So on August 1st, I challenged my family to read the Book of Mormon in 30 days. You can read about that here. Almost 10 days into it, I was pleasantly surprised with how well we were all doing- you can read about that here. Well, here we are with only 3 days left! And I think we might all just make it! One of us will finish today. One of us a bit behind but is trying really hard to catch up. And the rest of us are a little behind but catching up more and more every day. By the end of the day today we should be through Ether Ch. 7. I'm just happy I'm only one chapter away from starting the Book of Ether right now. That should be some good listening right there, as those are some pretty messed up people.
In the last week, I have read/listened to some of my favorite parts of the Book of Mormon- mainly the last half of Alma through 3rd Nephi. I love it! The parallels of their society and our society excite and scare me both at the same time.
Yesterday as I was on my morning walk, I listened to the part in 3rd Nephi when Christ visits America. It is just after He is crucified and there is great destruction in all the land followed by 3 days of darkness, which the prophets had prophesied would be the sign of the death of Jesus Christ. During the three days of darkness, the people hear the voice of Christ speaking to them (3 Nephi Ch. 8-10). And then finally, in Chapter 11, after the darkness is over, the people gather at the Temple and Christ appears to the people of Nephi on the American Continent and teaches them. They are able to feel the prints in his hands and feet and also feel the wound in his side.
3 Nephi 11:15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.
He sets up his church, teaches them how to baptize, administer the sacrament and many other great things. He also calls and ordains 12 disciples in that land to minister to the people (3 Nephi Ch.11-26 tells of his visit with them). After his visits (it says he visited with them oft) the people lived in peace for 200 years. And then all heck breaks loose and they are totally destroyed- it all starts with pride as the people are greatly blessed and prospered by the Lord in the land...
Doesn't it make sense that Christ would not just visit the people in one little part of the world? If he loves everyone, and wants everyone to have his gospel, wouldn't he visit others too? And teach them? John 10:16 says
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.And as he is teaching the people in America he says in 3 Nephi 15:21-24
21 And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
22 And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the Gentiles; for they understood not that the Gentiles should be converted through their preaching.
23 And they understood me not that I said they shall hear my voice; and they understood me not that the Gentiles should not at any time hear my voice—that I should not manifest myself unto them save it were by the Holy Ghost.
24 But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me; and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me.
Last October (2012) Steve and I were able to take my mom and sister and Aubrey and Addy to the Latino Cultural Celebration in the Conference Center. They only had one set of headphones left to translate it into English, so my mom listened to it while we watched. It was wonderful to see. She told us that for each culture represented they talked about their cultures legends of the "White God" who visited and taught them. The show ended with the appearance of Christ to the Nephites in America. Here is a short video clip of the event.
It's almost like I waited a whole year to do this post just so I could use these pictures for it....
If you would like to learn more about Christ's visit to the people on the American continent you can request a free copy of the Book of Mormon by clicking here, or you can ask me and I will send you one. Or you can read or listen to it online here. You can also listen to other scriptures such as the New and Old Testament at that same link. Or you can download the app here.
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