
the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the
Lamanite.
And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the
time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled;
therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been
in vain.
And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout
the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful,
lest by and means those things which had been spoken might not
come to pass.
Watch steadfastly
-----------------
But behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night
and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night,
that they might know that their faith had not been in vain.
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.
Now it came to pass that when Nephi, the son of Nephi, saw this
wickedness of his people, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful.
And it came to pass that he went out and bowed himself down upon
the earth, and cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people,
yea, those who were about to be destroyed because of their faith
in the tradition of their fathers.
On the morrow come I into the world
-----------------------------------
And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that
day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:
Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at
hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow
come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill
all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy
prophets.
Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfill all things which I have made
known unto the children of men from the foundation of the world...
And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be
given.
And it came to pass that words which came unto Nephi were
fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the
going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began
to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night
came.
And it came to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the
words of the prophets.
And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according
to the word.
(Selected passages from 3 Nephi 1)
|
| 12.32 | Nephi preaches of Christ | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Wed Jan 11 1989 14:52 | 73 |
| After the sign of Christ's birth is given, some of the people become
righteous, but many refuse to believe, and become more confirmed in
their wickedness. Eventually the government of the land is completely
destroyed by this wickedness...
They did stone the prophets
---------------------------
And it came to pass in the thirty and first year [from the birth
of Christ] that they were divided into tribes, every man according
to his family... insomuch that in some degree they had peace in
the land; nevertheless, their hearts were turned from the Lord
their God, and they did stone the prophets and did cast them out
from among them.
Repentance and Faith in Christ
------------------------------
And it came to pass that Nephi -- having been visited by angels
and also the voice of the Lord, therefore having seen angels, and
being eye-witness, and having had power given unto him that he
might know concerning the ministry of Christ, and also being
eye-witness to their quick return from righteousness unto their
wickedness and abominations;
Therefore, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts and the
blindness of their minds -- went forth among them in that same
year, and began to testify, boldly, repentance and remission of
sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
And Nephi did minister with power and with great authority. And it
came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had
greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could
disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus
Christ that angels did minister unto him daily.
Mighty Miracles
---------------
And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean
spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he
had been stoned and suffered death by the people. And the people
saw it, and did witness of it, and were angry with him because of
his power; and he did also do many more miracles, in the sight of
the people, in the name of Jesus.
And it came to pass that the thirty and first year did pass away,
and there were but few who were converted unto the Lord; but as
many as were converted did truly signify unto the people that they
had been visited by the power and Spirit of God, which was in
Jesus Christ, in whom they believed.
Thus passed away the thirty and second year also. And Nephi did
cry unto the people in the commencement of the thirty and third
year; and he did preach unto them repentance and remission of
sins.
Baptism
-------
Now I would have you to remember also, that there were none who
were brought unto repentance who were not baptized with water.
Therefore, there were ordained of Nephi, men unto this ministry,
that all such as should come unto them should be baptized with
water, and this as a witness and a testimony before God, and unto
the people, that they had repented and received a remission of
their sins.
And there were many in the commencement of this year that were
baptized unto repentance; and thus the more part of the year did
pass away.
(Selected passages from 3 Nephi 7)
|
| 12.33 | Signs at the death of Christ | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Fri Jan 13 1989 09:13 | 71 |
| Samuel the Lamanite had also prophesied of signs that would be given
at the death of Jesus Christ.
Three days of darkness to come
------------------------------
And the people began to look with great earnestness for the sign
which had been given by the prophet Samuel, the Lamanite, yea, for
the time that there should be darkness for the space of three days
over the face of the land.
Great destruction
-----------------
And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first
month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm,
such an one as never had been known in all the land. And there was
also a great and terrible tempest; and there was terrible thunder,
insomuch that it did shake the whole earth as if it was about to
divide asunder. And there were exceedingly sharp lightnings, such
as never had been known in all the land.
And many great and notable cities were sunk, and many were burned,
and many were shaken till the buildings thereof had fallen to the
earch, and the inhabitants therof where slain, and the places were
left desolate. And there were some cities which remained; but the
damage thereof was exceedingly great, and there were many of them
who were slain.
And thus the face of the whole earth became deformed, because of
the tempests, and the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the
quaking of the earth.
Darkness
--------
And it came to pass that when the thunderings, and the lightnings,
and the storm, and the tempest, and the quakings of the earth did
cease -- for behold, they did last for about the space of three
hours; ...and then behold, there was darkness upon the face of the
land.
And it came to pass that there was thick darkness upon all the
face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants therof who had not
fallen could feel the vapor of darkness; And there could be no
light, because of the darkness, neither candles, neither torches;
neither could there be fire kindled with their fine and
exceedingly dry wood, so that there could not be any light at all;
And there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer,
neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were
the mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land.
And it came to pass that it did last for the space of three days
that there was no light seen; and there was great mourning and
howling and weeping among all the people continually; yea, great
were the groanings of the people, because of the darkness and the
great destruction which had come upon them.
O that we had repented!
-----------------------
They were hear to cry, saying: O that we had repented befgore this
great and terrible day, and then would our brethren have been
spared, ...and had not killed and stoned the prophets, and cast
them out; then would our mothers and our fair daughters, and our
children have been spared, ...And thus were the howlings of the
people great and terrible.
(Selected passages from 3 Nephi 8)
|
| 12.34 | The Voice of the Lord | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Wed Jan 18 1989 18:28 | 53 |
| The people heard the voice of the Lord speaking to them:
The Voice of the Lord
---------------------
And it came to pass that there was a voice heard among all the
inhabitants of the earth, upon all the face of this land, crying:
Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole
earth except they shall repent;
The Righteous Spared
--------------------
Many great destructions have I cause to come upon this land, and
upon this people, because of their wickedness and their
abominations. O all ye that are spared because ye were more
righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of
your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?
Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have
eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you,
and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those
who come unto me.
I am Jesus Christ
-----------------
Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens
and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the
Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in
me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.
I came unto my own, and my own received me not. And the scriptures
concerning my coming are fulfilled.
And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become
the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on
my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh, and in me is the law
of Moses fulfilled.
Repent and Come Unto Me
-----------------------
Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the
world, to save the world from sin. Therefore, whoso repenteth and
cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such
is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life,
and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye
ends of the earth, and be saved.
(Selected passages from 3 Nephi 9)
|
| 12.35 | How oft have I gathered you! | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Fri Feb 03 1989 08:30 | 29 |
| There was silence in the land for the space of many hours; And it came
to pass that there came a voice again unto the people and all the
people did hear, and did witness of it saying:
O ye people of these great cities which have fallen, who are
descendants of Jacob, yea, who are of the house of Israel, how oft have
I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and
have nourished you. O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft
will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if
ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart.
The darkness dispersed from off the face of the land, and the earth did
cease to tremble, and their mourning was turned into joy, and their
lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus
Christ, their Redeemer.
And it was the more righteous part of the people who were saved, and it
was they who received the prophets and stoned them not; and it was they
who had not shed the blood of the saints who were spared.
I will show unto you that the people of Nephi who were spared, and also
those who had been called Lamanites, who had been spared, did have
great favors shown unto them, and great blessings poured out upon their
heads, insomuch that soon after the ascention of Christ into heaven he
did truly manifest himself unto them -- showing his body unto them, and
ministering unto them.
(Selected passages from 3 Nephi 10)
|
| 12.36 | Behold, I am Jesus Christ! | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Thu Mar 09 1989 19:18 | 22 |
| Many of the people were gathered around the temple in the land
Bountiful discussing the sign which had been given of the death
of Jesus Christ, which had been prophesied among them, and marveling
at the destruction in the land from the earthquakes and storms.
They heard a voice from heaven, declaring:
Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I
have glorified my name -- hear ye him.
They looked saw a man descending out of heaven, who came down among
them, and said:
Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall
come into the world.
And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I
have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given
me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins
of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the
Father in all things from the beginning.
(From 3 Nephi 11)
|
| 12.37 | | QBUS::MUELLER | | Fri Apr 21 1989 20:49 | 17 |
| Forgive me for a little bit of repetitiveness, but this verse
defines our Lords love for us all.
And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the
Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his
Spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended
to all people who will repent and believe on his name.
Alma 19:36
Witnessing of His love,
Frank
|
| 12.38 | I am the God of the Whole Earth | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Wed May 24 1989 08:36 | 24 |
| When Jesus visited the people of Nephi, he invited each of those
present to be witnesses of his wounds:
And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: Arise
and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my
side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my
hands and in my feet, that ye may kow that I am the God of Israel,
and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins
of the world.
And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust
their hands into his side and did feel the prints of the nails in
his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one
by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes
and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did
bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the
prophets, that should come. (3 Nephi 11:13-15)
I testify that this Jesus Christ is the God of Israel, and the God of
the whole earth, and that he was slain for the sins of the world, and
that he did appear to the people of Nephi after his resurrection.
Witnessing of Christ,
Rich
|
| 12.39 | He will direct thee for good | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Tue Oct 31 1989 08:59 | 13 |
| The Prophet Alma speaking to his son, Helaman:
Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings
be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the
Lord; yea, let all they thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea,
let the affections of they heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee
for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the
Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou
risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God;
and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
(Alma 37:36-37)
|
| 12.40 | There is none other way | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Fri Nov 03 1989 07:38 | 31 |
| Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your
Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been
shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter.
For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by
water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy
Ghost.
And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal
life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to
the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the
Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the
fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by
the way ye should receive.
And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and
narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay;
for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with
unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is
might to save.
Wherefore, Ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having
a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men,
Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ,
and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have
eternal life.
And now, behold, by beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is
none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in
the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ,
and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen. (2 Nephi 31:17-21)
|
| 12.41 | Pray always - the Holy Ghost will guide you | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Fri Nov 03 1989 07:47 | 19 |
| Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand
them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye
are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.
For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way,
and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye
should do.
And now, by beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your
hearts; and it greiveth be that I must speak concerning this thing. For
if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye
would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to
pray, but teacheth him that he must no pray.
But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint;
that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first
place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will
consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for
the welfare of they soul. (2 Nephi 32:4-5,8-9)
|
| 12.42 | I glory in my Jesus! | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Wed Nov 08 1989 10:05 | 44 |
| Nephi's parting words:
...I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my
soul from hell.
I have charity for my people, and great faith in Christ that I
shall meet many souls spotless at his judgment-seat.
I have charity for the Jew... I also have charity for the
Gentiles. But behold, for none of these can I hope except they
shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate,
and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in
the path until the end of the day of probation.
And now, by beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the
earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye
believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall
believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the
words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach
all men that they should do good.
And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye -- for Christ
will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his
words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face
before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of
him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.
And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if
not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day.
And now, my beloved brethren, all those who are of the house of
Israel, and all ye ends of the dearth, I speak unto you as the
voice of one crying from the dust: Farewell until that great day
shall come.
And you that will not partake of the goodness of God, and respect
the words of the Jews, and also my words, and the words which
shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the Lamb of God, behold, I
bid you an everlasting farewell, for these words shall condemn you
at the last day.
For what I seal on earth, shall be brought against you at the
judgment bar; for thus hath the Lord commanded me, and I must
obey. Amen. (2 Nephi 33:6-15)
|
| 12.43 | Be reconciled to God through Christ | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Tue Nov 14 1989 07:40 | 9 |
| Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel
from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth
in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.
Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the
atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a
resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in
Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having
faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him... (Jacob 4:10-11)
|
| 12.44 | A little bit of humility | QBUS::MUELLER | | Wed Jan 31 1990 21:32 | 41 |
| Alma 37:
10. And now, as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would
that ye continue to teach; and I would that ye would be diligent and
temperate in all things.
11. See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do
not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your own much strength.
12. Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle
all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain
from idleness.
13. Do not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye have seen that they pray
to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom.
14. Do not say: O God, I thank thee that we are better than our
brethren; but rather say: O Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and remember my
brethren in mercy- yea, acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all
times.
15. And may the Lord bless your soul, and receive you at the last
day into his kingdom, to sit down in peace. Now go, my son, and teach the
word unto this people. Be sober. My son, farewell.
This Scripture really means alot to me at this time, especially
considering my feelings related to in note 301. I have to say that I am as
much if not more guilty of feeling better than my brethren (in my ward)
even though I may have less in the bank.
Whether you realize it or not, you are a tool of our Heavenly
Fathers. And I would like thank all of you for helping Him to fix me. I
have to honestly admit that the Spirit can really be felt when reading the
notes in this conference.
Take care,
Frank
|
| 12.45 | Be humble and submissive | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Welcome back Kotter | Fri Feb 02 1990 11:35 | 10 |
| And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive
and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long
suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in
keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for
whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and
temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever
things ye do receive.
Alma 7:23
|
| 12.46 | Repent and be born again | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Welcome back Kotter | Thu Mar 22 1990 10:11 | 20 |
| Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the
Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of
heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be
washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who
taketh away the sins of the world, wo is mighty to save and to cleanse
from all unrighteousness.
Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which
easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea,
come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent
of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his
commandments, and witness unto him this day by going into the waters of
baptism.
And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments of God from
thenceforth, the same will remember that I say unto him, year, he will
remember that I have said unto him, he shall have eternal live,
according to the testimony of the Holy Spirit, which testifieth in me.
Alma 7:14-16
|