God Will Have A Tried People-3 Nephi 1:7

3 Nephi 1:7

God Will Have A Tried People

What

 7 And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass.

The Saints started to doubt and were afraid. They were persecuted.

Why

The Saints were warned that they would be put to death if the signs of His coming did not happen when it had been prophesied. So they were afraid because the time was very near and they didn't know if it had passed or not.

Pattern

Persecution

Persecution, Persecute

See also Adversity ; Affliction ; Apostasy of Israel ; Chastening ; Cruelty ; Despise ; Enemies ; Hate ; Malice ; Oppression ;Prophets, Rejection of ; Reviling ; Suffering ; Tribulation

• The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: Ps. 10:2 .

• they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: Matt. 5:10 . ( 3 Ne. 12:10 . )
• so persecuted they the prophets: Matt. 5:12 . ( 3 Ne. 12:12 . )
• persecution ariseth because of the word: Matt. 13:21 . ( Mark 4:17 . )
• persecute them from city to city: Matt. 23:34 . ( Luke 11:49 . )
• men shall hate you … separate you from their company: Luke 6:22 .
• Jerusalem, which killest the prophets: Luke 13:34 .
• lay their hands on you, and persecute you: Luke 21:12 .

• Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted: Acts 7:52 .
• they stoned Stephen: Acts 7:59 .
• great persecution against the church: Acts 8:1 .
• Saul, why persecutest thou me: Acts 9:4 . ( Acts 22:7 ; Acts 26:14 . )
• scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose: Acts 11:19 .
• commanded that they should be put to death: Acts 12:19 .
• Jews stirred up … persecution against Paul: Acts 13:50 .
• having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city: Acts 14:19 .
• Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall … persecution: Rom. 8:35 .

• they did treat me with much harshness: 1 Ne. 18:11 .
• because they are rich … they persecute the meek: 2 Ne. 9:30 . ( 2 Ne. 28:13 . )
• steadfastness … notwithstanding all persecution: 2 Ne. 26:8 .
• should not any unbeliever persecute any … who belonged to the church: Mosiah 27:2 .
• why persecutest thou the church of God: Mosiah 27:13 .

Christ

• therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus: John 5:16 .
• If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: John 15:20 .

brought as a lamb to the slaughter: Isa. 53:7 . ( Jer. 11:19 ; Mosiah 14:7 .

Conference

April 1980 Howard W. Hunter

God Will Have a Tried People

Friction, or resistance, is an interesting phenomenon. Without this force, a person or vehicle could not move about, or if already in motion, could not be stopped except by collision. Simple things like nails, screws, and bolts would not stay in place; a cork would not stay in a bottle; a light globe would drop from its socket; a lid would not stay on a jar.

The law of friction or resistance that we think of as only applying to science seems to find application in our personal lives. This is probably what Lehi was referring to when he spoke to his son Jacob. He reminded Jacob of the afflictions and sorrows that had come to him because of the rudeness of his brethren, and told him how these afflictions would ultimately result in good. These are the words of Jacob to his son: “Thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain” (2 Ne. 2:2).

In other words, the afflictions that had come to him in the form of opposition or resistance would be for his good. Then Lehi added these words that have become classic: “For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, … righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad” (2 Ne. 2:11).

We came to mortal life to encounter resistance. It was part of the plan for our eternal progress. Without temptation, sickness, pain, and sorrow, there could be no goodness, virtue, appreciation for well-being, or joy. The law of opposition makes freedom of choice possible; therefore, our Heavenly Father has commanded his children, “Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you” (Moses 6:33). He has counseled us to yield to his spirit and resist temptation. Free agency, of course, permits us to oppose his directions; thus, we see many who resist the truth and yield to temptation.

Today the Church stands at the summit of a century and a half of progress. The terrain over which we have traveled is a grim reminder that struggle, persecution, and sorrow have been the lot of our forebears. Kirtland, Jackson County, Clay County, Haun’s Mill, and Nauvoo seem synonymous with suffering—a part of the tribulation the Lord promised that his people would have to endure (see D&C 58:3).

As we look back in retrospect, we see that it was because of the opposition encountered in our early history that our progress today has been made possible. Out of that caldron of persecution and heartache, the Lord answered the soul-cry of the Prophet Joseph Smith in these words: “Thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

...What makes us imagine that we may be immune from the same experiences that refined the lives of former-day Saints? We must remember that the same forces of resistance which prevent our progress afford us also opportunities to overcome. God will have a tried people!

I witness today this truth from a verse of one of our favorite hymns:

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

May God bless us to endure well the purpose for which we were sent, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Apply

• pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you: Matt. 5:44 . ( 3 Ne. 12:44 . )
• Bless them which persecute you: Rom. 12:14 .

•  D&C 98:23 .
•  23 Now, I speak unto you concerning your families—if men will asmite you, or your families, once, and ye bbear it patiently and crevile not against them, neither seek drevenge, ye shall be erewarded;

 24 But if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be accounted unto you as being ameted out as a just measure unto you.

 25 And again, if your enemy shall smite you the second time, and you revile not against your enemy, and bear it patiently, your reward shall be an ahundred-fold.

 26 And again, if he shall smite you the third time, and ye bear it apatiently, your reward shall be doubled unto you four-fold;

• proclaim … gospel … in the midst of persecution: D&C 99:1 .
• your brethren who have been afflicted, and persecuted: D&C 101:1 .
• left unto himself … to persecute the saints: D&C 121:38 .
• if thou shouldst be cast … into the hands of murderers … these things shall give thee experience: D&C 122:7 .
• nation that has driven you out: D&C 136:34 .

Hymns

241- when Upon Life's Billows

129-Where Can I Turn for Peace

Children-

120- Nephi's Courage

Stay By The Tree 3 Nephi 1:6

3 Nephi 1:6

Stay By The Tree

What

 6 And they began to arejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain.

The unbelievers mocked the saints.

Why

Because they thought the time had passed so they thought they won this battle with the Saints. They thought they would escape punishment for their sins. They were listening to the wrong voice.

Pattern

Mocking, Mock, Mocker, Mockery

See also Persecution ; Profanity

Noah was mocked. Gen 6:8

• he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law: Gen. 19:14 .
• Sarah saw the son of Hagar … mocking: Gen. 21:9 .
• he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us: Gen. 39:14 .
• said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: Num. 22:29 .
• thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: Judg. 16:10 .

• came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him: 2 Kgs. 2:23 .
• they mocked the messengers of God: 2 Chr. 36:16 .
• With hypocritical mockers in feasts: Ps. 35:16 .
• Fools make a mock at sin: Prov. 14:9 .
• Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: Prov. 17:5 .
• Wine is a mocker: Prov. 20:1 .
• adversaries saw her, and did mock at her sabbaths: Lam. 1:7 .

Christ

• they shall mock him: Mark 10:34 . ( Luke 18:32 ; 1 Ne. 1:19 . )
• they had mocked him … and led him out to crucify him: Mark 15:20 .
• Lest … all that behold it begin to mock him: Luke 14:29 .
• men that held Jesus mocked him: Luke 22:63 .
• Herod with his men of war … mocked him: Luke 23:11 .
• soldiers also mocked him: Luke 23:36 .
• Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine: Acts 2:13 .
• heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: Acts 17:32 .
• Be not deceived; God is not mocked: Gal. 6:7 .
• others had trial of cruel mockings: Heb. 11:36 .
• should be mockers in the last time: Jude 1:18 .

• Fools mock, but they shall mourn: Ether 12:26 .
• solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children:Moro. 8:9 .

• calamity shall cover the mocker: D&C 45:50 .
• Lord, am not to be mocked in the last days: D&C 63:58 . ( D&C 104:6 . )
• Lord … cannot be mocked in any of these things: D&C 124:71 .

Conference

APRIL 2015 | Stay by the Tree

By Elder Kevin W. Pearson

Of the Seventy

Shortly before President Heber J. Grant passed away, one of the Brethren visited his home. Before he left, President Grant prayed, “O God, bless me that I shall not lose my testimony and keep faithful to the end!”1 After nearly 27 years as President of the Church, this was his fervent prayer. His example is a striking reminder that no one, at any age, is immune from Satan’s influence. Two of Satan’s most powerful tools are distraction and deception.

Enduring to the end is a hallmark of true discipleship and is essential to eternal life. But when trials and challenges come our way, we are often told to simply “hang in there.” Let me be clear: to “hang in there” is not a principle of the gospel. Enduring to the end means constantly coming unto Christ and being perfected in Him.

If enduring to the end is essential to eternal life, why do we struggle to be faithful? We struggle when we are caught between competing priorities. Casual obedience and lukewarm commitment weaken faith. Enduring to the end requires total commitment to the Savior and to our covenants.

Lehi’s vision of the tree of life is a powerful parable on enduring to the end. Please prayerfully study and ponder Lehi’s dream; then liken it unto yourself. As you do, carefully consider six important principles that help us endure to the end.

1. Don’t Forget to Pray

We begin with Lehi alone “in a dark and dreary waste.”2 Each of us experiences periods of darkness and loneliness. “When life gets dark and dreary, don’t forget to pray.”3 Follow President Heber J. Grant’s example. Pray for strength to endure to the end. Ask Heavenly Father, “What more would You have me do?”

2. Come unto Christ and Be Perfected in Him

The tree of life is the central focus in Lehi’s dream. Everything points to the tree of life. The tree represents Christ, who is the clear manifestation of the love of God. The fruit is His infinite 

...3. Press Forward with Faith

There is a path that leads to the tree of life, to Christ. It is strait and narrow, strict and exact. God’s commandments are strict but not restrictive. They protect us from spiritual and physical danger and prevent us from getting lost.

...4. The Book of Mormon Is Key to Spiritual Survival

Life’s journey is challenging. It’s easy to be distracted, wander off the path, and get lost. Tribulation is an inevitable and indispensable part of our eternal progression. When adversity comes, don’t let something you don’t fully understand unravel everything you do know. Be patient, cling to truth; understanding 

...5. Don’t Be Distracted and Deceived

To heed is to give careful attention. Heeding those who do not believe in Christ will not help you find Him. Searching #spaciousbuilding for knowledge will not lead you to truth. It’s not posted there. Only the Savior has “the words of eternal life.”8

...6. Stay by the Tree

Lehi’s message is to stay by the tree. We stay because we are converted unto the Lord. Alma taught, “Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God.”11 As we yield our hearts to God, the Holy Ghost changes our very natures, we become deeply converted unto the Lord, and we no longer seek the spacious building. If we stop doing those things that bring about deepening conversion, we regress spiritually. Apostasy is the reverse of conversion.

Once we enter into covenants with God, there is no going back. Giving in, giving up, and giving out are not options. In the kingdom of God, there is a standard of excellence for exaltation. It requires valiant discipleship! There is no room for average or complacent disciples. Average is the enemy of excellence, and average commitment will prevent you from enduring to the end.

If you are struggling, confused, or spiritually lost, I urge you to do the one thing I know will get you back on track. Begin again to prayerfully study the Book of Mormon and live its teachings every day, every day, every day! I testify of the profound power in the Book of Mormon that will change your life and strengthen your resolve to follow Christ. The Holy Ghost will change your heart and help you see “things as they really are.”12 He will show you what you need to do next. This is Nephi’s promise to you:

Apply

“Stay by the Tree”. We live with opposition every day. Choose to do what is right. Follow His teachings. Study His word. Study the Book of Mormon every single day!

Hymns

239-Choose the right

Children

164-I will follow God's Plan For Me

Stumbling blocks or Stepping Stones 3 Nephi 1:5

3 Nephi 1:5

Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones

What

 5 But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were aspoken by Samuel, the Lamanite.

They didn't believe that Jesus would be born in five years from the prophecy.

Why

They were not believers in Christ anyway so they were looking for a chance to claim the prophecy false.

They did not want to repent or admit they needed to.

Pattern

Hel. 14:2

2  And behold, he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name.

Hel. 16:4

4  For behold, Nephi was baptizing, and prophesying, and preaching, crying repentance unto the people, showing signs and wonders, working miracles among the people, that they might know that the Christ must shortlycome—

Abr. 4:14

14  And the Gods organized the lights in the expanse of the heaven, and caused them to divide the day from the night; and organized them to be for signs and for seasons, and for days and for years;

Helaman 14:

 3 And behold, this will I give unto you for a asign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.

 4 Therefore, there shall be one aday and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is bborn.

 5 And behold, there shall a new astar arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.

 6 And behold this is not all, there shall be many asigns and wonders in heaven.

 7 And it shall come to pass that ye shall all be amazed, and wonder, insomuch that ye shall afall to the earth.

 8 And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall abelieve on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life.

 9 And behold, thus hath the Lord commanded me, by his angel, that I should come and tell this thing unto you; yea, he hath commanded that I should prophesy these things unto you; yea, he hath said unto me: Cry unto this people, repent and prepare the way of the Lord.

[see all of chapter 14 of Helaman]

Immanuel — The Guide to the Scriptures

Immanuel is a name-title given as a sign of God’s deliverance (Isa. 7:14). Isaiah’s reference to Immanuel is specifically identified by Matthew as a prophecy of Jesus’ birth into mortality (Matt. 1:18–25). The name also appears in latter-day …

from Guide to the scriptures.

SIGNS OF THE BIRTH AND DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST

See also Jesus Christ

Events that accompanied the birth and death of Jesus Christ.

Birth

• A virgin shall conceive and bear a son:Isa. 7:14;
• Out of Bethlehem shall come forth a ruler in Israel:Micah 5:2;
• Samuel the Lamanite prophesied a day, a night, and a day of light; a new star; and other signs:Hel. 14:2–6;
• The signs were fulfilled:3 Ne. 1:15–21;

Death

• Samuel the Lamanite prophesied darkness, thunderings and lightnings, and shaking of the earth:Hel. 14:20–27;
• The signs were fulfilled:3 Ne. 8:5–23;

Signs of the second coming

Joseph Smith—History 1:40

40 In addition to these, he quoted the eleventh chapter of Isaiah, saying that it was about to be fulfilled. He quoted also the third chapter of Acts, twenty-second and twenty-third verses, precisely as they stand in our New Testament. He said that that prophet was Christ; but the day had not yet come when “they who would not hear his voice should be cut off from among the people,” but soon would come.

• Zechariah — The Guide to the Scriptures

The book is noted for its prophecies of Christ’s mortal ministry and his second coming (Zech. 9:9; 11:12–13; 12:10; 13:6). Chapters 1–8 contain a series of visions of the future of God’s people. Chapters 9–14 contain visions about the Messiah, the ...

Rumor — The Guide to the Scriptures

Satan spreads rumors and contentions—sometimes based partially on truth—to turn people against God and all good (Hel. 16:22; JS—H 1:1). One of the signs of the second coming of Jesus Christ is that people will talk of wars and rumors of wars (Matt. ...

Index to the Triple Combination

• signs of the Lord’s coming in latter days: Morm. 8:26–32 .

• time of coming is nigh at hand: D&C 1:12 . ( D&C 34:7 ; D&C 35:15 ; D&C 43:17 ; D&C 49:6 ;D&C 104:59 ; D&C 106:4 ; D&C 110:16 ; D&C 133:17 . )
• Elijah to come before coming of day of the Lord: D&C 2:1 . ( D&C 138:47–48 . )
• unrepentant to be destroyed by brightness of the Lord’s coming: D&C 5:19 . ( D&C 63:34 ;D&C 133:64 . )
• the Lord to reveal himself from heaven with power and glory: D&C 29:11 . ( D&C 34:7 ;D&C 45:16 ; D&C 65:5 . )
• signs of the Lord’s coming: D&C 29:13–16 . ( D&C 34:9 ; D&C 43:18 ; D&C 45:16–33, 39 ;D&C 49:23–25 ; D&C 63:53 ; D&C 68:11 ; D&C 77:12 ; D&C 88:93 ; D&C 133:41–52 . )
• have lamps and oil ready for coming of the Bridegroom: D&C 33:17 .
• the Lord to come quickly: D&C 33:18 . ( D&C 34:12 ; D&C 35:27 ; D&C 39:24 ; D&C 41:4 ;

[there are many more references in this section]

Reject

See also Apostasy ; Deny ; Disobedience ; Rebel ; Refuse ; Renounce ; Resist ; Unbelief ; Withstand ; TG Prophets, Rejection of

• Jews have rejected words of prophets: 1 Ne. 3:18 .
• the Lord will show his power unto Gentiles because Jews will reject him: 1 Ne. 15:17 .
• Jews shall be scourged because they reject signs and power of God: 1 Ne. 19:13 .
• when those upon promised land reject the Holy One, judgments shall rest upon them: 2 Ne. 1:10 .
• Jews will reject Christ because of iniquities: 2 Ne. 25:12 .
• word given to Israel to convince them of the true Messiah, whom they rejected: 2 Ne. 25:18 .
• wo unto him who rejects word of God: 2 Ne. 27:14 .
• by stumbling of Jews they will reject stone upon which they might build safe foundation:Jacob 4:15–17 .
• he is despised and rejected of men: Mosiah 14:3 . ( Isa. 53:3 . )
• Alma2 rejected his Redeemer: Mosiah 27:30 .
• Church members who do not repent are rejected: Alma 6:3 .
• men reject the Spirit because of hardness of heart and blindness of mind: Alma 13:4 .

Christ

this subject is all about the coming of Christ. In his birth, death and second coming.

He will come to redeem all mankind.

Conference

OCTOBER 2016 | Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus

By Elder Quentin L. Cook

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

A stumbling block is “an impediment to belief or understanding” or “an obstacle to progress.”4 To stumble spiritually is “to fall into sin or waywardness.”5 A stumbling block can be anything that distracts us from achieving righteous goals.

We cannot afford to have our testimonies of the Father and the Son become confused and complicated by stumbling blocks. We cannot fall into that trap. Our testimonies of Them need to remain pure and simple like my father’s simple defense of the power pole on the ranch where he grew up.

What are some of the stumbling blocks that confuse and complicate our pure and simple testimony of the Father and the Son and keep us from being valiant in that testimony?

One Stumbling Block Is the Philosophies of Men

We are committed to knowledge of every kind and believe “the glory of God is intelligence.”6 But we also know that the preferred strategy of the adversary is to lead people away from God and cause them to stumble by emphasizing the philosophies of men over the Savior and His teachings.

Looking beyond the Mark Is a Stumbling Block

The prophet Jacob referred to ancient Jews as “a stiffnecked people [who] despised … plainness, … killed the prophets, and sought for things that they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall.”24

The 76th section of the Doctrine and Covenants makes it clear that being “valiant in the testimony of Jesus”28 is the simple, essential test between those who will inherit the blessings of the celestial kingdom and those in the lesser terrestrial kingdom. To be valiant, we need to focus on the power of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice to overcome death and, through our repentance, to cleanse us from sin, and we need to follow the doctrine of Christ.29 We also need the light and knowledge of the Savior’s life and teachings to guide us on the covenant pathway, including the sacred ordinances of the temple. We must be steadfast in Christ, feast upon His word, and endure to the end.30

One writer suggests that stumbling blocks may be made into “stepping-stones to a noble character and to Heaven.”31

For us, being valiant in our testimony of Jesus is a stepping-stone toward qualifying for the Savior’s grace and the celestial kingdom. Jesus Christ is the only name under heaven by which we may be saved.32 I bear my sure witness of both His divinity and His supernal role in the Father’s plan. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Apply

We can work to change our stumbling blocks into stepping stones as we overcome our weaknesses.

Hymns

134-I Believe In Christ

Children

80-Had I Been A Child