Alma 4 - 5

Being a High Priest, Alma expresses his sense of responsibility to the members of the Church is Zarahemla -

"...this is the order after which I am called, yea, to preach unto my beloved brethren, yea, and every one that dwelleth in the land; yea, to preach unto all, both old and young, both bond and free; yea, I say unto you the aged, and also the middle aged, and the rising generation; yea, to cry unto them that they must repent and be born again." (Book of Mormon Alma 5:49)

And then he asks some very poignant questions -

"...my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:14)

"...Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:15)

"...can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:16)

"...can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands?" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:19)

"...can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:19)

"Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins?" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:27)

"...are ye stripped of pride? ...is there one among you who is not stripped of envy? "...is there one among you that doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions?" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:28 - 31)

Or -

"...do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say—Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth—and that he will save you?
18 Or otherwise, can ye imagine yourselves brought before the tribunal of God with your souls filled with guilt and remorse, having a remembrance of all your guilt, yea, a perfect remembrance of all your wickedness, yea, a remembrance that ye have set at defiance the commandments of God?" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:17 - 18)

"...can ye think of being saved when you have yielded yourselves to become subjects to the devil?" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:20)

"...how will any of you feel, if ye shall stand before the bar of God, having your garments stained with blood and all manner of filthiness? Behold, what will these things testify against you?
23 Behold will they not testify...that ye are guilty of all manner of wickedness?" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:22 - 23)

"...do ye suppose that such an one can have a place to sit down in the kingdom of God, with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob, and also all the holy prophets, whose garments are cleansed and are spotless, pure and white?" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:24)

"...Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life...he is not prepared, and the time is at hand that he must repent or he cannot be saved!" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:28 - 31)

"...for there can no man be saved except his garments are washed white; yea, his garments must be purified until they are cleansed from all stain, through the blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers, who should come to redeem his people from their sins." (Book of Mormon Alma 5:21)

For the Savior -

"...sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.
34 Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;
35 Yea, come unto me and bring forth works of righteousness..." (Book of Mormon Alma 5:33 - 35)

"...the good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:38)

Alma 1 - 3

Speaking of the infinite atonement, the Savior said -

"...Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:25)

And that -

"...he hath given it free for all men..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:27)

And -

" all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:28)

And because of that -

"...and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:27)

And in their persuasion, they -

"...should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish.
31 But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:30 - 31)

"...for if they labor for money they shall perish." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:31)

Nephi describes the "laboring in Zion" for money as priestcraft , saying-

"...priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:29)

And of these priestcrafts -

"...the Lord hath forbidden this thing..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:30)

Priestcrafts suddenly seemed to become popular while Alma sat in the judgement seat. He tells us -

"...there was a man...who was large, and was noted for his much strength.
3 And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people.
4 And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life..." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:2 - 4)

And because of the easiness of the way with no responsibility in keeping the commandments -

"...many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:5)

Of his preaching, Alma said -

"...this is the first time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:12)

And as if in a spirit of prophecy, Alma said

"...were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their entire destruction." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:12)

His name was Nehor. And as a result of his success, Nehor -

"...began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner of his preaching." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:6)

And it was because of his success and great pride that Nehor later committed murder when Gideon challenged his teachings. And because of murder, not priestcraft, that

"...they took him... and they carried him upon the top of the hill Manti, and there he was caused, or rather did acknowledge, between the heavens and the earth, that what he had taught to the people was contrary to the word of God; and there he suffered an ignominious death." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:15)

Sadly, the scriptures continue -

"...this did not put an end to the spreading of priestcraft through the land; for there were many who loved the vain things of the world, and they went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:16)

Nephi suggested that we -

"...liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 19:23)

As we liken these scriptures to us, it doesn't take much to see the same philosophies, teachings, and priestcraft of Nehor in our day. Let us be warned.

Mosiah 26 - 29

During the reign of King Mosiah -

"...there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers.
2 They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 26:1 - 2)

And because of their unbelief -

"...they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened...for they would not call upon the Lord their God." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 26:3 - 4)

Among these unbelievers were four sons of King Mosiah and a son of Alma, the high priest over the Church. Not only were these men unbelievers but they also went about secretly to destroy the Church. Of the son of Alma, also called Alma, Mormon tells us he was -

"...a very wicked and an idolatrous man. And he was a man of many words, and did speak much flattery to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities.
9 And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 27:8 - 9)

And -

"...while he was going about to destroy the church of God, for he did go about secretly with the sons of Mosiah seeking to destroy the church, and ...rebelling against God..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 27:10 - 11)

"...the angel of the Lord appeared unto them; and he descended as it were in a cloud; and he spake as it were with a voice of thunder, which caused the earth to shake upon which they stood..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 27:11)

"And so great was their astonishment, that they fell to the earth, and understood not the words which he spake unto them.
13 Nevertheless he cried again, saying: Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? " (Book of Mormon Mosiah 27:12 - 13)

This being very similar to what would happen to Saul of Tarsus a little over a hundred years later when he came near to Damascus and -

"...suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" (New Testament Acts 9:3 - 4)

As I read these two events in scriptural history, I wondered, "why would the Lord provide such a miraculous and wonderful visitation to Paul and these men who -

"...were the very vilest of sinners..." ?(Book of Mormon Mosiah 28:4)

As I read, the answer seemed that it may have had nothing to do with them. For the angel tells Alma -

"Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 27:14)

The Lord may have heard similar prayers of faith from early Saints that lead to the life-changing event for the apostle Paul.

Like Paul, these men repented and became some of greatest and valiant missionaries in scripture. And again like Paul, their repentance wasn't a simple - I'm sorry and I'll never do it again, but required remorse, suffering, and humility. Alma said -

"...I was in the darkest abyss;...my soul was racked with eternal torment..."
(Book of Mormon Mosiah 27:29)

He later tells his son Helaman -

I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins...even with the pains of a damned soul." (Book of Mormon Alma 36:12 - 16)

The sons of Mosiah also relate -

"...they suffered much anguish of soul because of their iniquities, suffering much and fearing that they should be cast off forever." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 28:4)

The faith and prayers of the people did not end with the angel's command to -

"...go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 27:16)

For -

"...they began to fast, and to pray to the Lord their God that he would open the mouth of Alma, that he might speak, and also that his limbs might receive their strength—that the eyes of the people might be opened to see and know of the goodness and glory of God.
23 And it came to pass after they had fasted and prayed for the space of two days and two nights, the limbs of Alma received their strength, and he stood up and began to speak unto them, bidding them to be of good comfort..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 27:22 - 23)

It is after their fasting and prayers that Alma receives strength and announces -

"I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 27:24)

We are commanded to pray always. We may never really know of the power or the impact our prayers have in our lives and the lives of others.

Mosiah 19 - 25

In these chapters we read about the captivity and bondage of two groups of people and their deliverance by the hand of the Lord. The circumstances of their captivity and bondage are in great contrast. So also is the nature of their deliverance. But in both cases, each were dependent upon the Lord.

Of the first group, Limhi tells his people -

"...it is because of our iniquities and abominations that [God] has brought us into bondage..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 7:20)

And it was because of their hardships and burdens placed on this people that motivated them to come to the Lord for -

"...the afflictions of the Nephites were great, and there was no way that they could deliver themselves out of their hands, for the Lamanites had surrounded them on every side." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:5)

There attempts were to fight their way out of bondage and -

"...they gathered themselves together again, and put on their armor, and went forth against the Lamanites to drive them out of their land.
8 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did beat them, and drove them back, and slew many of them." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:7 - 8)

Even went to battle to -

"...the third time, and suffered in the like manner..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:12)

And with these losses they were forced to submit -

"...themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of their enemies." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:13)

And in this condition -

"...they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:14)

And because they were slow to do his will -

"...the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:15)

But nonetheless, because of their sincere humility and repentance -

"...the Lord did hear their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:15)

And because of their brief repentance -

"...they began to prosper by degrees in the land, and began to raise grain more abundantly, and flocks, and herds, that they did not suffer with hunger." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:16)

As they began to prosper and their burdens eased, they did not forget the Lord for they -

"...entered into a covenant with God... to serve him and keep his commandments." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:32)

It was in these conditions that Ammon and others discovered them and by strategy enabled their escape and guided them to the land of Zarahemla.

Of these people, Mosiah later said -

"And were it not for the interposition of their all–wise Creator, and this because of their sincere repentance, they must unavoidably remain in bondage until now.
20 But behold, he did deliver them because they did humble themselves before him; and because they cried mightily unto him he did deliver them out of bondage; and thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put their trust in him." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 29:19 - 20)

The second group were those repentant believers that had followed Alma. This group, in contrast to the first were living righteously in happiness and peace in the land of Helam, when they were brought into bondage. But even the righteous are tried and tested where Mormon teaches -

"...Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 23:21)

Why? For -

"...whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 23:22)

"...and thus it was with this people." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 23:22)

But because of the diligence and righteousness of this group, their deliverance was more of both a spiritual and miraculous nature than that of Limhi's people.

With the people of Alma in Helam, Amulon -

"...exercised authority over them, and put tasks upon them, and put task–masters over them...and... great were their afflictions..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 24:9 - 10)

And as they continued in great prayer -

"...Amulon commanded them that they should stop their cries; and he put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 24:11)

And with that the people -

"...did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 24:12)

Because of this people's great faith -

"...the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 24:13 - 15)

I think these verses are of great significance. In the situation of Limhi's people, we learn their relief was more of a physical or temporal nature in that they did start to prosper. The Lord did not necessarily make their burden light. But in the case of the faithful and righteous people of Alma, in their day of trial, he did make their burden light in the people were cheerful and patient in their day of trial. I'll bet their cheerfullness must have drove Amulon crazy.

And in contrast to the deliverance of Limhi's people by stragedy, the deliverance of the people of Alma was by miracle for -

"...the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage...Now it came to pass that Alma and his people in the night–time gathered their flocks together, and also of their grain; yea, even all the night–time were they gathering the flocks together.
19 And in the morning the Lord caused a deep sleep to come upon the Lamanites, yea, and all their task–masters were in a profound sleep.
20 And Alma and his people departed into the wilderness..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 24:16 - 20)

And later -

"...they arrived in the land of Zarahemla; and king Mosiah did also receive them with joy." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 24:25)

I feel the lesson here is that none are free from hardships and trials, but dependent of our faithfulness in keeping the commandments and calling upon the Lord, will determine how quick he will hear our prayers and provide a means of deliverance.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (New Testament Matthew 11:28 - 30)

Mosiah 18

One of the priests of King Noah believed the words of Abinadi and stood for his defense. In response -

"...the king was more wroth, and caused that Alma should be cast out from among them, and sent his servants after him that they might slay him.
4 But he fled from before them and hid himself that they found him not. And he being concealed for many days did write all the words which Abinadi had spoken." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 17:3 - 4)

And Alma -

"...repented of his sins and iniquities, and went about privately among the people, and began to teach the words of Abinadi—
2 Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.
3 And as many as would hear his word he did teach. And he taught them privately, that it might not come to the knowledge of the king. And many did believe his words." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:1 - 3)

Alma held meetings with the believers in a secret place called Mormon and -

"...he did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:7)

And there was at this place of Mormon, "a fountain of pure water". An it is here that we learn important principles on the covenant of baptism for Alma -

"...said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon...and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— "(Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:8 - 9)

And for those willing to make that covenant, and -

"...if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?" (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:10)

And they all were willing to enter into this covenant. And Alma did -

"...baptize every one that went forth to the place of Mormon..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:16)

And they were -

"...filled with the Spirit." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:14)

And -

"...filled with the grace of God." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:16)

"And they were called the church of God, or the church of Christ, from that time forward. And it came to pass that whosoever was baptized by the power and authority of God was added to his church." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:17) The power and authority of God or the Priesthood being a necessary component.

I ask, does baptism and membership in the church alone qualify one to be a child of Christ?

Alma understood the answer to this question for he commanded them after baptism and admission into the Church of Christ for -

"...he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:21)

In that they should -

"...impart of their substance of their own free will and good desires towards God, and to those priests that stood in need, yea, and to every needy, naked soul...and they did walk uprightly before God, imparting to one another both temporally and spiritually according to their needs and their wants. (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:28 - 29)

And they were also to -

"...observe the sabbath day, and keep it holy, and also every day they should give thanks to the Lord their God...And there was one day in every week that was set apart that they should gather themselves together to teach the people, and to worship the Lord their God, and also, as often as it was in their power, to assemble themselves together." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:23 - 25)

And by doing all these things, Mormon reflects -

"...And thus they became the children of God." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:22)

Mosiah 15 - 17

After the Priests of King Noah had asked many questions to cross Abinadi so that they would have something whereby they could accuse him, Abinadi -

"...answered them boldly, and withstood all their questions, yea, to their astonishment; for he did withstand them in all their questions, and did confound them in all their words." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 12:19)

As the King -

"...heard these words, he said unto his priests: Away with this fellow, and slay him; for what have we to do with him, for he is mad.
2 And they stood forth and attempted to lay their hands on him; but he withstood them, and said unto them:
3 Touch me not, for God shall smite you if ye lay your hands upon me, for I have not delivered the message which the Lord sent me to deliver; neither have I told you that which ye requested that I should tell; therefore, God will not suffer that I shall be destroyed at this time." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 13:1 - 3)

"...But I finish my message; and then it matters not whither I go, if it so be that I am saved." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 13:9)

The message was of such great importance that Abinadi later gave his life as a result of delivering the message. What was that message?

It was in response to Isaiah's quiry - "...who shall declare his generation?"

Abinadi delivers the message that Jesus Christ is both the Father and the Son. This may be somewhat confusing to some as they study the Book of Mormon. In this case, Abinadi is not saying that the Savior is God, the Eternal Father - even though it is referenced many times in scripture that they are One. In my mind, he is explaining that he is the Father in the sense that his atonement brings eternal life to all those who believe on his name. All those that believe on his name become the children of Christ.

King Benjamin taught -

"...because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 5:7)

This can be easily understood as we consider that he is called the Father of Heaven and Earth in that he brought about the creation of the heavens and the earth. We also have earthly fathers that we call - Father - in that they gave us our physical life here on earth.

Abinadi message begins -

"...I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people.
2 And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son—
3 The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son—
4 And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 15:1 - 4)

And how do the men become his children, because -

"...God breaketh the bands of death, having gained the victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of men—
9 Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 15:8 - 9)

Then Abinadi asks -

"...who shall declare his generation? Behold, I say unto you, that when his soul has been made an offering for sin he shall see his seed. And now what say ye? And who shall be his seed?
11 Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God.
12 For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now, are they not his seed?" (Book of Mormon Mosiah 15:10 - 12)

Because of the atonement of Christ and his breaking the bands of deaths, all will be resurrected.

"...But behold, the bands of death shall be broken, and the Son reigneth, and hath power over the dead; therefore, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 15:20)

Then Abinadi teaches of two times of resurrections -

"...here cometh a resurrection, even a first resurrection; yea, even a resurrection of those that have been, and who are, and who shall be, even until the resurrection of Christ—for so shall he be called.
22 And now, the resurrection of all the prophets, and all those that have believed in their words, or all those that have kept the commandments of God, shall come forth in the first resurrection; therefore, they are the first resurrection.
23 They are raised to dwell with God who has redeemed them; thus they have eternal life through Christ, who has broken the bands of death." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 15:21 - 23)

These are they who are his seed. For it is those that keep commandments and preach of Christ. Abinadi said -

13 Yea, and are not the prophets, every one that has opened his mouth to prophesy, that has not fallen into transgression, I mean all the holy prophets ever since the world began? I say unto you that they are his seed.
14 And these are they who have published peace, who have brought good tidings of good, who have published salvation; and said unto Zion: Thy God reigneth!
15 And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!
16 And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace!
17 And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!
18 And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people;
(Book of Mormon Mosiah 15:13 - 18)

Paul taught the same -

6 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him..." (New Testament Romans 8:16 - 17)

And in conclusion of Abinadi's message he said -

"...Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father. Amen." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 16:15)

Mosiah 12 - 14

As Abinadi stood before King Noah and his Priests he asked -

"...what know ye concerning the law of Moses? Doth salvation come by the law of Moses? What say ye?" (Book of Mormon Mosiah 12:31)

After their response was that they thought -

"...salvation did come by the law of Moses." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 12:32)

To which abinadi responds -

"...I know if ye keep the commandments of God ye shall be saved..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 12:33)

But they had not understood that keeping the commandments alone did not bring salvation. Abinadi again asks -

"...did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things?" (Book of Mormon Mosiah 13:33)

It was obvious to Abinadi, because of their wickedness, that they had not studied the teachings of the prophets -

"...for I perceive that they are not written in your hearts..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 13:11)

"Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 12:27)

"Know ye not that I speak the truth? Yea, ye know that I speak the truth; and you ought to tremble before God." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 12:30)

Because, did not the prophets write that -

"...God himself should come down among the children of men, and take upon him the form of man, and go forth in mighty power upon the face of the earth?
35 Yea, and have they not said also that he should bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, and that he, himself, should be oppressed and afflicted?" (Book of Mormon Mosiah 13:34 - 35)

Of all the prophets, Abinadi choose to quote the words of Isaiah -
(These words are so powerful to me that I feel the reader should read and ponder all his words)

"...YEA, even doth not Isaiah say: Who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground; he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment; and who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgressions of my people was he stricken.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no evil, neither was any deceit in his mouth." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 14:1 - 9)

As Abinadi quotes these words of the prophet Isaiah, he answers his first question -

"...He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied; by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death; and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 14:11 - 12)

It will be those justified that are those who kept his law and obeyed his commandments.

Mosiah 7 - 11

As the people that followed Zeniff began to settle the land of Lehi-Nephi, Zeniff confesses -

"...we were slow to remember the Lord our God." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 9:3)

A repentant King Limhi acknowledges -

"...how long doth he suffer with his people; yea, and how blind and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of men; for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them!
21 Yea, they are as a wild flock which fleeth from the shepherd, and scattereth, and are driven, and are devoured by the beasts of the forest. (Book of Mormon Mosiah 8:20 - 21)

The Lord tells us -

"...I will not succor my people in the day of their transgression; but I will hedge up their ways that they prosper not; and their doings shall be as a stumbling block before them." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 7:29)

And -

"...except they repent I will visit them in mine anger.
21 And except they repent and turn to the Lord their God, behold, I will deliver them into the hands of their enemies; yea, and they shall be brought into bondage; and they shall be afflicted by the hand of their enemies.
22 And it shall come to pass that they shall know that I am the Lord their God, and am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of my people." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 11:20 - 22)

But the Lord also promises that -

"...as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 26:30)

We find this the case with this people as they were confronted with being placed in bondage by their enemies. Zeniff tells us -

"...for I and my people did cry mightily to the Lord that he would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, for we were awakened to a remembrance of the deliverance of our fathers.
18 And God did hear our cries and did answer our prayers..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 9:17 - 18)

But the Lord also tells us, and this is probably dependent upon the wickedness, that he may not be quick in hearing prayers -

"...that when they shall cry unto me I will be slow to hear their cries; yea, and I will suffer them that they be smitten by their enemies." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 11:24)

These words of Abinadi seem much the same as those in revelation to the modern saints in Missouri -

"They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble.
8 In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:7 - 8)

But the promise still is -

"...if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 7:33)

Mosiah 4 - 6

What is faith? Is it more than just believing? To have faith in Christ require more than a verbal confession? To really have faith in Christ require trust and hope in him when faced with trials, tribulation, and challenges. Can one have faith without obeying his commandments and serving others? Can one have faith without sacrifice?

The reaction of the people to the words of King Benjamin regarding the coming of the Christ bring us great insight -

"And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 5:2)

And with that they claim -

"And it is the faith which we have had on the things which our king has spoken unto us that has brought us to this great knowledge, whereby we do rejoice with such exceedingly great joy."
(Book of Mormon Mosiah 5:4)

And then as evidence of their faith -

"...we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 5:5)

This obedience would include as King Benjamin taught -

"...ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 4:13)

"...ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness.
15 But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 4:14 - 15)

"...ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 4:16)

"...ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 4:26)

"...ye should remember, that whosoever among you borroweth of his neighbor should return the thing that he borroweth, according as he doth agree, or else thou shalt commit sin; and perhaps thou shalt cause thy neighbor to commit sin also." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 4:28)

And in being obedient the people are counseled -

"And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 4:27)

And as the people made this covenant , King Benjamin taught -

"...because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.
8 And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 5:7 - 8)

"I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts... but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.
13 For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?" (Book of Mormon Mosiah 5:12 - 13)

This is what I believe is faith in Christ!

"Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 5:15)

Mosiah 2 - 3

The righteous King Benjamin tells his people some things that were made known unto him by an angel from God. It appears the angel came while he was sleeping and the angel said -

"...Awake; and I awoke, and behold he stood before me.
3 And he said unto me: Awake, and hear the words which I shall tell thee; for behold, I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy.
4 For the Lord hath heard thy prayers, and hath judged of thy righteousness, and hath sent me to declare unto thee that thou mayest rejoice; and that thou mayest declare unto thy people, that they may also be filled with joy." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 3:2 - 4)

The very purpose of the angel's visit was to declare Christ -

For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.
6 And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men...And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.
9 And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name; and even after all this they shall consider him a man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall scourge him, and shall crucify him." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 3:5 - 9)

And with that the Angel reveals -

"...he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 3:7)

And -

"...his blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 3:11)

But not all -

"...For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 3:12)

Faith and repentance meaning to -

"...love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ...serve him...[and] offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:5 - 8)

That all his children -

"...might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceedingly great joy..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 3:13)

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 3:19)

And then with plainness the Angel reveals -

"...there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 3:17)

Let it be known to" every nation, kindred, tongue, and people."

Words of Mormon - Mosiah 1

Nephi, Jacob, and Enos, and Mormon expressed how important it was to them to have their sacred writings and records kept and preserved for future generations. (see 2 Nephi 25:21, Jacob 1:3, Enos 1:16, W of M 1:11) Mormon tells us -

"...And I, Mormon, pray to God that they may be preserved from this time henceforth. And I know that they will be preserved; for there are great things written upon them, out of which my people and their brethren shall be judged at the great and last day, according to the word of God which is written..." (Book of Mormon Words of Mormon 1:11)

By the time Mormon receives the records, which is hundreds of years after Enos, the size and volume must have been immense. It is Mormon that is inspired to make his own record of the things that he feels is of most worth to future generations for he tells us -

"...And now, I speak somewhat concerning that which I have written; for after I had made an abridgment from the plates of Nephi...and the things which are upon these plates pleasing me, because of the prophecies of the coming of Christ... and I cannot write the hundredth part of the things of my people..." (Book of Mormon Words of Mormon 1:3 - 5)

And as he was in the process of making an abridgment of those things which were most pleasing to him, he tells us as he -

"...searched among the records which had been delivered into my hands, and I found these plates, which contained this small account of the prophets, from Jacob down to the reign of this king Benjamin, and also many of the words of Nephi..." (Book of Mormon Words of Mormon 1:3)

And then he tells us -

"...I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren." (Book of Mormon Words of Mormon 1:6)

He just doesn't arbitrarily do that, he says -

"...I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will..." (Book of Mormon Words of Mormon 1:7)

As I read these words this morning, I kind of felt that my blogging was somewhat like that of Mormon. Though I admit I am nothing near to the stature of Mormon, my scripture blogging is in a sense is an abridgement of an abridgement of those things which are most pleasing to me. The things I write I believe are also -

"...according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me..." (Book of Mormon Words of Mormon 1:7)

Enos - Omni

I believe Enos, the son of Jacob, gives us some great insight into the "still small voice" mentioned by Elijah. (1 Kings 19:12)

"...I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart.
4 And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens." (Book of Mormon Enos 1:3 - 4)

And as he did -

"...there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed." (Book of Mormon Enos 1:5)

And Enose says to the voice -

"...Lord, how is it done?..." (Book of Mormon Enos 1:7)

And the voice of the Lord said -

"...Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole..." (Book of Mormon Enos 1:8)

I believe a sign or evidence that a person has obtained a spiritual witness or testimony of Jesus Christ is that he will be filled with love and will immediately become interested in the salvation of others and want to share with them this new found truth. Enos relates that upon receiving his witness -

"...I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren, the Nephites; wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them." (Book of Mormon Enos 1:9)

And then,

"...while I was thus struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind again, saying: I will visit thy brethren according to their diligence in keeping my commandments...." (Book of Mormon Enos 1:10)

As Enos explains that the still small voice came into his mind, again, suggests the previous voice of the Lord or the communication with the Lord was also in his mind. This follows right along with the instruction of the Lord to Oliver Cowdery -

"...I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 8:2)

And this still small voice -

"...is the spirit of revelation..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 8:3)

Jacob 3 - 7

Speaking of the lamanites, Jacob tells his people that -

"...their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children..." (Book of Mormon Jacob 3:7)

And because -

"...this commandment they observe to keep...the Lord God will not destroy them, but will be merciful unto them..." (Book of Mormon Jacob 3:6)

And then Jacob admonishes the Nephites -

Wherefore, ye shall remember your children, how that ye have grieved their hearts because of the example that ye have set before them...

And he -

...spake many more things unto the people of Nephi, warning them against fornication and lasciviousness, and every kind of sin, telling them the awful consequences of them." (Book of Mormon Jacob 3:10 - 12)

As Jacob writes these words, he makes an interesting point -

"...I cannot write but a little of my words, because of the difficulty of engraving our words upon plates..." (Book of Mormon Jacob 4:1)

But he still chooses to write upon the plates, not only because Nephi commanded him to, but because -

"...we know that the things which we write upon plates must remain;
2 But whatsoever things we write upon anything save it be upon plates must perish and vanish away; but we can write a few words upon plates, which will give our children, and also our beloved brethren, a small degree of knowledge concerning us, or concerning their fathers—" (Book of Mormon Jacob 4:1 - 2)

"...for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ..." (Book of Mormon Jacob 4:4)

"...great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God.
9 For behold, by the power of his word man came upon the face of the earth, which earth was created by the power of his word. Wherefore, if God being able to speak and the world was, and to speak and man was created, O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workmanship of his hands upon the face of it, according to his will and pleasure?" (Book of Mormon Jacob 4:8 - 9)


"...Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.
11 Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him..." (Book of Mormon Jacob 4:10 - 11)

"...my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts." (Book of Mormon Jacob 6:5)

"O be wise; what can I say more?" (Book of Mormon Jacob 6:12)

Jacob 1 - 2

Jacob, the brother of Nephi, expresses his feelings in the great responsibility he felt after -

“…having first obtained mine errand from the Lord.” (Book of Mormon Jacob 1:17)

For –

“..Jacob, and [his] brother Joseph had been consecrated priests and teachers of this people, by the hand of Nephi.

(Book of Mormon Jacob 1:17 - 18)

And that -

“..we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.” (Book of Mormon Jacob 1:19)

This is the kind of faith and commitment Jacob had. He tells us –

“…as I inquired of the Lord, thus came the word unto me, saying: Jacob, get thou up into the temple on the morrow, and declare the word which I shall give thee unto this people.” (Book of Mormon Jacob 2:11)

Among other things, Jacob had noticed that the people had

“…began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices.” (Book of Mormon Jacob 1:15 - 16)

And he tells them -

“…that many of you have begun to search for gold, and for silver, and for all manner of precious ores, in the which this land, which is a land of promise unto you and to your seed, doth abound most plentifully.
13 And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly, that you have obtained many riches; and because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are lifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel…” (Book of Mormon Jacob 2:12 - 13)

But not only just wearing costly apparel but that you –

“…persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they.” (Book of Mormon Jacob 2:13)

He asks his people –

“…my brethren, do ye suppose that God justifieth you in this thing?” (Book of Mormon Jacob 2:14)

No way! Do we not realize that no matter how hot we think we are or how much better we think we are that God -

…can pierce you, and with one glance of his eye he can smite you to the dust!” (Book of Mormon Jacob 2:15)

The Lord wants us to –

“…think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.” (Book of Mormon Jacob 2:17)

And admonishes us that -

“…before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.”..(Book of Mormon Jacob 2:18 - 19)

In closing on this topic, Jacob’s pleads -

"O that he would rid you from this iniquity and abomination. And, O that ye would listen unto the word of his commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls!" (Book of Mormon Jacob 2:16)

2 Nephi 33

I've been asked to speak in stake priesthood meeting this evening. I have spent a great deal of time in writing my talk. It's interesting to me that this morning I read these word of Nephi -

"...when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 33:1)

But sadly, not everyone will receive that Spirit. Nephi said that -

"...there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 33:2)

All I can do is strive to prepare myself to receive and speak by the Spirit. I can pray that those to whom I speak may also receive the Spirit. Nephi says he does just that us -

"...I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry.
4 And I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers for the gain of my people..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 33:3 - 4)

And that the words he had written -

"...will be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which is life eternal." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 33:4)

For -

"...I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 33:6)

He closes with -

"...my beloved brethren... hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 33:10)

2 Nephi 29 - 32

As Nephi comes to his last writings in his small plates, he says there are -

"...a few words which I must speak concerning the doctrine of Christ; wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:2)

He speaks of repentance and baptism then follows -

"...I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:13)

What is this - the "tongue of angels"? First Nephi reminds us -

"...Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?" (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 32:2)

"Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 32:3)

So to speak with the tongue of angels we must be worthy and receive the Holy Ghost. We must also come to understand and speak the words of Christ. To do that, Nephi admonishes us -
"...feast upon the words of Christ..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 32:3)

For it is -

"...the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 32:3)
And if we cannot understand the words of Christ -

"...it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 32:4)

And as we study and come to understand the words of Christ through prayer and by feasting upon the scriptures, then when we speak the words of Christ with the Spirit, we speak with the tongues of angels.

"Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:22)

2 Nephi 27 - 28

"...wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!
25 Wo be unto him that crieth: All is well!..."(Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 28:24 - 25)

For there are many in the Church -

"...which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.
8 And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words...there is no harm in this; and do all these things...and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 28:7 - 8)

I have relationships with some that believe -

"...after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the dark."
(Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 28:9)

In my mind, "to hide their counsels from the Lord", is to knowingly hide their sins and their plans, designs, and intentions from their priesthood leaders.

"...Yea, they have all gone out of the way; they have become corrupted." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 28:11)

How?

"Because of pride, and...false doctrine;...because of pride they are puffed up." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 28:12)

And the results are -

"...They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries; they rob the poor because of their fine clothing; and they persecute the meek and the poor in heart, because in their pride they are puffed up.
14 They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have... gone astray ..., that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men.
15 O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in the pride of their hearts...and all those who commit whoredoms, and pervert the right way of the Lord, wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust down to hell!" (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 28:13 - 15)

And this is all because the Devil doth pacify them -

"...and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 28:21)

2 Nephi 26

In the Church we have priesthood leaders that have been set apart, and in some cases, given keys to preside over quorums, wards, stakes and so forth. We are taught that we will be blessed as we follow their counsel in righteousness. In my mind, to preside means to become the servant not the boss for -

"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:41 - 44)

The Savior taught for -

"...he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." (New Testament Matthew 23:11)

We are also taught that the father presides in the home and that the wife and family also will be blessed as they follow his counsel in righteousness. But for some reason, many fathers, husbands, and priesthood bearers interpret that to mean they are the boss and should control the family. I think the modern term is "control freak".

I believe the same principles apply to he that presides in the home and he that presides in the Church. Nephi teaches us the Lord -

"...commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion (or the family).
30 Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love...." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:29 - 30)

For many that read these verses, I'm sure their first thought of priestcrafts is outside the Church. But I thought this morning how often priestcrafts may take place within the Church because -

"...their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—
36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:35 - 37)