4 Nephi

After contemplating - with a mix of wonder and longing - the peaceful existence of the people who had been witnesses to the Saviors' visit to the American continent, we moved to an investigation of the process which is described as the people “dwindl(ing) in unbelief
and wickedness, from year to year” (4 Nephi 1:34).

We started off by looking at 4 Nephi 1:20, which reads: 

"and there was still peace in the land, save it were a small part of the people who had revolted from the church and taken upon them the name of Lamanites; therefore there began to be Lamanites again in the land."

This verse describes some revolting within the church - a division has entered and unity is eroded, by dissension and individual apostasy. 

In the next phase, divisions grow.  Unity is eroded further by lack of sharing, class distinctions and divisions caused by wearing "costly apparel" (4 Nephi 1:24-26). Humility and Charity are beginning to be lost. 

In the next "dwindling", divisions grow deeper as kindness, reverence, faith and humility are lost to some:

"there was another church which denied the Christ; and they did persecute the true church of Christ, because of their humility and their belief in Christ; and they did despise them because of the many miracles which were wrought among 
them" 4 Nephi 1:29 (see 4 Nephi 1:27-29)

Then, reverence for life is lost as some "did seek to kill them, [the three Nephite Apostles] even as the Jews at Jerusalem sought to kill Jesus, according to his word."

4 Nephi 1:35 states "And now it came to pass in this year, yea, in the two hundred and thirty and first year, there was a great division among the people."  Commenting on this tendency to division, George A. Smith said:

Our weakness consists in division among ourselves, in not living up to our calling, in not abiding by the counsels which the Lord inspires His servants to impart unto us, and not abiding by the covenants which we make when we lift up our hands to Heaven and vote to sustain our President, or Prophet, as a seer and revelator unto us. This failure on our part weakens both his hands and ours.

As this great division deepens, In 4 Nephi 1:35-39 we see "that they who rejected the gospel were called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites; and they did not dwindle in unbelief, but they did wilfully rebel against the gospel of Christ; and they did teach their children that they should not believe, even as their fathers, from the beginning, did dwindle." People reject Christ and teach their children to do the same.

In the final phase, the wicked outnumber the righteous and we see secret combinations and secret oaths arising (4 Nephi 1:40-43).

It was thought-provoking to contemplate this slow decline, which seems a little like a Chinese whisper, slowly becoming twisted and corrupted as it transmits between generations.  Commenting on the applicability of this scripture to us, Elder Neal A Maxwell said:

Likewise, “true believers” will maintain faith in the latter-day Restoration with its empowering visitations, its prophets and apostles, and its “plain and precious” scriptures.  The gospel’s first principles surely fit the last days.

May we retain our faith and keep our eyes firmly fixed on Zion to come ... "The establishment of Zion should be the aim of every member of this Church. It can be safely said: As we seek with all our hearts to bring forth and establish Zion, the vexations of too little time will disappear. There are joys and blessings by enlisting in this noble cause. One’s personal life is transformed. The home is no longer a hotel but a place of peace, security, and love. Society itself changes. In Zion, contentions and disputations cease, class distinctions and hatreds disappear, no one is poor—spiritually or temporally, and all manner of wickedness is no more. As many have attested, “Surely there could not be a happier people among all the people … created by the hand of God.” (Keith B. McMullin)

3 Nephi 27-30

This week focused attention on 3 Nephi 27, and what it means to be a member Christs' Church - or as stated in D&C 115:4: “For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

This lesson was different in that, rather than focus on discipleship or Christianity, we looked particularly at the everyday impact of being members of the Church.

As we contemplated this issue, we looked to the member profiles on mormon.org to guide out thinking.  These profiles answer three main questions:
Firstly, About Me - which gives a brief summary about the individual;
Then, Why I am a Mormon - which answers that question!; and
How I Live my Faith - which describes how faith intersects with every day life.
The final section contains answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Church.

The challenge for this week is to contemplate these answers, and to set up your own profile at mormon.org ...

Resources
Ann M Dibb : I Know It, I live It. I Love It

3 Nephi 23-26

Our lesson this week considered how we might increase the depth and diligence of our personal scripture study ... 

"When Jesus Christ visited the people in the Americas, He taught the value and importance of the scriptures. He commanded the Nephites to diligently search the scriptures (see 3 Nephi 23:1–5). This command to search implies more than casual reading."

We first considered our motivation to study the scriptures.  We started by reviewing some quotations about scripture study.  President Thomas S. Monson has said:

"As we remember prayer and take time to turn to the scriptures, our lives will be infinitely more blessed and our burdens will be made lighter."

As we reviewed quotes, class members returned again and again to this quote by Elder Mervin B. Arnold:

The second facet which we focused on was about the "how" of studying the scriptures.  We concluded that we are accustomed to our annual blocks of study, be it a Sunday School course, a Relief Society or Priesthood curriculum, or an Institute course of study.  We spent some time discussing smaller blocks of study and how to make them more meaningful.

We started with "nourishing snacks" - ways of using a 10 or 15 minute scripture-study block to do something more than a reading exercise.  Some ways we noted were:

• Substitute your name - find a scripture that gives you encouragement or hope or speaks to a need you have now.  Write the scripture out, substituting your name into the scripture.
• Memorisation - find a scripture mastery verse, or a meaningful scripture, and memorise it.
• Music - spend the time listening to and pondering the words of a meaningful hymn.
• Be Still and Know (that I am God) - Light a candle and sit next to it for 5 minutes, reflecting on being still and listening to the voice of God.
• Choose a topic - select a topic from the Bible Dictionary and read and ponder some scriptures from the topic. How about one scripture from each volume of scripture?
• Meditating - spending some time pondering a specific verse of scripture
• Create an inspirational nuggets journal - keep mini-journalling cards and write out short scriptures on a theme - such as "gratitude".
• Map it out! - find a map and see where a scriptural event took place.  For example, the story of Johan in the Old testament (Jonah 1 - 3) gains depth when we know that the city of Nineveh was located close to modern-day Iraq and that Tarshish might have been located in modern-day Spain!

We expanded our discussion to "short intensives" - intensive scripture study blocks that can take from a fortnight to a quarter (three months). Some ideas to consider here included:

• Read a Book (of scripture) - plan to spend several weeks studying one book of scripture intensely.  Read and re-read the book.  Then divide it into sections that make sense together (these may or may not correspond with chapters!). Study these sections by observation (what is their message?) understanding (looking up meanings of words, find similar passages in the scriptures, etc), interpretation (what does this mean?) and application (what does this mean to me?)
• Study a Word - Spend time studying a word, like faith, in the scriptures, in modern revelation, in the writings of prophets and apostles.
• Biographical Study - study one person throughout the scriptures (i.e. everywhere they're mentioned).  Ponder why this person is important, what God says about this person and this this persons' choices can inform your life.
• Use a Guided Journal - there are some guided journals which don't interpret scriptures but which simply highlight scriptures for reflection - try one!

Finally, we addressed ourselves and the scriptures.  Using some of the many photographs which show individuals studying the scriptures, class members posed for their own unique "scriptures and me" photographs. 

As you ponder this lesson, start by finding a quote that motivates you to study scriptures, or which gives meaning to

the practise of scripture study.  Then, write down ways you can enjoy nourishing snacks on days when your scripture study routine is upside-down.  And finally, put yourself into the picture of scripture study by either taking a self-portrait of you and your scriptures, or having someone photography you with your scriptures!

Resources:

D Todd Christofferson : The Blessing Of Scripture
Richard G. Scott : The Power of Scripture
Elder Michael John U. Teh : The Power of the Word of God

3 Nephi 20-22

The overarching theme to the Saviours' teachings in the Americas on his first days' visit can be defined as "the first principles and ordinances of the gospel", moving through faith, repentance, baptism (and the sacrament) and the gift of the Holy Ghost.  After the sermon at the temple, and his subsequent visits, we find this section which is quite visionary in nature, with the Saviour speaking to his audience about things that are to come in future. 

This reading contains much about the future of the House of Israel.  I thought that a useful reference to enlighten our views on this doctrine could be a talk given by Elder Bednar at BYU Idaho, which speaks about "Gathering" as a topic.

We started off contemplating "scattering" and "gathering" as principles that the Lord uses in directing His people. Throughout history there has been scattering when people have not accepted the Lord, or been disobedient.  Gathering has followed acceptance and obedience. Seen in this light, there have been historical periods of scattering and gathering - sometimes simultaneously if we consider events such as the Tower of Babel where a gathering of the faithful (the Jaredites) occurred in the midst of scattering of the wicked.

So, to what end (purpose) are people gathered? Elder Bednar outlines four purposes:
To worship (Mosiah 18:25)
To build the church (D&C 101:63-64)
For a defence (D&C 115: 6); and 
To receive counsel and instruction (Mosiah 18:7) ...
It is instructive to consider these purposes in light of specific meetings we attend ... and to note that sometimes more than one purpose could be accomplished in a meeting.  Take some time to ponder church meetings you have recently attended.  What purpose, related to the spirit of Gathering, was achieved in each of them?

Image by jarvie digital

Elder Bednar outlines some insightful gathering places:-
Into the Lords' Restored Church (D&C 101:64-65);
Into the Temple (see TPJS, pp. 307-308, 314);
Into Stakes of Zion (D&C 109:59);
Into Families (Mosiah 2:5).
Once again, insightful places to ponder ... how are we gathered into these places?  Are we gathered to them in different ways at different times?  How open are we to being gathered into these places?  Do we see some of these spaces as having precedence over others?  Do we see some of these spaces as mutually exclusive places of gathering?  

Finally, Elder Bednar speaks about three blessings of gathering ...
Edification (Ephesians 4:12-13);
Preservation (Moses 7:61); and
Strength (D&C 82:14).
Ponder how these blessings are present in your life ... and then journal about how you see the principles and spirit of Gathering present in your life ...

Resources
Russell M. Nelson : The Gathering of Scattered Israel

Elder David A. Bednar : The Spirit and Purposes of Gathering 
Victor Ludlow : The Scattering and Gathering of Israel : Gods Covenant with Abraham Remembered through the Ages
Religious Educator Vol 11/2010: Gathering of Israel 

Encyclopedia of Mormonism : Israel

3 Nephi 18-19

This week we focused our attention on the Sacrament ...


We started off with a reflection on a talk given in Greenmount Ward by Bro Carl Bosch, in which he spoke about the Sacrament as being a "navigator"for his life.  He spoke about pondering "what" and "how" he had lived his life during the previous week.  He said that he spent time understanding the Atonement and his relationship to the Saviour; and that he ended by saying that the Sacrament was  a time to "think about, feel about and do something about" our relationship with the Saviour.

As Bishop Dean Davies has said: “The sacrament ordinance affords every Church member the opportunity to ponder his or her life in advance, to consider the actions or nonactions that may need to be repented of, and then to partake of the bread and water as sacred emblems in remembrance of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, a witness of His Atonement. If we partake with sincerity and in humility, we renew eternal covenants, are cleansed and sanctified, and receive the promise that we will have His Spirit to be with us always.”

Speaking about the significance of the Sacrament to us as individuals, Elder Holland has

said: "Perhaps we do not always attach that kind of meaning to our weekly sacramental service. How “sacred” and how “holy” is it? Do we see it as our passover, remembrance of our safety and deliverance and redemption?"

Elder Holland continues to speak about the ordinance, saying "It should be a powerful, reverent, reflective moment. It should encourage spiritual feelings and impressions. As such it should not be rushed. It is not something to “get over” so that the real purpose of a sacrament meeting can be pursued. This is the real purpose of the meeting. And everything that is said or sung or prayed in those services should be consistent with the grandeur of this sacred ordinance."

As a class we spent some time in reflection, considering what the ordinance of the Sacrament meant to us individually, how we could use it as a "navigator", and what we could do to be ready to receive spiritual feelings and impressions.  Spend some time reading and reflecting on some of the resources below, and see what they can add to your thoughts about how to make Sacrament time more meaningful and significant. 

in closing, some thoughts from Elder Hamula remind us of some things we can contemplate during this ordinance ...

With torn and broken bread, we signify that we remember the physical body of Jesus Christ—a body that was buffeted with pains, afflictions, and temptations of every kind, a body that bore a burden of anguish sufficient to bleed at every pore, a body whose flesh was torn and whose heart was broken in crucifixion. We signify our belief that while that same body was laid to rest in death, it was raised again to life from the grave, never again to know disease, decay, or death. And in taking the bread to ourselves, we acknowledge that, like Christ’s mortal body, our bodies will be released from the bonds of death, rise triumphantly from the grave, and be restored to our eternal spirits.

With a small cup of water, we signify that we remember the blood Jesus spilled and the spiritual suffering He endured for all mankind. We remember the agony that caused great drops of blood to fall in Gethsemane. We remember the bruising and scourging He endured at the hands of His captors. We remember the blood He spilled from His hands, feet, and side while at Calvary. And we remember His personal reflection on His suffering: “How sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.” In taking the water to ourselves, we acknowledge that His blood and suffering atoned for our sins and that He will remit our sins as we embrace and accept the principles and ordinances of His gospel.

Resources:

Elder James J. Hamula : The Sacrament and the Atonement

Jeffrey R. Holland : “This Do in Remembrance of Me”

Cheryl A. Esplin : The Sacrament—a Renewal for the Soul

Elder Dallin H. Oaks : Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament

John H. Groberg : The Beauty and Importance of the Sacrament

Elder Don R. Clarke : Blessings of the Sacrament

Elder Robert D. Hales : Coming to Ourselves: The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service
Elder David B. Haight : The Sacrament

3 Nephi 15-17

Lamani complex Temple

Our Conference on 3 Nephi 15-17 started with Brother John Grant, our keynote speaker.  He gave us a wonderful 30 to 40 minutes of thought-provoking questions on the physical and religious context of the Saviours' visit. 

The first question was to consider the logistical requirements of the day. We started by looking at images of Mayan empire buildings or "temples" and contemplated how much physical space would be required for the sermon at Bountiful Temple - how large a space was required for 2,500 people?

The next question we contemplated was the order of events for the day - and how long it took? Starting with "when did the day start?".  Another question, for example is: how much time did it take for the multitude to personally touch the Saviour, to feel the tokens in His hands and side? How long did the healing of the sick take?  How long did the ministering to the children by the Saviour and the Angels take? The sermon part possibly didn't take more than an hour (certainly that block of scripture can be read aloud in less than an hour). What preparations had the Saviour made? Whatever we do know, we are aware that the first days' visit by the Saviour ended before nightfall so that people could "noise abroad" the news of His visit.

Our class members then shared a combination of topical speeches and testimonies.  Meg, Pam and Garry spoke about the concept of "the law being fulfilled in Christ".  Meg noted that the people had no trouble accepting this teaching in part because it had been taught to them throughout preceding generations.  Pam noted that the Saviour restored a fullness which was had before Moses, and Garry reminded us that the law was fulfilled in Christ but not destroyed.

Lost No More - Greg Olsen

Several class members spoke about the Saviours' teaching of "other sheep have I".  Gloria noted the teaching, with Garry adding that the Book of Mormon was a record of some of the other sheep.  Tony contributed the thought from Amos 3:7 that the lost sheep are gathered through hearing and responding to the Shepherds' voice.

Helen noted that in 3 Nephi 17:17, individuals served, out of compassion, in the Saviours' stead and that we, as Visiting and Home Teachers likewise served in the Saviours place.

Eujeanie spoke about the gentiles, who were blessed for being believing, and reminded us that when we do the right thing our enemies have no power over us and that the Saviour would find His sheep (among the gentiles).

Charlie and Christie  both bore testimony how the reading of the Book of Mormon changes lives, and leaves us filled with His light.

The session closed with a closing address by Mandy on the God the Father in 3 Nephi 15-17.

A wonderful spirit and conference was enjoyed, and we look forward to our next Institute mini-conference!

God the Father in 3 Nephi 15-17

Our mortal existence is, in reality, a journey to eternal life and this is essentially a quest to understand who God is and for us to return to live with Him (Golden, 2013). The Savior in praying to His Father said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
In the Book of Mormon, the doctrine of the Father and the Son stands in majestic testimony (Golden, 2013). During the Saviour’s three day ministry on the American continent, He is recorded as mentioning His Father 122 times (Golden, 2013).

While there is much to learn about the Father from these chapters, I will focus my time on the concept of our relationship with the Father. In the sermon at the Temple, the Saviour repeatedly emphasised that God is our Father and that we should approach him as a father. (Ludlow 2010)

The Lord admonished the people to pray to the Father. In 3 Nephi 17:3 He said “ask the Father in my name, that ye may understand”. This emphasises the Father’s position as the “literal Father of the spirits of all men” (Ludlow, 2010).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote “All men are the children of deity … He begat them in the pre-existence.” President David O McKay (1967) spoke about the Father-child relationship this way: “We accept God as indeed our Father. Christ taught us to address him as “our Father which art in heaven”. To us he is so real that we accept his appearance in this dispensation as an expression of love for his children.”

Although we are the literal spirit children of an exalted being, this does not automatically ensure that we will inherit exaltation with our Father in His kingdom. For that reason, our Father “ordained and established the plan of salvation. He is the one who was once as we are now. The life he lives is eternal life, and if we are to gain this greatest of all the gifts of God, it will be because we become like him (McConkie 1982).” This teaching is expounded by Alma in Mosiah 27:25-26: “Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God,changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God”.

When we are spiritually reborn and make and are faithful to our covenants with our Father, then we are his children indeed and will be worthy to inherit His kingdom (Ludlow, 2010). Elder Bruce R. McConkie, speaking about this aspect of our relationship with our Father said: “Our relationship with the Father is one of parent and child. He is the one who gave us our agency. It was his plan that provided for a fall and an atonement. And it is to him that we must be reconciled if we are to gain salvation.”

This in no way diminishes the significance of the Saviour. As Elder McConkie (1982) said: “It is the Father’s gospel, it became the gospel of the Son by adoption, and we call it after Christ’s name because his atoning sacrifice put all of its terms and conditions into operation.”

“Our relationship with the Father is supreme, paramount, and preeminent over all others. He is the God we worship. It is his gospel that saves and exalts. He ordained and established the plan of salvation.” (McConkie, 1982).

As latter-day saints, and as Christians, we believe in and have a strong and deep faith in God the Eternal Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. God the Father is the ultimate Creator, Ruler, and Preserver of all things. He is perfect, has all power, and knows all things (LDS, 2015). Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has said: “I bear personal witness this day of a personal, living God, who knows our names, hears and answers prayers, and cherishes us eternally as children of His spirit” (Holland, 2003).

Along with President Ezra Taft Benson I believe that, “Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father [in Heaven] and how familiar his face is to us.” In the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Resources
Benson, Ezra T., “Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations,” in Speeches of the Year, 1974 (1975), 313; see also “Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations,”Ensign, Dec. 1988.

Golden, Christoffel Jr., “The Father and the Son” in Ensign, May 2013.
Holland, Jeffrey R., “The Grandeur of God”, in Ensign, November 2003.
LDS gospel topics., “God the Father”, 2015
Ludlow, Jared W., “The Father in the Sermon on the Mount” in The Sermon on the Mount in Latter-day Scripture, (proceedings of the 39th Annual Brigham Young University Sidney B. Sperry Syposium), 2010.
McKay, David O., “Making God the Center of Our Lives” in Conference Report, April 1967.
McConkie, Bruce R., “Our Relationship with the Lord”, BYU Speeches, 02 March 1982.

3 Nephi 12-14

Have you ever wondered what it is that makes some inspiratonal music more powerful and moving than other inspirational music?  The 1985 hymnbook preface states:

"Music has boundless powers for moving families toward greater spirituality and devotion to the gospel"

and also teaches:

"Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end."

From an earlier dispensation, we are taught “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)

Music is indeed a powerful medium, and perhaps even more powerful when the lyrics are taken directly from the scriptures ... With that in mind, our evening was spent in a powerful way, listening to music that had lyrics based on the reading for the week ...

First up was a favourite, based one 3 Ne 13: 25-34

25 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he looked upon the twelve whom he had chosen, and said unto them: Remember the words which I have spoken. For behold, ye are they whom I have chosen to minister unto this people. Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin;
29 And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, even so will he clothe you, if ye are not of little faith.
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof.

The song "Consider the Lillies" by by Roger Hoffman. Arranged by A. Laurence Lyon
(or alternate version here ...) is a wonderful song based on these verses.

Some hymns have texts drawn from the Sermon on the Mount/Temple Sermon, for example, hymn 144 (and many hymns on prayer) ... or here for an instrumental version of the hymn "Secret Prayer".

The Lords' Prayer is a favourite with many composers, and many settings exist ...
from the older version such as the 1935 setting of The Lord's Prayer originally composed in 1935 by Albert Malotte and sung by many singers (by Charlotte Church here, or Andrea Bocelli and the Tabernacle Choir here ... or by ? sounds like a BYU mens' chorus?

Each of these songs has the power to lift, to inspire, to restore - our challenge for this lesson is to find hymns or other inspirational settings of the text of 3 Nephi 12 - 14 and use them to "lift our spirits, give us courage and move us to righteous action" as we become more like the Saviour. 

Resources

Roger Hoffman : Writing Consider the Lillies

Ensign : Guidelines for writing latter-day Hymns

Boyd K Packer : Reverence Invites Revelation

Boyd K Packer : The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord

3 Nephi 8-11

Moving into timeline mode for this content ... starting at 3 Nephi chapter 8:2, 5

"And now it came to pass, if there was no mistake made by this man in the reckoning of our time, the thirty and third year had passed away;

And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land."

After some details of what transpired during the storm, 3 Nephi 8:19 continues:

"And it came to pass that when the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the storm, and the tempest, and the quakings of the earth did cease—for behold, they did last for about the space of three hours; and it was said by some that the time was greater; nevertheless, all these great and terrible things were done in about the space of three hours—and then behold, there was darkness upon the face of the land."

In the darkness, the voice of Christ is heard and he speaks to the people - see 3 Nephi chapter 9.  This revelation is followed by silence ... astonished silence ... and then the voice of Christ is heard again, see 3 Nephi chapter 10:4-7. 

Resuming at 3 Nephi 10:18-19 

"And it came to pass that in the ending of the thirty and fourth year, behold, I will show unto you that the people of Nephi who were spared, and also those who had been called Lamanites, who had been spared, did have great favors shown unto them, and great blessings poured out upon their heads, insomuch that soon after the ascension of Christ into heaven he did truly manifest himself unto them—  Showing his body unto them, and ministering unto them;"

Speaking about the Saviour's appearance to the people, Elder Holland has written: 

“The Son spoke, with a voice that penetrated to the marrow, saying simply, ‘I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.’ [3 Nephi 11:10.] “That appearance and that declaration constituted the focal point, the supreme moment, in the entire history of the Book of Mormon. . . . “Everyone had talked of him, sung of him, dreamed of him, and prayed for his appearance—but here he actually was. The day of days!” (Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of Mormon [1997], 250–51).

Take some time to read 3 Nephi 11:1-17 and to listen to a hymn or song such as "This is the Christ", "I Know that my Redeemer Lives" or "I Believe in Christ"  and ponder and reflect on the following questions in your study journal:

•  How did the people react to the Savior’s appearance?
• What were your thoughts and feelings as you read this account?
• How do you think you would have felt if you had been there?

Even though we have not yet had the experience of physically touching the Savior’s hands
and feet, we can feel of His reality and bear personal testimony of Him. Think of an appropriate way to share your testimony of Jesus Christ in the coming weeks.

3 Nephi 1-7

This block of scripture is, once again, fascinating ... and for this weeks lesson we contemplated the challenges of living in a society which is unbelieving of the message of a coming Redeemer, our experiences being parallelled by those of the righteous Nephites who lived before the birth of the Saviour.

A quick review of the chapter headings is both revealing and familiar:

• Lyings and deceivings increase
• Wickedness and abominations increase among the people
• Pride, wealth and class distinctions arise
• Church experiences dissensions
• Prophets cry repentance
• People become divided
• Political leadership and national boundaries change
• Prophets preach repentance and faith in Christ
• Many people repent and are baptised

Commenting on the rise of iniquity,  in 3 Nephi 6:15-16 Mormon says:

"Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world.

And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years."

In a recent General Conference address, Elder Neil L Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve said: 

"My young friends, the world will not glide calmly toward the Second Coming of the Savior. The scriptures declare that “all things shall be in commotion.”  Brigham Young said, “It was revealed to me in the commencement of this Church, that the Church would spread, prosper, grow and extend, and that in proportion to the spread of the Gospel among the nations of the earth, so would the power of Satan rise.”

It all sounds rather familiar ...

 In the April 2015 General Conference, Elder David A. Bednar stated:

"In our daily lives, endless reports of criminal violence, famine, wars, corruption, terrorism, declining values, disease, and the destructive forces of nature can engender fear and apprehension. Surely we live in the season foretold by the Lord: “And in that day … the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them” (D&C 45:26)."

In the midst of this, what is there that we can do to protect ourselves, to not fall prey to those elements in society that would destroy our faith? Elder Bednar counsels us:

"But can we hush the fears that so easily and frequently beset us in our contemporary world? The answer to this question is an unequivocal yes. Three basic principles are central to receiving this blessing in our lives: (1) look to Christ, (2) build upon the foundation of Christ, and (3) press forward with faith in Christ."

In your study Journal, ponder the following questions:
What diverts me from looking to Christ?
How can I conquer my fears and strengthen my faith in Christ?
How can I establish my desires and upon the foundation of Christ?
What strength has come to me as I have learned and lived gospel principles?
How have I been able to press forward with faith in Christ?

May we enjoy Elder Bednars' promise:

"I promise the bright light of godly fear will chase away the dark shadows of mortal fears (see D&C 50:25) as we look to the Savior, build upon Him as our foundation, and press forward on His covenant path with consecrated commitment."

Resources:

David A. Bednar : Therefore They Hushed Their Fears

Dallin H. Oaks : Preparation for the Second Coming

Elder Neil L. Andersen : Spiritual Whirlwinds

Jeffrey R. Holland : Terror, Triumph, and a Wedding Feast
Richard Neitzel Holzapfel : The Glass Is Half Full: The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ

S. Kent Brown : Jesus’ Sermon on the Last Days: Matthew 24

Helaman 13-16

This section comprises of the account and prophecies of Samuel the Lamanite. In order to contemplate this account differently, we considered it as an underlying story to an opera ... 

Why an Opera?  Well, perhaps apart from having a little fun, an opera seems to capture the drama and the tide of events in this account ...

Lets have a brief exploration of how opera is structured ... and see how this fits Samuel's story

Mainly, it has a dramatic storyline - big check mark for our story.  Samuel goes to preach to the Lamanites, is cast out of the city (which was, in ancient times often a precursor to being stoned), leaves, sees a vision and is commanded by the Lord to go back to the Zarahemla to preach to the people. He returns and delivers a lengthy and detailed prophesy of the coming of Christ.

An opera is structured like a play, with acts and scenes.  In the account of Samuel the Lamanite, we have at least three acts ...
Act I - Helaman 13:1-3 Samuel goes to preach, is cast out and sees a vision and is instructed to return to Zarahemla
Act II - Helaman 13:4 to Helaman 15: 17
      Scene 1 - Samuel returns, climbs up on the walls of the city and pronounces woes upon several cities and their inhabitants (Helaman 13:4-39)
      Scene 2 - Samuel prophesies about Christ - giving the signs of his birth and death (Helaman 14)
      Scene 3 - Samuel revisits the pronounces of woe if people do not change their ways (Helaman 15)
Act III Helaman 18:1-8
     Scene 1 The people seek out Nephi and are many are baptised (Helaman 18:1-5)
     Scene 2 The remainder attempt to seize Samuel, he jumps from the city wall, escapes and is not  heard from again among the Nephites (Helaman 18: 6-8)

Musically, an opera has place for Aria's (solos), Ensembles (2 or more singers) and Choruses (large groups of singers).  Examination of the relevant scriptures reveal wonderful musical opportunities ... which await a talented librettist or class poet and which afforded us some delight as we pondered some poetic phrases in these sections. 

Perhaps a different treatment of this block of scripture, but one which certainly held our imaginations as we contemplated, in a different way, Samuel and his messages ...

Helaman 10 - 12

The focus for this lesson was on Helaman 10:2-3 the principle of pondering.  The topical guide (guide to the scriptures) defines pondering as :

"To meditate and think deeply, often upon the scriptures or other things of God." 

Elder Wirthlin, commenting on President Joseph F. Smith's revelation in D&C 138 defined pondering and its effects :

"Pondering, which means to weigh mentally, to deliberate, to meditate, can achieve the opening of the spiritual eyes of one’s understanding. Also, the Spirit of the Lord may rest upon the ponderer as described by President Smith."

"We are constantly reminded through the scriptures that we should give the things of God much more than usual superficial consideration. We must ponder them and reach into the very essence of what we are and what we may become."

In a delightful New Era article, Susan Hill wrote about her journey to understand pondering:

“During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection.” (JS—H 1:8. Italics added.) These are the words of Joseph Smith in his boyhood at the time of religious confusion before the Restoration. As I first read these words, I marveled at his youthful capacity to think and reason deeply.

Nephi as a young man also had this gift. “As I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord.” (1 Ne. 11:1.)

What wisdom in youth! Can we gain that wisdom or is it a special gift to a few?

As I rushed through high school days, pushed by a seemingly full schedule, I felt it would be wonderful to be caught up in the Spirit as Nephi was or to know the Lord as Joseph Smith did, yet I failed to realize, as many do, the necessity of stopping and pondering. They stopped—I didn’t.

Sis Hill continues :

What is pondering? I didn’t know because I hadn’t done any. I thought I was too busy, and you can’t ponder in a hurry.

As I used to read the scriptures (when I managed to take the time), I tried to read them as I read other things—quickly, scanning, in a hurry for story content and maybe a wee bit of wisdom. I didn’t understand that to digest the scriptures, one must go slowly and learn from scratch the forgotten art of pondering. There was too much “living” to do to spend time in quiet meditation, I mistakenly thought.

In the final year of my crowded college days, I was called to teach a Sunday School class. This was the Lord’s gift to me in the form of a challenge so that I could learn to think and to ponder the things of his kingdom. I had to read and reread the scriptures and slowly ferret out the meat of the gospel verse by verse so that I could present these truths to my students. I balked sometimes at the great amount of time I had to give, and yet this gift was precious. It was water for the tiny embryo seed of my soul that had thirsted so long. I learned to a small degree how all the holy men of God learn to know God and the gospel. It is not a gift to a select few, rather a blessing predicated on the law of obedience, long hours, and study.

Elder Hales, elaborated on the conclusion that Sis Hill reached above when he said: 

"How do we know the Father and the Son for ourselves? By personal revelation. Personal revelation is the way Heavenly Father helps us know Him and His Son, learn and live the gospel, endure to the end in righteousness, and qualify for eternal life—to return back into Their presence."

 Elder Neal A Maxwell taught : 

“Pondering, for most of us, is not something we do easily. It is much more than drifting or daydreaming, for it focuses and stirs us, not lulls us. We must set aside time, circumstances, and attitude in order to achieve it. In Alma’s words, we must ‘give place’ (Alma 32:27). The length of time involved in pondering is not as important as the intensity given to it. Reflection cannot be achieved in the midst of distraction” (That Ye May Believe [1992], 183).

Find a quiet setting, and take time to ponder some question that has been on your mind of late.  As you ponder, open your mind to Heavenly Fathers' will and write the impressions that come to your mind. Then follow through with the actions and report - perhaps on our Facebook page, the impact of these actions.

Resources
Richard G. Scott : To Acquire Spiritual Guidance
Joseph B Wirthlin : Pondering Strengthens the Spiritual Life

Susan Hill : Pondering isn't Preposterous
Robert D. Hales : Personal Revelation : The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets

Helaman 5 - 9

The Foundation of Christ ... we started our lesson by looking at a fascinating, breath-stopping photograph:-

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. (Helaman 5:12)

For this week's lesson, we'll reflect on this specific scripture and the image ...

To start off, a look at the image ... what physical impression does this image create?  What feelings come to mind to describe the impact of this image?  Does this image bring to mind the "mighty winds" or "shafts in the whirlwind" or 'hail" or "mighty storm" which "beat upon you"? If not this, can you find an image that captures that for you?

Next, consider the light house and its foundation.  How solid does this lighthouse seem able to withstand this storm?

Using your journal, reflect on these questions:-

• In what ways are the temptations of Satan like a storm?
• How might we compare the rock to Jesus Christ?
• What do you think it means to build a foundation on the rock of Jesus Christ? 
• What promise did Helaman give his sons if they would build on this rock?
• How does building our lives upon Christ’s teachings help us weather Satan’s storms and life’s trials?

Elder Russell M Nelson, speaking in the April 2002 general conference has said : 

“Even firm foundations cannot prevent life’s problems. Wayward children cause parents to grieve. Some broken families don’t get fixed. Gender disorientation is poorly understood. Married couples, for whatever reason, may not be blessed with children. Even in our day, ‘the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their money.’ [Helaman 7:5.] Some things just don’t seem fair.

“With strong underpinnings, however, we are better able to reach upward for help, even when faced with questions without easy answers. . . .

“Though we don’t know all things, we know that God lives and that He loves us. [See 1 Nephi 11:16–17.] Standing on that firm foundation, we can reach up and find strength to endure the heavy burdens of life” 

As you contemplate these your foundation, record your thoughts on the following questions in your journal:

• What are you doing daily to build your life on the foundation of Jesus Christ? 
• What could you do better to ensure that you build your life on His sure foundation

Resources
Photographic Image: Jean Guichard https://iconicphotos.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/a-storm-at-la-jument/
Russell M. Nelson : How Firm our Foundation
Dean M. Davies : A Sure Foundation
Steven C. Wheelwright : Building on a Sure Foundation
David A. Bednar : Steadfast and Immovable