Moroni 6

(My highlights in orange, my thoughts in blue 12/2020 red type 11/20 orange 8/21 Brown 2022 -23.)

Repentant persons are baptized and fellowshipped—Church members who repent are forgiven—Meetings are conducted by the power of the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 401–21.

  1 And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth ^afruit meet that they were ^bworthy of it. What did that look like? For sure you can’t “say” one thing and then “do” another....
  2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a ^abroken ^bheart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins. If a broken heart and contrite spirit were required fruits for baptism and true repentance, then it seems it would be the same required fruit to partake of the sacrament each week. I think we are taught that is what we bring to the altar (sacrament table) instead of a sacrificial lamb. “Broken” heart means humble and “Contrite” heart means honest and sincere (I think) I feel like I need to do better at preparing to take the Sacrament by spending some time, repenting. Now... truly, I should be repenting immediately after I sin and not wait until Saturday night. But I should inventory my heart and my life on Saturday and see if anything is left undone, so I can approach the Sacrament with a truly broken heart and contrite spirit.
  3 And none were received unto baptism save they ^atook upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end. This gives reference to the the Doctrine of Christ, that ends with "enduring to the end". When we take upon ourselves the name of Christ, we dedicate our lives to participating in the work of saving souls - the first one being our own, then like Enos, our family, then everyone else - enemies included. It takes determination to serve Christ all the days of our lives! This taking the name of Christ does not seem to be forward looking but present tense. They "took" upon them His name.
  4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and ^acleansed Purified by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the ^bchurch of Christ; and their ^cnames were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, This is what we do at church and with ministering It sounds like they received the baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost at their water baptism. Maybe not...it just says "after"...could be some time after, but it doesn't sound that way. Why does it not seem like that is something we could record happening today. Is it because so many of us are baptized at 8 and are not needing to be cleansed/purified yet? 
to keep them in the right way, this is the purpose of church and ministering This part has been completely lost on us today. It is so offensive for people to try to “keep others in the right way”. But it should be a communal spirit of “you help me stay on the path and I’ll help you”. But today everyone feels so “judged” that they don’t want anyone to tell them they are not in the right way. 
to keep them continually ^dwatchful unto prayer, What are we watching for? Prayer is key to everything! Today, I tried to influence the 2 girls I am tending to choose the right by saying a prayer outloud in front of them instead of correcting them. It worked most profoundly for the 8 year old:) “watching” seems to be a bit lost on us too. Any “watching” for secret combinations has failed even though they are blatantly taking over our world! And when you “see these things” it will turn you to your knees for Christ is the only solution to the evils around us. 
^erelying alone upon the merits of Christ, What do I rely on? This says I am to rely 'alone' upon Christ. What are the "merits" of Christ? Maybe this means His perfection and power alone to save?
who was the author and the finisher of their faith.He finishes our faith when we come into his presence - second comforter at which point we have knowledge
5 And the ^achurch did meet together ^boft, to ^cfast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. I love this. It's important to meet regularly. Important to fast. Important to pray. Important to speak with each other about the welfare of our souls. Gives new meaning to the greeting "how 'ya doing"? I would love this deeper conversation! Right now, with all that is going on in the church and the world with the "pandemic" it feels like the welfare of our souls is more and more at stake, but we don't talk about it at all because it has to do with questioning the "advice" of our prophet and it "feels" apostate to not follow him and to question. Both sides feel like the welfare of the soul is at stake but we don't know how to discuss without contention for some reason...
  6 And they did ^ameet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in ^bremembrance of the Lord Jesus. It is not enough to worship God. We must do it together and partake of the sacrament by those authorized to administer it to us. We do it every 7 days to witness that we have remembered Jesus the other six. Because I don't want to wear a mask to church, I didn't attend with others "in person" for a year and partook of the sacrament at home. It was too hard to go and feel like I'd be a distraction and a stumbling block for others (like a deacon passing the sacrament with wild green hair...) and to be honest, they would be a stumbling block for me as I would have a hard time not focusing on my sadness as to where we are as a church that no one questions, with faith, what is going on.
  7 And they were strict to observe that there should be ^ano iniquity among them; and whoso was found to commit iniquity, and ^bthree witnesses of the church did condemn them before the ^celders, and if they repented not, and ^dconfessed not, their names were ^eblotted out, and they were not ^fnumbered among the people of Christ. This sounds like it isn't just daily sins that were brought to the attention of the elders, but the kind that would warrant excommunication. The kind that is rebellious or false and could take others with them. (Although the footnote says, no lying, hardness, backbiting, or evil speaking. That sounds like the more common sins, not worthy of x. Maybe Moroni is saying we should be more willing to be watchful of one another and more strict to observe that we all stay in the path of righteousness....) Not gonna fly in our day. Too much political correctness about not judging others....
 8 But ^aas oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real ^bintent, they were ^cforgiven. This is key to a Zion society. We will not be perfect, but we should sorrow when we give in to temptation and repent quickly. Because we all do it, we should forgive quickly too.
 9 And their meetings were ^aconducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the ^bpower of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done. Even though the holders of the priesthood conduct meetings, they should remember they hold the keys to all spiritual blessings. Everything is to be done by the Spirit and for the spiritual blessings of others. It is never about organizational procedures (though necessary to bring order), or customs, or power, or authority. Everything is done to preach, correct, pray, supplicate (ask of others?), or sing. And again...the "Key" is that it is done by the power of the Holy Ghost. Without that we are just "another church"...

3 Nephi 1

(My thoughts June 2018 will be in blue. A few of my friends may chime in with a different colors. Kathy green. Liz pink. red 7/20 Purple 6/21 9/22 orange Brown 11/23.) 

In April 2018 General Conference, the Lord opened a New Era of Ministering! In the training to the General Officers of the Church, Elder Ballard issued this challenge: (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/effective-ministering/2018-04-0070-invitation-to-act-1080p-eng?lang=eng)  

"I invite you to study 3rd Nephi by identifying every reference to the word “minister” in any of its forms, and every reference to the phrase, “one by one”. Once you have thoroughly identified these words and phrases, please consider what the Book of Mormon teaches about ministering. I also invite you to seek the Lord’s help to understand how ministering applies.  All leaders and members of the church need to be careful not to just minister to those names on a list, but to minister to all of Heavenly Father’s children. My brothers and sisters, I testify that this is the work of the Lord. May he bless you to implement with power the counsel from the First Presidency. "

So, here is my study of those chapters in response to the invitation. I invited the sisters in my P.L.A.Y.group (Provident Living All Year) to join me and share what they learned about ministering from the Book of Mormon. 

THIRD NEPHI

THE BOOK OF NEPHI

THE SON OF NEPHI, WHO WAS THE SON OF HELAMAN

And Helaman was the son of Helaman, who was the son of Alma, who was the son of Alma, being a descendant of Nephi who was the son of Lehi, who came out of Jerusalem in the first year of the reign of Zedekiah, the king of Judah. Notice the reminder to the reader that these people are a remnant of the Jews. Also, that their genealogy was important to them. They knew who they were and where they came from. 

Chapter 1

Nephi, the son of Helaman, departs out of the land, and his son Nephi keeps the records—Though signs and wonders abound, the wicked plan to slay the righteous—The night of Christ’s birth arrives—The sign is given, and a new star arises—Lyings and deceivings increase, and the Gadianton robbers slaughter many. About A.D. 1–4. Chapter Heading reads like our day: signs and wonders abound; the wicked plan to slay the righteous; Christ arrives (will arrive); lyings and deceivings increase; Gadiantons slaughter many (abortions; mass shootings; vaccines)

  1 Now it came to pass that the ninety and first year had passed away and it was ^asix hundred years from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem; Second reminder that they are a remnant of the Jews and it was in the year that ^bLachoneus was the chief judge and the governor over the land.
  2 And ^aNephi, the continued use of the name of Nephi throughout these 600 years is also a continual reminder to them and us that they are a remnant of the Jews I wonder if the Lamanites passed on the  names of Laman and Lemuel the same way the Nephites passed on the name of Nephi and Lehi? the son of Helaman, had departed out of the land of Zarahemla, giving charge unto his son ^bNephi, who was his eldest son, concerning the ^cplates of brass, which came from the Jews and ^dall the records which had been kept, to help them always remember who they are and the prophecies and promises that have been made and all those things which had been kept sacred from the departure of Lehi out of Jerusalem. Third reminder they are a remnant of the Jews How would it be to care for records and "sacred things" that were 600 years old? Our nation is only 242 years old. Would it connect you to the source or would you become casual? In this verse we are told they were "kept sacred". In our ministering, we can help people maintain a "sense of the sacred." Before he left, Nephi gave his son, Nephi, charge of all the records and precious things, and taught him, and prepared him to minister.  In our day, I can see President Monson preparing President Nelson for his huge responsibility, in their decades-long association with each other.
  3 Then he ^adeparted out of the land, and ^bwhither he went, no man knoweth; interesting that no mention is made as to where he went or why...or that no one even knew where he went. Did he not tell anyone? Why not? It seems like this happens a few times. Is it a sign of translation? If so...are they still with us, as well as the 3 Nephites and John? and his son Nephi did keep the records in his stead, yea, the record of this people.
  4 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the ninety and second year, behold, the prophecies of the prophets began to be fulfilled more fully; for there began to be ^agreater signs and greater miracles wrought among the people. Help others to recognize the prophecies and promises of the prophets that are being fulfilled more fully; the greater signs and miracles that we've been told are coming. Pres. Nelson just told us, "Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory." I love this quote. It testifies that God cares as much about His children today as yesterday. He will give them a full chance to know Him before destruction comes.   
  5 But there were some who began to say that the time was past Notice they begin not by saying the prophecies were not said, but planted seeds of doubt that they might not come true, thus discounting all the other things he prophesied about destruction and the need to repent for the words to be fulfilled, which were ^aspoken by Samuel, the Lamanite.
  6 And they began to ^arejoice 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 vain. Good for the faithful to make their joy and faith noticeable enough to the disbelieving that they would be able to say this...
  7 And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar evil likes to be loud and obnoxious! throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass. It looks like the believers were influenced by this "great uproar" and had begun to doubt. "Peer Fear" is very powerful!
  8 But behold, they did watch steadfastly for ^athat 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 vain. Even though they were sad thinking about the "what if"...they still "watched steadfastly" for the sign. 
  9 Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the ^aunbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be ^bput to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet. Now they are divided into 2 groups - believers and unbelievers. Watch for this division in our day... was this decision to put them to death a lawful one? If so, on what basis? And if you knew there was a "day" set aside for your death would you stick around for it? 
 10 Now it came to pass that when Nephi, the son of Nephi, saw this wickedness of his people, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful.
 11 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. Notice the pattern of prayer: 1. Make the effort to find a place to pray 2. Kneel down 3. cry mightily  4. Pray for others. Also is this saying the people had only faith in the traditions of their fathers and no actual knowledge themselves? Wouldn't he be included in those who were about to be destroyed? We can pray for those who are trying to be faithful and yet are met with persecution and mocking. We can feel sorrow in response to the wickedness we see in others, especially if it affects "our people". Take it to the Lord. Nephi cried mightily in behalf of his people and received great comfort and instruction. Sometimes, we're ministered to and we don't even know it.  I'm certain President Nelson cries mightily in our behalf, and he has received great comfort and instruction. The first step in ministering is power. Cry unto God for your family, your friends, and ALL your brothers and sisters. Key - long prayers. Seek help and guidance from the Holy Ghost. In this prayer, God will then give direction to you of who He wants you to minister to; their needs, which may be something that they may not tell you, but God knows.
 12 And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord ^aall that day; and behold, the ^bvoice of the Lord came unto him, saying: Pres. Nelson said, the Lord loves effort!
 13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the ^asign be given, and on the ^bmorrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets. This is one of the great messages of the Book of Mormon. We must have faith and trust in God's promises! And first we must know what they even are...
 14 Behold, I ^acome unto my own, Notice who He comes to...His OWN! to fufil all things which I have made known unto the children of men from the ^cfoundation of the world, and to do the ^dwill, ^eboth ^fof the Father and of the Son—of the Father because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh. And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given. We can share our witness that Jesus is coming and that ALL God's promises will be fulfilled. As Elder Holland testified "this is the church of the happy endings!" We can help others "be of good cheer." Jesus says He's coming to keep His promises to us.  I'm pretty sure Nephi told the faithful much of what Jesus had said, and this must have helped and comforted them in their plight.  Though many of us don't realize that we are in a desperate plight, it's comforting to know that our Prophet is in constant communication with the Lord, who is giving him instruction to give to us.
 15 And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the ^asun there was ^bno darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came. How was this accomplished? If the sun went down, then the earth still was turning. Where did the light come from? I'm readying a book on the spiritual physics of light. Since Jesus IS literally the source of the light of the sun, then it would make sense that as he entered this world as a baby, His own light would continue to light the world, even as the earth revolved away from the sun. The metaphor is that Jesus is the source of light and "in Him there is no darkness"!
 16 And there were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, who ^afell to the earth and became as if they were dead, for they knew that the great ^bplan of destruction which they had laid for those who believed in the words of the prophets had been frustrated; Did they literally die? That would feel like an appropriate justice since they were only angry that they would not be able to carry out their plan of death for others  for the sign which had been given was already at hand.
 17 And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the ^awest to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth. They didn't have the internet...did they have some kind of mail or runner system? Did the people all over the land know of the prophecies of Samuel and the threats made to the believers if the sign didn't appear? 
 18 For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief. When God starts to wake people up through earthquakes, ect. yes, they will remember those things which they have been taught, but as we minister and teach true doctrine, we will have a more recent teaching to hopefully help them in turning toward our Savior and repent quickly. 
 19 And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be ^aborn, because of the ^bsign which had been given. There's about a 7 or 8 hour difference between America and Jerusalem. So their "day" would be Jerusalem's "night". So when they knew it was the "day" Jesus was born, it might be more accurate that for Jesus, it was the "night" He was born:)
 20 And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets. ALL THINGS EVERY WHIT will come to pass. Do you know the prophecies? Do I?
 21 And it came to pass also that a new ^astar did appear, according to the word.
 22 And it came to pass that from this time forth there began to be ^alyings sent forth among the people, by Satan, to harden their hearts, to the intent that they might not believe in those ^bsigns and wonders which they had seen; but notwithstanding these lyings and deceivings the ^cmore part of the people did believe, and were converted unto the Lord. Satan never gives up, even if he will not be very successful. He's just as willing to hunt instead of fish, as God is.  Evidence that truth (light) holds a power which is greater than darkness. Even though the people you are ministering to may act as though they don't believe - you have planted a seed of truth.
 23 And it came to pass that Nephi went forth among the people, and also many others, Ministers baptizing unto repentance, in the which there was a great ^aremission of sins. And thus the people began again to have peace in the land. Governments try to legislate "peace" but it only comes through repentance and obedience to God's commandments. The ultimate goal of our ministering is to bring souls to Christ through faith in Christ, repentance, covenants, and obedience. Notice Nephi was joined by "many others" in his ministering. We've been invited to join together with the prophet in gathering Israel. Teaching people the Gospel brought many to baptism unto repentance.  Great peace followed.  These are some of the great blessings we receive as we share the Gospel and our testimonies with others. Once again we see that miracles brought people to a frame of mind to accept the ministering and teaching that followed. God doesn't usually use signs to convert, but we see in the Book of Mormon, that being really hard hearted and wicked doesn't keep God from giving you every chance to change. What miracles will we see in our day that will give people the same chance? There is so much wickedness due to the lies and deceptions of the adversary? What will God do to open their eyes before judgment comes?  
 24 And there were no contentions, save it were a few that began to preach, endeavoring to prove by the ^ascriptures that it was no more expedient to observe the law of Moses. Now in this thing they did err, having not understood the scriptures. This is called "wresting" the scriptures if their motive was to deceive. Perhaps they were just misinterpreting but honest in their desires?  
 25 But it came to pass that they soon became converted, and were convinced of the error which they were in, for it was made known unto them that the law was not yet ^afulfilled, and that it must be fulfilled in every whit; yea, the word came unto them that it must be fulfilled; yea, that one jot or tittle should not pass away till it should all be fulfilled; therefore in this same year were they brought to a knowledge of their error and did ^bconfess their faults. This makes it sound like they just misunderstood, since they were humble and willing to conform. We need to be familiar with the scriptures and the words of the prophets and take the Holy Spirit for our guide so that we are not deceived by others false interpretations and then falsely repeat them to others, thinking we are helping. The Bible dictionary states "One of the major techniques of the devil is to cause human beings to think they are following God’s ways, when in reality they are deceived by the devil to follow other paths." Some with misconceptions were loved back onto the path.  We can do the same, as we sense error.  Go, Marci, go, loving Brother Millet!!! Kathy is referring to a response to an article in LDS Living in 2018 by Robert Millet called "7 things that still need to happen before the world ends". I was not happy with his accusations and wrote a pointed response. I don't think I ever sent it to him. Maybe I still should... I will insert it here:

Dear Brother Millet, 

I would like to respond to your article "7 Things that Still Need to Happen Before the World Ends"

For clarity I have copied the article and inserted my comments in red. I have tried to source my response with quotes from prophets and general authorities. I failed to find any sources in your article to support the claims you make about what and why and how LDS "preppers" are doing what they are doing. Just assumptions and general claims. Have you interviewed the people you are claiming to chastise? 

There are many good LDS people who will now quote you to justify their lack of temporal preparation. I'm sure that is not your intent, but it will be the result for those who are looking for reasons to procrastinate or just plain ignore. Just as I suspect there are those that read "end times books" who go into fear and go on a spending frenzy out of fear. I am also confident it is not the intent of the author that they do so. 

I offer this response to your article and am sharing it with those, who like me, are trying to follow all the word of the Lord, including to prepare for the coming of the Lord by being prepared in all things, both temporal and spiritual so that they will not fear, but look forward to the "great" day of the Lord.

Elder Callister taught that one truth cannot cause other truths to fall. If it does, then we have not interpreted the scripture/doctrine correctly. If I take at face value what you are teaching in this article, then the many quotes I have given would fall. They cannot stand if what you are saying is true. Nowhere in your article did you encourage people to store food as they've been commanded for years. Why? You leave people waiting for some "new" revelation to prepare when we're "closer". Why? 

I hope you will take the time to read the links I have given before you respond, if you choose to do so. I would love to continue the discussion, but only if you can help me frame the posted links in harmony with what you are saying. To me, they do not sync. 

I respect your learning and scholarship in general, but in this instant I take great exception.

Sincerely,

Marci Nilsson

7 THINGS THAT STILL NEED TO HAPPEN BEFORE THE WORLD ENDS by Robert Millet May 2018

"This seems to happen in a cycle, about every 30 or 40 years. I remember very well attending the October 1972 general conference and hearing President Harold B. Lee chasten and warn the holders of the priesthood about paying too much attention to what he called “loose writings” among them, cautioning us against jumping on every bandwagon and attaching ourselves to every eschatological craze, assuring us that we did not need to stress over “the coming crash” of our economy or our society.

Only weeks before he died, President Lee spoke to the students at Ricks College (now Brigham Young University-Idaho) and said: “Men may fail in this country, (and they will/are) earthquakes may come (and they will) . . . and hardship, (Matthew 24:7" For ^anation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be ^bfamines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.) but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. . . .(notice it is the "Nation" not the people who run the government that will not fail. The constitution principles will not fail because the LDS will always uphold and defend them but this nation will be on the "brink" of ruin - See this link for more quotes that support this) This is the place of the New Jerusalem. This is the place . . . where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won’t fail.” (I don't know of any faithful LDS person that is called a "prepper" that doesn't believe this, so I'm not sure why you are saying this.) President Lee then beckoned: “I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the location that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may have to pass through” (Ye Are the Light of the World, Deseret Book, 1974, 350-51). (Notice that he defines pessimism as preaching that the country is NOT the greatest in all the world, or favored, or that it will not ultimately stand.  Notice he says "whatever trials it may have to pass through." THIS is what we are preparing for and we DO believe that this is the favored land where the New Jerusalem will be established. No one I know preaches doom and gloom or pessimism. That would be to leave out what we are truly preparing for...the glorious return of our Savior. There is nothing pessimistic about that!)

That’s still pretty wise counsel. For some strange reason, however, too many of us too often and too easily have our heads turned and our attention drawn to the sensational. (I'm assuming that he's referring to people's dreams and visions about the prophesied calamities as warned about in the Family Proclamation; " we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."   He seems to be saying that by reading these dreams and visions of things that are prophesied to come, that we are somehow 'sensationalizing' it. Well....compared to our current way of living, it IS pretty sensational!) In much the same way that our society tends to flock to movies or other forms of entertainment that are loud or violent or that prey upon the lowest instincts of human nature, so there are Latter-day Saints who are always scurrying about in preparation for some new trauma in society—some feared tragedy that is about to strike the earth. (I feel like the comparison to 'base' instincts and fear-based motivation is offensive. The people I know "scurrying about" are doing so not because somebody has told them the sky is falling, but because the Spirit has prompted them to repent for NOT diligently preparing as commanded and they are trying to get caught up. They have gained a testimony that "the economy is a fragile thing" - Pres. Hinckley; and that things could happen quickly without warning -  Doctrine and Covenants 112:24 Behold, ^avengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of ^bdesolation, of ^cweeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord."
Why do we fall for such stuff (You are totally discounting that people are responding to the promptings of the Spirit and desiring to follow the Lord's command to "organize yourselves, prepare every needful thing"  Tragedies and trauma ARE striking the earth with increasing frequency. There is greater need than ever to be prepared as we've been commanded.)when in fact we have prophets and apostles who have been charged to direct the destiny of the Church of Jesus Christ in these last days? (We ARE obeying the words of the prophet, not someone else who has only testified of what has already been prophesied. They may be a second or third or fourth or hundredth witness, but it is GOD we are following and obeying through the his mouthpiece, not man.) It was the prophet Amos who declared that the Lord would do nothing that He would not make known to and through His prophets (Amos 3:7).  (I'm not clear what you are implying here. I don't recall the prophet warning the Saints in Texas that rains of biblical proportions were going to descend on them. He didn't warn the saints in Hawaii that volcanic eruptions and earthquakes would rock them for weeks on end. I have never heard a prophet warn of any widespread disease before it broke out, any school shooting, crop failure, or any natural or man-made tragedy. Perhaps this is why the prophet is telling us we need personal revelation. These kinds of warnings are not going to come from the prophet. Just as Lehi was warned in a dream, so we will need to be warned of the Spirit if it God's plan for us to escape. But if we must endure, He has told us how to prepare. He has never told us dates of when we'll need it. I think it sounds like you are suggesting that the prophet will give us some new direction to prepare right before we'll need it. Remember, It wasn't raining when Noah was told to build the ark." We had our prophets who did get specific. Did we listen? Do you have a quote as to why they aren't that specific anymore? One where they say it's because it's not important or necessary because the Savior's return is a long way off? If so, you should have cited it.)  It was to a small group of men who would be called to the first Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in this dispensation that this significant word came: “And unto you it shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the signs of the coming of the Son of Man” (D&C 68:11; emphasis added).    (It seems like you are trying to make the case that only the apostles will understand and know the signs of the coming of the Son of Man, saying that it's "significant" that the words were "unto YOU". But the heading to this section states, "Although part of this revelation was directed toward these four men, much of the content pertains to the whole Church."  You failed to mention that after this "small group of men" were named that the scripture says, "and unto all the faithful elders of my church,"  

My point is this: if the Lord Jesus Christ will be coming in a short while, wouldn’t His anointed servants be given some divine direction to help prepare the members of the household of faith for that great and terrible day? (Are you saying that we are currently receiving NO divine direction to help us prepare for the coming of the Lord?  The Lord himself said dozens of times in these latter days (D&C) to prepare because he comes "quickly". We are commanded to prepare and watch and ALWAYS be ready. There are numerous quotes throughout the years, including our current day, that we are to prepare temporally and spiritual and not delay." That the Brethren today seldom talk about this subject (Are you kidding me? Seldom talk about it? The phrase "prepare for the Second Coming of the Lord" has been used in 3 - 5 talks EVERY YEAR (3-5 times, except for 2 years, where it was once or twice) for at least the last 18 years.) is a powerful affirmation that we need not panic about some impending doom (I guarantee that if you are waiting for some specific warning, in fact the very "kind" of warning that you are accusing others of listening to, from others who say they've seen the earthquakes and wars, that are prophesied in the scriptures, and think you'll be told "if you don't have your food/preps by a July 2020, you won't survive. Go! Now! Hurry! It's almost here!" then you WILL be panicked about the impending doom! Because such a warning will not come and you will be caught in the rain without an ark. If they are speaking less directly than they did in the 70's, I believe it's only because we have not listened, and now the Lord "will preach His own sermons." The only way NOT to panic is to ALWAYS be prepared.)or be too excited about the imminent return of the Savior. ( Why would it EVER be a sin to be EXCITED about and long for the return of the Savior? The Lord himself told us to pray "Thy Kingdom Come" and Elder Anderson said we collectively prayed for it as a church in 2015. Joseph Field Smith said the Lord's coming "tomorrow" and that every day until then is "today". What is the message of that scripture and way of thinking?)

There are many, many things that must take place before Jesus Christ returns ("so relax, eat, drink, be merry...there is time and to spare. You don't need to prepare yet".... This is what people hear when you say this. From your scholarly position, I would think you would balance this with the idea that it's a "righteous tradition" in our church to always be prepared, even if the Savior doesn't return for 200 more years.) to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Neil Maxwell said, "for the elect's sake, there will be a compression of events". The "many things" can take place quickly, even simultaneously.) The Second Coming will not take place next week or next month! (No one I know has ever claimed that it would. Who are you quoting here? I've quoted almost solely prophets. You just throw out words you claim others believe with no citation. Nice scholarship...)While you and I certainly desire to be ready and fully prepared (exactly! "FULLY" prepared. Why could you not spend even one paragraph detailing what that means, so that no one confuses your message as one of complacency? One can be temporally prepared and not spiritually prepared, but one cannot be spiritually prepared and not temporally prepared. The Lord says He will provide for His saints in "His own way". This means we care for the poor, which we cannot do if we do not have anything to share. When the tribulations hit our doors, people will be wanting. No one knows when it will be their turn.)  for His coming, we should not allow ourselves in the meantime to be ensnared by the newest faith-promoting rumor (I'm not sure what that would be, but if it promotes faith, I'm not sure why it's harmful...an example would be helpful) or to be caught up in the next spiritual fad.(It would be helpful if you would cite exactly what these fads are instead of just saying they exist. Since when was following the prophet a spiritual fad?  Is fasting from social media a "spiritual fad"? Would it not be a  great thing to do even if it didn't come from the prophet? If the Spirit is telling someone to buy a tent and a generator and store clothes and water and fuel and buy a trailer to haul it in...is this what you are saying is a fad?) 

So what are some things that must take place before Christ begins to reign on planet earth? (It's not about waiting for certain things to happen before we look for the return of the Savior. It's about preparing the world for that day and it's not a last minute preparation, as the the parable of the the Ten Virgins teaches. My favorite talk about looking forward to that day is from Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith.)

 1. The gospel needs to be preached to every part of the world. (I submit to you that the whole world HAS been opened for missionary work!) 

T“This gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end [of the world] come, or the destruction of the wicked” (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:31). The Church has made tremendous strides in spreading the message of the restored gospel, but there are many, many untouched areas in the world, and not a few formidable frontiers that will require the hand of divine Providence before we are permitted to preach the restored gospel. President Gordon B. Hinckley counseled us: “If we will go forward, never losing sight of our goal, speaking ill of no one, living the great principles we know to be true, this cause will roll on in majesty and power to fill the earth. Doors now closed to the preaching of the gospel will be opened. The Almighty, if necessary, may have to shake the nations to humble them and cause them to listen to the servants of the living God. Whatever is needed will come to pass” (Conference Report, October 1997, 92). (Pres. Eyring said "I see a great day of unity coming". The Spirit bore witness to me when I heard him give that talk, that unity and conversion will happen because of the tribulations we will pass through together.  Whatever is needed - plagues, famines, earthquakes - all God's voice, to humble and convince people to repent. When they do, they'll turn to the Lord's true church. Widespread hardship = widespread conversion. This is why I have temporal preparations. To minister to others in their need. This is why I am spiritually preparing. So I have the faith to help others see past the moment of difficulty to an all knowing and all loving Father.

 2. Congregations of saints must be found all over the earth.

“And it came to pass that I beheld the church of the Lamb of God, and its numbers were few, because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who sat upon many waters; nevertheless, I beheld that the church of the Lamb, who were the saints of God, were also upon all the face of the earth” (1 Nephi 14:12; emphasis added). “This pertains to a day yet future,” wrote Elder Bruce R. McConkie. “The Saints of the Most High are not yet, as a people and with organized congregations, established upon all the face of the earth” (The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man, Deseret Book, 1983, 55). In a general conference address he observed: “We see the Lord break down the barriers so that the world of Islam and the world of Communism can hear the message of the restoration; and we glory in the fact that Ishmael—as well as Isaac— and Esau—as well as Jacob—shall have an inheritance in the eternal kingdom” (Conference Report, April 1980, 98). (This could happen very quickly, and after the tribulations have begun)

 3. Baptisms for the dead need to take place in the Holy Land (Jerusalem).

“It is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes, and in Jerusalem, those places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be the places for your baptisms for the dead” (D&C 124:36; emphasis added). At this point in time, we are not even in a position to conduct missionary work in the Holy Land, much less to build a temple and conduct baptisms for the dead. The Lord must first open the doors in that blessed land to the message of salvation, in order that the following prophecy may be fulfilled: “And then also cometh the Jerusalem of old; and the inhabitants thereof, blessed are they, for they have been washed in the blood of the Lamb” (Ether 13:11; emphasis added). That is, they must first hear and accept the message, be baptized by proper authority, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and unite with local Latter-day Saint congregations. In speaking of the Jews, Jacob, brother of Nephi, reminded his people that Jehovah had spoken to the Jews “by the mouth of his holy prophets, even from the beginning down, until the time comes that they shall be restored to the true churchand fold of God” (2 Nephi 9:2; emphasis added). (also could happen after the tribulations begin and quickly)

4. Church headquarters must be moved to Missouri. (Clearly this is after things have happened that would clear the land)

“The place which is now called Independence is the center place; and a spot for the temple is lying westward” (D&C 57:3). Also, “Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered. . . . And, behold, there is none other place appointed than that which I have appointed” (D&C 101:17, 20). The Center Stake of the New Jerusalem, the headquarters of the Church, must be established in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri. One need only take a moment and reflect on the enormity of the task of relocating Church headquarters one day in the future to realize that nothing of the sort foretold by “the preparers” of today will come to pass any time soon.

5. The Savior needs to appear in His temple.

“Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 3:1). This ancient prophecy, repeated in modern revelation (D&C 36:8; 42:36; 133:2), refers to one of the Savior’s preliminary appearances, a coming to his temple in Independence, Missouri, that takes place prior to His coming in glory. Elder Orson Pratt pointed out the Savior “will suddenly come to his Temple, and he will purify the sons of Moses and of Aaron, until they shall be prepared to offer in that Temple an offering that shall be acceptable in the sight of the Lord [see Malachi 3:3; D&C 13; 84:31]” (Journal of Discourses 15:365-66). (Again...we're not temporally preparing for THE final day the Lord comes, when the wicked are consumed and the righteous are caught up to meet Him - but for all that is prophesied to precede His coming.)

6. The great council/sacrament meeting at Adam-ondi-Ahman
needs to take place.
“Spring Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because,
said he, is is theit is the place where Adam shall come to visit
his people, or the Ancient of Daysshall sit, as spoken of by
Daniel the prophet” (D&C 116; see Daniel 7:9-14).
This is another preliminary appearance of the Savior, a priesthood
council, the occasion for a large sacrament meeting, a time when
the Son of Man will partake of the fruit of the vine once more
with his earthly friends. And who will be in attendance? The
revelations specify Moroni, Elias, John the Baptist, Elijah,
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Adam, Peter, James, John,
“and also,” the Savior clarifies, “all those whom my Father
hath given me out of the world”(D&C 27:5-14), multitudes of
faithful Saints from the beginning of time to the end. It will be
a leadership meeting, a time of accounting, an accounting for
priesthood stewardships.

President Joseph Fielding Smith observed: “This . . . will be one of  one of the greatest events this troubled earth has ever seen. At this conference, or council, all who have held keys of dispensations will render a report for their stewardship. . . . We do not know how long a time this gathering will be in session, or how many sessions will be held at this grand council. (Sister Nelson, in her talk to the Millennials said, 
"What if you learned that the Savior had already returned to this earth—that He, as part of His Second Coming, had already met with some of His true followers in several marvelous, large gatherings¹³—gatherings about which the world, including CNN and the blogosphere, knew nothing." If I wanted to share something I could not openly share but wanted those "with ears to hear" to understand, I would pose it as a "what if" question. So, 'what if' what she said HAS happened? Then it's already beginning!  It is sufficient to know that it is a gathering of the Priesthood of God from the beginning of this earth down to the present, in which reports will be made and all who have been given dispensations (talents) will declare their keys and ministry and make report of their stewardship” (The Progress of Man [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1964], 481-82; compare McConkie, The Millennial Messiah, 582-84).
(Pres. Nelson just said, in his devotional on June 4, 2018 "right now I am preparing for the day when I will be required to give an accounting to the Prophet Joseph Smith, to President Brigham Young, and others—and ultimately to the Lord—about my stewardship as God’s prophet upon the earth today." Sounds to me like Pres. Nelson, at age 93, is anticipating this grand council!

7. The sun must be darkened, the moon turned to blood, and the stars fall from the sky.

“Before this great day shall come [before the Savior returns and the first resurrection resumes] the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall be turned into blood, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and there shall be greater signs in heaven above and in the earth beneath” (D&C 29:14; see also 34:9; 45:42).  The astral phenomena so often spoken of in apocalyptic literature (in Ezekiel, Daniel, Matthew 24, and the book of Revelation) has not taken place, nor will it until it is time for the Bridegroom to return and take his Bride, the sanctified Church of Jesus Christ.

We could go on and on, enumerating signs of the times and prophetic events that have not as yet come to pass or been fulfilled. While we are certainly closer to the Second Coming than we were a year ago, and although many of the signs of the times have indeed been fulfilled, there is yet a great deal for the Lord to accomplish on this earth before Zion will be redeemed, the Saints have been sanctified, the work of the restored Church brought to fruition, and Zion communities established throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.

To be sure, we have work to do to prepare ourselves for the end of the world, (what is that work? To not mention it specifically or affirm that you are not saying it should be dismissed even if the end of the world isn't tomorrow, is a great disservice to your brothers and sisters) the destruction of the wicked at the time of the Lord’s Second Coming in glory (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:4, 31). Part of that work of preparation, however, is not to either create or spread an emotional frenzy or to frighten the Saints. (This attitude/ accusation is exactly why so many of the saints "hearts will fail them for fear", because no one wants to talk about preparing for the prophesied tribulations. It's too frightening! They will "molt" - see Pres. Monson's parable -  and panic. Any mention of preparing for tribulations and you are accused of spreading emotional frenzy or trying to frighten the Saints into getting some food stored. Yet we are told the ONLY way to avoid this fear and frenzy is be BE PREPARED. Just because I am doing it so I WON'T be afraid, doesn't mean that I am doing it now in fear. The reality is that it takes great FAITH and sacrifice to prepare while the sun is shining and your friends are all buying boats and going on vacations.  It is not to assume an authority or presume to hold a stewardship that is reserved for the apostles and prophets. (Who are you talking about here? Is this a claim, that those sharing dreams and visions are presuming some authority over the saints? Not true. No one has ever made that claim. If so, it should be cited. The only stewardship they may in fact claim, is to be following the direction when the Lord does instruct them to share and warn.)  Such tactics are foreign to the Master’s way of operating His kingdom and in this case properly readying His people for that which is to come.  (really? Lehi tells us that before he left Jerusalem, while Jeremiah was THE prophet, that there were MANY prophets, warning the people, and he became another prophet, joining in that warning. Why did the Lord send multiple prophets? Was Lehi a recognized leader in the church? His life was threatened because he preached "doom and gloom" for the Jews.  Balaam was a prophet and he wasn't even an Israelite. " Who was Samuel, the Lamanite? Not a Nephite prophet..."To an unrepentant people, divine prophets must have appeared to be harbingers of doom " - see this article in lds ensign. - Our task is to live a sane and balanced life, to proceed on the gospel path in a dignified (So preparing for the return of the Savior and the events that precede it is not dignified, insane, unbalanced? In 1976 Elder Featherstone asked the members to have their years supply by the next year. He asked them to spend half their Christmas budget on food; not go on their planned vacations; not buy new clothes; sell luxury possessions ... Was that unbalanced? extreme? fear mongering? The reality is, that when the prophesied events come, those who have not prepared, as we've been commanded for years and years, will be the ones that will "rue the day" they harbored their "delusions". As Pres. Monson repeatedly stated, " When the time for decision arrives, the time for preparation is past.) and determined manner, to be active and involved (This describes how the faithful LDS I know are preparing) and always in the mainstream of the Church. (There is an incorrect assumption that "mainstream of the Church" means "what the majority of the saints are doing". If you go to an original source -or here  for this phrase, Elder McConkie makes it clear that the "mainstream of the church" simply means to stay within the revealed doctrine. The Second Coming IS revealed doctrine, even if the majority of the members are not preparing for the days of tribulation that precede it. McConkie was the one that said, "All of the sorrows of the past are yet a foretaste of what is yet to be." Was he a preacher of doom and gloom?  Therein is our safety. If we do these things, we have no need whatsoever to be alarmed." (Truly said, our safety does lie in our obedience to EVERY word that proceedeth from the mouth of God. The faithful saints I know are diligently preparing both temporally and spiritually for the return of the Savior. They want to be in a position to help and not need help when the prophesied calamities come. They can converse openly about it without fear, unlike many members who shun the topic because it sends them into fear. God bless all those who pray daily for his return; who see the coming tribulations as a necessary refining process, and who look past the tribulations for the promised millennium and the rule and reign of Christ, our Lord!)

 26 And thus the ninety and second year did pass away, bringing ^aglad tidings unto the people because of the signs which did come to pass, according to the words of the prophecy of all the holy prophets. "bringing glad tidings unto the people."  (footnote: Luke 2:10)  Angels came and ministered?  Most likely.  Ministering takes place on both sides of the veil, then and now.
 27 And it came to pass that the ninety and third year did also pass away in peace, save it were for the Gadianton robbers, who dwelt upon the ^amountains, who did infest the land; for so strong were their holds and their secret places that the people could not overpower them; therefore they did commit many murders, and did do much slaughter among the people. Yeah...we're pretty powerless in our day to overpower the Gadiantons, for "so strong are their holds and secret places" as well...
 28 And it came to pass that in the ninety and fourth year they began to increase in a great degree, because there were many dissenters of the Nephites who did flee unto them, which did cause much sorrow unto those Nephites who did remain in the land. And thus we see that miracles do not produce faith...anyone who believed after the undeniable miracles still had to be converted in their hearts and choose to keep the commandments and submit their will to God. Apparently "many" did not continue to believe and truly convert.
 29 And there was also a cause of much sorrow among the Lamanites; for behold, they had many children who did grow up and began to wax strong in years, that they became for themselves, and were ^aled away by some who were ^bZoramites, by their lyings and their flattering words, to join those Gadianton robbers. One of the reasons we need to minister to others and help them avoid deception, is that "believers" who become dissenters are among the worst of persecutors and can be the hardest to reclaim. We need to intervene before they go too far down the path. In spite of love, nurturing and ministering, many forsake the truth, breaking the hearts of their loved ones.  The Sons of Helaman, having fought with Helaman in 64 BC (if they were around 15 years old), would be now in their 80's, and watching their grandchildren and great-grandchildren leave in droves, must have been so difficult.  This force or power that comes with faith and righteousness needs constantly nourished, meaning it must be powered every day. We must minister every day to someone or to groups, families, ect.
 30 And thus were the Lamanites afflicted also, and began to decrease as to their faith and righteousness, because of the wickedness of the ^arising generation. We need to make sure, that as we minister, we do not let the doubts of others end up diminishing our faith. If we aren't strengthening them, call for reinforcements. In our day, the gay issue has affected many youth and adults in the church. The youth are genuinely confused and concerned and many parents have not been able to come up with a response and have joined them in their beliefs instead of helping them see where they've been deceived. In spite of love and ministering, each heart has to individually (one by one) be converted, and are given that agency.  We must be strong and faithful and love those who leave.  Never tire, never give up, never surrender.