Come Follow Me with Brother T

*This episode was apparently deleted. My apologies that it is out of sequence. The host had no remedy for that. This is the ministry of Alma the Elder in the place of the woods called Mormon. We discuss the covenants of baptism and the dangers of ignoring the warnings of prophets. 

Nephi's parting words to his people and to us. He speaks of the doctrine of Christ and about the baptism of the Savior and why it was necessary. He talks about baptism by water and the Holy Ghost. He encourages us to feast upon the words of Christ and to endure to the end! With this episode, I have covered the entire Book of Mormon. I started this in March of 2020 when the restrictions due to Covid-19 were set in place and we were unable to meet as a Sunday School. This is the last podcast I will do for this series. I have no intentions to continue to record podcasts on the other Come Follow Me Lessons unless moved upon by the Spirit. I hope you have enjoyed it half as much as I enjoyed recording it. Thank you, again! 

Nephi prophesies of the destruction of the wicked before the Savior visits the children of Lehi on the American Continents. He prophesies of the last days including the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, wickedness and false doctrine taught by evil churches, the gathering of Israel, the revealing of more scripture, and the conditions of the Millenium. 

Nephi continues to quote Isaiah about the Assyrian conquering of Ephraim and Syria and subsequent siege of Jerusalem. Those who serve God will be preserved. Babylon and Assyria represent the world. Nephi leaves his commentary about Isaiah's writing in Chapter 25. 

This is the first part of an in depth commentary on the words of Isaiah as quoted by Nephi. Come Follow Me lumped all of Nephi's Isaiah chapters into one week spanning chapters 11-25 of 2nd Nephi. I have decided to give a little more detail in the way of explanation of each verse including interpretation of symbolism and history. I encourage you to listen with your scriptures open ready to pause the podcast and ponder what was said. 

Jacob, Nephi's brother, writes quotes and explains the writings of Isaiah and how it applies to the Children of Israel, to his people, and to us today. He writes of the death and the resurrection and of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Lehi blesses his children. He teaches Jacob about the Fall and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He teaches Joseph about his namesake, Joseph, Jacob's son, and the prophecy of Joseph Smith. Lehi dies and Nephi laments his weakness as a mortal. The Nephites escape the Lamanites and the Lamanites are cursed.

Lehi and Ishmael and their children continue on the journey in the wilderness to the Land of Bountiful. There are many trials, including Ishmael's death and a lack of food due to a broken bow, but the Lord blesses them and gives them the Liahona which works according to their faith and obedience. Nephi is commanded to build a ship. He quotes Isaiah and teaches his brothers about Christ's relationship with the Children of Israel.

Nephi sees the vision of the Tree of Life, as well, with more detail as to the meaning. He is shown the life of the Savior and His Apostles. He is shown the history of the descendants of his father, Lehi, the coming forth of the Bible, the founding of America by Columbus, the Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States so that the Church could be restored and the Book of Mormon could come forth. He sees the Gentiles who founded the US convert the descendants of Lehi and other Jews.

I discuss Lehi's dream of the Tree of Life and the interpretations of the various symbols, the wise purpose for which Nephi kept two records, and Lehi's prophecy concerning the scattering and gathering of Israel.

Nephi shares a quick history of Lehi's visions and commandment to leave Jerusalem. Lehi's family departs into the wilderness but the brothers are commanded to return to Jerusalem to obtain the Brass Plates from Laban. After several trying attempts they accomplish the task the Lord gave them and return to the wilderness. They go back to Jerusalem once more to bring Ishmael and is family with them.

Discussion of the Title Page, Introduction, Testimony of the Three Witnesses, Testimony of the Eight Witnesses, and Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

The final words of Moroni before he buries the gold plates on which they were engraved. He exhorts us to gain a witness of the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon. He teaches about gifts of the Spirit. He teaches how we return to Our Father in Heaven and he warns us of his role as a witness if we reject the truth contained in the Book of Mormon. As a side note. This podcast concludes the Book of Mormon Come Follow Me curriculum. I started this podcast when Covid hit and we were not allowed to attend Church in person and I still wanted to magnify my calling as a Sunday School teacher. I never expected that I would be recording this long but I am glad I have been able to do so. I was released from my calling in October and am now serving as the Ward Mission Leader. At this time, my plan is to go back to the beginning of The Book of Mormon and record the introduction and the lessons in 1st and 2nd Nephi. In that way, I will have completed the whole book. These episodes will come out when I have time and not each week. I would highly encourage you to continue studying The Book of Mormon each day of your life while also studying the current Come Follow Me curriculum. Thank you for listening and for your support!

The last words of Mormon to us and to his son. He talks about the Light of Christ, faith, hope, and charity. He declares that baptizing young children and those who cannot be held accountable is a mockery of Christ's Atonement. Finally, he talks about anger and the condition of the people he is fighting with and against.

Moroni shares valuable and specific instructions regarding the priesthood ordinances of ordination, the sacrament, and baptism. He gives an overview of how the value of the Church and its reliance on the Spirit.

Moroni talks about faith and humility and how the Lord will make weak things become strong. He discusses the Prophet Ether's revelation about the New Jerusalem. Finally, he tells the story of the complete destruction of the Jaredites due to pride and wickedness according to the requirements of the Promised Land.

Moroni continues the history of the Jaredites. They cross the great waters and establish themselves in the Promised Land. This is a history of the righteous kings who are prosperous and the wicked kings who bring about calamities. Secret combinations are introduced which leads to murder and corruption and eventual destruction.

The beginning of the Book of Ether a record of the Jaredites who were spared around the time of the Tower of Babel and brought to the Promised Land. The Brother of Jared sees the Lord in a remarkable demonstration of faith. A discussion of the Urim and Thummim and the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon.

The final words of Mormon to the descendants of his enemies and to all that Jesus is the Christ and to remind us that we are of the House of Israel. Moroni takes over the record and adds his warnings, insight, and testimony.

The prophet/historian/general chronicles the fall of his people due to sin and war with the Lamanites and Gadianton robbers. We learn from Mormon how to remain righteous in a wicked world. The Book of Mormon was written for our time to convince the remnant of the seed of Jacob, the modern day Lamanites, that the are part of the House of Israel and have covenanted with Christ.

Christ reminds the Disciples that the Church is His and is named after Him. The Disciples are transfigured and three are translated so they can serve the Children of Israel on the Earth until Christ returns. The people establish a Zion society that lasts for about 200 years until the 4th Generation when pride and division destroys the peace.

Christ teaches about the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies regarding the Children of Israel. He admonishes everyone to study the scriptures and he gives the Nephites the same prophecies and promises as he gave to Malachi to share with Israel.

To help understand many of the prophecies recorded in the scriptures, a general understanding of the history of the Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), and their descendants is invaluable. This a brief history to help with that understanding.

The Savior continues teaching the children of Israel on the American Continent how to pray, ponder, and minister. He institutes the sacrament, blesses the children, and heals the sick.

Christ gives the same sermon he gave on the mount in Jerusalem. We discuss some of the Beatitudes, how to pray, the Law of Moses being fulfilled, the other sheep and, and the gathering of Israel.

The signs of Christ's death are fulfilled and the Children of Israel on the American Continents who survived have witnessed major destruction, storms, and complete darkness. They are called to repent and gather to witness the more important event in The Book of Mormon, the visitation of the Savior.

Signs and wonders leading up to the birth of the Savior help bolster the faith of the righteous but stir up contention for the wicked. The pride cycle churns ever faster as the secret combinations eventually destroy civilized and governed society.

Samuel the Lamanite calls the Nephites to repentance and prophesies of the signs of Christ's birth and death. He teaches what we must do to prepare ourselves for Christ's coming.

The pride cycle, secret combinations, wars, murder, wickedness, repentance, famine, humbling, and prophecy. There is so much in these chapters in Helaman! Ultimately, we must build upon the Rock who is our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

I am taking my son, Henry, to BYU this week and will not be able to record and edit this week's podcast. Look for a double episode covering most of Helaman next week. Thanks for understanding!

The close of the Book of Alma and the War Chapters. We continue to learn from Moroni, Helaman and his Stripling Warriors, and Pahoran. Internal strife leads to destruction and loss of freedom.

The beginning of the war chapters brings us a model for how to defend ourselves from both physical and spiritual attacks. We also get a great comparison between good and evil. Finally, we look at how righteousness and freedom go hand in hand.

Alma's counsel and teaching to his wayward son, Corianton. We discuss overcoming sin through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Resurrection, the Spirit World, Judgement, and the Fall.

Alma's counsel to Helaman and Shiblon.

Alma's epic talk on faith followed by sermon about Christ and Amulek's testimony and reason for an atonement.

The fallacious arguments the Anti-Christ, Korihor, are refuted by Alma. The Zoramites dissent and start their own religion. **Sorry for the delay in releasing this episode and if the quality is a little rough. It was a busy week.

Happy Independence Day! We discuss religious freedom, true conversion, and the joy in knowing the Lord provides liberty from death and hell.

The Sons of Mosiah preach among the Lamanites. Ammon has great success through serving King Lamoni. Aaron and his brethren are imprisoned and set free and teach teach Lamoni's father.

Alma teaches about the Melchizedek Priesthood. He and Amulek are forced to watch innocents murdered and are cast into prison. They are freed by a miracle and continue to preach the word of God and organize the church.

Alma and Amulek join together to wrestle the lawyers of the City of Ammonihah.

Alma preaches to the people of Zarahemla asking questions that help us evaluate our relationship with the Savior. He moves on to the City of Gideon where the people are more righteous and speaks of Christ and the priesthood.

King Mosiah establishes a system of judges before he and Alma pass away. Alma the younger is the Chief Judge and High Priest. He has to combat pride and priestcraft among his people first with Nehor and then with the would-be king, Amlici. War with the Lamanites and Alicites helps to humble the people who repent and then prosperity makes them proud.

A discussion of repentance and church discipline by observing the leadership of Alma and the remarkable repentance of Alma the Younger.

The ministry and testimony of Abinadi. Standing up for what you know is true even if you are alone. More discussion on how Christ is the Father and the Son. The Law of Moses and the Plan of Salvation.

The history of Zeniff who led a group of people out of Zarahemla back to the land of Lehi-Nephi. Fast forward 80 years to Zeniff's grandson, Limhi, who is the king of these people who are in bondage to the Lamanites. Within the history is a short discussion on how Christ is our God and Father and a more detailed explanation of prophets, seers, and revelators.

The conclusion of King Benjamin's address. We discuss becoming a converted saint and the conditions of repentance as well as covenants.

The beginning of King Benjamin's final words to his people.

A simple discussion about the last week of the Savior's mortal life and the scriptures in the Come Follow Me lesson.

The Book of Enos is a great book about prayer and forgiveness. The discussion shifts to Nephi's smaller record and the preservation of this record and the people. The Nephites discover the Mulekites or the people of Zarahemla and we get a glimpse into the mysterious Coriantumr who was the last known survivor of the ancient Jaredites. Mormon helps us to understand how all of these records come together.

Discussion of Zenos' allegory of the tame olive tree and Jacob's interaction with Sherem the anti-Christ.

In this episode, I discuss leadership and Jacob's excellent example, wealth, pride, chastity, the Atonement of the Savior, and looking beyond the mark. This is my first podcast so bear with me. I know there are a lot of mistakes. I tried to edit out as much as I could but I wanted to get this out to everyone as soon as possible. I hope this will help me, as Jacob encourages, magnify my calling. I don't think Nephi had a microphone and a computer in front of him when he suggested that speaking is more powerful than writing. This was a lot more difficult than I ever thought it was.