Tuesday, 21 April 2015

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
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