“A Voice… Out Of Heaven”

3 Nephi 11: 1-7 (I am finally here!) Three times it took the people to lend an ear toward the voice that they heard from the heavens, and this is what they hear: Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him. Vs. 7 The …

Unto the Fulfilling of the Prophecies of Many of the Holy Prophets

3 Nephi 10 Today’s thoughts are more a commentary on the need for scripture study. Before my studies today, I was easily provoked, angry, and vengeful. During my scripture study, I am comtemplating the need for patience, forgiveness, and continuance in the course laid out before me. This particular set of scriptures is curious on …

If Ye Will Come Unto Me Ye Shall Have Eternal Life

3 Nephi 9 Judgment is the Lord’s. This chapter contains accounts of that judgment in action. Christ has power to stop the wicked in their wickedness, mercifully, so that a further judgment or condemnation may not be required at their hands. The Lord is waiting (patiently) for me to start producing (stop consuming) media messages …

Divided into Tribes

3 Nephi 7 So here in the midst of chaos and virtual anarchy among the people (i.e. people divided into tribes; government overthrown), Nephi continues in his righteousness, being richly blessed of the Lord. The account says that Nephi did minister with great power and authority among the people. The people in turn became angry …

Carried About by the Temptations of the Devil

3 Nephi 6 How quickly the people had turned from their righteousness! In the brief span of five years, they go from being freed from robbers and having experienced that miraculous deliverance, to being organized according to class. And these are not the same people who were once robbers. Didn’t those merchants and lawyers experience …

Then Shall They Know Their Redeemer… and Then Shall They Be Gathered In

3 Nephi 5 This book was given for the gathering of Israel, or the house of Jacob, and chapter 5 clearly demonstrates that its author, Mormon, was fully aware of the covenant and that purpose for its creation. How important is it to understand that God keeps his promises, and so much of what is …

Delivered from an Everlasting Destruction

3 Nephi 4 Looking for meaning in these verses, it strikes me as profoundly symbolic of the individual, internal struggle that is made against sin. Sometimes, in our lives, especially when we are fighting against internal demons, habits, and vices– sometimes it becomes necessary to sequester ourselves from influences or individuals to literally save our …

Delivered Out of the Hands of Those… Robbers

3 Nephi 3 Contemplations on the Boldness of a Robber Giddianhi, the governor of the robbers of Gadianton, makes a very interesting proposition. At one point he sounds as if he is proposing a united order, or a communal society. However this proposal is mixed with demands of compliance and union to their secret society. …

Their Curse Was Taken from Them

3 Nephi 2 Verse 1 states that the people “began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven,” which makes sense, especially if signs or wonders were increasing or become more common place. Is not the sun and moon and all things that are set at motion in this …