3 Nephi 18
3 Nephi 18
The three main points of this chapter is the Sacrament, Prayer and the Gift of the Holy Ghost given by one who has authority (the Priesthood.)
These topics are all so familiar to me, because we are taught them and practice them in His church today. Chapters like this bridge the gap through time and bring continuity to the gospel and Plan of Salvation.
I have a quote in my scriptures by Spencer W Kimball regarding this chapter, part of which states, "The sacrament is to serve us in somewhat the same manner as the sacrifice did from Adam to Christ..."
When I was younger I saw the church only as a latter-day "Mormon" entity. As I have gotten older and studied, it has brought me great joy to realize that the same ordinances I partake in now were the same ones that Adam did thousands of years ago. It closes the gap of time and distance and makes me feel closer to the prophets and people of old, as well as those in these latter days.
What did you get out of today's chapter?
TOMORROW: 3 Nephi 19
I'm no longer doing Free For all Fridays. I find that the two breaks (Friday and Sunday) in my reading makes the Saturday Book of Mormon chapter like an island. I'm going to change it to BoM reading Monday through Friday, then do a Suit Yourself Saturday, where I am pick my favorite random scriptures, etc. Then keep Sabbath Day Rest as is. Hope that works for you.
The three main points of this chapter is the Sacrament, Prayer and the Gift of the Holy Ghost given by one who has authority (the Priesthood.)
These topics are all so familiar to me, because we are taught them and practice them in His church today. Chapters like this bridge the gap through time and bring continuity to the gospel and Plan of Salvation.
I have a quote in my scriptures by Spencer W Kimball regarding this chapter, part of which states, "The sacrament is to serve us in somewhat the same manner as the sacrifice did from Adam to Christ..."
When I was younger I saw the church only as a latter-day "Mormon" entity. As I have gotten older and studied, it has brought me great joy to realize that the same ordinances I partake in now were the same ones that Adam did thousands of years ago. It closes the gap of time and distance and makes me feel closer to the prophets and people of old, as well as those in these latter days.
What did you get out of today's chapter?
TOMORROW: 3 Nephi 19
I'm no longer doing Free For all Fridays. I find that the two breaks (Friday and Sunday) in my reading makes the Saturday Book of Mormon chapter like an island. I'm going to change it to BoM reading Monday through Friday, then do a Suit Yourself Saturday, where I am pick my favorite random scriptures, etc. Then keep Sabbath Day Rest as is. Hope that works for you.
I am always touched by the Savior's compassion. All the people were invited to come to Him, be taught and blessed.
ReplyDeleteHe asks that everyone be invited into the church and taught. He wants us to gently counsel with the "sinner" and not exclude because of their actions but give them a loving place to repent and come back to Him. It's not about coming back to church, it's about returning to the Savior. And those are not the same thing.
I recognize there were basic gospel principles in this chapter about the importance of the sacrament, having proper authority, etc. But the thing that stuck out to me the most was seeing the compassion in His words, even if there was a rule broken and a corrective action needed. The "law" was really never more important than the person.
I saw a sad example of this yesterday. The "rules" were not followed exactly as the leader thought they should be. Instead of having a Christlike spirit, the "leader" - and I use that term lightly in this instance - was arrogant, derrogatory and mean spirited in the correction of the people. They knew they messed up and were already "repenting" but the reactions of the leader just caused contention and hard feelings. So much positive influence was at this leader's fingertips, but instead his actions simply removed him from a position of respect.
I want to follow my Savior's leadership style. To always put the person first. To be willing to see all the sides of the story before making a judgment call. To enforce whatever rules have to be enforced, but always doing so in the spirit of kindess. To uplift someone, even if they have erred. This is what I got out of the chapter.
I always love the things you say. You've got great insight and have taught me a lot. But- for the first time, I think I disagree with you on something.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about what you said about coming back to church and returning to the Savior are not the same thing. I think you are right in a sense: we, at any time, can choose to strengthen our relationship it with Savior, no matter where or who we are or what religion.
But, a huge (necessary) part of coming to Him is coming to church- His church. Only in His church can one find the necessary ordinances to receive eternal life. I think that's why the first thing Jesus did when he appeared to the Nephites (after allowing then to touch him) was bestow the priesthood on Nephi and establish baptism. Then he taught the people His gospel: repent and be baptized. You can only be baptize in His church by on who holds the authority.
He does put the person first, He loves us no matter what we do. Because of that love he atoned for us sinners. But, no matter how much He loves us, we must enter into those covenants and stay true to them or we cannot be saved.
So, to me, coming to the Savior and coming to church is the same thing. Not everyone in this life will be willing to make and keep those covenants. We can encourage them to to the best they can and make good choices that will bring them happiness.
We can make a loving and nonjudgmental environment for them to come and worship, repent and grow. But, we cannot dismiss the necessity of eternal ordinances so we don't offend people. (you didn't say that- but I know of people who tend to downplay the church part of it as to not offend or make people feel bad.)
You are right, He has a perfect leadership style. He is kind, patient, loving and forgiving. He is our greatest cheerleader, our Advocate with the Father, our Savior from justice, our giver or mercy.
Acknowledgment, acceptance and gratitude for that love and sacrifice might be us peace and even direction, but they will not save us. Only by making and keeping eternal covenants do we qualify ourselves for the Celestial Kingdom, and they can only be found in church.
What I meant by my comment and didn't clearly say..... is that anyone can "attend church" and not really return to Christ. To do all the things that you explained above is to REALLY return to Christ. Not just show up at the building.
ReplyDeleteOh- then I guess I don't disagree :) Lol.
ReplyDeleteI figured you might. =)
ReplyDelete