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.