3 Nephi 15:1-10 At the end of the first verse, the Savior gives the promise of being raised up. The footnotes, show that this promise was reiterated by prophets throughout the scriptures, especial in the Book of Mormon and strongly ties obedience to the commandments of the Lord with the first Resurrection. The next nine […]
Author Archives: Brent
I Will Liken Him unto a Wise Man
3 Nephi 14:24-27 (See also Matthew 7:24-27) In this simple comparison of persons is the powerful illustration of one absolute reality: Rains will fall, Floods will come, and winds will blow! In other words, there will be opposition regardless of your spiritual status in life. However, it is the outcome of such opposition that will […]
I Never Knew You
3 Nephi 14:21-23 (See also Matthew 7:21-23) These three verses come to me after a week-long study on false prophets. There is for me a lot to unpack in so few verses. Footnotes are taking me in all directions, but the one thing that is really standing out to me this morning is the final […]
Principles that Apply to Effective Adult Child Discipline
Mosiah 26 This pertains more to the government of the church, but what principles apply to the family? Vs. 19 – “And because thou hast inquired of me concerning the transgressor, thou art blessed.” Vs. 23, 25 & 26 – “For it is I that taketh upon me the sins of the world; for it […]
By Their Fruits
3 Nephi 14:15-20 (see also Matthew 7:15-20) The Lord starts this block of teaching with a warning: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Gratefully the Lord gives us a way to discern or judge: by their fruits. So the question here is: what manner […]
Strait Is the Gate
3 Nephi 14:13-14 (see also Matthew 7:13-14) In these verses, the strait gate is not defined. But Nephi clearly defines it in 2 Nephi 31:17-18, “For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. And […]
Do Ye Even So To Them
3 Nephi 14:12 (See also Matthew 7:12) The footnotes in Matthew are more abundant than in 3 Nephi. This single verse is known as “the golden rule” and is an injunction to kindness. But the wording is such, that the Lord doesn’t just say “be kind,” but rather “all things whatsoever ye would that men […]
Ask of God
3 Nephi 14:6-11 (See also Matthew 7:6-11; JST, Matthew 7:9-20) Go ye into the world, saying unto all, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come nigh unto you. And the mysteries of the kingdom ye shall keep within yourselves; for it is not meet to give that which is holy unto the dogs; neither […]
Judge Righteous Judgments
3 Nephi 14:1-5 (See also Matthew 7:1-5; JST, Matthew 7:1-8) The start of this chapter is altered significantly in the Joseph Smith Translation. It reads: Now these are the words which Jesus taught his disciples that they should say unto the people. Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged; but judge righteous judgment. JST, […]
First the Kingdom of God
3 Nephi 13:19-34 (See also Matthew 6:19-34) This group of verses is broken into two sections. The first was addressed to the multitude; the second was specific instructions to the Savior’s twelve chosen disciples. The instruction that had been given to the twelve is some of the doctrines that I’ve taken to me most personally. […]