The Record of Three - Who is the Father? (Part 2 of 6)

Who is the Father?

Christ the Father

After Christ redeems the brother of Jared from the fall (Ether 3:13), He explains to the brother of Jared the doctrine of Christ’s Fatherhood. The doctrine is simple. It is an elaboration on what Christ taught in the New Testament.

Here is the doctrine: “Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters.” (Ether 3:14). In other words, because of our sins and the fall we have experienced, our relationship as sons and daughters of the Father cannot be restored without an intermediary who is willing to cleanse us and to accept us as His son.

This is what Jesus had reference to in John 14:6 when He declared: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” If you find yourself in the circumstance that a voice from heaven declares unto you that you are a son of God because this day He has begotten you (Psalms 2:7) that voice will be Christ’s, your Father will be Christ, and you will understand that Christ is the Father and the Son. Denver Snuffer Blog September 19, 2012 [emphasis added]

Ether’s Reference to Christ as Father

. . . The “Father” of your eternal life will be Christ. (D&C 35: 2.) He is your Father who is in heaven, because your continuation after the grave will come through His sacrifice. He will literally provide you with the resurrected body you will inherit. This makes Him the Father. (See Mosiah 5: 7.)

Secondly, they are His teachings which will provide you with more than just resurrection. He will provide the further possibility of glory to you on the conditions He has made possible through obedience to Him. The one you follow, whose teachings you accept, whose ordinances you accept, is also your Father. (1 Cor. 4: 15.) The role of the Father is to raise His seed in righteousness. Christ’s teachings are given in His capacity of a Father to all who will follow Him. Through His teachings you can have a new life here and now. You can be “born again” as His seed. (1 Peter 1: 23.) To do that you must first accept His role as your Father/guide. Then you must further accept His role as Father/Redeemer. When you do that, He gives you a new life by His teachings and new life by His ordinances.

Here, excluded from the presence of Heavenly Father Ahman, we have no way back except through Christ. (Mosiah 3: 12.) (For the name “Ahman” see D&C 78: 20 where Christ mentions His Father’s name.) He must become our Father to bring us back again into the Ahman’s presence. Christ visits here. Christ labored here, lived among us, ministers still among us, and though resurrected still walked alongside two of His disciples. He appeared in an upper room, cooked and ate fish on the lake’s shore, and appeared to many. He will come to dwell here again. The Father Ahman, however, only appears in a state of glory, has not stood here since the Fall of Adam, and awaits the completion of the work of Christ before He will again take up His abode here.

Christ is not the same person as Father Ahman. Christ becomes the Father of all who are redeemed through Him. Therefore, by redeeming you Christ has become your Father in Heaven. You will have many fathers, including Christ, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and in our dispensation, Joseph Smith as well. And all these will also be children of Father Ahman. Denver Snuffer Blog February 27, 2012 [emphasis added]

If Father Ahman has not stood here since the Fall of Adam, and awaits the completion of the work of Christ before He will again take up His abode here. Then who did Joseph Smith see in his first vision? I went to bed with this question on my mind. I asked God to help me understand. The next morning I awoke with the idea to look up the definition of “personage”. I did not know there was a difference between a person and a personage until I looked up the definitions of these two words.

Person: An individual human being consisting of body and soul. A person is a thinking intelligent being.

Personage: Exterior appearance; stature; air; Character assumed. Character represented.

So what is the difference between a person and a personage? Could a person represent more than one personage. Could this help me understand the four different accounts of Joseph Smith's first vision? Could this help me understand “Father Ahman, however, only appears in a state of glory, has not stood here since the Fall of Adam, and awaits the completion of the work of Christ before He will again take up His abode here.”?

The four accounts can be found here. I have quoted the part where Joseph sees the Lord or two personages.

1. JS History, ca. Summer 1832, pp. 1–3. This is the earliest and most personal account, and the only one that includes Joseph Smith’s own handwriting.

. . . while in attitude of calling upon the Lord a piller of fire light above the brightness of the sun at noon day come down from above and rested upon me and I was filled with the spirit of god and the opened the heavens upon me and I saw the Lord and he spake unto me saying Joseph thy sins are forgiven thee. go thy walk in my statutes and keep my commandments behold I am the Lord of glory I was crucifyed for the world that all those who believe on my name may have Eternal life . . .

2. JS, Journal, 9–11 Nov. 1835, pp. 23–24. Joseph Smith described his early visionary experiences to a visitor at his home in Kirtland, Ohio, in November 1835. His description was written down, and Warren Parrish later copied it into Joseph Smith’s journal.

I called on the Lord in mighty prayer, a pillar of fire appeared above my head, it presently rested down upon my head, and filled me with joy unspeakable, a personage appeard in the midst, of this pillar of flame which was spread all around, and yet nothing consumed, another personage soon appeard like unto the first, he said unto me thy sins are forgiven thee, he testifyed unto me that Jesus Christ is the son of God;

3. JS History, 1838–1856, vol. A-1, pp. 2–3. This best-known account of Joseph Smith’s first vision opened what was to become a six-volume history of his life. Copied by scribes into a large bound volume, this account was later canonized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pearl of Great Price.

I saw a pillar light exactly over my head above the brightness of the sun, which descended gracefully gradually untill it fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two personages (whose brightness and glory defy all description) standing above me in the air. One of spake unto me calling me by name and said (pointing to the other) “This is my beloved Son, Hear him.”

4. JS, “Church History,” Times and Seasons, 1 Mar. 1842, 3:706–707. This brief history of the church, often referred to as the “Wentworth letter,” was prepared at the request of a Chicago newspaper editor. The extent of Joseph Smith’s involvement in writing it is not known, but it was published with his signature. This account borrowed language from Orson Pratt’s A[n] Interesting Account of Several Remarkable Visions (see below).

I retired to a secret place in a grove and began to call upon the Lord, while fervently en gaged in supplication my mind was taken away from the objects with which I was surrounded, and I was enwrapped in a heavenly vision and saw two glorious personages who exactly resembled each other in features, and likeness, surround ed with a brilliant light which eclipsed the sun at noon-day. [empahsis added]

The Father is a personage of spirit, glory, and power. The son is a personage of tabernacle. You can even see these two personages in the first account. The Lord said “behold I am the Lord of glory [Father] I was crucifyed for the world [Son]” [emphasis added]. Did Joseph know something about the Godhead that I do not? Did he know the difference between a personage and a person? Did he understand the different roles God plays in his life? Does God “wear more than one hat”? Does the earliest account of Joseph's first vision contradict the other accounts, or is it two different ways of saying the same thing?

Godhead

What do we understand the Godhead to be? Does the Godhead consists of more than one person?

Lecture Second

1 Having shown in our previous lecture "faith itself—what it is," we shall proceed to show secondly the object on which it rests.

2 We here observe that God is the only supreme governor, and independent being, in whom all fulness and perfection dwells; who is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient; without beginning of days or end of life; and that in him every good gift, and every good principle dwells; and that he is the Father of lights: In him the principle of faith dwells independently; and he is the object in whom the faith of all other rational and accountable beings centers, for life and salvation. [emphasis added]

Who is the only supreme governor, and independent being, in whom all fulness and perfection dwells? Who is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient; without beginning of days or end of life? In whom does the principle of faith dwells independently? Who is the object in whom the faith of all other rational and accountable beings centers, for life and salvation? Who is this describing? In whom am I commanded to have faith? Have I ever been instructed to have faith in the Father? Who is the object of my faith? Upon whom do I alone rely? Who is the author and finisher of my faith?

. . . For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. Mosiah 3:12

And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith. Moroni 6:4

Who is the Father of lights? Who are the children of light?

The people who heard this asked him, When we consult the scriptures they claim that the Messiah will live forever. Why do you say the Son of Man must sacrifice his life? Who are you talking about? Then Jesus said to them, Only a little time remains for the light who is now here. Learn how to live while the light remains, otherwise darkness will overcome you. Without the light you will fall into error. While you are near the light, believe in the light, so that you can become the children of light. Jesus said this, abruptly departed, and then avoided them. [emphasis added] (John 12:36 newly revealed account of John the Beloved’s Testimony of Jesus the Messiah page 21)

And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters. Mosiah 5:7

Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. 3 Nephi 12:16

• I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. 3 Nephi 9:18

• Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed. 3 Nephi 18:24

Who is the light of the world? Who are the children of Christ? Are the children of light also the children of Christ? Is Christ the Father of lights?

Lecture Second Continued

3 In order to present this part of the subject in a clear and conspicuous point of light, it is necessary to go back and show the evidences which mankind have had, and the foundation on which these evidences are, or were based, since the creation, to believe in the existence of a God.

4 We do not mean those evidences which are manifested by the works of creation, which we daily behold with our natural eyes: we are sensible, that after a revelation of Jesus Christ, the works of creation, throughout their vast forms and varieties, clearly exhibit his eternal power and Godhead. Romans 1:20: For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made: even his eternal power and Godhead. But we mean those evidences by which the first thoughts were suggested to the minds of men that there was a God who created all things.

5 We shall now proceed to examine the situation of man at his first creation. Moses, the historian, has given us the following account of him in the first chapter of the book of Genesis, beginning with the 20th verse, and closing with the 30th. We copy from the new translation:

6 And the Lord God said unto the Only Begotten, who was with him from the beginning, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and it was done.

Why does the Second Lecture on Faith say his eternal power and Godhead? Whose power? Whose Godhead? If the Godhead consists of two persons, then why isn't it their eternal power and Godhead? If the Godhead consists of two personages but one person, would it be correct to say his eternal power and Godhead? Is there a difference between Godhead and Head of the Household of Heaven?

Is it possible one Lord is represented by two personages? If a personage is a character represented, would the spirit, glory, and power of Lord Jehovah be represented by the personage of the Father? And would the tabernacle of Lord Jehovah be represented by the personage of the Son? Is this what Joseph saw in his first vision? Is this why he speaks of one Lord in the first account but two personages in the last three accounts? Why is it important to have a correct understanding of the Godhead?

Lecture Fifth

1 In our former lectures we treated of the being, character, perfections and attributes of God. What we mean by perfections, is, the perfections which belong to all the attributes of his nature. We shall, in this lecture speak of the Godhead: we mean the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

2 There are two personages who constitute the great, matchless, governing and supreme power over all things—by whom all things were created and made, that are created and made, whether visible or invisible: whether in heaven, on earth, or in the earth, under the earth, or throughout the immensity of space—They are the Father and the Son: The Father being a personage of spirit, glory and power: possessing all perfection and fulness: The Son, who was in the bosom of the Father, a personage of tabernacle, made, or fashioned like unto man, or being in the form and likeness of man, or, rather, man was formed after his likeness, and in his image;—he is also the express image and likeness of the personage of the Father: possessing all the fulness of the Father, or, the same fulness with the Father; being begotten of him, and was ordained from before the foundation of the world to be a propitiation for the sins of all those who should believe on his name, and is called the Son because of the flesh—

Are we also a personage of spirit and a personage of tabernacle?

The Record of Three (Part 1 of 6)

While writing Calleth On My Name, the Lord kept bringing up questions that perplexed me. I would study study study and find an answer to one question only to be presented with other puzzling questions.

I understand why Jesus's disciples would say, “What do these words mean? We do not understand.” Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him to explain what he meant. He said, “Much of what I have said to you may seem like a riddle, but the time will come when you will comprehend my words and they will no longer seem a riddle, and you will understand them plainly.” Testimony of John page 26.

It is almost as if it was written as a riddle on purpose so only those who really want to know will find. I write in the first-person so that as you and I read, it becomes personal for each one of us.

We have been studying 3 Nephi 11 with our family, and I memorized the Doctrine of Christ as one of our mastery scriptures. Why is the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost “bearing record” such a large part of the Doctrine of Christ? Why is this so important? Notice how many times “bear/beareth record” is written in verses 31-41:

Jesus Christ said,

Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine. And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost. And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.

Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth. 3 Nephi 11:31-41 [emphasis added]

How many times does the Father bear record? Three. How many times does Jesus bear record? Three. But notice the Holy Ghost only bears record twice. I wonder if these details and number of times each member of the Godhead bears record means something?

Three symbolizes whole or complete: “And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (Corinthians 15:4) “Which Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one God, infinite and eternal, without end. Amen.” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:28); the sun, moon, and stars give light to this earth; the telestial, terrestial, and celestial are three degrees of glory; mind, body, and spirit; father, mother, and children make a family; the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon knew of a surety that the work is true; “when three “wo’s” are pronounced upon a people it is a condemnation which will last beyond this life and into eternity” Denver Snuffer Blog March 8, 2010.

I ask, how am I made whole or complete through the Doctrine of Christ? Are the Father and Son whole and complete? Is the Holy Ghost in process of becoming whole and complete? How does the Son bring forth and provide evidence of the Father so He is remembered? How does the Father authenticate evidence of the Son? How can the Holy Ghost let its light shine before the people, that it may bring forth good works and glorify the Father who is in heaven?

Altogether, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost bears record a total of eight times. The number eight symbolizes a new beginning: we are baptized when we are eight (D&C 68:27), there were eight souls on Noah's ark (Genesis 7:13), the Brother of Jared built eight barges (Ether 3:1), a new week starts on the eighth day, a male child is circumcised on the eighth day (Luke 1:59), Joseph Smith showed the gold plates to eight witnesses. I ask then, how is the Doctrine of Christ a new beginning for me?

What does it mean to bear record?

Bear: To show or exhibit; to relate; to carry, to convey; to withstand something difficult or painful, to support or hold up; sustain, cause to be born, bring forth, provide evidence for.

Record: To cause to be remembered; an authentic account of any facts and proceedings

Why does the Father bear record of Jesus and Jesus bears record of the Father, but they do not bear record of the Holy Ghost, yet the Holy Ghost bears record of the Father and Jesus? What does it mean “the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one”? When these three bear record, what does this mean? Is it binding? Is it an ordinance? Is it noticed and recorded in Heaven?

We see this when Jesus sets forth the manner of baptism and he instructs them to baptize in His name.

Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—

Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them. And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:

Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.

And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one. 3 Nephi 11:23-27

What does it mean to baptize in His name? What is His name? To do something in His name, would it need to be done “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost”?

Where else have I seen these words before?

Preserving the Restoration by Denver C. Snuffer Jr. begins with the Testimony of Louis Naegle. Louis closes his testimony with these words, “I leave this testimony with you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Amen.” Keith Henderson's testimony is placed at the end of this book. Keith ends his testimony with these words, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

Is this book an ordinance to the gentiles? To the world? What just happened? Did the heavens notice and record something that was almost unnoticed here on earth?

On the night of February 12-13, 2011, I was baptized with fire and the Holy Ghost for the first time. It was in connection with reading excerpts from Denver Snuffer's The Second Comforter Conversing With the Lord Through the Veil. On that night, I knew for myself Denver was giving a truthful testimony. My joy increased until I felt my joy would exceed my mortal strength. It was after this time, that the meaning of scripture began to be unfolded to me in a new and expanded way. There are very few things I claim to know, but this much I do know, Denver Snuffer is telling the truth. For if I would deny this, I would deny the Lord visited me with light from heaven on the night of February 12-13, 2011, and this light filled my soul with exceeding great joy.

I have learned how to distinguish between light and darkness. Light brings joy. Darkness brings misery. Light is comforting yet it is not comfortable. Most often my beliefs and paradigms are challenged and questioned when brought into the light. It takes great strength and focus to stay in the light. Many times it leaves the recipient void of mortal strength (1 Nephi 1:7, Moses 1:9, JSH 1:20). For most it is easier to get distracted and stay in the darkness.

After recognizing the possibility that the testimonies of Louis and Keith sealed an ordinance, I looked at the final page of the The Second Comforter Conversing With the Lord Through the Veil to see if it also closed in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. At first glance it didn't appear to be so, but when I looked at the second to last paragraph, I found these words,

The words of Moroni seem particularly apt as a closing statement: He bids his readers farewell “until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood. And then shall ye know that I have seen Jesus, and that he hath talked with me face to face, and that he told me in plain humility, even as a man telleth another in mine own language, concerning these things; And only a few have I written, because of my weakness in writing. And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen. Ether 12:38-41”[emphasis added]

Here again we find the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost bearing record of these things. Does this mean something? What is happening? Does it put the world on notice when someone with authority in the presence of the Father bears record of those things given him by the Son?

Notice how Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris seal their testimony of the Book of Mormon,

And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.

One might assume Ether 5 is only about the testimony of these three Book of Mormon witnesses. But is this the only application for these words? What is the testimony of three? Which three must bear record of all things?

And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day. Ether 5:4 [emphasis added]

When the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost bear record, will it stand as binding testimony against the world? “We understand that when a man works by faith he works by mental exertion instead of physical force: it is by words instead of exerting his physical powers, with which every being works when he works by faith” Lectures on Faith 7:3. What power do these words have?

The entire blog post is quite lengthy so I've divided it into different sections. Here are the titles of the next five blog posts.

Who is the Father?

Who is the Son?

Who is the Holy Ghost?

Sons of God

Heavenly Fathers

A Cloud of Deception

At the end of December I felt impressed to be more diligent in teaching our children the Word of God. I also started a blog dedicated to Teaching the Book of Mormon to Children. The children are learning, but I have benefited the most from this exercise in faith. As I seek to find ways to teach the Book of Mormon to each child at their level, I am learning in a new and expanded way. As I study the chapter from a preschool, elementary, teenage, and young adult point of view, I am noticing significant things that I glossed over in my personal study. Many times a post on A Little Peace in Paradise is inspired by the lessons learned while teaching the children.

This post comes from lessons learned while studying Alma 47. Many more questions are asked on the Teenage Challenge Questions – Alma 47 post. If you take the time to read through the teenage challenge questions, this blog post will have more meaning. At least read through and become familiar with the story found in Alma 47 before answering the questions below.

Here is the back-story to Alma 47.

Amalickiah seeks to be king of the Nephites. He is supported by lower judges of the land, who are also seeking for power. Moroni raises the title of liberty. Amalickiah flees with a small number of his men, and goes over and stirs the Lamanites up to anger against the Nephites. (see Alma 46)

Watch how Amalickiah uses anger, fear, flattery, lust for power, and revenge to manipulate the Lamanites and accomplish his design. Because the Lamanites are governed by these emotions, it is easy for Amalickiah to control them. A cloud of deception impairs their vision and they fall for Amalickiah's hypocrisy. There is a powerful lesson for me in this story.

1 Now we will return in our record to Amalickiah and those who had fled with him into the wilderness; for, behold, he had taken those who went with him, and went up in the land of Nephi among the Lamanites, and did stir up the Lamanites to anger against the people of Nephi, insomuch that the king of the Lamanites sent a proclamation throughout all his land, among all his people, that they should gather themselves together again to go to battle against the Nephites.

What would have happened if the king of the Lamanites wasn't stirred up to anger? What would have been the result if the king had not lusted for power over the Nephites?

2 And it came to pass that when the proclamation had gone forth among them they were exceedingly afraid; yea, they feared to displease the king, and they also feared to go to battle against the Nephites lest they should lose their lives. And it came to pass that they would not, or the more part of them would not, obey the commandments of the king.

3 And now it came to pass that the king was wroth because of their disobedience; therefore he gave Amalickiah the command of that part of his army which was obedient unto his commands, and commanded him that he should go forth and compel them to arms.

What emotion was motivating the Lamanite's decision? What would have happened if the king listened to his people and did not seek to control them? Did Amalickiah ignite and sooth the king's wrath by stirring the king up to anger and then providing a solution to the king's problems? While the king was caught in his anger, was he open to Amalickiah's suggestions? Is this how Amalickiah got command of the king's army?

4 Now behold, this was the desire of Amalickiah; for he being a very subtle man to do evil therefore he laid the plan in his heart to dethrone the king of the Lamanites.

5 And now he had got the command of those parts of the Lamanites who were in favor of the king; and he sought to gain favor of those who were not obedient; therefore he went forward to the place which was called Onidah, for thither had all the Lamanites fled; for they discovered the army coming, and, supposing that they were coming to destroy them, therefore they fled to Onidah, to the place of arms.

6 And they had appointed a man to be a king and a leader over them, being fixed in their minds with a determined resolution that they would not be subjected to go against the Nephites.

7 And it came to pass that they had gathered themselves together upon the top of the mount which was called Antipas, in preparation to battle. Alma 47

Why did the Lamanites flee to Mount Antipas? What emotion was guiding them? How determined were they in their resolution not to go against the Nephites to battle? How did Amalickiah get them to change their minds?

[Alma 48]

1 And now it came to pass that, as soon as Amalickiah had obtained the kingdom he began to inspire the hearts of the Lamanites against the people of Nephi; yea, he did appoint men to speak unto the Lamanites from their towers, against the Nephites.

2 And thus he did inspire their hearts against the Nephites, insomuch that in the latter end of the nineteenth year of the reign of the judges, he having accomplished his designs thus far, yea, having been made king over the Lamanites, he sought also to reign over all the land, yea, and all the people who were in the land, the Nephites as well as the Lamanites.

3 Therefore he had accomplished his design, for he had hardened the hearts of the Lamanites and blinded their minds, and stirred them up to anger, insomuch that he had gathered together a numerous host to go to battle against the Nephites.

How did Amalickiah control them? How did he harden their hearts and blind their minds? If they hadn't allowed themselves to be stirred up to anger, would Amalickiah have had any power over them?

[Back to Alma 47]

8 Now it was not Amalickiah’s intention to give them battle according to the commandments of the king; but behold, it was his intention to gain favor with the armies of the Lamanites, that he might place himself at their head and dethrone the king and take possession of the kingdom.

9 And behold, it came to pass that he caused his army to pitch their tents in the valley which was near the mount Antipas.

10 And it came to pass that when it was night he sent a secret embassy into the mount Antipas, desiring that the leader of those who were upon the mount, whose name was Lehonti, that he should come down to the foot of the mount, for he desired to speak with him.

11 And it came to pass that when Lehonti received the message he durst not go down to the foot of the mount. And it came to pass that Amalickiah sent again the second time, desiring him to come down. And it came to pass that Lehonti would not; and he sent again the third time.

12 And it came to pass that when Amalickiah found that he could not get Lehonti to come down off from the mount, he went up into the mount, nearly to Lehonti’s camp; and he sent again the fourth time his message unto Lehonti, desiring that he would come down, and that he would bring his guards with him.

13 And it came to pass that when Lehonti had come down with his guards to Amalickiah, that Amalickiah desired him to come down with his army in the night-time, and surround those men in their camps over whom the king had given him command, and that he would deliver them up into Lehonti’s hands, if he would make him (Amalickiah) a second leader over the whole army.

Why was Lehonti suspicious of Amalickiah until Amalickiah offered him power? Because Lehonti also lusted for power, did he overlook the obvious? Did he know that when he was dead, Amalickiah would take his place? Why did he trust someone who would betray the king's army? Did lust for power cloud Lehonti's senses?

14 And it came to pass that Lehonti came down with his men and surrounded the men of Amalickiah, so that before they awoke at the dawn of day they were surrounded by the armies of Lehonti.

15 And it came to pass that when they saw that they were surrounded, they pled with Amalickiah that he would suffer them to fall in with their brethren, that they might not be destroyed. Now this was the very thing which Amalickiah desired.

16 And it came to pass that he delivered his men, contrary to the commands of the king. Now this was the thing that Amalickiah desired, that he might accomplish his designs in dethroning the king.

Why did the king's army plead with Amalickiah that he would suffer them to fall in with their brethren? Were they afraid? How easy is it for Amalickiah to manipulate a fearful people? What would have happened if they weren't afraid?

17 Now it was the custom among the Lamanites, if their chief leader was killed, to appoint the second leader to be their chief leader.

18 And it came to pass that Amalickiah caused that one of his servants should administer poison by degrees to Lehonti, that he died.

19 Now, when Lehonti was dead, the Lamanites appointed Amalickiah to be their leader and their chief commander.

Because Lehonti died slowly, did Amalickiah's plan go undetected? Can an automatic line of succession be breeding grounds for mischief? How did Amalickiah use flattery to gain favor with the Lamanites? Did the army trust Amalickiah? Why?

20 And it came to pass that Amalickiah marched with his armies (for he had gained his desires) to the land of Nephi, to the city of Nephi, which was the chief city.

21 And the king came out to meet him with his guards, for he supposed that Amalickiah had fulfilled his commands, and that Amalickiah had gathered together so great an army to go against the Nephites to battle.

Did the king trust Amalickiah? Why?

22 But behold, as the king came out to meet him Amalickiah caused that his servants should go forth to meet the king. And they went and bowed themselves before the king, as if to reverence him because of his greatness.

Did the king expect others to reverence him because of his greatness? Did the king even suspect foul play when he saw Amalickiah coming with the army? Why or why not?

23 And it came to pass that the king put forth his hand to raise them, as was the custom with the Lamanites, as a token of peace, which custom they had taken from the Nephites.

24 And it came to pass that when he had raised the first from the ground, behold he stabbed the king to the heart; and he fell to the earth.

25 Now the servants of the king fled; and the servants of Amalickiah raised a cry, saying:

26 Behold, the servants of the king have stabbed him to the heart, and he has fallen and they have fled; behold, come and see.

Is the Lamanite army blind to the obvious? The king's guards are with him most of the time. If they had a plan to kill him, why would they do it in front of the entire army? Were the servants of the king afraid? What would have happened if didn't run away?

27 And it came to pass that Amalickiah commanded that his armies should march forth and see what had happened to the king; and when they had come to the spot, and found the king lying in his gore, Amalickiah pretended to be wroth, and said: Whosoever loved the king, let him go forth, and pursue his servants that they may be slain.

28 And it came to pass that all they who loved the king, when they heard these words, came forth and pursued after the servants of the king.

29 Now when the servants of the king saw an army pursuing after them, they were frightened again, and fled into the wilderness, and came over into the land of Zarahemla and joined the people of Ammon.

30 And the army which pursued after them returned, having pursued after them in vain; and thus Amalickiah, by his fraud, gained the hearts of the people.

How does Amalickiah use retaliation and revenge to further his design? Did the Lamanite army even think through what had happened or were they influenced by the propaganda? What would it mean if they didn't pursue the servants of the king? Would it mean they didn't love the king? Did they have any choice but to invest their hearts in Amalickiah's story and chase after the servants of the king? How did jumping on the bandwagon of revenge cloud their vision?

31 And it came to pass on the morrow he entered the city Nephi with his armies, and took possession of the city.

32 And now it came to pass that the queen, when she had heard that the king was slain—for Amalickiah had sent an embassy to the queen informing her that the king had been slain by his servants, that he had pursued them with his army, but it was in vain, and they had made their escape—

33 Therefore, when the queen had received this message she sent unto Amalickiah, desiring him that he would spare the people of the city; and she also desired him that he should come in unto her; and she also desired him that he should bring witnesses with him to testify concerning the death of the king.

34 And it came to pass that Amalickiah took the same servant that slew the king, and all them who were with him, and went in unto the queen, unto the place where she sat; and they all testified unto her that the king was slain by his own servants; and they said also: They have fled; does not this testify against them? And thus they satisfied the queen concerning the death of the king.

Why did Amalickiah take possession of the city? Why would the Queen need to ask Amalickiah to spare the city if he was the good guy he pretended to be? Why did the Queen believe the witness of the murderer? Did Amalickiah use flattery to gain favor with the queen?

35 And it came to pass that Amalickiah sought the favor of the queen, and took her unto him to wife; and thus by his fraud, and by the assistance of his cunning servants, he obtained the kingdom; yea, he was acknowledged king throughout all the land, among all the people of the Lamanites, who were composed of the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites, and all the dissenters of the Nephites, from the reign of Nephi down to the present time.

36 Now these dissenters, having the same instruction and the same information of the Nephites, yea, having been instructed in the same knowledge of the Lord, nevertheless, it is strange to relate, not long after their dissensions they became more hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites—drinking in with the traditions of the Lamanites; giving way to indolence, and all manner of lasciviousness; yea, entirely forgetting the Lord their God.

After studying this chapter for two weeks and asking hundreds of questions, I asked myself, “Would I have seen through Amalickiah's deception? Or would I fall into the trap just like the Lamanites?”

I saw that it was anger, fear, flattery, revenge, lust for power and control which blinded the minds of the Lamanites and covered them with a cloud of deception. But what is the lesson for me? I could see this story is a model of the game the adversary plays with me. When I allow these emotions to govern my decisions, I am only a pawn in the devil's game of chess. Ouch!

Every negative emotion that influences my thoughts, words, and deeds can and will be held against me. Look at what happened to the Lamanites. The king was assassinated, Lehonti was murdered, the queen married her husband's killer, and the Lamanites who didn't want to go to war were now marching toward a deadly battle. How could they be so gullible and be controlled so easily? Yet the finger points back at me. Why am I so foolish to give in to the same emotions which led to their downfall?

I've known for a long time that having negative emotion isn't good for me, but after studying this chapter and seeing how those negative emotions are used against me, I desire to make another choice. I am trading my anger for peace, my lust for power for meekness, my fear for faith, my revenge for forgiveness, my people pleasing for an eye single to the glory of God, my envy for kindness, my ignorance for intelligence, my frustration for long-suffering, my vanity for humility, my doubts for belief, my greed for generosity, my hate for love, my captivity for freedom, my jealousy for contentment, and my fear of men for my love of God.

A Tool of Discernment

Because of lessons learned in this story, I have been given a powerful tool to help me recognize deceit. When negative emotions surface, I automatically know I am being deceived. So instead of reacting to the emotion, I take a step back, notice what emotion is being brought to the surface, look behind the curtain, and ask Jesus to show me the deception. What is the devil's plan? What is being hidden from my view? How am I being deceived? What is hiding in plain sight? What is my false belief that brings such misery? “Jesus, show me how to replace my false assumptions with the truth.”

When I choose to believe the truth, peace is restored. And so life continues to unveil one false belief after another. I can now use all of the negativity in my life as a barometer, as a teacher. Instead of engaging in the negative emotion, I get to watch and observe.. It is an opportunity to learn the truth.

The story of Amalickiah has helped me see what the enemy of my soul is doing in my life. My desire to cast off these things has moved to a new level. I choose to act and not be acted upon.

Firm Mind

Great things await those who have a firm mind. What does it mean to have a firm mind? How does feasting on and receiving the pleasing word of God help me develop a firm mind? Why is it difficult to feel His love when my mind is unstable?

O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever. Jacob 3:2

If I only allow the things of God to occupy my time, attention, and heart, will my eye be single to His glory? Will darkness flee when I do not allow anger, fear, flattery, doubt, jealousy, revenge, lust for power, etc. to have place in my mind or heart. Will I then see through all of the deceptions of the devil and be able to comprehend all things? When my mind is firm will I be prepared to enter the presence of the Lord?

And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will. D&C 88:67-68

What is the power of replacing doubt with belief in God? Is He the only One I listen to and obey? Is it possible to exercise faith without a firm mind? Do I put my trust in God continually and lean not to my own understanding but seek Him and His ways? When I exercise faith in God do I reject all the devil has to offer and steadfastly look to Jesus Christ?

And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, yea, that they should be spared while there was a thousand of our brethren who were slain. And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe—that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power. Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually. Alma 57:26-27

Do those who have faith in Christ cleave to every good thing and reject every evil thing? Miracles always follow believers. Believers don't need to see to believe; but because they believe, they see heaven manifested here on earth. Why is strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness essential?

For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens. And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men. For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness. Moroni 7:28-30

Peace

Through the Holy Ghost I am taught the things of God. Jesus is the prince of peace and I receive peace when I follow Him. Why does Jesus tell me “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”? Why does He instruct me to leave judgment and revenge alone? Can I have peace when I am caught up in these things?

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. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:26-27

Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine and I will repay. Peace be with you; my blessings continue with you. D&C 82:23

For what purpose does the Lord ask me to keep His commandments? Does it please him to see me happy? Is this why he gives me instructions? Is this why asks me to depart from evil and come unto Him? If I am full of mercy and truth, will I be at peace? When I trust in the Lord with all my heart, is there anything that can destroy my peace?

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:1-7

What did Melchizedek do to exercise mighty faith? Of what did the people repent? What is the result of Melchizedek's faith? Why is he called the prince of peace? If I exercise faith and reject my fears, doubts, and insecurities will I too obtain peace and become a princess of peace?

But Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received the office of the high priesthood according to the holy order of God, did preach repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his days; therefore he was called the prince of peace, for he was the king of Salem; and he did reign under his father. Alma 13:18

Working By Mental Exertion and Words

If working by faith is working by mental exertion and words, then to exercise mighty faith must my mind be free of the devil's cloud of deception? Can I be double minded and work by faith? Or in other words, can I succumb to anger, fear, doubt, flattery, and lust, and still work by faith? How do Christ's words make me sure, steadfast, and immovable? How do the devil's words make me unstable? Can I tell the difference between the two voices in my head?

We ask, then, what are we to understand by a man's working by faith? We answer: We understand that when a man works by faith he works by mental exertion instead of physical force: it is by words instead of exerting his physical powers, with which every being works when he works by faith. Lectures on faith 7:3

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8

If I cry unto Him, will Jesus Christ remove the cloud of darkness that overshadows me? Will he show me my false beliefs and teach me the truth? Is this what it means to repent and have faith in Jesus Christ? When the cloud of darkness is gone, is that when I am at peace with God and men? Do I want my fears, doubts, anger, jealousies, and false beliefs; or am I willing to trade them for unspeakable joy? What is this baptism of fire that fills me with joy to exceed my strength? What did this pleasant voice say to those who were baptized with joy? Is peace always the result of casting away my unbelief, my doubts, my fears, and my anger? How does marveling and doubting get in the way of faith?

And Aminadab said unto them: You must repent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christ, who was taught unto you by Alma, and Amulek, and Zeezrom; and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you. And it came to pass that they all did begin to cry unto the voice of him who had shaken the earth; yea, they did cry even until the cloud of darkness was dispersed.

And it came to pass that when they cast their eyes about, and saw that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them, behold, they saw that they were encircled about, yea every soul, by a pillar of fire. And Nephi and Lehi were in the midst of them; yea, they were encircled about; yea, they were as if in the midst of a flaming fire, yet it did harm them not, neither did it take hold upon the walls of the prison; and they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory. And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words.

And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper, saying: Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world. And now, when they heard this they cast up their eyes as if to behold from whence the voice came; and behold, they saw the heavens open; and angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them. And there were about three hundred souls who saw and heard these things; and they were bidden to go forth and marvel not, neither should they doubt. Helaman 5:41-49

Chains, Iron Yoke, Strong Bands, Handcuffs, Shackles, and Fetters of Hell

Following Jesus is not about being a good boy or girl. It is not about living a certain set of rules so I don't disappoint God. It pleases Jesus that I follow Him because if I am willing, he can bring me out of captivity and fill my life with peace and joy. It pleases Him to see me happy. He knows the way. He is the perfect guide to set the captives free.

I have a choice. I am free to act if only I will. I am free to choose happiness, liberty, and peace; or I can choose misery, captivity, and turmoil. The choice is mine.

And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given. Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself. And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit; And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.2 Nephi 2:26-29

Repentance is all about changing my mind and seeing a better way.

For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger, and perish; For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good. 2 Nephi 28:19-20

Anger, lies, oppression, fear, confusion, insecurity, and anxiety have great hold upon me until I see my life in the light.

It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives and children, who have been made to bow down with grief, sorrow, and care, under the most damning hand of murder, tyranny, and oppression, supported and urged on and upheld by the influence of that spirit which hath so strongly riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited lies, upon the hearts of the children, and filled the world with confusion, and has been growing stronger and stronger, and is now the very mainspring of all corruption, and the whole earth groans under the weight of its iniquity. It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band; they are the very handcuffs, and chains, and shackles, and fetters of hell. D&C 128:7-8

Amalickiah is described as being cunning.

Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous’ sake. Alma 46:10

What does it mean to be cunning? How are the cunning able to trick and deceive?

Cunning: Art; artifice; artfulness; craft; shrewdness; the faculty or act of using stratagem to accomplish a purpose. Hence in a bad sense, deceitfulness or deceit; fraudulent skill or dexterity.

What is my defense and protection against the enticings of that cunning one? What brings death and misery? Do I want to see through the wiles of the devil? Do I want to perceive his devious and cunning stratagems which he employs to manipulate and persuade me to do what he wants? Am I willing to reject his words?

O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal. 2 Nephi 9:39

Jesus is very willing and able to teach me, guide me, and lead me out of hell. All mysteries, truth, light, and peace are available to me. Or I can harden my heart, reject the Word, hide in the darkness, and live in captivity.

And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full. And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell. Alma 12:10-11

Live by Faith That My Burdens May Be Light

And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen. Alma 33:23

What do I desire? Am I willing to cast out the evil word and live by faith? Am I willing to step out of the cloud of deception and live in the light? God Bless Us All

“Measuring Stick” for Faith

I have been reading and reflecting upon the word of God as recorded in Moroni 7:29-39. As a result, a number of questions have come to mind and caused me to more seriously consider His message to me about belief, faith, works, action, repentance, baptism, hope, charity, miracles, angels, and redemption. I felt to share, at least in part, the following:

29 And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.

Miracles? Angels? Do I see, acknowledge, or experience miracles? What are they? Do angels minister to me? What do angels talk to me about? What do they teach me? What do they claim or assert? What is the message they bring?

What is an angel anyway? Spirit being? Mortal individual with flesh and blood? Resurrected personage with flesh and bone? Translated being? Other? All of the above? Would it seem reasonable to consider the possibility of encountering diverse angels, who come with different characteristics and for various purposes and reasons? Good? Bad? Right? Wrong? Light? Darkness? Truth? Error? Enlightenment? Deception? From Heaven? From Hell? Angels of God with His message of truth? Angels of the Devil with his message of lies? How about the devil deceiving me and appearing to me as an angel of light, but lacking glory? How about the Lord appearing to me as an angel of light with glory?

What would be my experience to look upon Satan in the natural man? Would it be possible to be in the presence of Satan without having glory come upon me and being transfigured before him? Why or why not? On the other hand, what would be the result of looking upon God in the natural man? Would it be possible to look upon God, except his glory should come upon me, and I should be transfigured before Him? Is there a difference between God and Satan? If there is a difference, how is it discerned? How can I accurately distinguish between the two? (Moses 1:13-16)

Therefore, having these extremes placed before us in the scriptures, would it be likely that angels do indeed appear with varying degrees of light, glory, knowledge, authority, and power? If that is in fact true, would it be sensible to correctly identify angels and distinguish between verity and deception. Would it be wise to receive the angels of God, embrace the message, and live according to it? Therefore, should the angels of darkness be dismissed and the attendant lies discarded? 

“And thus the Gospel began to be preached, from the beginning, being declared by holy angels sent forth from the presence of God, and by his own voice, and by the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Moses 5:58) I think I would be very interested and anxious to hear from an angel like that. If one came along, I think I would want to listen and give heed to His word. Are there any angels available today that fit this description? Where can one be found in these latter days? What does God require of an individual to be such and receive the assignment to be an angel of God sent from his presence? 

30 For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness.

Angels of God are subject to whom? Angels of God minister according to the word of whose command? To whom do angels of God show themselves? If angels of God appear unto those of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness, what can I do to recognize and receive an angel? If angels, in fact, minister according to the word of His command, do angels of God freelance according to their own agenda? Would they ever teach for doctrines the commandments of men? Do they have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof? Do they get paid to preach? Are they receiving $$$ in any amount, form, or fashion? Or do angels of God have different motives for teaching the word of God?

Who are the angels of God today? Could a mortal angel of God come in the form of a prophet, seer, revelator, and translator with an authorized message from heaven? Whose message is delivered by angels that come from the presence of God? Does God vouch for His messages sent through His angels? Knowing the message comes from God, should I take the message more seriously? Therefore, would it be highly important for me to find and identify a true messenger sent from the presence of God? Would it be essential for me to heed the message delivered by God's authorized angel? What would be the consequences of giving heed to the message? What if I do not give heed to the message of God delivered through His angel? Does it matter?

31 And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him.

What does it mean that the chosen vessels of the Lord may bear testimony of Him? What is the ministry of an angel? Who ministers according to the word of Christ at His command? What do angels do? What do they say? What do they declare? Do they give praise and approval and say smooth things that are pleasing to men? Or do they call repentance with clarity, accuracy, and power? Are they more interested in the salvation of my soul than becoming popular among men? Is an angel sent from the presence of God the same thing as a prophet sent from the presence of God?

Do we find angels, who are true messengers of God, well liked, praised, honored, found on corporate boards, occupying high seats in religious leaderships, or given special treatment and accommodations in our society? Or does the world mistake the true prophets as the false prophets because the guilty “taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center”? And in turn, does society erroneously view the false prophets as the true prophets because they preach that which is pleasing to the carnal man? 

Although true prophets may be among the most honorable men of the earth, do the children of men almost always cast out true messengers as apostates, while they cherish, honor, and support hypocrites, impostors, and the basest of men? Do men generally enjoy being called to repentance? Why or why not? Do men even see a need to repent? Or do they choose to firmly believe that all is well in Zion and therefore, no change is needed? When an angel preaches repentance with authority, what is the common reaction of the children of men? Do they like it? Or do they firmly conclude that the angel is a stupid idiot? Mad? Unbalanced and crazy? Deluded and deceived? Apostate? A wild man? What is the outcome of failing to recognize an angel from God and giving heed to the message? On the other hand, some few may actually turn and face God, hear the word of Christ with a soft and open heart, recognize the truth, acknowledge personal error, and repent. What would be the result of that?

32 And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.

For what is the Lord preparing the way when He sends an angel with an authoritative message? What is made available? Repentance? Baptism? Receiving the Holy Ghost? Windows of opportunities? In order for the children of men to obtain faith in Christ, is it necessary for a messenger to be sent forth with a true message? Why or why not? Is the Lord preparing the way for covenants to be fulfilled? What else?

33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.

If I have faith in Christ, shall I have power to do whatsoever thing that is expedient in Christ? Anything? All things expedient? What things are expedient in Him? What does it look like to have faith in Christ? Is faith something beyond just believing He exists? Does exercising faith in Christ require something more than being slightly familiar with His teachings? Would faith without works be acceptable? What works would be necessary to be accomplished on my part? What actions would be required to show faith in Christ? What efforts must be put forth? Mental? Physical? Other?

34 And he hath said: Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved.

Would it be expedient in Christ that I be saved? Does this verse become a personal commandment from God to me? Is this His invitation to me? If it is, would it seem reasonable for me to repent, come unto Christ, be baptized in His name, and have faith in Him? What does it mean to repent? Could repentance mean to abandon false and vain and foolish traditions of men and turn and face God? Could it mean that any beliefs, traditions, or ways of living found in me, which are contrary to God, must be discarded? Based on my current view and present understanding, what if my beliefs seem to be true but are false? What if I think I am right, but in actuality, I am blinded by the traditions of men and fail to recognize that my practices are done in vain? What if I am unwilling to consider the foolishness of my position? Consequences? Would I be willing to ask God about my paradigms and His perspective and seek to reconcile the two? How about asking for help to correct my misunderstanding and to make the necessary changes in my paradigm to match His?

What if I were told by an angel that baptism, whether Catholic, Protestant, or LDS is not valid and is not accepted by Christ, and therefore, authoritative re-baptism is necessary? If I were clearly instructed by an angel and understood what Jesus really means by saying that “you must be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved”, what would be my reaction? How does this new information match up with my current beliefs, traditions, and religious practices? Does it matter to me? To God? What shall I do about it?

If the word of God and His instructions delivered by an angel were in obvious and distinct contradiction to my current religious beliefs and traditions, how would I feel? How would I act? What would I do? Would I tend to blow it off? Ignore it? Think about it? Pray about it? Seek and obtain an authorized baptism? Would agitation or anger set in? If so, at whom or what would I be angry? The messenger? The church? God? Myself? Would I demonize the angel, the church, or God? Would I be tempted to cast out the messenger? Stone the prophet? Slander the church? Reject and curse God? What would I actually do? How would I deal with truth that contradicts my current paradigms and ways of life?

If the word of God proves to run contrary to society, religious instruction, and traditions, what should I do? Consider it? Reject it? Which would I reject, and which would I accept? If the word of God, coming through His angel, fails to reconcile with “church doctrine” and does not match or support the teachings of church leadership, what shall I do? Trust God, consider the new paradigm, and act accordingly? Or “sweep it under the rug” and pretend it doesn't exist? Which would be best? Why?

If an angel provided instructions and I obtained assurance by the power of the holy ghost that an authoritative re-baptism is necessary for me to be saved, what should I do? If this commandment of God to me concerning re-baptism contradicts the LDS narrative, which it does, should I still be baptized again? I wonder if those in “my world” would approve of that? How about my family? Friends? Peers? What if I asked questions to my family, peers, and church leaders? Would they entertain my sincere questions about this and other issues, which seem to contradict the teachings I hear at church? I wonder if my religion would approve of that? 

Would my bishop, priest, president or clergyman accept me as I am and consider my sincere questions? Why or why not? Would my religious leaders address my questions by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned? Or would I be persecuted and cast out in one form or another? Really, how would I deal with the contradictions I find between the word of God and the many institutions, religions, professors, priests, and leaders that “draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”? (JSH 1:19)

Would it be of value for me to correctly identify true messengers, verify the truthfulness of the messages delivered, obtain the word of God, and apply those truths in my life?

35 And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased?

Great Question !!

36 Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?

More key questions worth considering !!

37 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.

Have miracles ceased in my life? Have angels ceased to appear to me? Or have I ever seen, recognized, or entertained an angel? If I have not witnessed miracles or if miracles have not been wrought as a result of my faith or if angels have not appeared or ministered to me by faith or if angels have not been noticed, recognized, or received by me or if angels have not ministered to me, then what's up? If these things have ceased or haven't even begun, what is the reason? What are the consequences? “Wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.” What would that mean regarding me and my state and standing with God? What is unbelief? And how can I discard it?

38 For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made.

This appears very serious to me! If these things have ceased or do not exist in my life, what does that mean concerning my salvation? What does it mean according to the words of Christ? If these things have ceased or do not appear in my life, and therefore, faith has ceased also and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made, what is my current state and standing with God? Is it awful? Would it be wise for me to remain in an unredeemed state, as though there had been no redemption made? Is this a way to reject Christ's redemptive offering to me? What do you think?

39 But behold, my beloved brethren, I judge better things of you, for I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of your meekness; for if ye have not faith in him then ye are not fit to be numbered among the people of his church.

What is a determining characteristic of those who have faith in Christ? What is meekness? What are some examples of those who possess meekness? Christ? Enoch? Moses? Others? What does meekness look like?

What could make you unfit to be numbered among the people of His church? What is His church anyway? (D&C 10:67-68)

In these few verses, much truth has been revealed about belief vs. unbelief, faith, works, action, repentance, baptism, hope, charity, miracles, the ministry of angels, and our redemption through Christ. We are given a “measuring stick” to measure our faith. Having faith in Christ, we can expect miracles, the appearance of angels, the word of God delivered through true messengers, and to be redeemed from the fall as did the brother of Jared, Nephi, Moroni, and many others as manifested and recorded in the Book of Mormon.

If Christ didn't mean what He said, why did Christ teach and make the promises recorded here in these few verses? On the other hand, if He does indeed mean what He says, vouches for His words with power and authority, and keeps His promises, would it make sense to pay close attention to His words, understand His message, and act upon it with faith? Would it be worth it to precisely obey His directions and thereby claim what He promises?