Sunday, November 29, 2009

39e - In the Spirit of His Divine Calling Jesus Ministers in Palestine. Except for Converted Lamanites, Lehi's Descendant Were Not Living Righteously.

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TODAY'S THEME

Christ Ordaining the Twelve Apostles in Palestine -by Harry Anderson
Jesus, after having called twelve disciples (apostles) in Palestine to serve with him, went about teaching people and doing much good. His power as the actual Son of God was evident by the miracles he performed along the way. He was doing His Father's will as He fully prepared Himself as the Savior of mankind. Here is a brief pictorial overview of His labors.

The Sermon on the Mount -by Harry Anderson
The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5: 1-48



Jesus and Little Children

Jesus and Little Children. Mark 10:13-16


The Good Samaritan -by Walte Rane
Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37



The Prodigal Son by-Clark Kelley Price
The Prodigal Son. Luke 15:10-32


The Rich Young Ruler -by Heinrich Hoffman

Rich Young Ruler. Matthew 19:16-24

Healing the Blind Man -by Del Parson
Healing the Blind Man. John 9: 1-17




Lord, Save Me -by Gary Kapp
Jesus Walking on Water  Mark 6:45-51


Jesus Stilling the Storm -by Gary Kapp
Jesus stilling the storm. Luke 8:22-25 



Painting: Greg K. Olson
Jesus Healing Jairus' Daughter -by Greg K. Olson
Healing Jairus's daughter. Mark 5:22-23


Now we will take a look at the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ and the prophet Mormon's report on how well the Nephites, (Father Lehi's descendants and Mormon's ancestors) are doing in becoming prepared for Jesus' visit to them after his resurrection. Remember that Mormon wrote the Book of Mormon by editing the records of previous Nephite prophets.

3Nephi 6: 1-30

After having establishing peace in their land, we would have hoped that the Nephites, ideally, should have settled into a time of peaceful waiting for the prophecy to be fulfilled of the coming of the resurrected Jesus Christ to their land.

Instead of living righteously after having been successful in defeating the Gadianton Robbers, it appears that many, but not all, began to slip back into their wicked ways of doing things according to the following six of the thirty verses you just read: They are:
3Nephi 6: 10 But it came to pass in the twenty and ninth year there began to be some disputings among the people; and some were lifted up unto pride and boastings because of their exceedingly great riches, yea, even unto great persecutions;
11 For there were many merchants in the land, and also many lawyers, and many officers.
12 And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty, and others did receive great learning because of their riches.
13 Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God.
14 And thus there became a great inequality in all the land,
insomuch that the church began to be broken up; yea,
insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord.
15 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.
16 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. (emphasis added)
Will the Nephites be ready soon after Jesus' resurrection for His visit?

Will they succeed in thwarting Satan's mighty efforts? (Satan is a reality! You would have only had to ask Jesus after His 40 day fast if Satan is real. He was severely tempted by him, but didn't give an inch.) Our Savior is shown in this painting as he commands Satan to depart.


Get Thee Hence Satan

The Nephite-Lamanite Nation prophets, with Nephi taking a leading role, are working hard to prepare their people for that blessed time when Jesus will visit them, but things look pretty rough from what we have just read. Jesus, according to John 10:16, knows he will be visiting His other sheep, some of which are the Nephite-Lamanite Nation. That is a sure thing, but who and how many will be prepared to meet their resurrected Lord?

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Neil Birch