Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
Posted: 28 Jan 2008 07:55 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
The purpose:
To inspire class members to follow Nephi’s example of faith and willing obedience.
Scriptures:
1 Nephi 16-22
http://scriptures.lds.org/1_ne/16
http://scriptures.lds.org/1_ne/17
http://scriptures.lds.org/1_ne/18
http://scriptures.lds.org/1_ne/19
http://scriptures.lds.org/1_ne/20
http://scriptures.lds.org/1_ne/21
http://scriptures.lds.org/1_ne/22
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Teacher's Manual Link:
Student Manual Link:
XO
Whit
Posted: 28 Jan 2008 08:01 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
http://www.ldsliving.com/bom5.asp
Meridian Link(s):
http://www.ldsmag.com/gospeldoctrine/bom/080122bom5.html
BYU New Testament Series:
Episode 6 - "Led by the Lord" (1 Nephi 16-17)
http://www.byub.org/bookofmormon/episode.asp?id=6
Episode 7 - "Heed the Counsel of God" (1 Nephi 18-22)
http://www.byub.org/bookofmormon/episode.asp?id=7
-Whit
PS
A reminder that there are some GREAT links if you click on the BYU BOM Series. They are listed as additional resources!
Posted: 28 Jan 2008 08:02 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
Lesson 1 - http://deseretbook.com/time-out/forum/time-out/506812
Lesson 2 - http://deseretbook.com/time-out/forum/time-out/508456
Lesson 3 - http://deseretbook.com/time-out/forum/time-out/510618
Lesson 4 - http://deseretbook.com/time-out/forum/time-out/512357
New Testament - 2007
Posted: 28 Jan 2008 08:12 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
I can’t understand why those of other faiths cannot accept the Book of Mormon. One would think that they would be looking for additional witnesses to the great and solemn truths of the Bible. We have that witness, my brothers and sisters, this marvelous book of inspiration which affirms the validity and the truth of the divine nature of the Son of God. God be thanked for this precious and wonderful testimony. Let us read it. Let us dwell upon its truths. Let us learn its message and be blessed accordingly (meeting, Baltimore, Maryland, 15 Nov. 1998; quoted in “Recurring Themes of President Hinckley,” Ensign, June 2000, 18-19).
~ President Hinckley
Posted: 28 Jan 2008 01:31 PMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
(Hi Whit! I finally posted something!)
Laree
Posted: 29 Jan 2008 07:43 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
1 Nephi 15 - 17
http://www.ldsces.org/inst_manuals/bm-in-sm1996/bm1996-02-1ne.htm#2-4
1 Nephi 18 - 22
http://www.ldsces.org/inst_manuals/bm-in-sm1996/bm1996-02-1ne.htm#2-5
Posted: 29 Jan 2008 08:49 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
HELLO, Laree!! Glad you're here!!
I've been listening to the BYU stuff... thinking a lot about Nephi's faith. I really want to finish my Nephi essay. Maybe this week. When I think of Nephi's faith it reminds me of Elder Bednar's address - "Seek Learning by Faith." He talks about Nephi, and gives this example of the Children of Israel:
We find a powerful example of the interaction among assurance, action, and evidence as the children of Israel transported the ark of the covenant under the leadership of Joshua (see Joshua 3:7–17). Recall how the Israelites came to the river Jordan and were promised the waters would part, or “stand upon an heap” (Joshua 3:13), and they would be able to cross over on dry ground. Interestingly, the waters did not part as the children of Israel stood on the banks of the river waiting for something to happen; rather, the soles of their feet were wet before the water parted. The faith of the Israelites was manifested in the fact that they walked into the water before it parted. They walked into the river Jordan with a future-facing assurance of things hoped for. As the Israelites moved forward, the water parted, and as they crossed over on dry land, they looked back and beheld the evidence of things not seen. In this episode, faith as assurance led to action and produced the evidence of things not seen which were true.
Posted: 30 Jan 2008 09:37 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
I've been thinking about the whole Laman and Lemuel thing... I have a lot of thoughts about the two of them... I definitely agree that they are an example of what can happen if we get into the habit of murmuring... They obviously came into this world as good as any of us ever do and that went eventually terribly wrong.
Having a wayward son myself, I do understand the "great hope," though. As a parent or sibling I don't think that hope ever goes away.
But, I think of the title of this lesson - "Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It" ... Laman and Lemuel usually only gave heed when an angel came or some other major miracle occurred. They allowed the truth to harden and not soften them. I see this happen every time I hear someone talk about certain talks, etc. that are just "too judgmental," etc. You are right... we have to be careful not to slip. We must hold tight to the iron rod! :)
Last week in the reading, this quote really stood out to me:
In the realm of religion... synthesis means compromise, and when we speak in terms of the gospel, compromise with popular beliefs means apostasy from the truth. - Stephen E. Robinson Ensign, Jan 1988, p.34
I think that more and more we are compromising with popular beliefs... I know I have to be careful myself - especially (in my case) when it comes to media. I like it way too much...
Posted: 31 Jan 2008 12:45 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
The Liahona as a Type and Shadow for Our Day
In our day the Book of Mormon is the primary source to which we should turn for help in learning how to invite the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. The description in the Book of Mormon of the Liahona, the director or compass used by Lehi and his family in their journey in the wilderness, specifically was included in the record as a type and a shadow for our day and as an essential lesson about what we should do to enjoy the blessings of the Holy Ghost.
As we strive to align our attitudes and actions with righteousness, then the Holy Ghost becomes for us today what the Liahona was for Lehi and his family in their day. The very factors that caused the Liahona to work for Lehi will likewise invite the Holy Ghost into our lives. And the very factors that caused the Liahona not to work anciently will likewise cause us to withdraw ourselves from the Holy Ghost today.
As we study and ponder the purposes of the Liahona and the principles by which it operated, I testify that we will receive inspiration suited to our individual and family circumstances and needs. We can and will be blessed with ongoing direction from the Holy Ghost.
The Liahona was prepared by the Lord and given to Lehi and his family after they left Jerusalem and were traveling in the wilderness (see Alma 37:38; D&C 17:1). This compass or director pointed the way that Lehi and his caravan should go (see 1 Ne. 16:10), even “a straight course to the promised land” (Alma 37:44). The pointers in the Liahona operated “according to the faith and diligence and heed” (1 Ne. 16:28) of the travelers and failed to work when family members were contentious, rude, slothful, or forgetful (see 1 Ne. 18:12, 21; Alma 37:41, 43).
The compass also provided a means whereby Lehi and his family could obtain greater “understanding concerning the ways of the Lord” (1 Ne. 16:29). Thus, the primary purposes of the Liahona were to provide both direction and instruction during a long and demanding journey. The director was a physical instrument that served as an outward indicator of their inner spiritual standing before God. It worked according to the principles of faith and diligence.
Just as Lehi was blessed in ancient times, each of us in this day has been given a spiritual compass that can direct and instruct us during our mortal journey. The Holy Ghost was conferred upon you and me as we came out of the world and into the Savior’s Church through baptism and confirmation. By the authority of the holy priesthood we were confirmed as members of the Church and admonished to seek for the constant companionship of “the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:17).
As we each press forward along the pathway of life, we receive direction from the Holy Ghost just as Lehi was directed through the Liahona. “For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do” (2 Ne. 32:5).
The Holy Ghost operates in our lives precisely as the Liahona did for Lehi and his family, according to our faith and diligence and heed.
“Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God. …
“The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth” (D&C 121:45–46).
And the Holy Ghost provides for us today the means whereby we can receive, “by small and simple things” (Alma 37:6), increased understanding about the ways of the Lord: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).
The Spirit of the Lord can be our guide and will bless us with direction, instruction, and spiritual protection during our mortal journey. We invite the Holy Ghost into our lives through meaningful personal and family prayer, feasting upon the words of Christ, diligent and exacting obedience, faithfulness and honoring of covenants, and through virtue, humility, and service. And we steadfastly should avoid things that are immodest, coarse, crude, sinful, or evil that cause us to withdraw ourselves from the Holy Ghost.
We also invite the ongoing companionship of the Holy Ghost as we worthily partake of the sacrament each Sabbath day: “And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day” (D&C 59:9).
In February of 1847 the Prophet Joseph Smith appeared to Brigham Young in a dream or vision. President Young asked the Prophet if he had a message for the Brethren. The Prophet Joseph replied: “Tell the people to be humble and faithful, and be sure to keep the spirit of the Lord and it will lead them right. Be careful and not turn away the small still voice; it will teach them what to do and where to go; it will yield the fruits of the kingdom” (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 41; emphasis added). Of all the truths the Prophet Joseph might have taught Brigham Young on that sacred occasion, he emphasized the importance of obtaining and keeping the Spirit of the Lord.
Posted: 31 Jan 2008 10:17 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
I'm not sure I completely understand that... anyone care to educate me? Please?
Posted: 31 Jan 2008 11:17 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
Posted: 31 Jan 2008 11:22 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
I suppose that we have to let them guide us and lead us... and follow? To gain meaning?
Posted: 31 Jan 2008 11:54 PMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
Posted: 1 Feb 2008 08:44 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
I think of the quote by Elder Hales (October Conference 2006):
For when we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures; for His words are spoken through His prophets. He will then teach us as we listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
EDIT:
I love what Alma says about the Liahona (and surely this applies to studying the scriptures and living in the Spirit):
...Behold, it was prepared to show unto our fathers the course which they should travel in the wilderness.
And it did work for them according to their faith in God; therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done; therefore they had this miracle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day.
Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means it did show unto them marvelous works. They were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey;
Therefore, they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel a direct course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst, because of their transgressions. (Alma 37:39-42)
I know I often tarry in the wilderness.
Posted: 1 Feb 2008 09:01 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
The Lord gave to every person a conscience which tells him everytime he starts to go on the wrong path. He is always told if he is listening; but people can, of course, become so used to hearing the messages that they ignore them until finally they do not register.
You must realize that you have something like the compass the Liahona, in you own system. Every child is given it if... if he ignores the Liahona that has his own makeup, he eventually may not have the whisoerings to him. Our ship will not get on the wrong course...if we listen to the dictates of our own Liahona, which we call a conscience.
(Conference Report, Oct,1976; or Ensign, November 1976.)
I kept praying about what he was saying and I got a really strong feeling that he is telling us not to get to comfortable when we listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit because when we do we may get to the point of not hearing so well what we are being told to do. So I say to you my sisters please listen closely to what the Holy Spirit is telling you and follow your own Liahona.
I say these thing in the name or Our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
Posted: 2 Feb 2008 12:25 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
Posted: 2 Feb 2008 01:00 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
I am scared to death all the time that I am ignoring promptings. I am never harder on myself than when I do this.
E
Posted: 2 Feb 2008 01:26 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
Remember awhile ago someone brought up the fact that I think Elder Nelson said that unconditional love from Heavenly Father is a misconception.....well, in
1 Nephi 17:35 it says:
Behold, the Lord esteemeth all flesh in one; he that is righteous is favored of God.
1Nephi 17:40 it says:
And he loveth those who will have him to be their God.
That does sound kindof conditional to me...but it also states in that same chapter how much He works towards people and helps them come to Him. It seems He doesn't give up easily. I love these verses.
Posted: 2 Feb 2008 08:26 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
We will end up either choosing Christ’s manner of living or His manner of suffering! It is either “suffer even as I,” or overcome “even as [He] … overcame.” His beckoning command is to become “even as I am.” The spiritually settled accept that invitation, and “through the atonement of Christ,” they become and overcome! (Maxwell, General Conference, April, 1987)
Here is the link to Elder Nelson's Ensign artile (Feb 2003). It is really good and I think an important talk:
Here's a good quote from that talk, "Divine love is perfect, infinite, enduring, and universal. The full flower of divine love and our greatest blessings from that love are conditional—predicated upon our obedience to eternal law."
I love this group!
Posted: 2 Feb 2008 08:58 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
I have been pondering a lot of stuff lately. Since a conversation with my Dad last night. This is good stuff, and helped to clarify a few things. Thank you.
Posted: 2 Feb 2008 09:14 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
Posted: 2 Feb 2008 09:21 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
I think that that quote is part of my answer for you. For me.
Like the whole thing of being like a ball... either a bouncy ball or a cannonball. I chose to bounce back... to overcome. There was more than one way to go at the time. Maybe easier ways. But forgiveness, healing and comfort only truely come through one way.
Still pondering.
Posted: 2 Feb 2008 05:06 PMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
Posted: 3 Feb 2008 07:38 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
“For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
“But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I” (D&C 19:15–17).
As [Elder Tuttle] read those words that day, I felt the overwhelming suffering of the Savior. And then two things dawned on me. First, if I could not repent to qualify for His Atonement for my sins, I must suffer to the limit of my power to suffer. And, second, with all the requisite suffering of my own, with all I could bear, it would still not be enough. I would still be forever shut out of the only place where there will be the warmth of family, the family of my Heavenly Father whom I have loved and whom I miss, and that of my family here. Somehow I had gotten the idea that the choice was between repenting or not. And then I realized that whatever pain repentance might bring in this life, it was certainly no more than the pain I would face if I did not repent here, and yet that later pain could not lift me home. It could not bring the mercy I needed. (http://tinyurl.com/3699wg)
The Savior is the only one who has made a perfect sacrifice and it is only by coming to Him that we can be "washed clean" and enter into the presence of our Father. Which means - YES, we will suffer if we don't repent... but, as President Eyring said, it will still not be enough.
CTR - your thought about bouncy balls reminded me of the analogy the BYU round table discussed this week about the egg and the carrot. I had heard it before... I think perhaps Bro. Bytheway? Anyhow, it is really true. Some people are hardened by "boiling water" and some people are softened. We must be those who are softened! Laman and Lemuel eventually became so hardened that they were past feeling.
It seems to me that faith that life's experiences are for a purpose - like Nephi had - leads to softening of the heart and obedience and murmuring about life's experiences - like Laman & Lemuel - leads to the hardening of hearts and sin. There is a lesson on gratitude in there somewhere. :)
Posted: 3 Feb 2008 08:05 AMSubject: Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed unto It - BOMSG - Lesson 5
--Contrary to the belief of many, obedience is not the antithesis of freedom, but the foundation of it. Charles Kingsley distinguished between the world's view of freedom and the Lord's: "There are two freedoms, the false where one is free to do what he likes, and the true where he is free to do what he ought."
---Commandments are no more restrictive to the spiritual man than street signs are to the motorist. Neither prohibits our progress; to the contrary, they enhance it by serving as guideposts or directional signs to help us find and reach our destination.
---The great movie producer, Cecil B. DeMille, famous for "The Ten Commandments, understood the relationship between law and freedom: "We are too inclined to think of law as something merely restrictive . . . something hemming us in. We sometimes think of law as the opposite of liberty. But that is a false conception. . . .God does not contradict himself. He did not create man and then, as an afterthought, impose upon him a set of arbitrary, irritating, restrictive rules. He made man free--and then gave him the commandments to keep him free. We cannot break the Ten Commandments. We can only break ourselves against them--or else, by keeping them, rise through them to the fulness of freedom under God."
---There are a number of spiritual truths that must seem like irreconcilable ironies to the secular world--humility breeds strength, faith nurtures vision, and obedience brings freedom. Simply put, if we are obedient to God's will, we will experience newfound freedoms in our life; if we are disobedient, freedom will be the star we can never reach.
---Obediece also broadens the list of our choices. If we are not obedience we have no option to be baptized, no option to receive the priesthood, no option to be endowed or sealed in the temple, all of which are necessary in our transformation into the freest of all beings, namely, gods. But obedience does even more. It also generates power, another vital link to freedom.
---Obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel bring increased knowledge, a multiplicity of choices, and an enhanced power to execute, all of which result in added freedom. It is the Atonement, however, that gives substance and meaning to those laws and ordinances. Of what vitality would the principles of faith and repentance be without the Savior's mission? What cleansing power would the baptismal waters bestow if there were no Atonement? What healing powers would the sacrament have if there were no redemption? What would the longevity of the sealing powers be if the Savior had never condescended? Obedience to these ordinances and laws without the Atonement would be an empty gesture. . . .The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the nurturing force for each of these elements that fosters freedom.