39 Arise and Come Forth unto Me
Arise and Come Forth unto Me
Book of Mormon Videos https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/videos-and-images/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng
3 Nephi
11:10 What joy for these people to meet the
Resurrected Savior as He introduced Himself unto them.
“That appearance and that declaration constituted
the focal point, the supreme moment, in the entire history of the Book of
Mormon. It was the manifestation and the decree that had informed and inspired
every Nephite prophet. … Everyone had talked of him, sung of him, dreamed of
him, and prayed for his appearance—but here he actually was. The day of days!
The God who turns every dark night into morning light had arrived” (Elder
Holland).
Video: Christ Appears in the Americas: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2022-07-0100-jesus-christ-appears-in-the-ancient-americas-3-nephi-8-11?lang=eng
For kids:
When I am
in darkness, Jesus Christ can be my light.
3 Nephi
8–9
3 Nephi 8–9 Recount the events or
listen to recording in a darkened room.
What would it be like to be
in a dark space for three days, not being able to see anything?
Jesus is known as the Light
of the world. When He came to visit the Nephites and Lamanites in the Americas,
that is how he introduced Himself:
3 Nephi 9:18 “I am
the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the
beginning and the end.”
What are the beginning and ending letters of our alphabet? A and Z. Alpha and
Omega are the beginning and ending letters In the Greek alphabet. What does it
mean for Jesus to say He is the light of the world, and that He is the
beginning and ending to everything?
Read 3 Nephi 9:20–22 What does Jesus ask us all
to do? Why does He ask us to do this?
Come unto Him, repent, and be baptized. He loves us so much.
Jesus
Christ is the Light of the World.
3 Nephi
8–11
What can you learn about spiritual darkness and light in the
following verses?
3 Nephi 8:19–23 Without
Jesus Christ, there is no light at all. He is the source of all light.
9:18 “I am
the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the
beginning and the end.”
10:9–13 Because of Jesus’s
atonement and resurrection, Light has overcome darkness, or the evil one,
forever.
11:11 “And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I
have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and
have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in
the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from
the beginning.”
You know what
things bring darkness into your life and what things bring light. Keep your
focus on Jesus Christ and exercise your faith in Him. He has overcome the
world, and it is His desire to help you do the same. He is the light; He is
your sight; and He can lead you in the way, even when you cannot yet see the
beginning from the end. He is the beginning and the end. Stick with Him.
As you read the
events in chapters 9-11, ponder them along with these questions:
- How would I have felt if I were among these
people?
- What impresses me about the Savior in these
chapters?
- How do I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior?
- How has He been a light in my life?
(See notes below.)
Christ: The Light That Shines in Darkness
Jesus
Christ is eager to forgive.
3 Nephi
9–10
Repent … That I May Heal You: “I testify that the Savior is able and eager to forgive our sins” (Elder Andersen).
There is so much evidence of the Savior’s love and mercy in these chapters. He is so ready and willing to forgive us.
3 Nephi 9:13–22 Jesus atoned for me, so that through His grace and faith in Him, I can repent, progress, and be happy. He does not want me to suffer or to fail. He paid the price for me. He wants us all to come unto Him and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost.
10:1–6 Jesus does not give up on us. He continually works on gathering us back to Him. His atonement is infinite and eternal, and He won’t give up on us.
3 Nephi
10:4 Have you felt the Lord gather you and nourish you?
The
Lord requires “a broken heart and a contrite spirit.”
3 Nephi
9:19–22
Moses 5:5–8 Before the atonement of Jesus Christ, animal sacrifice was made in “similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.” It reminded us of His infinite sacrifice and directed our thoughts to Him. Now we have the sacrament to help us remember. And the sacrifice that we are asked to make is a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
3 Nephi
9:20–22 Through coming unto Christ, accepting His invitation to repent and
be baptized, we can show faith in Him and have a broken heart and a contrite
Spirit because of His sufferings for us and His mercy to us.
When we repent, and come unto Him with a broken heart and a contrite Spirit;
then when we are baptized and when we renew that covenant through taking the
sacrament, we can receive the Holy Ghost; and when ready and worthy, Jesus will
baptize us with fire and with the Holy Ghost.
He will accept our sacrifice and accept us into His Kingdom.
How can I more fully give the Lord a sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite Spirit? Think on that, and then follow His promptings, and do it!
For kids:
Jesus
protects His people as a hen protects her chicks.
3 Nephi
10:4–6
Show video of a hen gathering her chicks under her wings: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=156051106500147
Read 3 Nephi 10:4–6
Why do you think the hen gathers her chicks? To keep them warm, to keep them save.
Why do you the Savior wants to gather us close to Him, in
the arms of His love?
How can we come to Jesus for safety, warmth, comfort, and protection?
For kids:
God
speaks to me in a soft, small voice.
3 Nephi
11:1–8
Read 3 Nephi 11:3 in a quiet voice.
Heavenly Father speaks softly to us. We need to show that we desire to hear Him by listening very carefully. Those who want to hear and want to follow His Son Jesus Christ will learn to hear His voice.
Read verses 5–7 What did the people do to concentrate so that they could hear Heavenly Father?
How can we learn to hear Heavenly Father speak to us?
I
can learn to hear and understand God’s voice.
3 Nephi
11:1–8
3 Nephi 11:1–8 What principles of hearing and understanding are taught in these verses? How can they help you in recognizing and understanding your Heavenly Father’s voice? How can they help you in your interactions with Him and with others?
Preparation, desire, concentration, focus, and commitment are important elements of communication.
We need to incline our ears, look to the source of Him who is speaking, and use our hearts for understanding.
Here are more scriptures that can help us understand God’s voice and the influence of His Spirit:
1 Kings
19:11–12
Galatians
5:22–23
Alma
32:27–28, 35
Helaman
10:2–4
Ether
4:11–12
Doctrine
and Covenants 9:7–9
11:11–14.
Watch the testimony videos of today’s Church leaders in the video collection: Hear Him!
What principles have you learned that you will apply in your desire to hear Heavenly Father’s voice more clearly?
Using the above notes in this
section, I presented a query to ChatGPT, and this was the response:
To understand and recognize God's
voice more clearly, let's examine the principles taught in the scriptures and
the other resources you listed:
3 Nephi 11:1–8
These verses describe the
Nephites hearing the voice of God and seeing Jesus Christ. Key principles
include:
1.
Preparation and Desire: The multitude was gathered together and conversing about Jesus
Christ. Their focus and anticipation set the stage for revelation.
2.
Concentration and Focus: The people had to "open their ears" and
"look steadfastly" towards heaven. This suggests an active effort to
pay attention.
3.
Commitment: They did not understand the voice the first or second time but
remained committed to listening until they did.
Other Scriptures
1.
1 Kings 19:11–12: Elijah's experience teaches that God's voice can be a
"still small voice," not always dramatic or loud. We must be quiet
and attentive to hear it.
2.
Galatians 5:22–23: The fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) can help us
recognize God's influence. When we feel these fruits, we can be assured of His
presence.
3.
Alma 32:27–28, 35: Alma teaches about faith as a seed. When we give place for God's
word and nourish it, it will grow, and we will recognize its goodness and
truth.
4.
Helaman 10:2–4: Nephi, pondering on the things of the Lord, hears God's voice.
This highlights the importance of contemplation and meditation on spiritual
matters.
5.
Ether 4:11–12: The Spirit of truth testifies of Christ and brings light and
understanding. Recognizing these traits can help us discern God's voice.
6.
Doctrine and Covenants 9:7–9: Revelation often comes after we study
things out in our minds and seek confirmation through prayer. This teaches us
the need for effort and spiritual work.
7.
Doctrine and Covenants 11:11–14: The Holy Ghost speaks to our minds and
hearts. Recognizing these impressions can help us understand God's
communication.
Testimony Videos: Hear Him!
Watching testimonies of modern
Church leaders can provide practical examples of how they hear and understand
God's voice. Their experiences and insights can be instructive and inspiring.
Applying These Principles
To apply these principles in your
life, consider the following:
1.
Prepare and Desire: Create an environment conducive to revelation. This might
include regular scripture study, prayer, and worship.
2.
Concentration and Focus: Practice mindfulness and actively listen for God's voice
in your daily life.
3.
Commitment: Be persistent in your efforts to communicate with God.
Understand that it might take time to recognize His voice clearly. Also,
be committed to keeping your covenants.
4.
Incline Your Ears and Look to the Source: Pay close attention to spiritual
promptings and the fruits of the Spirit in your life.
5.
Use Your Heart for Understanding: Trust in the feelings and impressions
that come to you through the Holy Ghost.
By following these steps, you can
enhance your ability to hear and understand God's voice, deepening your
relationship with Him and enriching your spiritual life.
For kids:
Jesus
Christ invites me to come to Him.
3 Nephi
11:1–15
How do you feel when we read these verses?
Read 3 Nephi
11:1–15. Do you think the people there felt Heavenly Father’s love for
them? Do you think they felt how much Jesus loves them? Do you feel God’s love
for you?
Video: Jesus Christ Appears at the Temple: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2022-07-0130-jesus-christ-shows-himself-at-the-temple-3-nephi-111-17?lang=eng
Jesus
Christ invites me to gain a personal witness of Him.
3 Nephi
11:8–17
3 Nephi 17:25 There were around 2,500 people gathered at
the temple, who saw Jesus.
3 Nephi 11:14–15 Jesus invited them to come to Him one-by-one
and feel the prints of the nails in His hands and feet.
3 Nephi 11:14 He really invites all of us to come unto
Him, to see and to feel for ourselves.
So many have seen the Resurrected Savior: those 2,500, and even more on the
following days; above 500 saints in the Holy Land after He was resurrected;
many prophets and apostles of this last dispensation; and others, who hold the
memory so sacred that they will not currently share it.
For kids:
Jesus
Christ wants me to be baptized.
3 Nephi
11:21–26
3 Nephi 11:21–26 Please
stand every time you hear the word “baptize.”
Does Jesus think baptism is
important? What did He say? Have you been baptized? Are you looking forward to
your own baptism? Are you happy to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/8?lang=eng
Tempests, earthquakes, fires, whirlwinds, and physical
upheavals attest the crucifixion of Christ—Many people are destroyed—Darkness
covers the land for three days—Those who remain bemoan their fate.
About A.D. 33–34.
Vs 19-23 Three
hours of great destruction probably took place when Jesus was on the cross. And
then the three days of darkness marked the time of His death until His resurrection.
Vs 24-25 It is up
to us, the disciples of Jesus Christ, to invite people to come unto Christ and
to be gathered in His family, so that they and we do not have to feel despair
at the time of His Second Coming.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/9?lang=eng
In the darkness, the voice of Christ proclaims the
destruction of many people and cities for their wickedness—He also proclaims
His divinity, announces that the law of Moses is fulfilled, and invites men to
come unto Him and be saved. About A.D. 34.
Vs 13 I have been spared yet another day. What will I do to repent and strengthen my conversion in the Lord Jesus Christ, so that I may feel His healing power in my life?
Vs 14-16 Jesus declared His mission, and that He did His Father's will. He invited us to come unto Him and we'll be received by him, and have eternal life.
Vs 17-22 Jesus loves us all. He reaches His arm out to
everyone, inviting all to come to Him and with Him have eternal life. We need
to believe on His name and accept Him as our Savior. As we do so, He will bless
and help, forgive and guide us. I love Him.
- How would I have felt if I were among these
people? Lost, scared, frightened, ashamed, along, anxious, sick, sad.
Repentant, relieved and loved.
- What impresses me about the Savior in this
chapter? His love. He will accept us as soon as we turn to Him again.
- How do I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior? I
feel His constant love. He accepts me and believes in me.
- How has He been a light in my life? When I
follow His light and our Father’s plan, I feel happy and joyful. He leads
me along.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/10?lang=eng
There is silence in the land for many hours—The voice of
Christ promises to gather His people as a hen gathers her chickens—The more
righteous part of the people have been preserved. About A.D. 34–35.
Vs 4-5 Jesus's hand
is stretched out still, always. He has done and continues to do every thing He
can to invite and gather us back. He has petitioned His Saints to join Him in
this great work of gathering.
Vs 6 Jesus is the
Great Gatherer. He is constantly working on the gathering. We have to do our
part to believe and be gathered, by repenting and returning to Him with full
purpose of heart.
Vs 9-10 There
certainly was joy in the morning of the Resurrection Day of Jesus Christ.
Because of that day, we can all be brought back together and made whol, through
faith on His name.
Vs 11-12 Three days
of darkness, of hearing the Lord's voice, and of both silence and weeping
turned into rejoicing.
Vs 14-17 All of the
destruction at the time of Christ's death and been prophesied to this people.
Vs 18-19 After this
people were given time to process all these things, the Lord did show Himself
to them. Prepare now, for His Second Coming.
- How would I have felt if I were among these
people?
- What impresses me about the Savior in these
chapters?
- How do I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior?
- How has He been a light in my life?
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/11?lang=eng
Jesus Christ did show himself unto the people of Nephi, as the multitude were gathered together in the land Bountiful, and did minister unto them; and on this wise did he show himself unto them.
The Father testifies of His Beloved Son—Christ appears
and proclaims His Atonement—The people feel the wound marks in His hands and
feet and side—They cry Hosanna—He sets forth the mode and manner of baptism—The
spirit of contention is of the devil—Christ’s doctrine is that men should
believe and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 34.
Vs 3-6: It took
some time of listening and concentrating and desire and looking towards the
voice, before the people understood those things that were spoken. (See https://learningandfollowingjesus.blogspot.com/2024/08/38-lift-up-your-head-and-be-of-good.html)
Vs 7: Heavenly
Father introduced His Son.
Vs 8-17 Jesus appeared to the Nephite and Lamanite people. He witnessed that He had atoned for the world as the prophets foretold. The people remembered that they had been told He would visit them. They all saw the Lord and greeted Him one by one, feeling the wounds in His hands and feet and side. They knew Jesus was their Messiah. They did cry out with one accord, saying: 17 Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him.
Vs 17 The whole multitude fell at His feet to worship Him.
Vs 21-28 Jesus ordained Nephi and others to baptize the people. All those who repented could be baptized.
Vs 28-30 We are not to argue over the manner of ordinances in the Lord's Church. He has given men power and authority to baptize and minister in His Church, and he wants no contention over the points of His doctrine.
Vs 31-36 The Lord tells us the Doctrine of Christ, which encompasses Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission ofsins, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghos; after that comes enduring in faith on His name to the end and been given eternal life in his presence.
Vs 32, 35-36 The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are all one. They bear record of each other. The Holy Ghost can bear record to us of the truth of these words, the doctrine of Christ; and that God is our Father and Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.
Vs 37-41 All must be called to repentance. Those who do repent and are baptized will have the gift of eternal life.
- How would I have felt if I were among these
people?
- What impresses me about the Savior in these
chapters?
- How do I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior?
- How has He been a light in my life?
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