“This Is My Gospel”
Consider your feelings about this nickname.
President Boyd K. Packer said: “Others refer to us as Mormons. I do not mind if they use that title. However, sometimes we are prone ourselves to say ‘Mormon Church.’ I do not think it best for us to do so.” (”The Peaceable Followers of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 1998, 64)
We refer to ourselves as “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” This full name was given by revelation from God to Joseph Smith in 1838.—While the term “Mormon Church” has long been publicly applied to the Church as a nickname, it is not an authorized title, and the Church discourages its use.
3 Nephi 27 includes Jesus’ instructions to His Nephite disciples concerning the name of His Church. Today’s lesson is designed to help us understand the fundamental doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ and to teach that living the gospel is the only way to true and eternal happiness.
Summary -3 Nephi 27–30; 4 Nephi:
- 3 Nephi 27. The Savior commands His twelve Nephite disciples to call the Church after His name. He expounds His gospel.
- 3 Nephi 28. One by one, the Savior grants His twelve Nephite disciples the desires of their hearts. Three of the disciples desire and are given power to remain on earth to preach the gospel until the Savior returns in His glory.
- 4 Nephi 1. All the people are converted, and they establish a society of perfect peace. Many years later, the majority of the people dwindle in unbelief and reject the gospel.
Here is this week’s lesson handout: Book of Mormon Lesson 42.
pax vobiscum
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“He Did Expound All Things Unto Them”
This lesson illustrates how the Savior used the scriptures to teach valuable truths. As we search, ponder, and pray about the scriptures, we will have a greater understanding of these truths.
Children’s Songbook, Hymn #109 - Search, Ponder, and Pray
1. I love to read the holy scriptures,
And, ev’ry time I do,
I feel the Spirit start to grow within my heart–
A testimony that they’re true.
2. So, prayerfully I’ll read the scriptures
Each day my whole life through.
I’ll come to understand.
I’ll heed the Lord’s command
And live as he would have me do.
Chorus
Search, ponder, and pray
Are the things that I must do.
The Spirit will guide, and, deep inside,
I’ll know the scriptures are true.
Summary - 3 Nephi 22–26:
- In the last days, Zion and her stakes shall be established, and Israel shall be gathered in mercy and tenderness. They shall triumph (Compare Isaiah 54).
- Jesus approves the words of Isaiah. He commands the people to search the words of the prophets. The words of Samuel the Lamanite concerning the resurrection are added to their records.
- The Lord’s messenger shall prepare the way for the Second Coming. Christ shall sit in judgment. Israel is commanded to pay tithes and offerings. A book of remembrance is kept (Compare Malachi 3).
- At the Second Coming the proud and wicked shall be burned as stubble. Elijah shall return before that great and dreadful day (Compare Malachi 4).
- Jesus expounds all things from the beginning to the end. Babes and children utter marvelous things which cannot be written. Those of the Church of Christ have all things in common among them [AD 34].
Here is this week’s lesson handout: Book of Mormon Lesson 41.
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“Then Will I Gather Them In”
Summary - 3 Nephi 16, 3 Nephi 20, and 3 Nephi 21 contain part of the resurrected Savior’s teachings to the Nephites. In these chapters, the Lord teaches and prophesies of the Restoration of the gospel and the gathering of the house of Israel in the last days.
- Jesus will visit others of the lost sheep of Israel—In the latter days the gospel will go to the Gentiles and then to the house of Israel—The Lord’s people shall see eye to eye when he brings again Zion.
- Jesus provides bread and wine miraculously and again administers the sacrament unto them—The remnant of Jacob shall come to the knowledge of the Lord their God and shall inherit the Americas—Jesus is the prophet like unto Moses, and the Nephites are children of the prophets—Others of the Lord’s people shall be gathered to Jerusalem.`
- Israel shall be gathered when the Book of Mormon comes forth—The Gentiles shall be established as a free people in America—They shall be saved if they believe and obey; otherwise they shall be cut off and destroyed—Israel shall build the New Jerusalem, and the lost tribes shall return. [A.D. 34]
Additional reading: 3 Nephi 29–30; Mormon 5:9–24; Articles of Faith 1:10; Bible Dictionary, “Gentile,” 679–80; “Israel,” 708.
Here is this week’s lesson handout: Book of Mormon Lesson 40.
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President-elect Obama delivered his first radio address today. He said about the election this week:
On Tuesday, Americans stood in lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen. It didn’t matter who they were or where they came from; what they looked like or what party they belonged to – they came out and cast their ballot because they believed that in this country, our destiny is not written for us, but by us. We should all take pride in the fact that we once again displayed for the world the power of our democracy, and reaffirmed the great American ideal that this is a nation where anything is possible.
After a too long campaign season, often full of acrimony and vitriol, it is time for reconciliation and unity. I rejoice in the historic significance of the election of our first African American president. I am grateful to be witness to this momentous event. This poignant poem by Langston Hughes reflects how far our nation has come:
A prevailing theme of the October 2008 General Conference was one of “hope.” President Eyring gave a wonderful talk about hope and unity. He said:
Happily I am seeing more and more skillful peacemakers who calm troubled waters before harm is done. You could be one of those peacemakers, whether you are in the conflict or an observer.
One way I have seen it done is to search for anything on which we agree. To be that peacemaker, you need to have the simple faith that as children of God, with all our differences, it is likely that in a strong position we take, there will be elements of truth. The great peacemaker, the restorer of unity, is the one who finds a way to help people see the truth they share. That truth they share is always greater and more important to them than their differences. You can help yourself and others to see that common ground if you ask for help from God and then act. He will answer your prayer to help restore peace, as He has mine.
That same principle applies as we build unity with people who are from vastly different backgrounds. The children of God have more in common than they have differences. And even the differences can be seen as an opportunity. God will help us see a difference in someone else not as a source of irritation but as a contribution. The Lord can help you see and value what another person brings which you lack. More than once the Lord has helped me see His kindness in giving me association with someone whose difference from me was just the help I needed. That has been the Lord’s way of adding something I lacked to serve Him better.
Our church leaders have asked us to “engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.” Now is not a time for fear, but for hope and faith in our future. I pray that we can come together with grace, kindness, and respect as we endeavor to lift one another.
Doug Simpson
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