Mormon 1-9

Quotes of the Week:

“Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God;
But only he who sees, takes off his shoes--
The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.”

--Elizabeth Barrett Browning

"In this crucible of wickedness the true greatness of Mormon shines like a star."

--Hugh Nibley, as cited in Unlocking the Book of Mormon, p. 476

Further Reading:

Joe. J. Christensen, “Rearing Children in a Polluted Environment,” Ensign, 11/93
Gordon B. Hinckley, “Forgiveness,” Ensign, 11/05
Jeffrey R. Holland, "Mormon: The Man and the Book, Part 2", Ensign, Apr. 1978, 57
W. Cole Durham Jr., "Moroni", Ensign, June 1978, 56


Handouts:

Mormon

Unlocking the Book of Mormon, p. 469
If you think it an inspiration that a 16-year-old boy could win the leadership of a great national army, what would you think of a man between the ages of 65 and 74 who was still the best man among his entire people for this top position of leadership, and in those days the general marched at the head and not in the rear of his troops.  It is one thing to shoot a guided missile at an enemy a thousand miles away, but it is quite another thing to meet the enemy face to face, and with a sword or a battle axe, take on all comers, old and young, on any basis they might choose to elect; and still be in there fighting at age 74.  No weakling or coward survives a test like that.  [Mormon’s] leadership and great skill in battle must have been an inspiration to those fortunate companions in arms who were privileged to fight at his side.

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Mormon: The Man and the Book, Part 2", Ensign, Apr. 1978, 57
If Mormon had merely obeyed that original instruction from Ammaron it would have been challenge enough for any historian, for the story Mormon had to write was the long, terrible tale of the destruction of his people.  But Mormon went beyond Ammaron’s admonition and prepared another record, abridging the entire history of his people. . . .
Through Isaiah the Lord said, “I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder.” (Isa. 29:14.) Today we can read the book that helps fulfill that prophecy; and in its pages, we can meet the great prophet Mormon, whom the Lord chose to write that marvelous work.

Book of Mormon Reference Companion, p. 548
It would be impossible to overstate Mormon’s achievements spiritually, physically, and intellectually.  He established a relationship with God in hie teenage years, and it sustained him throughout a life stamped by upheaval and grief.  What Mormon achieved militarily—leading a hopelessly corrupt people to a number of major victories—would have won him lasting fame in any society.  But to the modern reader, his military leadership is secondary to his spiritual and intellectual accomplishments.  Mormon understood perfectly how a record had to be prepared; he knew that he and his predecessors wrote for future peoples.  He knew the record was to contain the saving gospel of Jesus Christ.  When he spoke editorially, throughout his abridgement of the large plates of Nephi, as well as when he wrote as historian and prophet of his era, Mormon addressed latter-day peoples directly.  Mormon was more than an editor, more than an abridger.  Clearly, he effectively assimilated the writings of his predecessors.   He knew the scriptures and seemed to carry them in his mind; he was full of them and fed by them, and as such was fortified against the evils of his day, and strengthened in his work.  The entire Book of Mormon was shaped by Mormon’s sense of purpose.  His was a divine commission.  Mormon knew that the record he was preparing was to come forth in a day of apostasy and confusion.  He also knew that the record was intended to be a solution to these problems by restoring “the plain and precious things” that would be removed from the Bible, truths needed to dispel the spiriutal darkness engulfing the latter-day world.

Spencer W. Kimball, as cited in Unlocking the Book of Mormon, p. 479
How [Mormon’s] heart must have pained and his whole being ached. . . . Then as he saw both armies at Cumorah, in their last bloody struggles, too late to reform, too hardened to repent, too stubborn to change, observing with terror their destroyers marching to the final battlefield where their bodies, too numerous to ever be buried, would rot in the sun: . . .
There was little else that the wounded general could do now but to weep and to write and to prophesy and warn.

Mormon 4:5--Wicked Punish the Wicked

Unlocking the Book of Mormon, p.  475
How are the wicked punished?  The Lord withdraws and leaves the people to themselves.  At that point, the wicked punish—and eventually destroy—each other.

Mormon 7—Moroni

W. Cole Durham Jr., "Moroni", Ensign, June 1978, 56
Moroni was a prophet well prepared for the responsibility of bridging two worlds: from the beginning it seems that he was sensitized to the spiritual anguish and disintegration of modern society. He was born into a righteous home, but was surrounded by a world which, like much of contemporary society, was pervaded by violence and degradation. All the external influences of society were at war with his parents’ desire to raise a righteous son. His father, Mormon, described the tide of evil that was sweeping the land as a “complete revolution”—both social and spiritual—against the values which just two centuries earlier had created a civilization rivaling the City of Enoch in the perfection of its peace. (Morm. 2:8; cf. 4 Ne. 1:16.)

In a profound sense, then, Moroni was born into two worlds: one of decadence, in which the people were “without principle, and past feeling” (Moro. 9:20), and another of faith, in which parental righteousness ensured continued exposure to the gifts of the Spirit. Like the children of Noah, Lot, Lehi, and, in fact, of every active Church member, Moroni grew up at the frontier of decision between these two worlds.

The scriptures provide only a limited account of Moroni’s family relationships and focus solely on father and son, but the glimpses suggest a tie rich with natural affection, strengthened by mutual concern for the ministry. The very structure of Moroni’s writings reflects a profound respect for his father. His initial writings (Morm. 8 and Morm. 9) were intended to do no more than complete his father’s record. Later, when Moroni added his own book, approximately two-thirds of its space was devoted to a presentation of his father’s teachings and letters. . . .
With the loss of his father and his people, Moroni inherited a burden of loneliness virtually unparalleled in human history. By the time of his first entry on the plates, Moroni had already wandered alone for some sixteen years; and another twenty years were still to pass before he finally sealed up the records. (See Morm. 6:5, Morm. 8:6; and Moro. 10:1.) Perhaps only Ether before him had shared the experience of being left alone to record in scripture the total destruction of a people. (See Ether 15:33–34.)

Moroni’s opening words are suffused with an infinite sorrow. . . .
The years alone brought with them not only a profound understanding of the problem of loneliness, but also a deepened perception of the meaning, significance, and destiny of family bonds. Part of the little we know of his travels derives from an account of an incident that occurred on April 25, 1877, the day the Manti Temple site was dedicated. Early that morning, President Brigham Young is reported to have gone to the site and said, “Here is the spot where the Prophet Moroni stood and dedicated this piece of land for a temple site, and that is the reason why the location is made here, and we can’t move it from this spot.” As is apparent when one considers Moroni’s work in the current dispensation, his years of isolation from the family of men must have deepened his appreciation for the eternal family and his awareness of the significance of temple work.

Jeffrey R. Holland, Christ and the New Covenant, p. 323, 24
Moroni’s experience was painful, for he observed in life, in history, and in vision the pollution and destruction of three glorious civilizations—his own Nephite world, the Jaredite nation, and our latter-day dispensation.  In this state of lonely witnessing, Moroni was shown the last days of another civilization—our own.  And Moroni saw they would be very much like his own.

 Mormon 8:1-6 Moroni

L. Tom Perry, Ensign, 11/92, 15-16
Let us take Brigham Young’s advice and imagine we are standing in the place where Moroni, the last of the great Nephite prophets, stood.  The assignment his father gave to him to complete the record, which was entrusted to his care, was very difficult.  He must have been in a state of shock as he described the total destruction of his people.

Mormon 8:26-41  They Saw our Day

Hugh Nibley, Since Cumorah, 375
What was romance of the far away and long ago to our parents and grandparents has in our own generation become a grim reality.  Suddenly the Book of Mormon has become as modern as today’s newspaper.

Jeffrey R. Holland, CES Fireside for Young Adults, BYU,  9/12/04, 5
Those earlier brethren are over there [on the other side of the veil] still cheering us on! In a very real way, their chance to consider themselves fully successful depends on our faithfulness and our victory.  I love the idea of going into the battle of the last days representing Alma and Abinadi and what they pled for.

Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, 11/05
Those of us who read and believe the scriptures are aware of the warnings of prophets concerning catastrophes that have come to pass and are yet to come to pass. . . . .  If anyone has any doubt concerning the terrible things that can and will afflict mankind, let him read the 24th chapter of Matthew. . . . . How portentous are the words of revelation found in the 88th section of the Doctrine and Covenants concerning the calamities that should befall after the testimonies of the elders. . . .  (D&C 88:89-91) How interesting are descriptions of the tsunami and the recent hurricanes in terms of the language of this revelation, which says, “The voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds” . . . .  What we have experienced in the past was all foretold, and the end is not yet.  Just as there have been calamities in the past, we expect more in the future.  What do we do?  Someone has said it was not raining when Noah built the ark.  But he built it, and the rains came.  The Lord has said, “if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.” D&C 38:30) . . . .
We can so live that we can call upon the Lord for His protection and guidance.  This is a first priority.  We cannot expect His help if we are unwilling to keep His commandments.  We in this Church have evidence enough of the penalties of disobedience in the examples of both the Jaredite and the Nephite nations. Each went from glory to utter destruction because of wickedness.

Ezra Taft Benson, CR, 10/86, 5
The Nephites never had the book, neither did the Lamanites of ancient times.  It was meant for us.  Mormon wrote near the end of the Nephite civilization.  Under the inspiration of God, who sees all things from the beginning, he abridged centuries of records, choosing the stories, speeches, and events that would be most helpful to us.  Each of the major writers of the Book of Mormon testified that he wrote for future generations [2 Ne 25:21; Jacob 1:3; Enos 1;15-16 Jarom 1:2 Mormon 7:1; Mormon 8:34-35, 9:30] . . . . If they saw our day and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon?  We should constantly ask ourselves, “Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record?  What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?
And there are example after example of how that question will be answered.

Mormon 9:3-6 Consciousness of Your Guilt

Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, 10/82, 4
Remember this, forgiveness can never come without repentance.  And repentance can never come until one has bared his soul and admitted his actions without excuses or rationalizations.  He must admit to himself that he has sinned, without the slightest minimization of the offense or rationalizing of its seriousness, or without soft-pedaling its gravity.  He must admit that his sin is as big as it really is and not call a pound an ounce. Those persons who choose to meet the issue ant transform their lives may find repentance the harder road at first, but they will find it the infinitely more desirable path as they taste of its fruits.

Mormon 9:10-26 Miracles

Daniel Ludlow, Encyclopedia of Mormonism
A miracle has been defined as a beneficial event brought about through divine power that mortals do not understand and of themselves cannot duplicate.

Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 360-61
When we think of miracles, most of us think of healings under the power of the priesthood.  But there is another, even greater miracle—the miracle of forgiveness.  Indeed the day of miracles has not passed except for those who will not heed the call of the Lord and of his servants.  There is a glorious miracle awaiting every soul who is prepared to change.  When souls are reborn, when lives are changed—then comes the great miracle to beautify and warm and lift.  When spiritual death has threatened and now instead there is resuscitation, when life pushes out death—when this happens it is the miracle of miracles.  And such great miracles will never cease so long as there is one person who applies the redeeming power of the Savior and his own good works to bring about his rebirth.

There are two kinds of miracles, as there are two parts to life in every area.  There is the body and the spirit.  Thus there are two kinds of healings.  Of the two, spiritual sight is by far the more important.  Only those whose physical eyes do not see can know of the deprivation this entails, and it is a serious one.  But even this cannot be compared to the blindness of those who have eyes and will not see the glories of that spiritual life which has no end.

Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 4
In faith, we plant the seed, and soon we see the miracle of the blossoming.  Men have often misunderstood and have reversed the process. They would have the harvest before the planting, the reward before the service, the miracle before the faith.  Even the most demanding labor unions would hardly ask the wages before the labor.  But many of us would have the vigor without the observance of the health laws, prosperity through the opened windows of heaven without the payment of our tithes.  We would have the close communion with our Father without fasting and praying; we would have rain in due season and peace in the land without observing the Sabbath and keeping the other commandments of the Lord.  We would pluck the rose before planting the roots; we would harvest the grain before sowing and cultivating.

Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 11-12
Remember that Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and others could not see clearly the end from the beginning.  They also walked by faith and without sight.  Remember again that no gates were open; Laban was not drunk; and no earthly hope was justified at the moment Nephi exercised his faith and set out finally to get the plates. . . .
And remember that there were no heavenly beings in Palmyra, on the Susquehanna, or on Cumorah when the soul-hungry Joseph slipped quietly into the grove, knelt in prayer on the river bank, and climbed the slopes of the sacred hill.

But know this, that just as undaunted faith has stopped the mouths of lions, made ineffective fiery flames, opened dry corridors through rivers and seas, protected against deluge and drouth, and brought heavenly manifestations at the instance of prophets, so in each of our lives faith can heal the sick, bring comfort to those who mourn, strengthen resolve against temptation, relive from the bondage of harmful habits, lend the strength to repent and change our lives, and lead to a sure knowledge of the divinity of Jesus Christ.  Indomitable faith can help us live the commandments with a willing heart and thereby bring blessings unnumbered, with peace, perfection, and exaltation in the kingdom of God.

3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi

Note: Please forgive the lateness of this post. There was something wrong with the formatting and I had to redo the entire post. There are still some spacing issues that I can't figure out. Sorry. I apologize.

Quotes of the Week:

"Most men yearn for peace, cry for peace, pray for peace and work for peace, but there will not be lasting peace until all mankind follow the path pointed out and walked by the living Christ."

--Marvin J. Ashton, CR, 10/85, 89

"We need to learn, practice, study, know, and understand how angels live with each other. When this community comes to the point to be perfectly honest and upright, you will never find a poor person; none will lack, all will have sufficient."

--Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, 232

Further Reading:

D. Todd Christofferson, "Justification and Sanctification", Ensign, June 2001, 18

Andrew C. Skinner, "From Zion to Destruction: The Lessons of 4 Nephi", Ensign, Sept. 2000, 56

Handouts:

3 Nephi 27:3-The Church of Jesus Christ

LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, p. 135-36

The matter of the name of his Church should bear was of great importance

3 Nephi 27:20--Sanctification

Unlocking the Book of Mormon, p. 459B

The sanctification spoken of in this verse is a complete cleansing, which can only be possible because of the Savior’s Atonement. Because He offered Himself to pay the price for our sins, we are able to become clean through repentance. But there is another aspect of sanctification: we are cleansed of the effects of sin by the Holy Ghost, who has the power to purge sin from our souls.


D. Todd Christofferson, "Justification and Sanctification", Ensign, June 2001, 18

If justification removes the punishment for past sin, then sanctification removes the stain or effects of sin.

. . . The gift of grace or mercy is received as a believer repents, enters into the specified covenants, and receives the Holy Ghost. This action of acceptance on our part opens the door for the process of justification (remission, or pardoning, of sins) and sanctification (cleansing from sin) to work in us—something we may refer to as being born again.

. . . Perfection is not, as some suppose, a prerequisite for justification and sanctification. It is just the opposite: justification (being pardoned) and sanctification (being purified) are the prerequisites for perfection. We only become perfect “in Christ” (see Moro. 10:32), not independently of Him.

Harold B. Lee, Church News, 5/5/73, 3

The most important of all the commandments of God is that one that you’re having the most difficulty keeping. . . . Today is the day for you to work . . . until you’ve been able to conquer that weakness. Then you start on the next one that’s most difficult for you to keep. That’s the way to sanctify yourselves by keeping the commandments of God.


Bruce Van Orden, Doctrines of the Book of Mormon, The 1991 Sperry Symposium, 221

One does not reach the state of sanctification in one day or as a result of one experience. Indeed the process of sanctification takes place over scores of years and through hundreds of spiritual experiences.


Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 265-66

It is the work and mission and ministry of the Holy Spirit of God to sanctify the souls of men. This is his assigned labor in the Eternal Godhead. How he does it we do not know except that it is a work that can only be performed by a spirit being, and hence the need for one of his personality, status, and standing in the Supreme Presidency of the universe.


Lorenzo Snow, Journal of Discourses, 5:323

Take it individually or take it collectively, we have suffered and we shall have to suffer again; and why? Because the Lord requires it at our hands for our sanctification.

3 Nephi 27:23-25--Journals

Spencer W. Kimball, "President Kimball Speaks Out on Journals," Ensign, 12/80

You should continue on in this important work of recording the things you do, the things you say, the things you think, to be in accordance with the instructions of the Lord. Your story should be writeen now while it is fresh and while the true details are available.

Your private journal should record the way you face up to challenges that beset you. Do not suppose life changes so much that your experiences will not be interesting to your posterity. Experiences of work, relations with people, and an awareness of the rightness and wrongness of actions will always be relevant. Your journal, like most others, will tell of problems as old as the world and how you dealt with them.

Your journal should contain your true self rather than a picture of you when you are "made up" for a public performance.

Your journal is your autobiography, so it should be kept carefully. You are unique, and there may be incidents in your experience that are more noble and praiseworthy in their way than those recorded in any other life.

What could you do better for your children and your children's children than to record the story of your life, your triumphs over adversity, your recovery after a fall, your progress when all seemed black, your rejoicing when you had finally achieved? Some of what you write may be humdrum dates and plaes, but there will also be rich passages that will be quoted by your posterity.

We hope you will begin as of this date. If you have not already commenced this important duty in your lives, get a good notebook, a good book that will last through time and into eternity for the angles to look upon. Begin today and write in it your goings and your comings, your deeper thoughts, your achievements, and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies. We hope you will do this, our brothers and sisters, for this is what the Lord has commanded, and those who keep a personal journal are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives.

3 Nephi 27:27; 28:10—Even as I Am

Spencer W. Kimball, CR, 10/77, 71

Hard to do? Of course. The Lord never promised an easy road, nor a simple gospel, nor low standards, nor a low norm. The price is high, but the goods attained are worth all they cost. The Lord himself turned the other cheek; he suffered himself to be buffeted and beaten without remonstrance; he suffered every indignity and yet spoke no word of condemnation. And his question to all of us is: Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?” And his answer to us is: “Even as I am.”

3 Nephi 28--Translated Beings

Joseph Smith, as quoted in Unlocking the Book of Mormon, p. 461

Translated bodies cannot enter into rest until they have undergone a change equivalent to death. Translated bodies are designed for future missions.


Harold B. Lee, as cited in Unlocking the Book of Mormon, p. 463

I have always wondered what the purpose was that there should be in the earth translated beings. . . . I remember a few years ago, one of the brethren in a general conference made a statement like this that caused quite a flurry among the brethren. He said, “That gospel plan he gave, and when he gave it, he said it would never be taken away until the end of the world. It is my faith that the Gospel plan has always been here on the earth, and that it will continue to be so until the end comes.”

After that sermon was delivered, I walked over to the Church Office Building with President Joseph Fielding Smith and we were discussing this discourse. He said this: “I believe that God has never for one moment of time since the creation, abandoned the earth to Satan without having someone holding the priesthood to check him.” To me that was the answer as to why translated beings have been here on the earth always among men and will be until the coming of the Savior.

4 Nephi 1:2 Conversion

Marion G. Romney, CR, 10/63, 23-24

Membership in the Church and conversion are not necessarily synonymous. Being converted . . . and having a testimony are not necessarily the same thing either. A testimony comes when the Holy Ghost gives the earnest seeker a witness of the truth. . . . . Conversion, on the other hand, is the fruit of, or the reward for, repentance and obedience.

4 Nephi 1:2--Dealing Justly

Sheldon F. Child, Ensign, 5/97, 29

When we say we will do something, we do it.

When we make a commitment, we honor it.

When we are given a calling, we fulfill it.

When we have a financial obligation, we pay it.

When we enter into an agreement, we keep it.

4 Nephi 1:3--Law of Consecration

Robert D. Hales, Ensign, 11/02, 27

Until the day we are commanded to live this higher law [consecration], we are commanded to live the law of the tithe, which is to freely give one-tenth of our income annually.

4 Nephi 1:4--Peace in the Land

Dallin H. Oaks, CR, 5/90, 91,93

The peace the gospel brings is not just the absence of war. It is the opposite of war.


Andrew C. Skinner, "From Zion to Destruction: The Lessons of 4 Nephi", Ensign, Sept. 2000, 56

Though the concept of Zion is multifaceted, the Lord has decreed that at least three ingredients must exist among the people of Zion: purity, unity, and equality.

4 Nephi 1:5--Miracles

The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 499

We do have miracles today—beyond imagination! If all the miracles of our own lifetime were recorded, it would take many library shelves to hold the books which would contain them. . . .

Where are they recorded? In the records of the Church, in journals, in news and magazine articles and in the minds and memories of many people.

4 Nephi 1:2, 13, 15, 18—No Contention

Gordon B. Hinckley, CR, 10/02, 109-10

My brothers and sisters, we must work at our responsibility as parents as if everything in life counted on it, because in fact everything in life does count on it. If we fail in our homes, we fail in our lives. . . . The consequences of your leadership in your home will be eternal and everlasting.

4 Nephi 1:17,20,38-39--Lamanites

Dean L. Larsen, You and the Destiny of the Indian, 21-22

It is significant that the name “Lamanite” here appears to become a generic term. That is, it refers to a general classification of people—those who revolted from the Church. These people may or may not have been the direct descendants of Laman and Lemuel.


Spencer W. Kimball, “The Lamanites: Their Burden—Our Burden,” BYU Speeches of the Year, 261

The Lamanites [today] are a mixture of many lines. Undoubtedly, there is in their veins the blood of Nephi, Joseph, and Jacob, as well as that of Laman, Lemuel, and Sam, and also that of the Mulekites of Judah. . . . The name “Indian” was given to the early possessors of the Americas by Columbus. As they intermarried with the invading European conquerors and nations were formed, they became Mexicans, Peruvians, Bolivians, Guatemalans, and other. But the correct name for ALL the descendants of Lehi and Ishmael is “Lamanite.” This is an honorable name. It was the Lord who so designated them, and every descendant of Lehi should proudly say, “I am a Lamanite and I am proud of my heritage.”

3 Nephi 20-26

Quotes of the Week:
"The search for peace is one of the ultimate quests of the human soul."

--Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, 11/96

"Because sexual intimacy is so sacred, the Lord requires self-control and purity before marriage, as well as full fidelity after marriage. . . . .Tears inevitably follow transgression.  Men, take care not to make women weep, for God counts their tears."

--Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, 11/90, 47

Further Reading:

Russell M. Nelson, "Children of the Covenant", Ensign, May 1995, 32
Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom,” Ensign, 11/96, 82-84
Henry B. Eyring, “The Book of Mormon Will Change Your Life,” Ensign, 2/04, 11-12

Handouts:

3 Nephi 20:11-13--The Gathering of Israel

Douglas L. Callister, “Book of Mormon Principles: The Gathering of the Lord’s Faithful,” Ensign, 10/04, 59
Our present gathering is primarily spiritual, not geographic. . . . . Our need to be physically near large numbers of Saints is less than it was a century ago because Church magazines and satellite transmissions bridge distance and time, creating a sense of oneness throughout the entire Church.  All have access to the same keys, ordinances, doctrine, and spiritual gifts.

3 Nephi 20:15-20--The Gentiles

Ezra Taft Benson, God—Family—Country, 345
If the gentiles on this land reject the word of God and conspire to overthrow liberty and the Constitution, then their doom is fixed, and they “shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant.”

Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, 12/75
There is one point I would like to make clear as I repeat what the Lord said: “I will gather you on one condition.”  The title to the land of America is a conditional title, and only those who live the laws of God and serve him faithfully can inherit it.  He wanted the Jaredites to come over.  They found America.  They lived for a long while here and ripened in iniquity before they encountered the people of Mulek.  The land then was given to Lehi and to his sons and their families, but when a fulness of iniquity arose among these children of the land, they were swept off.  Therefore, I want us to keep in our minds the fact that this land is ours only so long as we live the commandments of God. Whether it is Greeks or Italians or Norwegians or whoever is going to enjoy this land, they are going to serve God or they shall  be swept off.
That is what makes me so frightened today when I read the magazines and the newspapers and see that the gentiles who are living upon this land today are failing, to some extent at least, to live the commandments. There is much evil, much wrong, much wrongdoing in this land of ours.  Many people break the laws of God, and the day will come when he just cannot tolerate it.  He says he won’t.  When they become ripe in their iniquity, the day will come when they will be swept off.

3 Nephi 20:25-27—Children of the Covenant

Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, 5/95, 33
We are also children of the covenant. We have received, as did they of old, the holy priesthood and the everlasting gospel. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are our ancestors. We are of Israel. We have the right to receive the gospel, blessings of the priesthood, and eternal life. Nations of the earth will be blessed by our efforts and by the labors of our posterity. The literal seed of Abraham and those who are gathered into his family by adoption receive these promised blessings—predicated upon acceptance of the Lord and obedience to his commandments.

3 Nephi 20:29-33—Jews Gathered

Bruce R. McConkie, Millennial Messiah, 229
As all the world knows, many Jews are now gathering to Palestine, where they have their own nation and way of worship, all without reference to a belief in Christ or an acceptance of the laws and ordinances of his everlasting gospel.  Is this the latter-day gathering of the Jews of which the scriptures speak?  No! It is not; let there be no misunderstanding in any discerning mind on this point.  This gathering of the Jews to their homeland, and their organization into a nation and a kingdom, is not the gathering promised by the prophets.  It does not fulfill ancient promises.  Those who have thus assembled have not gathered into the true Church and fold of their ancient Messiah. . . . .
This gathering of the unconverted to Palestine—shall we not call it a political gathering . . . or shall we not call it a preliminary gathering brought to pass in the wisdom of him who once was their God?—this gathering, of those whose eyes are yet dimmed by scales of darkness and who have not yet become the delightsome people it is their destiny to be, is nonetheless part of the divine plan.

Joseph McConkie, Studies in Scripture, 8:184
This latter-day gathering, Christ testified, would be first spiritual and then temporal.  Israel, he said, must return first to their covenants and then to their covenant lands.

3 Nephi 21:1-9--Latter-day Gathering of Israel

Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, 5/04, 83-84
Do we really comprehend, do we understand the tremendous significance of that which we have? . . .
We of this generation are the end harvest of all that has gone before.  It is not enough to simply be known as a member of this Church.  A solemn obligation rests upon us.  Let us face it and work at it.
We must live as true followers of the Christ, with charity toward all, returning good for evil, teaching by example the ways of the Lord, and accomplishing the vast service He has outlined for us.

3 Nephi 21:22-24—Who Shall Build the New Jerusalem?

Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 605-06
How I wish you could go with me through the Indian reservations and particularly Navajo lands and see the poverty, want wretchedness, and realize again that these are sons and daughters of God; that their miserable state is the result, not only of their centuries of wars and sins and godlessness, but is also attributable to us, their con    querors,  who placed them on reservations with such limited resources and facilities, to starve and die of malnutrition and unsanitary conditions, while we become fat in the prosperity from the assets we took from them.  Think of these things, my people, and then weep for the Indian, and with your tears, pray; then work for him.  Only through us, the “nursing fathers and mothers,’ may they eventually enjoy a fulfillment of the many promises made to them. . . . They shall prosper in the land and will, with our help, build up a holy city, even the New Jerusalem, unto their God.  Only in our doing all in our power to restore these people to their heritage, can we even approach a justification for having taken their promised land.

Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 441-42
Never shall we go to Jackson County until we have converted and brought into this Church great numbers of Lamanites.

3 Nephi 22:17—No Weapon . . . Shall Prosper

Boyd K. Packer, remarks at President Benson’s funeral, Ensign, 7/94, 32
He [Ezra Taft Benson] always kept this verse from the Book of Mormon in his wallet: [3 Ne. 22:17].  And always this statement was kept  on his desk or in his study: “Be right, and then be easy to live with, if possible, in that order.

Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:540
No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independently, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.

John Taylor, Journal of Discourses, 21:8
When the people shall have torn to shreds the Constitution of the United States, the Elders of Israel will be found holding it up to the nations of the earth and proclaiming liberty and equal rights to all men, and extending the hand of fellowship to the oppressed of all nations.

Jeffrey R. Holland, CES Fireside for Young Adults, 9/12/04
We must never, in any age or circumstance, let fear and the father of fear (Satan himself) divert us from our faith and faithful living. . . . It will be okay.  Just be faithful.  God is in charge.  He knows your name and He knows your need. . . .
So, in a world of tribulation—and there will always be plenty of it—let’s remember our faith.  Let’s recall the other promises and prophecies that have been given, all the reassuring ones, and let’s live life more fully, with more boldness and courage than at any other time our history. . . .
God is watching over His world, His Church, His leaders, and He is certainly watching over you.  Let’s just make sure we are the “pure in heart” and that we are faithful.  How blessed you will be.  How fortunate your children and grandchildren will be . . . .
Is there a happy future for you and your posterity in these latter days?  Absolutely! . .. will there be difficult times when those ominous latter-day warnings and prophecies are fulfilled?  Of course there will. . . .
God not only lives, He loves us.  He loves you. Everything He does is for our good and our protection. . . . He will shelter us from the storm. . . .
I leave an apostolic blessing on each one of you individually within the sound of my voice that you will live with confidence, optimism, faith, and devotion. . . .  I bless you to feel the joy of the Saints in the latter days—never crippling anxiety or destructive despair.

 3 Nephi 23:1-3—Scripture Study

Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, 5/95, 99
I am grateful for emphasis on reading the scriptures. I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that, rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted. At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine.

Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, 11/97, 84
The Holy Ghost will guide what we say if we study and ponder the scriptures every day. . . .
We treasure the word of God not only by reading the words of the scriptures but by studying them. We may be nourished more by pondering a few words, allowing the Holy Ghost to make them treasures to us, than to pass quickly and superficially over whole chapters of scripture.

 Bruce R. McConkie, as cited in Unlocking the Book of Mormon, p. 453

 "Much of what Isaiah has to say is yet to be fulfilled. . . He is in fact the prophet of the restoration, the mighty seer of Jacob’s seed who foresaw our day."

3 Nephi 23:9—Missing Prophecy

Hartman Rector, CR, 4/81, 99
I personally believe that the writing of personal and family histories will do more to turn the hearts of the children to the fathers and the fathers to children than almost anything we can do.  I am sure you will never turn your own children’s hearts more to you than you will by keeping a journal and writing your personal history. They will ultimately love to find out about your success and your failures and your peculiarities.  It will tell them a lot about themselves, too.  They will get a great desire to raise a family of their own when they see what a great blessing they were to you. . . .
I am convinced that these records we are commanded to write are absolutely vital, not only to the salvation of our ancestors but also to ours, for are we not to be judged out fo the books which John saw were to be opened, as recorded in Revelation 20:12?

Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Ensign, 5/99, 84
That which I do not in some way record will be lost at my death, and that which I do not pass on to my posterity, they will never have. . . .
A life that is not documented is a life that within a generation or two will largely be lost to memory.

3 Nephi 24:3—Sons of Levi

Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3:93-94
It should be remembered that the great temple, which is yet to be built in the City Zion, will not be one edifice, but twelve.  Some of these temples will be for the lesser priesthood.  When these temples are built, it is very likely that provision will be made for some ceremonies and ordinances which may be performed by the Aaronic Priesthood and a place provided where the sons of Levi may offer their offering in righteousness.  This will have to be the case because all things are to be restored. . .  The sacrifice of animals will be done to complete the restoration when the temple spoken of is built; at the beginning of the millennium, or in the restoration, blood sacrifices will be performed long enough to complete the fulness of the restoration in this dispensation.  Afterwards sacrifice will be of some other character.  [see D&C 13; 84:31]

3 Nephi 24:8-12--Tithing

Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, 11/01, 33-35
Five reasons why all of us, rich or poor, longtime member or newest convert, should faithfully pay our tithes and offerings.
First, do so for the sake of your children and grandchildren, . . . Teach your children that many of the blessings of the Church are available to them because you and they give tithes and offerings to the Church.
Second, pay your tithing to rightfully claim the blessings promised those who do so. . . .
Third, pay your tithing as a declaration that possession of material goods and the accumulation of worldly wealth are not the uppermost goals of your existence. . . . .
Fourth, pay your tithes and offerings out of honesty and integrity because they are God’s rightful due. . . . .
This leads to a fifth reason to pay our tithes and offerings. We should pay them as a personal expression of love to a generous and merciful Father in Heaven. Through His grace God has dealt bread to the hungry and clothing to the poor. At various times in our lives that will include all of us, either temporally or spiritually.

Joseph F. Smith, CR, 4/1900, 47
There is a great deal of importance connected with this principle, for by it, it shall be known whether we are faithful or unfaithful.  In this respect it is as essential as faith in God, as repentance of sin, as baptism for the remission of sin, or as the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, 5/82, 40
I can interpret the word land as people, that those who walk in obedience shall be a delightsome people.  What a marvelous condition to be a delightsome people whom others would describe as blessed!

Harold B. Lee, Ensign, 11/71, 16
The opening of the windows of heaven, of course, means revelations from God to him who is willing thus to sacrifice.

3 Nephi 25:5-6--Spirit of Elijah

Harold B. Lee, 1973 Annual Priesthood Genealogical Research Seminar
If we neglect our families here in having home night and we fail in our responsibility here, how could we feel we are doing our full duty in turning the hearts of our children to their fathers? . . . So, the hearts of you fathers and mothers must be turned to your children right now, if you have the true spirit of Elijah, and not think it applies merely to those who are beyond the veil. . . . If you are neglecting your family home evening, you are neglecting the beginning of the mission of Elijah just as certainly as if you were neglecting your genealogical work.

Discourses of Gordon B. Hinckley, 1995-99, 1:576-77, 579
To you I say with all the energy of which I am capable, do not become a weak link in your chain of generations.

3 Nephi 26:9-10—Greater Portion of the Word

Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, 2/04, 11-12
[The] challenge is not to prove that the “Book of Mormon is true by to prove to God that [we] are true.  When [you] do this, [you] will know the book is true.  And when [you] prove that [you] will do what the book says, God will tell [you] more. . . .
The Book of Mormon is about people proving their belief to God little by little.  And then He confirms their belief and gives them more. . . .
I bear testimony that however much you have learned from the Book of Mormon before, you should read it again and prove it.  Prove it by proving yourself.  Do the things you feel impressed to do, and you will find things in it that you have never seen before.

3 Nephi 15-19

Quotes of the Week:

"The gospel is structured to help us progress to ever higher levels of spirituality in ever more perfect compliance with the patterns of heaven."

--Unlocking the Book of Mormon, p. 437

"Could it be with you as it was with the Nephite children? . . .
With the power of the Spirit, you too can speak great and marvelous things in your own family. . . .
You may never see angels descending out of heaven, but I can promise you as you bear testimony and pray in your families, unseen angels will minister to you."

--Carol B. Thomas, Ensign, 5/01, 90

 Further Reading:
Jeffrey R. Holland, "“This Do in Remembrance of Me”", Ensign, Nov. 1995, 67
L. Lionel Kendrick, “Search the Scriptures,” Ensign, 5/93, 14-15
Henry B. Eyring, "Rise to Your Call," Ensign, 11/02
Dallin H. Oaks,  "Two Lines of Communication," Ensign, 11/10
David A. Bednar, Receive the Holy Ghost, Ensign, 11/10
Thomas S. Monson, “Till We Meet Again,” Ensign 11/10
Spencer W. Kimball, "“Pray Always”", Ensign, Oct. 1981, 3


Handouts:

3 Nephi 15:1-10—the New Law

Jeffrey R. Holland, Christ and the New Covenant, 156-57
Clearly the Nephite congregation understood this more readily than did the Jewish world, partly because the Nephite prophets had been so careful to teach the transitional nature of the law [see Mosiah 13:27 and 2 Nephi 25:27] . . . .
That kind of teaching—a caution against hardening one’s heart against Christ in ignorant defense of the law of Moses—could have served (and saved) so many living in the Old World then and living throughout the world now.

The Law and the Prophets--Book of Mormon Student Manual, 1989, 120
At the time of Jesus the Jewish scriptures (our Old Testament) were divided into three major sections.  The LAW, or the Torah, included the five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).  The PROPHETS included the writings of the various prophets (such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel).  The third section, the WRITINGS, included the historical books (such as Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings) and the poetic books (such as Psalms and Proverbs).

Unlocking the Book of Mormon, p. 437
The gospel is structured to help us progress to ever higher levels of spirituality in ever more perfect compliance with the patterns of heaven.

3 Nephi 17:1-3—Pondering

Marion G. Romney, Ensign, 7/73, 90
As I have read the scriptures, I have been challenged by the word ponder, so frequently used in the Book of Mormon.  The dictionary says that ponder means “to weigh mentally, think deeply about, deliberate, meditate.” . . .
Pondering is, in my feeling, a form of prayer.  It has, at least, been an approach to the Spirit of the Lord on many occasions.

Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, 11/02, 81
Often the answers will come as you study the scriptures. . . . Pondering the scriptures will lead you to ask the right questions in prayer.  And just as surely as the heavens were opened to Joseph Smith after he pondered the scriptures in faith, God will answer your prayers and He will lead you by the hand.


Teachings of the Presidents of the Church—David O. McKay, 31-32
We pay too little attention to the value of meditation. . . . . In our worship there are two elements: one is spiritual communion arising from our own meditations; the other, instruction from others, particularly from those who have authority to guide and instruct us.  Of the two, the more profitable introspectively is the meditation.  Meditation is the language of the soul. . . . Meditation is a form of prayer. . . .
Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord.

L. Lionel Kendrick, “Search the Scriptures,” Ensign, 5/93, 14-15
To ponder is to meditate, to think, to feast, and to treasure.  It is more than a mental method it is a spiritual striving to obtain and to understand truth.


Bruce R. McConkie, as cited in Unlocking the Book of Mormon, p. 440
Faith is thus born of scriptural study.  Those who study, ponder, and pray about the scriptures, seeking to understand their deep and hidden meanings, receive from time to time great outpourings of light and knowledge from the Holy Spirit. . . .
However talented men may be in administrative matters; however eloquent they may be in expressing their views; however learned they may be in worldly things—they will be denied the sweet whisperings of the Spirit that might have been theirs unless they pay the price of studying, pondering, and praying about the scriptures.

3 Nephi 17:11-24—Blessing the Children

Michaelene P. Grassli, Ensign, 11/92, 92-94

It’s significant to me that . . . the Savior gave the most sacred teachings only to the children, then loosed their tongues so they could teach the multitude.

Is it any wonder that following the Savior’s visit to the Nephites, they lived in peace and righteousness for two hundred years? Because of miraculous instructions, blessings, and attention they and their children received, righteousness was perpetuated by their children’s children for many generations.

Let us not underestimate the capacity and potential power of today’s children to perpetuate righteousness. No group of people in the Church is as receptive to the truth.

Janet Peterson and Eduardo Ayala, “Friend to Friend,” The Friend, 3/96 6-7

One of the greatest expressions of love for children that I have seen occurred when I was serving as a stake president in Chile. President Spencer W. Kimball visited Chile for an area conference. Members of the Church from four countries met together in a stadium that held about fifteen thousand people. We asked President Kimball what he would like to do after the conference. His eyes full of tears, he said, “I would like to see the children.” One of the priesthood leaders announced over the microphone that President Kimball would like to shake the hands or bless each of the children in the stadium. The people were astounded—there was a great silence. President Kimball greeted about two thousand children one by one, crying as he shook their hands or kissed them or put his hands on their heads and blessed them. The children were very reverent and looked at him and cried too. He said he’d never felt this kind of spirit in his life. It was a tremendous moment in the lives of all the Church members there.

3 Nephi 18:1-14—The Sacrament

Jeffrey R. Holland, "“This Do in Remembrance of Me”", Ensign, Nov. 1995, 67
If remembering is the principal task before us, what might come to our memory when those plain and precious emblems are offered to us?
We could remember the Savior’s premortal life and all that we know him to have done as the great Jehovah, creator of heaven and earth and all things that in them are. We could remember that even in the Grand Council of Heaven he loved us and was wonderfully strong, that we triumphed even there by the power of Christ and our faith in the blood of the Lamb (see Rev. 12:10–11).

We could remember the simple grandeur of his mortal birth to just a young woman . . .

We could remember his magnificent but virtually unknown foster father . . .

We could remember Christ’s miracles and his teachings, his healings and his help . . .
We could remember that even with such a solemn mission given to him, the Savior found delight in living; he enjoyed people and told his disciples to be of good cheer. . . .

We could remember that Christ called his disciples friends, and that friends are those who stand by us in times of loneliness or potential despair. We could remember a friend we need to contact or, better yet, a friend we need to make . . .

John E. MacKay, Ensign, 3/95, 66
According to our latter-day prophets and leaders, when you partake of the sacrament you renew whatever covenants you have made with the Lord.  For example, if you have been baptized only, that is the covenant you renew.  If you have received the Melchizedek Priesthood, you also renew that part of the oath and covenant related to your having received that priesthood.  If you have received your endowment, you also renew the covenants associated with it.  Further, if you have been sealed, you also renew that covenant.  In other words, when you partake of the sacrament, you renew all the covenants you have made with the Lord.

John H. Groberg, Ensign, 5/89, 38-39
The sacrament is an intensely personal experience, and we are the ones who knowingly are worthy or otherwise. . . .
As we worthily partake of the sacrament, we will sense those things we need to improve in and receive the help and determination to do so.  No matter what our problems, the sacrament always gives hope.

3 Nephi 18:16,24—“I Have Set an Example for You"

Neal A. Maxwell, A Wonderful Flood of Light, 110.

Unless we emulate Him as completely as we can, we will have deprived ourselves of the great model.  Moreover, out emulation is to be of both style and substance.  God’s love underwrites his listening, for instance. Can we conceive of a God who is a nonlistener?  Or who is lacking in power?  Or who is unwilling to assert Himself on an issue of principle?  As we become more like Him it will take place in both attributes and actions.

3 Nephi 18:18—Pray Always

Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, 10/99, 12

The Lord hears the prayers of your heart. 

The feelings of your heart, of love for our Heavenly Father and for His Beloved Son, can be so constant that your prayers will ascend always.

Jeffrey R. Holland, “For a Wise Purpose,” Ensign, 1/96
I can hardly imagine what it might be like to have heard the Savior pray in that setting, but I cannot even comprehend what is meant when they say that “no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive” what they saw the Savior pray. It’s one thing to hear such a prayer. It’s surely something altogether more to see one. What did they see? Well, it can’t be written. But suffice it to say that this is the great, consummate, concluding example the Savior sets for those people that day, the culminating jewel, the crowning, post-sacramental counsel given to the Twelve and all others who would take up the cross and follow him—they must pray always.

Jeffrey R. Holland, Christ and the New Covenant, p. 270
Jesus concluded his supplication on behalf of the children and arose from his prayer.  However, because of their overwhelming joy, the multitude did not—or could not—rise.  Jesus bade them arise, saying that because that because of THEIR faith, HIS JOY was full.  What a remarkable gift to the Savior of the world to be so faithful and so devoted, so humble and respectful, that he, the Man of Sorrows who weeps so often for the sins of the world, could weep because his joy was full.

Thomas S. Monson, “Till We Meet Again,” Ensign, 11/10

May heaven’s blessings be with you. May your homes be filled with love and courtesy and with the Spirit of the Lord. May you constantly nourish your testimonies of the gospel, that they will be a protection to you against the buffetings of Satan.

Conference is now over. As we return to our homes, may we do so safely. May the spirit we have felt here be and abide with us as we go about those things which occupy us each day. May we show increased kindness toward one another; may we ever be found doing the work of the Lord.

I love you; I pray for you. I bid you farewell till we meet again in six months’ time. In the name of our Lord and Savior, even Jesus Christ, amen.

Unlocking the Book of Mormon, p. 443
Prayer is intimate communication with God, the channel for inspiration, the most direct means for expressing gratitude, the posture and essence of humility, the witness of a broken heart, the voice of a contrite spirit, the start and the finish of the quest for forgiveness.  All of these things and many more characterize the nobility and the sacredness of prayer to our Heavenly Father. . . . Prayer is the soul of gospel living.

David E. Sorenson, Ensign, 5/93, 30-31
The greatest blessing and benefit [of prayer] is not the spiritual blessings that may come as answers to our prayers by in the changes to our soul that come as we learn to be dependent on our Heavenly Father for strength. . . . The very act of praying will improve us.


Gordon B. Hinckley, CR, 4/63, 127
I feel satisfied that there is no adequate substitute for the morning and evening practice of kneeling together—father, mother, and children.  This, more than soft carpets, more than lovely draperies, more than cleverly balanced color schemes, is the thing that will make for better and more beautiful homes.

Marion G. Romney, Ensign, 1/80, 5

If you want to obtain and keep the guidance of the Spirit, you can do so by following this simple four-point program.  One, pray.  Pray diligently. . . . Second, study and learn the gospel.  Third, live righteously; repent of your sins. . . . . Fourth, give service in the Church.

Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 586
Perfect prayers are those which are inspired, in which the Spirit reveals the words which should be used.

H. Burke Peterson, “Adversity and Prayer,” Prayer, p. 108
Sincere prayer is the heart of a happy and productive life. Prayer strengthens faith.  Prayer is the preparation for miracles.  Prayer opens the door to eternal happiness.  The Father of us all is personal, ever waiting to hear from us, as any loving father would his children.

Robert D. Hales, Ensign, 5/92, 64
Prayer is an essential part of conveying appreciation to our Heavenly Father.  He awaits our expressions of gratefulness each morning and night in sincere, simple prayer from our hearts for our many blessings, gifts, and talents.  Through expression of prayerful gratitude and thanksgiving, we show our dependence upon a higher source of wisdom and knowledge—God the Father and his Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, 11/94, 59
Learn to pray.  Pray often.  Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. . . .
Prayer is YOUR personal key to heaven.  The lock is on your side of the veil. [Rev. 3:20].

3 Nephi 19:9—Pray for Holy Ghost

Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, 26

I have little or no fear for the boy or the girl, the young man or the young woman, who honestly and conscientiously supplicate God twice a day for the guidance of His Spirit.  I am sure that when temptation comes they will have the strength to overcome it by the inspiration that shall be given to them.  Supplicating the Lord for the guidance of His Spirit places around us a safeguard, and if we earnestly and honestly seek the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord, I can assure you that we will receive it.

David A. Bednar, "Receive the Holy Ghost," Ensign, 11/10
The simplicity of this ordinance may cause us to overlook its significance. These four words—“Receive the Holy Ghost”—are not a passive pronouncement; rather, they constitute a priesthood injunction—an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26). The Holy Ghost does not become operative in our lives merely because hands are placed upon our heads and those four important words are spoken. As we receive this ordinance, each of us accepts a sacred and ongoing responsibility to desire, to seek, to work, and to so live that we indeed “receive the Holy Ghost” and its attendant spiritual gifts. “For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift” (D&C 88:33).
What should we do to make this authorized admonition to seek for the companionship of the third member of the Godhead an ongoing reality? Let me suggest that we need to (1) sincerely desire to receive the Holy Ghost, (2) appropriately invite the Holy Ghost into our lives, and (3) faithfully obey God’s commandments.