How People in the Book of Mormon Overcame Challenges Through Faith in Jesus Christ

This morning I've been contemplating how people in The Book of Mormon overcame their challenges through faith in Jesus Christ. There were those who became firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ (Helaman 3:35).

Nephi overcame great challenges, as did his father Lehi. What did Nephi do? Nephi always remembered. He always remembered God. He always remembered that God had directed them! He seems to have had a simple and tremendously powerful faith in God's character and attributes. When all around him were failing, Nephi remembered!!! (See 1 Nephi 16 in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.) How did he do it? Was it because he was faithful in prayer? I can't help but think that that was part of it. (Those who stayed close to God in Lehi's vision of the tree fell down and worshipped.--1 Nephi 8:30.)

I believe that sincere prayer--daily prayer--can keep us close to God. For Latter-day Saints, prayer is a conversation with God. It is worship and our attempt to commune with God. Sometimes it is relegated to meaningless recitation, but at its best, prayer brings us into harmony with God. The purpose of prayer is for the one who is praying to come closer to God--to draw near to him--to become one with Him. When we pray, our souls can draw nearer to God. In the end, nearness to God and learning to seek unity with him are what bring us great joy. Through true prayer, we may know God (See John 17:3 and Joseph Smith History 1:15-20). There is deep and abiding satisfaction in learning to become like God.

Consider, from The Holy Bible and The Book of Mormon, what Jesus Christ has taught us about prayer.

The Lamb of God

In The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, Jesus is often referred to as "The Lamb of God."

In The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, Jesus is often referred to as "The Lamb of God." Today, I've been pondering what this name means.

In the beginning, before the earth was formed and before mankind was placed on the face thereof, Jesus Christ was chosen. God, our Ethernal Father--our Father--knew that we all would sin. And yet, He loved us! (see John 3:16) 

His purpose is for us to return to Him, clean and pure. In and through the atonement of Christ the Lord, our return to God is possible! Simply put, Jesus is the Lamb without blemish, the pure and spotless sacrifice offered by God for us--in our behalf. The Law of Moses and the Law of Sacrifice instituted from the beginning looked forward to the offering of Jesus Christ--His blood, shed in the Garden of Gethsemane, and His body offered on the cross of Golgotha. 

Revelation 7:14

John 1:36

Nephi's numerous references to "the Lamb of God."

"Forty-four references to 'the Lamb' appear in Nephi's vision in 1 Nephi 11-14 alone," (https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/node/243, accessed on 27 June 2020).

I know that my Redeemer lives!

I know that my Redeemer lives! He is all that the Book of Mormon testifies that He is! He was bruised for our iniquities and, He knows our pain! (what makes Jesus Christ so important?) Jesus is the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He came to Earth to take upon Him the sins, shortcomings, and frailties of all humankind. He is the King Immanuel--God with us. I know that He will come again, and at this very moment, this sphere is being prepared! To Joseph Smith Jesus said, "I, God, knowing the calamities which should come upon the children of men called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jr., and gave him commandments . . . that faith might increase in the earth,"

calamity (is this a single event? Is this, or could this be the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet? {referenced by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in the talk about the sister missionaries who got spat upon.} What is the abomination of desolation? Is it not the natural consequences of sin setting in or taking their disastrous effect? Obedience to God's commandments assures us of Divine Favor--through righteousness, we are naturally qualified for protection. I could site many examples. He that is tithed shall not be burned at the last day. That is significant doctrine! If I am willing to put my money where my mouth is, figuratively speaking, I am assured of preservation, because where a man's treasure is, there will his heart be also. I know that Jesus is laboring to preserve scattered Israel in our time! The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is very bold and very clear on that point.

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ: A Fictitious Fraud, a Delusion, or The Word Of God

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is either a fictitious fraud, a delusion, or, it is the word of God.

From the very first line of its title page, The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ declares itself to be an ancient record. From the very first sentence, the weight of the text, this witness of Jesus Christ, is substantial. Over 500 pages long in the modern edition, the text itself unquestionably claims it is an ancient work (see the Title Page, introduction to 1 Nephi and 1 Nephi 1:1-3, to cite just three examples).

If the book was authored by Joseph Smith (or any other modern author), then it is simply false. Based on the claims of the text itself, I see no other option. The first line of the title page says the book is, "an account written by the hand of Mormon [a historical character from the book] upon [metal] plates, taken from the plates of Nephi [another character from the book]." Either this statement is true, or it is not.

Joseph Smith and those associated with him either lied and patently deceived the world about what the Book of Mormon was, or they unquestionably believed what they were saying. If they were deluded, then it was an honest (and quite unusual) delusion (three of Joseph's associates solemnly testified that they saw and heard an angel, saw the ancient Book of Mormon plates, and witnessed that they heard the very voice of God testify to them that the Book of Mormon record was true; eight of his associates testified that they saw and handled The Book of Mormon plates).

I know that The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is true. I know this because of what God has told me, personally. This book witnesses of Jesus Christ. It is significant evidence that Jesus Christ has set His hand again to recover His ancient covenant people.

Bringing Forth Zion

Like oxen pulling together to move a great weight, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hit the yoke together in unity, humility, and love.

"And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, forth they shall have the gift of the Holy Ghost," (1 Nephi 13:37).

This scripture refers to our time--the latter days. What does it mean to bring forth Zion? In Moses chapter seven of a latter-day revelation called the Pearl of Great Price, the prophet Enoch is working in mighty power. Because of his righteousness and faith, he has built up a holy people--a Zion people. After describing the power of a united righteous people, the scripture states:
 "And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them." How can we as servants of God be of one heart and of one mind?

Is it possible for a group of people to pull in the same direction? If we unite under Jesus, can't He organize and teach us in any way He chooses? Is not the glory of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in its organization?

In the Church, by the power of the Holy Ghost, certain individuals are called to lead. And, all are called to follow. A body of saints, organized and unified, allows us to band together. Together, we are able to accomplish greater good than we can alone. Have you ever noticed the combined power we have when we organize? The priesthood exists that order may flourish. So, when we follow the priesthood, we follow order. When all follow in righteousness, the power of Zion is magnified.

How can we become of one heart and of one mind? Is not the key love?

I know that Jesus is at the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a body of imperfect Saints, He leads us. Infused with His love, we can become one. I want to follow Jesus Christ more faithfully.

Zion is a holy people. Zion is a unified people. Priesthood, properly exercised, brings unity and peace.

My Testimony

https://bit.ly/3b1lkgV

2 May 2020

Dear Family (and I mean that),

These are interesting times. Now, more than ever, it is important that we each share what has shaped us. I humbly share what I have written in a spirit of love. I realize that we are all on different journeys in life. I recognize that we are all on different paths. I feel duty-bound to God and to you as my family to share what I have experienced.

Jesus is my Savior and Redeemer. He suffered for my suffering. He has paid the price for all of my transgressions. He knows me better than I know myself! He is intimately acquainted with me and with all of my needs, challenges, trials, troubles, and afflictions. He has often rescued me! He knows me! He knows my weaknesses and struggles! 

Under our Father in Heaven's direction, He created and organized this beautiful earth. This world was created as an abode for God's children--a place where we could live. He paid intimate attention to detail. As the pre-mortal Jehovah, He knows the end from the beginning! He is the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. Born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father, He inherited unique capacities. As a mortal, He could suffer. As a sinless God, He could atone for the sins and suffering of all humankind. I know that He lives. On the third day, He rose from the tomb, forever shattering the chains of death! As a resurrected being, He appeared to multitudes, both in the Holy Land, and in the Americas. The Book of Mormon is a new witness of His Resurrection and that He has set His hand again to gather scattered Israel. The Book of Mormon witnesses of His divinity. The book's very existence is a testimony that Christ is moving in His majesty and power.

I know that He will come again. Before long, He will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. His benevolent reign will be the culmination of human history. At that day, there will be peace, for He will wipe away all tears. He is The Great Healer. He is the King Immanuel. I love Him and I want to serve Him. 

I know that Jesus Christ is the living, resurrected Son of the Living God. He is the God of all creation. In the beginning, He was with God. He is our Elder Brother. He is our Advocate with the Father. He suffered for all of the trials, troubles, and afflictions of His people. All pain was experienced by Him. All suffering is known by Him. All loneliness is His firsthand knowledge. On this Eastertide, I share my witness with you. I am the humblest and the most imperfect of His servants. 

I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. His Way is the way of happiness. His Way is the way of peace. 

I was taught these things in my youth. My parents taught me to pray. They taught me to tithe, and they taught me to worship. At eight years old, I chose to be baptized. I was specifically asked by Bishop Larry Banks why I wanted to be baptized, whether it were for social reasons, to please my parents or my teachers. I responded that I wanted to be  baptized to follow Jesus Christ. After that ordinance, I remember receiving the Holy Ghost. Given the option of being confirmed immediately after my baptism or waiting to be confirmed the next day in sacrament meeting, I opted to be confirmed immediately. I wanted to receive the marvelous Gift of the Holy Ghost I had been taught about. I still remember what I felt during that confirmation as hands were laid upon my head and words were spoken to confirm me a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

In time I realized that I had not had what I thought was a spiritual experience confirming to me the truth of the Church and of the Book of Mormon (I had heard and read many stories and testimonies of such experiences). I could not honestly say that I had had any such experience--not that I recognized (I later realized, in Book of Mormon terms, that over time I was baptized by fire and by the Holy Ghost, “and knew it not”).

I knew that I was going to serve a mission. Because of this fact, I knew that I needed to have the spiritual experience I had heard about. However, this experience did not come “on demand” (few things with God do). When my personal repentance (motivated by the Holy Ghost that I didn’t realize at the time was guiding me) combined with sincere desire and a resolve to worship in simple and sincere ways, things began to change. My repentance was real. My simple resolve before God was that I believed the things I had been taught. I would simply do my best to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I trusted that God would give me an answer to my question. I only asked that He would help me to recognize my answer when it came. Meanwhile, imperceptibly, I changed. My friends noticed that I was different. My conversation was different. My interests were different. My friends wondered what had happened. 

My simple pattern was to sincerely pray to God every day, morning and evening. I was also naturally drawn to the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. (In retrospect, I cannot say as to why--just that I started. It felt comfortable.) I don’t claim that I understood everything I read. I do remember a day when I didn’t read after having been in the habit of reading. It felt off. I was missing something. There was a void in my heart.

I continued living life, doing my best, serving in the Church, and personally worshipping. About seven months later, something remarkable happened. After that experience, I knew and I knew that I knew, and I knew that God knew that I knew. The spiritual experience I had hoped for came in a quiet but unexpected moment. At the time, it seemed like a sudden rush of revelation. In retrospect, I see that it was the fruit of a lengthy process. 

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. It is the Restoration of the same organization that existed in the primitive Church. It is a work in progress. The Church will continue to change and evolve. The Church is here to prepare a people for the return of its head, even Jesus Christ 

I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet. My doubt on this subject has been removed. Joseph Smith is a righteous, virtuous, chaste, and honest individual. In the pre-mortal councils, he was foreordained as the Prophet of the Restoration. 

I know that the Book of Mormon is true. My doubt on this subject has been removed. It is an authentic record of a fallen people. From its title page, it declares itself to be an ancient record, translated by God's power, and brought forth to convince all people "that Jesus Christ is the Eternal God, manifesting Himself unto all nations," (see Title Page, The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.)

I know that Joseph Smith was visited by angels--messengers sent from God’s presence. Moroni, John the Baptist, Peter, James and John, the Lord’s apostles, Moses, Elias, and Elijah all appeared and conferred keys, power, and authority upon Joseph Smith.

The keys that were bestowed upon Joseph Smith were conferred upon the modern apostles. Those keys continue with the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

The Church today is led by ordinary men and women. None of them asked to be called. Of them, the saying of Jesus is true, “ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you.” In ways that we do not understand, before we came here, many of us made promises about what we would do on earth. Before the foundations of this world, the Lord foreordained apostles and prophets. The office of their calling is to bear witness of Truth.

Great judgements are coming on the earth with famine, sword, and pestilence. After the testimony of the elders of Israel “cometh wrath and indignation upon the people. . . earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand. And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds. And all things shall be in commotion.” These things will surely come to pass. In mercy, Jesus stretches out His arms to us to save us from certain danger, both temporally and spiritually. His arm is stretched out still (2 Nephi 19). He desires to gather us to spiritual and temporal safety. I invite you to come, seek this Jesus. I only know the smallest part. I want to know Him completely. I invite you to walk in His ways with me. 

The Most Correct Book on Earth

Precepts from The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, 1 Nephi

“I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than any other book,” (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:461;)

So, there it is. The Prophet whom God chose to show the world His truth, Joseph Smith, is saying that if we live according to the principles in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, we will get nearer to God than through any other book.

This morning, I asked myself what precepts the Book of Mormon teaches. As I considered, a few points came to me about the first book of the Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi.

1. God can speak to us. There are numerous examples of God speaking to mortals in the first book of the Book of Mormon. The stage is set by a man (Lehi) hearing prophets--men who are delivering prophetic warnings to the people of Jerusalem. Lehi is so affected by their preaching that he seeks seclusion and begins speaking to God in behalf of his people. The result is a vision. He sees many things. Because of the things he sees, he declares, "Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!" (1 Nephi 1:14) 

2. What we believe and what we share with them can affect them--positively--forever. Lehi shares his visions--the things he learns from God--with his family. One of his sons--Nephi--believes his father. Inspired by his father's experiences, he seeks God and begins to have visions and revelations of his own. (1 Nephi 2:16; could a believing parent hope for anything greater for his or her child?!)

3. You might catch some flak for what you believe and how you live your religion. Because of what he sees and knows, Lehi is compelled, if not commanded by God to warn the people of his city. The citizenry, however, does not take it well. God tells Lehi to leave Jerusalem. His life is in danger.

Lehi's son Nephi also suffers some abuse because of his beliefs. Two of Lehi's older sons are unbelieving. They react with complaining and anger to their father and their brother's faith. They would rather be left alone to simply live life in Jerusalem.

For more, dive into The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Or, click here to order a free copy.

General Conference

Twice a year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds a World General Conference. Members of the Church gather to hear the words of living prophets and apostles of Jesus Christ.

My wife and I have chosen not to have a television in our home. And, so, at conference time, we actually gather around a radio! Wow. Is that old fashioned, or what? However, my children have come to appreciate this tradition. Our oldest is averse to watching the conference on television or on the internet. She prefers the old family tradition of conference on the radio.

The "Mormon Moment" part 2

Time after time, I find that the Book of Mormon, a text that was written about 1600 years ago, is amazing relevant for our day. In fact, time after time, it is very clear to me that, as President Ezra Taft Benson stated in 1986, this book was written for our day! (see, "The Book of Mormon--Keystone of our Religion," from the Ensign magazine, November 1986) Here's a relevant example of what I mean that deals with how Mormons react to people with opposing viewpoints.

A lesson from the Book of Mormon about how disciples of Christ should handle religious contention (Book of Mormon, Alma chapter 1: 19-25, highlighting added and comments in brackets [like this] added):

 19 But it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the church of God began to persecute those that did belong to the church of God, and had taken upon them the name of Christ.

 20 Yea, they did persecute them, and afflict them with all manner of words. . . .

[so, the believers in Christ were persecuted by those who believed differently than they did.] 

 21 Now there was a strict law among the people of the church, that there should ^anot any man, belonging to the church, arise and persecute those that did not belong to the church, and that there should be no persecution among themselves.

[So, the law of the Church was that the members should never persecute those who were not members!]

 22 Nevertheless, there were many among them who began to be proud, and began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even unto blows; yea, they would smite one another with their ^afists.

[Evidently, Church members' tempers flared to the point of physical violence!]

 23 Now this was in the second year of the reign of Alma, and it was a cause of much affliction to the church; yea, it was the cause of much trial with the church.

 24 For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were^ablotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And also many ^bwithdrew themselves from among them.

[sounds like people getting angry with detractors and reacting was a bad thing for the Church. And, interestingly, for some Church members, how they reacted to detractors ultimately led to their excommunication or voluntary withdrawal from the Church! To me that says, "take very good care how you react to detractors!"]

 25 Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were ^asteadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with ^bpatiencethe persecution which was heaped upon them.

[to me, this verse implies that if we want to follow Christ, we need to roll with the punches, regardless of how detractors and fellow members interact.] 

The "Mormon Moment"

16 January 2012

I read this article from the Washington Post the other day by Mormon Kathryn Skaggs. As often happens, within a few days comments both pro- and anti-Mormon began to cascade below the article. I weighed in with a few simple statements and suggestions. I'm new in the internet world, but what happened here looks to be a common phenomenon, at least when dealing with Mormonism.

The article touched off something of a firestorm of comments and counter-comments. I want to comment on how Mormons react to criticism.

Typically, faithful Mormons come to the defense of their religion, either in response to an article's content, or in response to another reader's comment.

What I find disappointing is that as often as not, Mormons respond to criticism in a tone that is less than civil. I think that is less that what Christ expects of us (see Matthew 5:43-47, for example). I think, if Mormons were kinder in their responses, much of the contention in these post-article discussions would dissipate. It takes two to tango. If we were content to civilly and respectfully defend our faith and then lay down our "weapons of war," I think we would find, like the anti-Nephi-Lehies of the Book of Mormon that some of those who are stirred up against us would be inclined to wonder what motivates us to be kind.

What's it like to live as a Non-Mormon in Utah?

I grew up in a small city in Utah County, Utah, USA (about 20,000 people). From the time I was young, Almost everyone I knew and interacted with was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called Mormons). After my freshman year at BYU, I was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ in Germany. Up until that time, I had resided in Utah County. The fact is, even now, I simply haven't had a lot of interaction with people who are not Mormons!

As an active Mormon, much of my social interaction is stems from the Church. Active Mormons attend church each Sunday--for three hours! about 2/3 of that time is fairly interactive. Also, as a Mormon man, I participate in the congregation as a lay priest--a priesthood holder. Essentially, my duties in the Church require me to interact with other church members (like visiting the homes of families in the congregation to teach, encourage, and offer care). So, typically somewhere around four hours of my week are spent either at Church, or interacting with members of the church by virtue of my lay priesthood responsibilities.

Currently, I live in Bountiful, Utah. Something that troubles me is this: when people outside the LDS (Latter-day Saint) faith land in a community that is predominantly Mormon, in many cases, they are terribly excluded. It's a negative situation, but I can understand how this happens. If most of the members of the community are engaged in the Mormon "lifestyle" as I'll call it, people who are not engaged in the lifestyle are excluded. People in the Mormon "zone," so to speak, I think are often oblivious to those who aren't in the circle.

As members of the majority community, we should reach out more often and more naturally. It is true we are a missionary church, but our interactions with friends of other faith should not end with an invitation to meet the missionaries! I, and many other Mormons in communities where Mormons represent the majority, could and should make a concerted effort to be kind and inclusive to all, not just Mormons. How can we do that? Our recent Utah windstorm has taught us some good lessons and brought some things to my awareness.

In the aftermath of the windstorm, there was a lot of clean-up. I was glad to see some of my Mormon neighbors help a friend of another faith who lost three large pines in the storm. But, in the ensuing days, when the Church mobilized to clean up debris before a second possible storm, I realized too late that our friend of another faith was left out of the loop and not invited to join the clean-up party!

It a simple matter. We just need to become cognizant of the fact that not everyone is a Mormon!

My pledge is to consider all of my neighbors, not just the Mormons.

[Bryce is a professional genealogist living Bountiful, Utah. You can also follow him at episodesfromthelifeofbryce.blogspot.com and www.briggsrogersfamilyhistory.com]