40j - The Prophet Mormon Provided Readers of the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ; An Opportunity to Learn Crucial Lessons of Life!

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TODAY'S THEME

Painting: Tom Lovell

The Prophet Mormon, pictured above, born in about 400 A.D. was commissioned by the Lord Jesus Christ to compile the record of his people on golden plates (so the writing on them could be preserved for many centuries). He was also a general in the Nephite army. You can tell by his shield and sword being within easy reach that his assignment as a record compiling prophet was not the only thing that kept him busy.

Mormon sorely detested his people having degenerated from great righteousness which had come to them because of the first-hand ministry of the resurrected Lord, Jesus Christ among his ancestors about 366 years before. He was an honorable man who did all that he was called upon to do.

It was Mormon, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit who provided us, through the means of the Book of Mormon (which was called that because it was he who put together the records in such a way that in our day and time we could learn from the great lessons that he and his people had learned about serving their Heavenly Father and His resurrected son, Jesus Christ.

It was an inspired Mormon who chose to include the account of good King Benjamin's Temple Sermon through which Benjamin was guided by the Lord to bring about much righteousness among his people at the time he was preparing to turn over the kingdom to his son, Mosiah.

King Benjamin Delivers His Farewell Speech to His People, - by Gary Kapp

Mormon also included the account of the prophet, Abinadi, who very likely was present and deeply influenced by King Benjamin's temple sermon in about 124 B.C. and who had thereby developed the spiritual strength and determination along with direct guidance from God was eventually prepared to say the things in the court of King Noah which brought about Alma's conversion.

Abinadi Addressing King Noah and His Court -by Arnold Friberg

Mormon also chose to give us the account of Alma, a priest of wicked King Noah, who repented after hearing inspired Abinadi's preaching before the king and all his priests. Alma was very likely seated somewhere in that courtroom pictured by artist, Friberg, with the other priests.

King Noah's Former Priest, Now a Prophet of God Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon -by Arnold Friberg

Mormon also saw to it, under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, that we could learn of the converted priest, Alma, who meticulously wrote down all of the teachings of Abinadi for the benefit of himself and the other believing citizens of the kingdom who desired to obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ and who willingly submitted to baptism so that Jesus' Church could be formed under Alma, now a prophet of God.

The Prophet Mormon felt it important to tell us in Mosiah 26:1-24 of difficulties in the kingdom, the cause of which is specifically explained by Mormon in verses 1-3 of that chapter:

Mosiah 1 NOW it came to pass that 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.

3 And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened.

Alma the Younger and the Four Sons of King Mosiah are Reprimanded by an angel. -by Gary Kapp

This painting is a depiction of a remarkable answer to fervent prayer on the part of two fathers, Alma, who had been appointed the High Priest of the Ancient American land, Zarahemla, and his close associate and king, Mosiah.

Alma, the younger and the king's four sons had gone through the kingdom secretly trying to destroy the Church of Jesus Christ and were having much success.

These two fathers' prayers of faith were fully rewarded by the Lord. In our book of books, the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, we read what happened: You can read this in your Book of Mormon or if you prefer you can read and listen to it right here.

Mosiah 27

Having just read and listened to that, you will have learned that because of their experience with the angel of God, all five of these young men made a complete reversal in the direction their lives were taking them. Alma the younger became a great prophet (like his father) and also a government leader.

The sons of Mosiah, after pleading long and hard with their father for his permission to serve as missionaries to their nation's chief enemies, the Lamanites, were finally granted that opportunity. They became valiant and highly successful missionaries. They all remained faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ for the rest of their lives.

I will tell of their astounding experiences in another post before too long.

As a young teenager in my hometown of Roseville, California, I remember well first hearing that Book of Mormon account at a fireside at the home of a family in our LDS ward. I was surprised that such a great prophet as Alma, could have once been an evil sinner.

I was old enough to know what sin could do to a person, namely, me. I thought it amazing that one could make such great changes in themselves as Alma the Younger did. It actually gave me hope that I could be forgiven for my sins if that Alma had been forgiven for all the greater evil He had done.

I learned from Alma's experience that it was through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ that his and my redemption became possible. What comforting assurance!

The above-mentioned Book of Mormon account gives, in Alma 27, the basic history of what happened when the prayers of the two fathers were answered. In Alma, Chapter 36 Alma the younger much later tells one of his own sons about his personal experience with the angel. That account gives you Alma's first-hand account of this astounding event. You can read that entire chapter from your own copy of the Book of Mormon or by clicking on the scriptural link below these instructions:

Alma 36: 1-30

Just in case you decided not to do that much listening/reading now, let me quote here a key thing Alma (the younger) told his own son, Helaman:

Alma 36:15. Oh thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct both soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of my God, to be judged of my deeds.

16. And now for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul.

17. And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.

18. Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.

19. And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more.

20. And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!

There are other very sensitive, touching words spoken by Alma at that time, but I may be keeping you too long. If you desire to read it all, go back above and click on Alma 36:1-30 and read it all.

THERE IS HOPE FOR EACH OF US NO MATTER WHAT EVIL WE MAY HAVE DONE!

I look forward to publishing Post 40k in five days from now. The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, this book of books, (along with the Holy Bible) teaches great lessons the Lord Jesus Christ wants each of us to learn.

Thank you Mormon, and thank you Lord for directing Mormon to put that book together. I hope you readers recognize as we go through these writings of Mormon, how similar in style and in culture the accounts are to those in the Old Testament. After all the Nephite -Lamanite culture originated in the culture of ancient Israel.

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Special Note: Dear Readers of this blog, at the end of my Post 40d - "SAINTS" (Published April 25, 2010) in the COMMENTS section at the end of that post, I suggest that you read the three Comments there. The first Comment was made by Yeti, one of the 22 who has listed himself as a follower of this blog. I followed up with a comment of my own that I made on May 26, 2010 that I would like each of you to read because of the significance of the subject. The third comment was a delayed thank you from me to Yeti for his very excellent comment. I made this same request in my previous post, 40i, so you may not need to review these now.

For your further enlightenment and spiritual strengthening Here is the most recent  Mormon Message

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TO ACCESS NEIL BIRCH'S BLOG INDEX: To Either Read the Full Index Item Which refers To This Blog Post, (Or To Search The Index For Any Other Blog Post You Desire To Access): After You Have Read All Of This Paragraph, Please Scroll Back Up and Click on the following: (The Prophet) Mormon, Under Inspiration from God Chose Those Parts of Nephite History For The Book of Mormon Which Testify of Jesus Christ and Help Readers to Live Righteously. - Post 40j When The Picture of Our Savior, Jesus Christ Sitting Next To a Little Boy Comes Onto Your Screen, Please Scroll Down In The Index To Your Target Item Or Use the Alphabetical Scrolling Device (When It Has Been Installed).

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"Have You Really Read the Book of Mormon" Legal /Statement Thank you for visiting. The author retains intellectual property and creative licensing rights. Permission to use or reprint must be given in writing. © Est.2008 Neil Birch

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I deeply appreciate your readership and very much hope you you will find that which was presented to you in this blog post, very beneficial.

If you have any questions about what you have read or viewed in this post or in any previous posts of mine, or if you even have a curiosity about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and or its teachings, please e-mail me. I'm Neil and my e-mail address is: jneilmelva@gmail.com. If you contact me I'll get back to you just as soon as possible.

I invite you to let your friends and relatives know about this blog if you think they would be interested. Please be advised that I also have an additional blog. It is in Spanish:  Its content is translated from the English in this blog.

Neil Birch

40i - Abinadi's Gospel Teachings and Valiant Sacrifice Led Alma and The Lord's People Forward, Despite Much Adversity!

To Access This Blog's Index, Please Scroll Down To the Fifth Paragraph From the End of This Post!

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TODAY'S THEME

Note: In this post I am altering somewhat, Post 14 which I published in early 2008. In a recent post, Post 40f we learned of the role that the Nephite prophet, Abinadi played in the conversion of Alma, a priest of the wicked king Noah, who was called to repentance by Abinadi and who (Alma) wrote down all of the words that he had heard Abinadi speak to the king and his priests. As reported in that post Alma was soon afterwards directed by the Lord to set up His church among the people who, along with him, Alma, believed in the words of Abinadi.

The painting just below illustrates an experience Alma initiated while setting up the Lord's Church at the Waters of Mormon. In my Post 40f, I showed this same Arnold Friberg painting which shows Alma baptizing at that location, with their guards keeping a keen lookout for the possibility of King Noah's troops finding them.
Here is a smaller version of that painting to give you a feel for what was happening there.

Painting: Arnold Friberg

Alma Baptizing at the Waters of Mormon -by Arnold Friberg

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Photo: Virginia Jensen Birch (My Mother)

Neil Birch at about age seven in front of the First Primary Childrens Hospital of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -photo by Virginia Jensen Birch, Neil's mother.

(I will refer to that photo later.) In this post we will first check on Alma the Elder and those who had been baptized as members of the Church of Jesus Christ at the Waters of Mormon. Please read the following scripture to learn what they did soon after being baptised and had founded Christ's church.

Mosiah 18: 31-35

A question for you. Why didn't the Lord arrange matters so that this faithful group of 450 saints would not have to speedily travel away from the Waters of Mormon into the wilderness to escape King Noah's army?

What about the strong words of prophecy that Abinadi uttered about the downfall of King Noah and his priests and the people who continued to follow them? Why should King Noah still be able to continue in his evil ways of preventing true believers from worshipping as they wish? Does the Lord have a purpose in allowing adversity to come upon His people? If so, why?

Examine your own life! Has any adversity you may have faced actually turned out to have had a beneficial effect on you? While you are trying to answer my question let me tell you about some adversity I experienced in a early part of my life.

On a Friday in about April of 2008 on a Friday afternoon while doing my forty minute elliptical exercise (six days a week routine, keeping my heart rate under 141 beats a minute as my doctor told me 76 year-olds should do, and using two medically implanted new knees - one on December 13, 2002 and the other on February 6, 2008), I saw and heard a good sized group of boys on the basketball court just behind me down on the first floor making all kinds of happy noises while working out in a basketball camp. They were really shouting for joy, the joy of using their bodies to develop skills needed in playing basketball.

I remembered right then, that at the age of those boys, I would have never been "shouting for joy" like those boys were doing because my doctor, Lucas W. Empey, had on purpose made my left knee stiff. At age five I had contracted Tuberculosis of the left knee which brought on a case of osteomyelites because of raw milk that turned out to be infected with TB bacteria we had been buying from a dairy near Roseville, California where I grew up.

To achieve my having a stiff left knee, Doctor Empey put me in traction for most of the rest of my fifth year by attaching pulleys to the outside end of my crib with weights on the ends of ropes that ran over the pulleys and stretched my left knee straight during much of the daytime hours for about half a year. This was done because the medical opinion was that by so doing my leg would be able to grow normally in length. And it did, but it remained stiff for 65 years until a new knee was implanted in my left leg.

During part of my sixth and seventh years I had a caste on my left knee and spent 14 months away from my family as a patient at the LDS Primary Children's' Hospital which was then located across North Temple Street from Temple Square in Salt Lake City. The photo at the beginning of this post was taken by my mother in the front yard of that hospital.

My parents felt that was the only thing they could do to have my knee treated by specialists and for me to be able to begin attending the first grade (which was taught right there in the hospital).

My Mother and Father and my brother who was two years younger than me lived 700 miles to the West from me. Whenever my mother would kiss me goodbye after visiting me for several days at the Children's' Hospital most every month, I cried, at times, almost uncontrollably.

Here is a second photograph of me as a seven year old. It was taken by a Deseret News photographer for an article in their March 18, 1939 issue. The cake was given to the children at the Primary Children's' Hospital to eat. This cake memorialized the Salt Lake Exchange Club's sixteenth anniversary. I'm the second boy from the right. My mother drew an arrow above me. I guess I was supposed to have a happy look on my face, but I don't think that is the kind of look I'm showing. Being away from home for fourteen months was tough.

I did very well in the first grade that was held at the hospital and there were many loving, caring nurses and I developed some good relationships with other children. Church meetings including Primary were held regularly. I learned to love our Savior, Jesus Christ, while there.

The adversity I went through during that time and to some extent all the time I was growing up because of that stiff knee, was actually something that shaped my life in a positive direction. In the Church of Jesus Christ there is a worthy man in every stake of the church whose responsibility it is to give patriarchal blessings from the Lord to individuals in the Church who desire to receive one. I received such a blessing when I was ten years old.

Let me quote a small portion of that blessing:

"...these things which have come unto you (my stiff knee and the challenges that came with that) will be for your good. For you shall develop patience and shall have a kindly spirit towards your fellow man, and love for your fellow man in his affliction shall be great in your heart." (I added that which is parenthesized.)

I shed some tears as I typed those words just now. That Patriarchal Blessing was a true prophecy of what did actually happen in my life!

I'm adding this paragraph later. Yesterday at a family reunion two female cousins of mine reminded me of a song my mother had sung to each of them as they were growing up, telling them each that it was what she would sing to me when I was down emotionally. This is it: (Note: "Kathleen", one of my blog viewers (on January 15, 2009) made several corrections in a "Comment" at the end of that original post of some of the words and part of the song title which was given in the original post - Thanks very much, Kathleen! I really appreciate her Comment. I welcome such helpful comments readers choose to make!)
Now back to my goal of reporting on the outcome of the adversity that came to the people of the Lord who were led by the prophet, Alma, the First. Also, you will want to know about the fulfilling of the prophecies regarding the downfall of King Noah and his priests. Please click on this link to learn some answers to these questions. Because this link is to a full chapter I suggest that after the scripture page comes up you scroll up and click on the word, Listen, which is on the left side (You don't need to do anything with the sound window that comes up.)

Mosiah 19:1-29 Reading and listening at the same time helps us to focus better.

Now we've just learned that the prophecies against King Noah had begun to be fulfilled. His army was reduced in size and therefore can't continue pursuing Alma the First and The People of the Lord. Also, serious trouble with the Lamanites is reported. King Limhi, Noah's more righteous son along with a strong advisor, Gideon, negotiates a peace with the Lamanite King. The Lamanites demand and receive a huge tribute of 50% of everything King Limhi's people earn. King Noah is killed by fire as prophesied by Abinadi. He was cowardly in commanding the men to leave their wives and children in the hands of the Lamanites and escaping into the wilderness. The Lord's prophecy through Abinadi is really coming through now!

I find it time to close this post. I eagerly look forward in Part 15 (Post 40j) in continuing to help us learn about how the Lord helped His people who are led by his prophet, Alma the First, through their adversities. I particularly want us to learn how these adversities helped them to grow and develop spiritually. Bright futures are often the result of having gone through tribulation.

By the way, what was the answer you gave to the question I asked you above, "Has any adversity you may have faced actually turned out to have had a beneficial effect on you?" If you would like you could e-mail your answer to me at: jneilmelva@gmail.com/ I will keep your answer confidential and not share it on my blog unless you ask me to do so.

I look forward to publishing Post 40j in five days from now. The Book of Mormon, this book of books, teaches great lessons the Lord Jesus Christ wants each of us to learn. Thank you Mormon, and thank you, Lord for directing Mormon to put that book together. I hope you recognize as we go through these writings of Mormon, how similar in style and in culture the accounts are to those in the Old Testament. After all the Nephite -Lamanite culture originated in the culture of ancient Israel.
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Special Note: Dear Readers of this blog, at the end of my Post 40d - "SAINTS" (Published April 25, 2010) in the COMMENTS section at the end of that post, I suggest that you read the three Comments there. The first Comment was made by Yeti, one of the 22 who has listed himself as a follower of this blog. I followed up with a comment of my own that I made on May 26, 2010 that I would like each of you to read because of the significance of the subject. The third comment was a delayed thank you from me to Yeti for his very excellent comment.

My dear mother, Virginia Jensen Birch taught me to sing this song from the LDS Primary Association's song book used when I was a child to give me courage to face the challenges with my knee. Its Title is: HAPPINESS. (Words and Music by Mr. and Mrs. N.W. Christiansen.

I am hap-py to-day for the sunshine, for skies of gray or blue;

For with-in my heart is the song of life, I'll live! I'll work! I'll do! 

No cloud can cast a shad-ow o-ver courage such as mine.

I'll sing my song as I go a-long, I'll live! I'll work! I'll do!

(It appeared in the LDS Primary Song Book: "The Children Sing.")

For your further enlightenment and spiritual strengthening please watch this video from: Mormon Messages

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TO ACCESS NEIL BIRCH'S BLOG INDEX: To Either Read the Full Index Item Which Refers to This Blog Post, (Or To Search The Index For Any Other Blog Post You Desire To Access); After You Have Read All of This Paragraph, Please Scroll Back Up and Click On The Following: Abinadi's Teachings and Valiant Sacrifice Allowed Alma - Post 40i; When The Picture of Our Savior, Jesus Christ Sitting Next To a Little Boy Comes Onto Your Screen, Please Scroll Down To Your Target Item, Or Use the Automatic Scrolling Device (When It Has Been Installed).
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"Have You Really Read the Book of Mormon" Legal /Statement Thank you for visiting. The author retains intellectual property and creative licensing rights. Permission to use or reprint must be given in writing. © Est.2008 Neil Birch
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I deeply appreciate your readership and very much hope you you will find that which was presented to you in this blog post, very beneficial.

If you have any questions about what you have read or viewed in this post or in any previous posts of mine, or if you even have a curiosity about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and or its teachings, please e-mail me. I'm Neil and my e-mail address is: jneilmelva@gmail.com. If you contact me I'll get back to you just as soon as possible.

I invite you to let your friends and relatives know about this blog if you think they would be interested. Please be advised that I also have an additional blog. It is in Spanish: Its content is translated from the English in this blog.

Neil Birch

40h - Finding Hope and Strength Through Trials.

To Access This Blog's Index, Please Scroll Down To the Fifth Paragraph From The End of This Post.

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TODAY'S THEME



The Lord Jesus Christ -by Heinrich Hofmann

Ether 12: 27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

This post is very short with the video being the key part of Today's Theme. This video is a sequel, or follow-up to the very inspirational video shown in my Post 40g. It is narrated by the same young man who narrated the video in Post 40g. Today's video portrays how the central figure in it, as he did in that previous video, demonstrated great faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

You will easily see that the young man featured in that video did just as our Savior advises us all to do when we are confronted with weaknesses. I personally have a special love for this particular scripture. It has given me much courage when I needed such. I'm sure you each will find that our savior's words from the Book of Ether (Book of Mormon) apply to you too. Be prepared for a very special experience when viewing this video (it lasts 9 minutes and 52 seconds) This is a true story

If you didn't have the opportunity to view the video produced by the same young LDS man who produced this video you just viewed, here is the Previous video I showed in Post 40g: The following is also a true story:

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DISCLAIMER
This website is not owned by or affiliated with the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon or LDS Church). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position of the Church.

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TO ACCESS NEIL BIRCH'S BLOG INDEX: To Either Read the Full Index Item Which Refers To This Blog Post, (Or An Item Which Refers To Any Other Blog Post You May Desire To Access): After Reading All of This Paragraph Please Click on the Following: (The Weakness The Lord May Allow Us To Have Can Cause Us To. . . Post 40h. When You See the Picture of Our Savior Jesus Christ Sitting Next To A Little Boy, Please Scroll Down In The Index To Your Target Item Or Use The Alphabetical Scrolling Device (When It Has Been Installed.)
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"Have You Really Read the Book of Mormon" Legal /Statement Thank you for visiting. The author retains intellectual property and creative licensing rights. Permission to use or reprint must be given in writing. © Est.2008 Neil Birch
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Dear Readers, may the Lord bless each of you as He promises in the scripture given above, as you each confront the trials of life. I hope that today's video has given you the courage to face those trials that you have been given! I wish I knew each of you personally!

I deeply appreciate your readership and very much hope you you will find that which was presented to you in this blog post, very beneficial.

If you have any questions about what you have read or viewed in this post or in any previous posts of mine, or if you even have a curiosity about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and or its teachings, please e-mail me. I'm Neil and my e-mail address is: jneilmelva@gmail.com. If you contact me I'll get back to you just as soon as possible.

I invite you to let your friends and relatives know about this blog if you think they would be interested. Please be advised that I also have an additional blog. It is in Spanish: Its content of is translated from the English in this blog.

Neil Birch

40g - The Truth About the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ!

To Access This Blog's Index, Please Scroll Down To the Fifth Paragraph From The End of This Post.

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TODAY'S THEME

The Prophet Mormon engraving Scriptures on Gold Plates -by Tom Lovell

Dear Readers of this Blog post,

If you have read any of my blog posts before, you will know that I mostly focus on the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. I don't just tell you that, I most often relate happenings recorded in that most sacred book which illustrate that it is a true religious history of an actual people who lived in ancient Central America, arriving there between 588 and 570 B.C.(who left Jerusalem in 600 B.C.).

Pictured in the painting above is an artist's perception of the ancient American prophet, Mormon who was commissioned by the Lord Jesus Christ to abridge (condense, shorten, compress) the records of his people kept by believing prophets among them who emphasized their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and prophesied of His being born in Bethlehem and living His life in Palestine and after His atonement, crucifixion and resurrection, and of his coming to the Nephite-Lamanites' land in ancient Central America to teach them His everlasting Gospel and establishing His Church among them, as he had done among the Jews (their distant relatives) in Palestine.

Also in the Book of Mormon are true prophecies of our day and time, many of which are found in both the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible. The Bible and the Book of Mormon are in complete harmony one with the other. There are key prophecies found in many places in both books regarding the re-establishing of Jesus Christ's Church which was founded by Him during His life on earth and continued by His apostles after He had ascended into Heaven.

After Jesus' apostles were killed by enemies of His Church or died, His authorized church no longer existed on the earth. The Apostles John and Paul, in particular prophesied of the re-establishment of the Lord's true church in our day and time.

Revelation 14: 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

Ephesians 1: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

The Bible and the Book of Mormon , One in God's Hand, -by Greg K. Olsen

Also I strongly emphasize that the record in the Book of Mormon testifies that Jesus is the Christ, and that it does so along with that sacred book, the New Testament. They are companion scriptures, both being brought forth as true records, and I emphasize this: which if read carefully and prayerfully, with faith that they are each true records, each of us will be brought to the point where we desire to believe and live in the way our Savior Jesus Christ wants us to, in order that He can bless us with that greatest of blessings: Eternal Life.

If you have not read any of my blog posts before or it has been a long time since you have, I suggest that you scroll down to the just previous post of mine (40f) and either take the time to read it or scan through it to gain a better understanding of what the Book of Mormon is.

In a paragraph where I have emphasized in red in Post 40f you will read what was said about the Book of Mormon by a Utah "scholar" in a nation-wide (U.S.A.) PBS TV broadcast made in April 2007. You will also read my reaction to what he said. That entire post, Post 40f, provides clear and sure evidence that that which that Utah "scholar" said to the world, was clearly incorrect. I'm very convinced that critics of the Book of Mormon usually have never read the Book of Mormon. That is why I have entitled my blog:

Have You Really Read The Book of Mormon?

The main feature of Today's Blog Post is a video produced by an organization (FAIR) whose organizers agree fully with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. FAIR is not sponsored by the Church.

This video tells the very touching and very intriguing story of a young American's search for the truthfulness regarding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and in particular, the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

This is a True Story!


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DISCLAIMER
This website is not owned by or affiliated with the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon or LDS Church). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position of the Church.

____________



TO ACCESS NEIL BIRCH'S BLOG INDEX: To Either Read the Full Index Item Which Refers To This Blog Post, (Or An Item Which Refers To Any Other Blog Post You May Desire To Access): After Reading All of This Paragraph, Please Click on the Following: Heavenly Father Is Willing To Tell You of The Truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Post 40g. When You See the Picture of Our Savior Jesus Christ Sitting Next To A Little Boy, Please, Scroll Down In The Index To Your Target Item Or Use The Alphabetical Scrolling Device (When It Has Been Installed.)

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"Have You Really Read the Book of Mormon" Legal /Statement Thank you for visiting. The author retains intellectual property and creative licensing rights. Permission to use or reprint must be given in writing. © Est.2008 Neil Birch

____________


I deeply appreciate your readership and very much hope you you will find that which was presented to you in this blog post, very beneficial.

If you have any questions about what you have read or viewed in this post or in any previous posts of mine, or if you even have a curiosity about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and or its teachings, please e-mail me. I'm Neil and my e-mail address is: jneilmelva@gmail.com. If you contact me I'll get back to you just as soon as possible.

I invite you to let your friends and relatives know about this blog if you think they would be interested. Please be advised that I also have an additional blog. It is in Spanish:  Its content is translated from the English in this blog.
____________

Neil Birch

40f - Abinadi spoke God's Word To Unrighteous King Noah and His Court and is Slain. Abinadi's Bravery Allowed Jesus' Church to be Formed by Believers in Abinadi's Testimony of Jesus Christ!

To Access This Blog's Index, Please Scroll Down To the Fifth Paragraph From The End of This Post.

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TODAY'S THEME

Abinadi Appears before King Noah and His Court -by Arnold Friberg

The painting above pictures an event which took place in the court room of Noah, king of an offshoot nation of Nephites which actually began with Noah’s father, King Zeniff, who with some followers had left the city, Zarahemla where Mosiah, Benjamin's father, then Benjamin and his son, Mosiah, reigned over a period of time as righteous kings. Zeniff, Noah's father discovered the Land of “Lehi-Nephi” after much difficult searching.

The Land Lehi-Nephi was where the first Nephi, Lehi's fourth son, had settled (in about 550 B.C.) after he and his people left their land located near the land of the Lamanites, ruled by his rebellious brothers, Laman and Lemuel. Nephi and his people desired to live in peace!

What you will read in the scriptural link found after the next four paragraphs after this one may sound to you like something which might have taken place in Israel not long after Lehi, (in about 600 B.C.) along with his company of relatives and a friend were led away from Jerusalem towards the safety and hoped for righteousness of their promised land in ancient Central America.

Because of the degree of wickedness of the nation from which Lehi and his party fled, the Lord allowed the nation of Babylon to conquer them, Israel, killing many of its citizens and taking many others into captivity into Babylon where they were held in much sorrow and anguish for many years.

You will find the history of these circumstances recorded in the Old Testament (Book of Daniel and in other books).

In the scriptural link, coming up after this and the following paragraph, is described the extent of the corruption of these Nephite leaders which caused the Lord, two years later to send His prophet, Abinadi, for the second time to set them straight.

Abinadi is shown at that later date in the painting above, addressing the court while in chains. These events took place, according to footnotes in the Book of Mormon record, in [about 148 B.C.]

In the painting above it is easy to recognize King Noah sitting on his expensive throne. He is surrounded by his priests. As In ancient Israel, from which this people's main ancestor, Lehi and those who came with him, had fled, their government, although being led by a king, was governed by leaders who were supposed to be spiritual men who served as priests and who were supposed to teach righteousness. In Mosiah 11: 1-19 we learn the truth about that! (Feel free to click the Listen button on this scripture!) Do not read and listen past verse 19. You will do that later.

Mosiah 11: 1-19

Abinadi “had come (forward) from among this people” two years earlier than the events that took place in the courtroom scene depicted above to call his fellow citizens to repentance on behalf of the Lord. Please read the scriptural quote below to learn what was recorded about that earlier time when Abinadi first spoke up against the evil the King and his priests had led the people into, before Abinadi escaped to avoid (at least at that time) being killed by them.

You will need to scroll down to verse 20 where you will begin reading. You won't be able to listen this time!


Mosiah 11: 20-29

Two years later, at the time the courtroom scene shown above took place, Abinadi came in disguise but soon was recognized. He had been sent by the Lord this time for a very special outcome which will be made clear near the end of this post.

It will become obvious as you read this account in the Book of Mormon, that Abinadi knew through the Spirit of God within him what King Noah and his priests' response would be and that it would result in his own death.

Despite that, having an assigned message, like other ancient Israelite prophets, Abinadi did what the Lord wanted him to do despite his knowing that this would be the last thing he would do in in this present life.

Somewhere among the king’s priests shown in the painting above, was a young priest named Alma, who at some period in his life, became the father of Alma the Younger who was called to repentance years later, in a different land, by an Angel of the Lord. In a later post, you will learn about Alma the Younger.

This elder Alma, the priest, at the time the Lord sent Abinadi for the second time, was continuing to live knee deep in wickedness. The Book of Mormon doesn’t go into details about the life this Alma was living, but describes all the priests’ general mode of life. It was included in the first of the last two links. Please read these three verses which describe in particular detail How Noah's priests lived.

Mosiah 11:5 For he put down all the priests that had been consecrated by his father, and consecrated new ones in their stead, such as were lifted up in the pride of their hearts.

6 Yea, and thus they were supported in their laziness, and in their idolatry, and in their whoredoms, by the taxes which king Noah had put upon his people; thus did the people labor exceedingly to support iniquity.

7 Yea, and they also became idolatrous, because they were deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests; for they did speak flattering things unto them.

Now let’s get right into the account of how this valiant and brave Abinadi after having returned, found himself in a very dangerous situation where he was to do just that which the Lord wanted him to do. You'll learn soon what that was and also the great purpose behind it.

Scroll up to the court room scene again unless your memory serves you better than mine does me.

Abinadi is the epitome of a prophet of the Lord. He’s doing what the Lord wanted him to do regardless of his own personal outcome. You can feel the spirit of Abinadi by just looking at him in that painting Now read this next scripture where Abinadi prophesied "among the people" after having not been openly among them for two years. I now quote part of Mosiah Chapter 12.

(done by world renown artist, Arnold Friberg - a faithful Mormon - who did the award winning art work for the Cecil B. DeMille Movie, The Ten Commandments).

Mosiah 12:1 AND it came to pass that after the space of two years that Abinadi came among them in disguise, that they knew him not, and began to prophesy among them, saying: Thus has the Lord commanded me, saying—Abinadi, go and prophesy unto this my people, for they have hardened their hearts against my words; they have repented not of their evil doings; therefore, I will visit them in my anger, yea, in my fierce anger will I visit them in their iniquities and abominations.

2 Yea, wo be unto this generation! And the Lord said unto me: Stretch forth thy hand and prophesy, saying: Thus saith the Lord, it shall come to pass that this generation, because of their iniquities, shall be brought into bondage, and shall be smitten on the cheek; yea, and shall be driven by men, and shall be slain; and the vultures of the air, and the dogs, yea, and the wild beasts, shall devour their flesh.

3 And it shall come to pass that the life of king Noah shall be valued even as a garment in a hot furnace; for he shall know that I am the Lord.

4 And it shall come to pass that I will smite this my people with sore afflictions, yea, with famine and with pestilence; and I will cause that they shall howl all the day long.

5 Yea, and I will cause that they shall have burdens lashed upon their backs; and they shall be driven before like a dumb ass.

6 And it shall come to pass that I will send forth hail among them, and it shall smite them; and they shall also be smitten with the east wind; and insects shall pester their land also, and devour their grain.

7 And they shall be smitten with a great pestilence—and all this will I do because of their iniquities and abominations.

8 And it shall come to pass that except they repent I will utterly destroy them from off the face of the earth; yet they shall leave a record behind them, and I will preserve them for other nations which shall possess the land; yea, even this will I do that I may discover the abominations of this people to other nations. And many things did Abinadi prophesy against this people.

After Abinadi had made the above prophecy, we are told that he was bound and brought before King Noah. Most likely the following interaction between Abinadi, the king and the priests took place in the court room pictured above. The young priest, Alma, was surely among them. Now please read these passages of scripture. You will be reading about the discussion that took place between Abinadi, and the king and his priests:

Mosiah 12:18 And it came to pass that they said unto the king: Bring him hither that we may question him; and the king commanded that he should be brought before them.

19 And they began to question him, that they might cross him, that thereby they might have wherewith to accuse him; but he 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.

20 And it came to pass that one of them said unto him: What meaneth the words which are written, and which have been taught by our fathers, saying:

21 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth;

22 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall bring again Zion;

23 Break forth into joy; sing together ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem;

24 The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God?

25 And now Abinadi said unto them: Are you priests, and pretend to teach this people, and to understand the spirit of prophesying, and yet desire to know of me what these things mean?

26 I say unto you, wo be unto you for perverting the ways of the Lord! For if ye understand these things ye have not taught them; therefore, ye have perverted the ways of the Lord.

27 Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. Therefore, what teach ye this people?

28 And they said: We teach the law of Moses.

29 And again he said unto them: If ye teach the law of Moses why do ye not keep it? Why do ye set your hearts upon riches? Why do ye commit whoredoms and spend your strength with harlots, yea, and cause this people to commit sin, that the Lord has cause to send me to prophesy against this people, yea, even a great evil against this people?

30 Know ye not that I speak the truth? Yea, ye know that I speak the truth; and you ought to tremble before God.

31 And it shall come to pass that ye shall be smitten for your iniquities, for ye have said that ye teach the law of Moses. And what know ye concerning the law of Moses? Doth salvation come by the law of Moses? What say ye?

32 And they answered and said that salvation did come by the law of Moses.

33 But now Abinadi said unto them: I know if ye keep the commandments of God ye shall be saved; yea, if ye keep the commandments which the Lord delivered unto Moses in the mount of Sinai, saying:

34 I am the Lord thy God, who hath brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

35 Thou shalt have no other God before me.

36 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing in heaven above, or things which are in the earth beneath.

37 Now Abinadi said unto them, Have ye done all this? I say unto you, Nay, ye have not. And have ye taught this people that they should do all these things? I say unto you, Nay, ye have not.

Now, I want you to now recall with my assistance, the essence of what I wrote in Post 1 (Mar. 16, 2008) of this blog where the “scholar”, Professor Alex Caldiero, in the PBS Television Video, “The Mormons” 

Professor Alex Caldiero, Utah Valley State University

told the world how every time he reads the Book of Mormon he sees the personality of the poor and uneducated farm-boy, Joseph Smith, coming through in what is written.

As you can easily see this man must never have read this part of the Book of Mormon.(or any other part of it.) How could what you have been reading be anything but solid history written by prophets in their own language and then translated by Joseph Smith by the gift and power of God as Dr. Dan Peterson of B.Y.U. reaffirms in his video in Post 4 and repeated again in Post 8.

King Noah, after hearing the passionate and true message of Abinadi, ordered his courtiers to kill Abinadi. Then this valiant, magnificent prophet told them that God would kill them if they took his life before he had delivered his full message.

Mosiah 13:5 Now it came to pass after Abinadi had spoken these words that the people of king Noah durst not lay their hands on him, for the Spirit of the Lord was upon him; and his face shone with exceeding luster, even as Moses' did while in the mount of Sinai, while speaking with the Lord.

6 And he spake with power and authority from God; and he continued his words, saying:

7 Ye see that ye have not power to slay me, therefore I finish my message. Yea, and I perceive that it cuts you to your hearts because I tell you the truth concerning your iniquities.

8 Yea, and my words fill you with wonder and amazement, and with anger.

9 But I finish my message; and then it matters not whither I go, if it so be that I am saved.

10 But this much I tell you, what you do with me, after this, shall be as a type and a shadow of things which are to come.

11 And now I read unto you the remainder of the commandments of God, for I perceive that they are not written in your hearts; I perceive that ye have studied and taught iniquity the most part of your lives.

I don’t have the space to quote all of the words of Abinadi or of the king and his priests. When you have time I would like you to consider reading all of Chapters 9-17 of the Book of Mosiah, (of the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ.) Recorded in those chapters there are a good number of very remarkable Gospel sermons delivered by Abinadi to King Noah and his people.

Those sermons reveal a great understanding of, and a love for, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We might well ask, where did this committed true prophet, Abinadi gain his superior knowledge of the Gospel and when did he decide to dedicate himself to totally serving the Lord?

King Benjamin Preaches to the Nephites in Zarahemla, the land from which King Noah's father, Zeniff, and others migrated to the Land, Lehi-Nephi, where Zeniff and then Noah served as king -by Gary Kapp

Possibly, (and I have no scriptural evidence of this), Abinadi could have learned the Gospel of Jesus Christ about 24 years before, along with his family by hearing King Benjamin's very spiritually strong sermon delivered from a tower erected near the Temple of the Lord.

King Benjamin's sermon was delivered as he prepared to give up his kingdom to his son, Mosiah. Along with learning the Gospel of Jesus Christ from King Benjamin, from what we have learned of Abinadi's spiritual character, had he been present at that very important event in Nephite history surely he would also have covenanted to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, with all his heart and soul along with all of the other subjects of King Benjamin as described in the scripture linked below. Now just two more verses from the time of King Benjamin's sermon at the Temple in Zarahemla:

Mosiah 6: 1 AND now, king Benjamin thought it was expedient, after having finished speaking to the people, that he should take the names of all those who had entered into a covenant with God to keep his commandments.

2 And it came to pass that there was not one soul, except it were little children, but who had entered into the covenant and had taken upon them the name of Christ. (emphasis added)

I expect that many of you readers of this blog post, along with me, would believe that possibly one of the names to be found on that list of covenant makers who had taken upon them the name of Christ on that sacred occasion might have been:

ABINADI, son of . . . .

Now we go back to the account of the people of King Noah. We are told something very significant, something which would bring much good eventually from this challenging piece of Nephite history. Please read these four significant verses:

Mosiah 17:1 AND now it came to pass that when Abinadi had finished these sayings, that the king commanded that the priests should take him and cause that he should be put to death.

2 But there was one among them whose name was Alma, he also being a descendant of Nephi. And he was a young man, and he believed the words which Abinadi had spoken, for he knew concerning the iniquity which Abinadi had testified against them; therefore he began to plead with the king that he would not be angry with Abinadi, but suffer that he might depart in peace.

3 But 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. (emphasis added)

The young first Alma, believed in Abinadi’s words. What a significant event! This wicked priest would soon become a righteous prophet. Most importantly, as you have just learned from that scripture, this Alma recorded all the words that Abinadi had spoken to them. This event, in my opinion, is a very important part of the very special purpose for the Lord having sent Abinadi to preach after being away for two years, for the second time, to King Noah and his priests.

In my humble opinion, knowing that I am not a great scriptural expert, this is perhaps one of the most significant positive turning points in all of Nephite history, perhaps second only to the appearance and ministry of the Resurrected Jesus Christ when he came among the Nephite- Lamanites who were spared from destruction by seismic forces that occurred not long after the time of the crucifixion and death of our Savior in Jerusalem.

And it was this one young priest, Alma the elder, that began this great turn of events because he believed in Abinadi's inspired words to the extent that he wrote them all for himself and the others who believed as he did for guidance in their lives.

To me, the name Abinadi, is a most sacred name, as is the name, Alma who allowed the Spirit of the Lord to penetrate his heart allowing him to become a very significant prophet-leader.

You are now viewing another painting done by Brother Arnold Friberg. You will see here Alma, the First, the converted priest of Noah, baptizing in a secret place, The Waters of Mormon, where they couldn't be easily detected by King Noah's soldiers.

This was a strong, new beginning of the Church of Christ in the ancient Americas which grew and prospered, with, at times, ups and downs, for a good long time leading up to the time of the appearance of Christ in America just after His resurrection.

I now end this somewhat lengthy, but very significant review of Book of Mormon scriptures with the parting testimony of that precious prophet, Abinadi. Tears come to my eyes as I think of what he said and did.  It is a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ (recorded by Alma the former priest of King Noah who believed in and recorded all the words taught by Abinadi.

I strongly suggest that you click on the Listen Button when this chapter comes up: Mosiah, Chapter 16

Now after your reading and listening to the testimony of Abinadi, please read about what was done by the king and his priests to this great prophet despite the testimony he had born to them. Again, you would do well to Listen as well as read this Book of Mormn scripture.

Mosiah 17

Notice in verse 11 of Chapter 17, King Noah was just about to release Abinadi, but the priests caused him to change his mind.

We love you, Abinadi, and look forward to meeting you in the Spirit World after we leave this life. We know your place in the Celestial World is secure. We each pray ours will be also!
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For your further enlightenment and spiritual strengthening please view this very touching and inspiring video. (Mormon Message)

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This website is not owned by or affiliated with the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon or LDS Church). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position of the Church.

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Neil Birch