(Marci - red; Kathy-green; Marci blue 2020) orange 2021 brown 2022/2023)
Chapter 6
The Nephites prosper—Pride, wealth, and class distinctions arise—The Church is rent with dissensions—Satan leads the people in open rebellion—Many prophets cry repentance and are slain—Their murderers conspire to take over the government. About A.D. 26–30.
1 And now it came to pass that the people of the Nephites did all return to their own lands in the twenty and sixth year, every man, with his family, his flocks and his herds, his ahorses and his cattle, and all things whatsoever did belong unto them. It was in the 16th year that they received the call to all gather in one place. For ten years they worked and lived together in unity. Now they are all separating back to their "normal" lives. We'll see how quick to forget man can be. In our ministering we must help one another to always remember the great things the Lord does for us each day. The possible parallel for our day is that we are currently in a pandemic where there has been a quarantine (literal at first) and still limiting for many. How will we come out it? Definitely not better than when we went in...Here we are Fall 2022. The government has run amuck; inflation going up and up; housing prices out of reach for many; still pushing the vaccine though it has no positive lasting effect and millions of deaths or serious reactions with no acknowledgment that it's doing enough harm to stop using it; another corrupt election in just weeks; world war threatening; food shortages looming; man-made weather disasters hitting....and still no preaching of "repent or be destroyed". There is a great movement among Christian conservatives to expose the evil gadiantons and some say we are on the brink of a full expose' of their evils and corruption. I feel like the pattern in the Book of Mormon is that we will have some Divine Intervention before it all goes to pieces. There just hasn't been any yet that has gone mainstream. Pres. Nelson just said, "The heavens are open"... so maybe God is about the make His presence known...
2 And it came to pass that they had anot eaten up all their provisions; therefore they did take with them all that they had not devoured, of all their grain of every kind, and their gold, and their silver, and all their precious things, and they did return to their own lands and their possessions, both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward. Here's one thing for them to remember. They had taken 7 years provisions and they had not run out after 10 years! God made sure they had "enough and to spare." Much ministering as the Nephites help each other move back to their own lands with their many possessions and provisions that they had not consumed.
3 And they granted unto those robbers who had aentered into a covenant to keep the peace of the land, who were desirous to remain Lamanites, lands, according to their numbers, that they might have, with their labors, wherewith to subsist upon; and thus they did establish peace in all the land. When we minister, we always look for ways to help others be self-reliant. The Lamanites who had entered into a covenant of peace, but wanted to be identified as Lamanites, were given land to own and till, and I'm sure they were ministered to and with each other, as they learned the farming skills they would need to survive and prosper. This is a great lesson in agency. The Nephites did not demand that the Lamanites convert to their religion or become "one" with them. Not only did they let them stay Lamanites, but they gave them land to live on. The one thing they did have to convert to was to take care of themselves (no robbing) and not fight with them anymore.
4 And they began again to prosper and to wax great; and the twenty and sixth and seventh years passed away, and there was great aorder in the land; and they had formed their laws according to equity and justice. "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house....a house of order...a house of God." (D&C 88:119)
5 And now there was nothing in all the land to hinder the people from prospering continually, except they should fall into transgression. When we fail to prosper, we need only look to our own transgressions, personally and as a people. When we seek solutions, repentance is the only one that will bring what we truly seek. I wish our leaders would point this out to our people.
6 And now it was aGidgiddoni, and the judge, bLachoneus, and those who had been appointed leaders, who had established this great peace in the land. Thus we see the influence of just two righteous men!
7 And it came to pass that there were many cities built anew, and there were many old cities repaired.
8 And there were many ahighways cast up, and many roads made, which led from city to city, and from land to land, and from place to place.
9 And thus passed away the twenty and eighth year, and the people had continual peace. Heber J Grant said, "The aim of the Church is to help the people to help themselves. Work is to be re-enthroned as the ruling principle of the lives of our Church membership” Helping people to work is important to our peace. vs 4-9 Prosperity and peace, established by Gidgiddoni and Lachoneus, spread throughout the land. The cities, roads and civilization grew in 4 short years. The Lord has been so kind to us as a nation, that we are so spoiled and prosperous. Our 'good fortune' has gone on much longer than 4 years. Our government has done the opposite and encouraged people to NOT work, by printing money and giving it to people who are not working so they were making more money not working than they were working. There are "help wanted" signs everywhere among the minimum wage sectors.
10 But it came to pass in the twenty and ninth year there began to be some disputings among the people; and some were lifted up unto pride and boastings because of their exceedingly great riches, yea, even unto great persecutions; We would do well to promote humility before pride gets out of hand. Put down contentions with truth wherever possible.
11 For there were many amerchants in the land, and also many blawyers, and many officers. Is "officers" police? Or people who old some kind of "office"?
12 And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty and others did receive great clearning because of their riches. The value of unity and oneness begins to vanish. They are disconnecting with the source of their learning and their riches and thinking that they are rich because of their own gifts and talents. We would do well, when we minister to others, to always point out their blessings are from God. ie. "that talk was awesome! Father in Heaven truly blessed and inspired you to say those things!"
13 Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; notice they were "exceedingly" humble. Does these mean in circumstance or heart? some did return railing for railing, the proud and the "less" humble while others would receive railing and apersecution and all manner of bafflictions, and would not turn and crevile again, but were humble and penitent before God. It is our choice how we respond to "railings and persecutions and and all manner of afflictions." What does it mean to be penitent (repentant) in response to other's sins? vs 10-13 The cycle of apostasy moves to the next step, as the people begin to listen to the ministering of Satan and his minions. Pride, persecution, social rankings according to wealth--the peoples' ministering began to become limited to those like themselves, to the exclusion of others. This is our society today. We must "return good for evil".
14 And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up; yea, insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land this all began just a year before! save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and athey would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all bdiligence to keep the commandments of the Lord. And thus we see that in just 4 years time they went from unity to disunity; from faith and peace to pride and division. How quick we are to forget. Notice that it was the church that was broken up and that the Lamanites held to a "true faith" as opposed to a "not true" faith, or version of religion. It takes willingness and diligence to remain true and steadfast. It's interesting that a theme in the Book of Mormon is that a converted Lamanite usually will remain true to the covenant. Here, it happens again. Is it also possible that retaining their name, helped them maintain an identity apart from the wicked Nephites. I'm sure they continued to minister to one another to remain strong in their beliefs. Is our church about to be broken up? There are many social issues that are dividing us in our hearts. I submit that the "true faith" is our core doctrine and the teachings in the scriptures about the Plan of Salvation and Jesus Christ. We must not depart from that, no matter what other issues we see people departing over. We must be immovable in keeping our covenants and the commandments of the Lord.
15 Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—aSatan had great power unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and criches, and the vain things of the world. I think we are pretty blind to Satan's power in our own lives - that is stirring us up to be prideful and to seek for the vain things of the world. The evidence of the latter is that we are surrounded by the things of the world so we are obviously valuing them enough to buy them.
16 And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years. This is satan's end goal - to lead away our hearts from God. All we can really give God is our hearts. We can't give him perfection; we can't give him things; we can't give him our successes; for everything comes from Him. "...the submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we “give,” brothers and sisters, are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!" (Maxwell)
17 And thus, in the commencement of the thirtieth year—the people having been adelivered up for the space of a long time to be carried about by the btemptations of the devil whithersoever he desired to carry them, and to do whatsoever iniquity he desired they should footnote to "delivered up" is Moses 5 (the Lord to Cain...) 23 If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted. And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to have thee; and except thou shalt hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver thee up, and it shall be unto thee according to his desire..."—We too, have been "delivered up for a long time to do whatever evil we desire...it had only been a year since things seemed to be fine. But if they had been delivered up "a long time"...Satan had been at work in their hearts during their "prosperous" period, even though he had not stirred up contention yet. We need to ever be on guard to maintain "right thinking" about our lives and not assume that if there is no contention that he is not trying to shape our hearts towards pride and apathy... and thus in the commencement of this, the thirtieth year, they were in a state of awful wickedness. Satan's ministry goes into full bore once again, his minions "stirring up the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world." same old, same old. Pretty much our day. Here we see that God "allows" man to be "carried about by the temptations of the devil" even for the "space of a long time". He could intervene earlier, but He doesn't. Why? We must not be deceived that because He has not intervened earlier in our lives to "correct" us, that we haven't been in error. His lack of intervention is not any kind of proof that we are in the right way...Remember that the belief "all is well in Zion" is satan's trap for our time. All is NOT well. We will learn that very soon when God finally DOES intervene!
18 Now they did not sin aignorantly, for they knew the bwill of God concerning them, for it had been taught unto them; therefore they did wilfully crebel against God. The only thing different this time, is they willfully rebelled. This was not sinning ignorantly. In our day, it's a mix, ignorant sinning, but many are willfully turning away. This may be why God didn't intervene for awhile. They knew what they were doing...
19 And now it was in the days of Lachoneus, the son of aLachoneus, for Lachoneus did fill the seat of his father and did govern the people that year.
20 And there began to be men ainspired from heaven and sent forth, standing among the people in all the land, preaching and testifying boldly This doesn't sound like the missionary of our day. It seemed like prophets back then and even in OT times were inspired directly from God to go and preach. Will this happen again? Or is this already happening via social media? People are being inspired to preach of the sins and iniquities of the people, and testifying unto them concerning the redemption which the Lord would make for his people, or in other words, the resurrection of Christ; and they did testify boldly of his bdeath and sufferings. Here's another example of Moses' words, "would to God that all my people were prophets." These men were "inspired from heaven", not called of God through church channels. We must not be afraid to raise our voices in the same manner if we are "inspired from heaven". Ministering in earnest increases, as men, inspired from above, gain the vision and the courage to speak out the truth. Now God is intervening. And He's not just sending one voice, but many. Notice they don't just preach repentance, but also the path to redemption is only in Jesus Christ. Look for this!
21 Now there were many of the people who were exceedingly angry because of those who testified of these things; and those who were angry were chiefly the chief judges, and they who ahad been high priests and lawyers; Notice some where "high priests" - that's a church leader yea, all those who were lawyers were angry with those who testified of these things. Elder Bednar just taught us in April 2018 Conference about meekness. Of those in high positions he said, "Meekness is the principal protection from the prideful blindness that often arises from prominence, position, power, wealth, and adulation." We need to teach and exemplify meekness to avoid being pulled into the deceptions that come with prosperity and power. How much of this is going on with the leadership in our Church? Pride is blind and is most often found in high places. We also know that" D&C 121:34 Behold, there are many , but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?35 Because their are set so much upon the things of this , and to the of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—36 That the of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be nor handled only upon the of righteousness.37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to our , or to gratify our , our vain ambition, or to exercise control or or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. 38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to against the pricks, to the saints, and to against God.39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little , as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise dominion.40 Hence many are called, but are chosen." And Elder James E Faust said this to Elder Uchtdorf when he was called as an apostle, " “They will treat you very kindly. They will say nice things about you.” He laughed a little and then said, “Dieter, be thankful for this. But don’t you ever inhale it.” What will happen when the Lord begins to correct things in His church? Who will be the ones to reject this? According to this passage in 3 Nephi, it will likely be those in high positions. And we have so been conditioned to "sustain" our leaders by doing/believing everything they say, that if they reject the messenger, many will follow their lead...
22 Now there was no lawyer nor judge nor high priest that could have power to condemn any one to death save their condemnation was signed by the governor of the land. vs 21-22 People in high places, who felt that these preachers of truth were interfering and a deterrent to their ambitions and power, hated them, and wanted them to be silenced, so they could continue in their evil designs. wanting people who oppose you silenced is proof you are on the wrong side...
23 Now there were many of those awho testified of the things pertaining to Christ who testified boldly, who were taken and put to death bsecretly by the judges, that the knowledge of their death came not unto the governor of the land until after their death. I am afraid that this could happen again with the lack of privacy in our digital world. Does that mean you shouldn't boldly testify? I think we must "fear not, though the enemy deride!"
24 Now behold, this was contrary to the laws of the land, that any man should be put to death except they had power from the governor of the land—
25 Therefore a complaint came up unto the land of Zarahemla, to the governor of the land, against these judges who had condemned the prophets of the Lord unto adeath, not according to the law. Another reference to those who were boldly testifying being called "prophets of the Lord". How does this square with the idea that God can only have one prophet at a time? I suppose it has to do with the position of President of the Church/Prophet and not just one who is called of God to prophesy. Remember Moses said, "Would to God that all my people were prophets..." (numbers 11:9)
26 Now it came to pass that they were taken and brought up before the judge, to be judged of the crime which they had done, according to the alaw which had been given by the people.
27 Now it came to pass that those judges had many friends and kindreds; and the remainder, yea, even almost all the lawyers and the high priests, did gather themselves together, and unite counterfeit to God's gathering and uniting with the kindreds of those judges who were to be tried according to the law.
28 And they did enter into a acovenant another counterfeit one with another, yea, even into that covenant which was given by them of old, which covenant was given and administered by the bdevil, to combine against all righteousness. Thus, the enemy is combined! Notice too, the devil "administers" his covenants counterfeiting God again. And they combine against all "righteouness"!
29 Therefore they did combine against the people of the Lord, and enter into a covenant to destroy them, and to deliver those who were guilty of murder from the grasp of justice, which was about to be administered according to the law.
30 And they did set at defiance the law and the rights of their country; and they did covenant one with another to destroy the governor, and to establish a king over the land, that the land should no more be at bliberty but should be subject unto kings. I can't help it, as I read 23-30, it just kept jumping out at me, the similarities with today's headlines. Can you say "the Clintons and Obama?" I am appalled at the string of "suicides" and mysterious deaths that have happened the day before testifying, to any and all who would get in their way, and witness against them. I am sure that the oaths of old are ministered today and are alive and thriving deeply in our government. They "did gather themselves together, and unite with the kindreds of those judges who were to be tried according to the law. And they did enter into a covenant one with another, yea, even into that covenant which was given by them of old, which covenant was given and administered by the devil, to combine against all righteousness." The subsequent verses continue with all their plans. This is right out of our newspapers. Their goal is to destroy the government. The secret combination of Gadianton is back in full force. I would say that this is where we are today--2018 looks an awful lot like 29 A.D.
1 And now it came to pass that the people of the Nephites did all return to their own lands in the twenty and sixth year, every man, with his family, his flocks and his herds, his ahorses and his cattle, and all things whatsoever did belong unto them. It was in the 16th year that they received the call to all gather in one place. For ten years they worked and lived together in unity. Now they are all separating back to their "normal" lives. We'll see how quick to forget man can be. In our ministering we must help one another to always remember the great things the Lord does for us each day. The possible parallel for our day is that we are currently in a pandemic where there has been a quarantine (literal at first) and still limiting for many. How will we come out it? Definitely not better than when we went in...Here we are Fall 2022. The government has run amuck; inflation going up and up; housing prices out of reach for many; still pushing the vaccine though it has no positive lasting effect and millions of deaths or serious reactions with no acknowledgment that it's doing enough harm to stop using it; another corrupt election in just weeks; world war threatening; food shortages looming; man-made weather disasters hitting....and still no preaching of "repent or be destroyed". There is a great movement among Christian conservatives to expose the evil gadiantons and some say we are on the brink of a full expose' of their evils and corruption. I feel like the pattern in the Book of Mormon is that we will have some Divine Intervention before it all goes to pieces. There just hasn't been any yet that has gone mainstream. Pres. Nelson just said, "The heavens are open"... so maybe God is about the make His presence known...
2 And it came to pass that they had anot eaten up all their provisions; therefore they did take with them all that they had not devoured, of all their grain of every kind, and their gold, and their silver, and all their precious things, and they did return to their own lands and their possessions, both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward. Here's one thing for them to remember. They had taken 7 years provisions and they had not run out after 10 years! God made sure they had "enough and to spare." Much ministering as the Nephites help each other move back to their own lands with their many possessions and provisions that they had not consumed.
3 And they granted unto those robbers who had aentered into a covenant to keep the peace of the land, who were desirous to remain Lamanites, lands, according to their numbers, that they might have, with their labors, wherewith to subsist upon; and thus they did establish peace in all the land. When we minister, we always look for ways to help others be self-reliant. The Lamanites who had entered into a covenant of peace, but wanted to be identified as Lamanites, were given land to own and till, and I'm sure they were ministered to and with each other, as they learned the farming skills they would need to survive and prosper. This is a great lesson in agency. The Nephites did not demand that the Lamanites convert to their religion or become "one" with them. Not only did they let them stay Lamanites, but they gave them land to live on. The one thing they did have to convert to was to take care of themselves (no robbing) and not fight with them anymore.
4 And they began again to prosper and to wax great; and the twenty and sixth and seventh years passed away, and there was great aorder in the land; and they had formed their laws according to equity and justice. "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house....a house of order...a house of God." (D&C 88:119)
5 And now there was nothing in all the land to hinder the people from prospering continually, except they should fall into transgression. When we fail to prosper, we need only look to our own transgressions, personally and as a people. When we seek solutions, repentance is the only one that will bring what we truly seek. I wish our leaders would point this out to our people.
6 And now it was aGidgiddoni, and the judge, bLachoneus, and those who had been appointed leaders, who had established this great peace in the land. Thus we see the influence of just two righteous men!
7 And it came to pass that there were many cities built anew, and there were many old cities repaired.
8 And there were many ahighways cast up, and many roads made, which led from city to city, and from land to land, and from place to place.
9 And thus passed away the twenty and eighth year, and the people had continual peace. Heber J Grant said, "The aim of the Church is to help the people to help themselves. Work is to be re-enthroned as the ruling principle of the lives of our Church membership” Helping people to work is important to our peace. vs 4-9 Prosperity and peace, established by Gidgiddoni and Lachoneus, spread throughout the land. The cities, roads and civilization grew in 4 short years. The Lord has been so kind to us as a nation, that we are so spoiled and prosperous. Our 'good fortune' has gone on much longer than 4 years. Our government has done the opposite and encouraged people to NOT work, by printing money and giving it to people who are not working so they were making more money not working than they were working. There are "help wanted" signs everywhere among the minimum wage sectors.
10 But it came to pass in the twenty and ninth year there began to be some disputings among the people; and some were lifted up unto pride and boastings because of their exceedingly great riches, yea, even unto great persecutions; We would do well to promote humility before pride gets out of hand. Put down contentions with truth wherever possible.
11 For there were many amerchants in the land, and also many blawyers, and many officers. Is "officers" police? Or people who old some kind of "office"?
12 And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty and others did receive great clearning because of their riches. The value of unity and oneness begins to vanish. They are disconnecting with the source of their learning and their riches and thinking that they are rich because of their own gifts and talents. We would do well, when we minister to others, to always point out their blessings are from God. ie. "that talk was awesome! Father in Heaven truly blessed and inspired you to say those things!"
13 Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; notice they were "exceedingly" humble. Does these mean in circumstance or heart? some did return railing for railing, the proud and the "less" humble while others would receive railing and apersecution and all manner of bafflictions, and would not turn and crevile again, but were humble and penitent before God. It is our choice how we respond to "railings and persecutions and and all manner of afflictions." What does it mean to be penitent (repentant) in response to other's sins? vs 10-13 The cycle of apostasy moves to the next step, as the people begin to listen to the ministering of Satan and his minions. Pride, persecution, social rankings according to wealth--the peoples' ministering began to become limited to those like themselves, to the exclusion of others. This is our society today. We must "return good for evil".
14 And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up; yea, insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land this all began just a year before! save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and athey would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all bdiligence to keep the commandments of the Lord. And thus we see that in just 4 years time they went from unity to disunity; from faith and peace to pride and division. How quick we are to forget. Notice that it was the church that was broken up and that the Lamanites held to a "true faith" as opposed to a "not true" faith, or version of religion. It takes willingness and diligence to remain true and steadfast. It's interesting that a theme in the Book of Mormon is that a converted Lamanite usually will remain true to the covenant. Here, it happens again. Is it also possible that retaining their name, helped them maintain an identity apart from the wicked Nephites. I'm sure they continued to minister to one another to remain strong in their beliefs. Is our church about to be broken up? There are many social issues that are dividing us in our hearts. I submit that the "true faith" is our core doctrine and the teachings in the scriptures about the Plan of Salvation and Jesus Christ. We must not depart from that, no matter what other issues we see people departing over. We must be immovable in keeping our covenants and the commandments of the Lord.
15 Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—aSatan had great power unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and criches, and the vain things of the world. I think we are pretty blind to Satan's power in our own lives - that is stirring us up to be prideful and to seek for the vain things of the world. The evidence of the latter is that we are surrounded by the things of the world so we are obviously valuing them enough to buy them.
16 And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years. This is satan's end goal - to lead away our hearts from God. All we can really give God is our hearts. We can't give him perfection; we can't give him things; we can't give him our successes; for everything comes from Him. "...the submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we “give,” brothers and sisters, are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!" (Maxwell)
17 And thus, in the commencement of the thirtieth year—the people having been adelivered up for the space of a long time to be carried about by the btemptations of the devil whithersoever he desired to carry them, and to do whatsoever iniquity he desired they should footnote to "delivered up" is Moses 5 (the Lord to Cain...) 23 If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted. And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to have thee; and except thou shalt hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver thee up, and it shall be unto thee according to his desire..."—We too, have been "delivered up for a long time to do whatever evil we desire...it had only been a year since things seemed to be fine. But if they had been delivered up "a long time"...Satan had been at work in their hearts during their "prosperous" period, even though he had not stirred up contention yet. We need to ever be on guard to maintain "right thinking" about our lives and not assume that if there is no contention that he is not trying to shape our hearts towards pride and apathy... and thus in the commencement of this, the thirtieth year, they were in a state of awful wickedness. Satan's ministry goes into full bore once again, his minions "stirring up the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world." same old, same old. Pretty much our day. Here we see that God "allows" man to be "carried about by the temptations of the devil" even for the "space of a long time". He could intervene earlier, but He doesn't. Why? We must not be deceived that because He has not intervened earlier in our lives to "correct" us, that we haven't been in error. His lack of intervention is not any kind of proof that we are in the right way...Remember that the belief "all is well in Zion" is satan's trap for our time. All is NOT well. We will learn that very soon when God finally DOES intervene!
18 Now they did not sin aignorantly, for they knew the bwill of God concerning them, for it had been taught unto them; therefore they did wilfully crebel against God. The only thing different this time, is they willfully rebelled. This was not sinning ignorantly. In our day, it's a mix, ignorant sinning, but many are willfully turning away. This may be why God didn't intervene for awhile. They knew what they were doing...
19 And now it was in the days of Lachoneus, the son of aLachoneus, for Lachoneus did fill the seat of his father and did govern the people that year.
20 And there began to be men ainspired from heaven and sent forth, standing among the people in all the land, preaching and testifying boldly This doesn't sound like the missionary of our day. It seemed like prophets back then and even in OT times were inspired directly from God to go and preach. Will this happen again? Or is this already happening via social media? People are being inspired to preach of the sins and iniquities of the people, and testifying unto them concerning the redemption which the Lord would make for his people, or in other words, the resurrection of Christ; and they did testify boldly of his bdeath and sufferings. Here's another example of Moses' words, "would to God that all my people were prophets." These men were "inspired from heaven", not called of God through church channels. We must not be afraid to raise our voices in the same manner if we are "inspired from heaven". Ministering in earnest increases, as men, inspired from above, gain the vision and the courage to speak out the truth. Now God is intervening. And He's not just sending one voice, but many. Notice they don't just preach repentance, but also the path to redemption is only in Jesus Christ. Look for this!
21 Now there were many of the people who were exceedingly angry because of those who testified of these things; and those who were angry were chiefly the chief judges, and they who ahad been high priests and lawyers; Notice some where "high priests" - that's a church leader yea, all those who were lawyers were angry with those who testified of these things. Elder Bednar just taught us in April 2018 Conference about meekness. Of those in high positions he said, "Meekness is the principal protection from the prideful blindness that often arises from prominence, position, power, wealth, and adulation." We need to teach and exemplify meekness to avoid being pulled into the deceptions that come with prosperity and power. How much of this is going on with the leadership in our Church? Pride is blind and is most often found in high places. We also know that" D&C 121:34 Behold, there are many , but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?35 Because their are set so much upon the things of this , and to the of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—36 That the of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be nor handled only upon the of righteousness.37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to our , or to gratify our , our vain ambition, or to exercise control or or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. 38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to against the pricks, to the saints, and to against God.39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little , as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise dominion.40 Hence many are called, but are chosen." And Elder James E Faust said this to Elder Uchtdorf when he was called as an apostle, " “They will treat you very kindly. They will say nice things about you.” He laughed a little and then said, “Dieter, be thankful for this. But don’t you ever inhale it.” What will happen when the Lord begins to correct things in His church? Who will be the ones to reject this? According to this passage in 3 Nephi, it will likely be those in high positions. And we have so been conditioned to "sustain" our leaders by doing/believing everything they say, that if they reject the messenger, many will follow their lead...
22 Now there was no lawyer nor judge nor high priest that could have power to condemn any one to death save their condemnation was signed by the governor of the land. vs 21-22 People in high places, who felt that these preachers of truth were interfering and a deterrent to their ambitions and power, hated them, and wanted them to be silenced, so they could continue in their evil designs. wanting people who oppose you silenced is proof you are on the wrong side...
23 Now there were many of those awho testified of the things pertaining to Christ who testified boldly, who were taken and put to death bsecretly by the judges, that the knowledge of their death came not unto the governor of the land until after their death. I am afraid that this could happen again with the lack of privacy in our digital world. Does that mean you shouldn't boldly testify? I think we must "fear not, though the enemy deride!"
24 Now behold, this was contrary to the laws of the land, that any man should be put to death except they had power from the governor of the land—
25 Therefore a complaint came up unto the land of Zarahemla, to the governor of the land, against these judges who had condemned the prophets of the Lord unto adeath, not according to the law. Another reference to those who were boldly testifying being called "prophets of the Lord". How does this square with the idea that God can only have one prophet at a time? I suppose it has to do with the position of President of the Church/Prophet and not just one who is called of God to prophesy. Remember Moses said, "Would to God that all my people were prophets..." (numbers 11:9)
26 Now it came to pass that they were taken and brought up before the judge, to be judged of the crime which they had done, according to the alaw which had been given by the people.
27 Now it came to pass that those judges had many friends and kindreds; and the remainder, yea, even almost all the lawyers and the high priests, did gather themselves together, and unite counterfeit to God's gathering and uniting with the kindreds of those judges who were to be tried according to the law.
28 And they did enter into a acovenant another counterfeit one with another, yea, even into that covenant which was given by them of old, which covenant was given and administered by the bdevil, to combine against all righteousness. Thus, the enemy is combined! Notice too, the devil "administers" his covenants counterfeiting God again. And they combine against all "righteouness"!
29 Therefore they did combine against the people of the Lord, and enter into a covenant to destroy them, and to deliver those who were guilty of murder from the grasp of justice, which was about to be administered according to the law.
30 And they did set at defiance the law and the rights of their country; and they did covenant one with another to destroy the governor, and to establish a king over the land, that the land should no more be at bliberty but should be subject unto kings. I can't help it, as I read 23-30, it just kept jumping out at me, the similarities with today's headlines. Can you say "the Clintons and Obama?" I am appalled at the string of "suicides" and mysterious deaths that have happened the day before testifying, to any and all who would get in their way, and witness against them. I am sure that the oaths of old are ministered today and are alive and thriving deeply in our government. They "did gather themselves together, and unite with the kindreds of those judges who were to be tried according to the law. And they did enter into a covenant one with another, yea, even into that covenant which was given by them of old, which covenant was given and administered by the devil, to combine against all righteousness." The subsequent verses continue with all their plans. This is right out of our newspapers. Their goal is to destroy the government. The secret combination of Gadianton is back in full force. I would say that this is where we are today--2018 looks an awful lot like 29 A.D.
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