Monday, November 28, 2016

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


Conference
APRIL 2015 Stay by the Tree
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






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