3 Nephi 15-18 3 Nephi 15-18 3 Nephi 15:1-83 Nephi 15:1-8 Could it be any clearerCould it be any clearer!!

The Law of Moses hath an end in me The Law of Moses hath an end in me (v.8). The (v.8). The strict ceremonies, observances and offerings, strict ceremonies, observances and offerings, peculiar to the Law of Moses. peculiar to the Law of Moses.

Note, it was Jesus Christ who instituted, fulfilled, Note, it was Jesus Christ who instituted, fulfilled, and announced the fulfillment of the Law of and announced the fulfillment of the Law of Moses.Moses.

Fundamental doctrines of the gospel did not Fundamental doctrines of the gospel did not change with the fulfilling of the Law of Moses.change with the fulfilling of the Law of Moses.

The doctrine of the atonement is unchanging, The doctrine of the atonement is unchanging, but the procedure for how we remember the but the procedure for how we remember the atonement changed from sacrifice to atonement changed from sacrifice to sacramentsacrament. “Keep in mind that the principles of . “Keep in mind that the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are divine. Nobody the gospel of Jesus Christ are divine. Nobody changes the principles and doctrines of the changes the principles and doctrines of the church… But methods change as the inspired church… But methods change as the inspired direction comes to those who preside at a given direction comes to those who preside at a given time. If you will analyze that the fundamental time. If you will analyze that the fundamental doctrines of the church are not changing. The doctrines of the church are not changing. The only changes are in the methods of teaching only changes are in the methods of teaching that doctrine to meet the circumstances of our that doctrine to meet the circumstances of our time” (Harold B. Lee, time” (Harold B. Lee, EnsignEnsign, January 1971,10)., January 1971,10).

3 Nephi 15:93 Nephi 15:9 “Behold, I am the Law, and the Light” “Behold, I am the Law, and the Light” (Galations 3:16)(Galations 3:16)

You will not discover the superiority of the gospel over the law of You will not discover the superiority of the gospel over the law of Moses if you think the law of Moses was harder to live than the Moses if you think the law of Moses was harder to live than the gospelgospel. .

The following statement by Elder Neal A. Maxwell helps illustrate The following statement by Elder Neal A. Maxwell helps illustrate this:this:

““One of the ironies which is fostered, at times innocently, in the One of the ironies which is fostered, at times innocently, in the Church, is the feeling we have that the spirit of the law is superior Church, is the feeling we have that the spirit of the law is superior to the letter of the law because for some reason it seems more to the letter of the law because for some reason it seems more permissive or less apt to offend others. The reverse if true. The permissive or less apt to offend others. The reverse if true. The spirit of the law is superior because it demands more of us than spirit of the law is superior because it demands more of us than the letter of the law. The spirit of the law insists that we do more the letter of the law. The spirit of the law insists that we do more than merely comply superficially. It means, too, that we much than merely comply superficially. It means, too, that we much give attention to the things that matter most and still not leave the give attention to the things that matter most and still not leave the others undone” (others undone” (For the Power is in ThemFor the Power is in Them, 46-47)., 46-47).

““True enduring therefore represents True enduring therefore represents not merely the passage of time but not merely the passage of time but also the passage of soul --- and not also the passage of soul --- and not merely from A to B, but amid ‘mighty merely from A to B, but amid ‘mighty change’ all the way from A to Z. change’ all the way from A to Z. To To endure in faith and do God’s will thus endure in faith and do God’s will thus involves much more than putting up involves much more than putting up with a circumstancewith a circumstance” (Neal A. ” (Neal A. Maxwell, Maxwell, Men and Women of ChristMen and Women of Christ, , 69-70).69-70).

3 Nephi 15:16-213 Nephi 15:16-21 ““Other SheepOther Sheep””

The Nephites are the other sheep of whom He spoke in Jerusalem The Nephites are the other sheep of whom He spoke in Jerusalem (John 10:16).(John 10:16).

One of the most familiar and beautiful sights of the East is that of the One of the most familiar and beautiful sights of the East is that of the shepherd leading his sheep to the pasture….He depends upon the shepherd leading his sheep to the pasture….He depends upon the sheep to follow, and they in turn expect him never to leave them…sheep to follow, and they in turn expect him never to leave them…

“…“…As he is always with them, and so deeply interested in them, the As he is always with them, and so deeply interested in them, the shepherd comes to know his sheep very intimately….One day a shepherd comes to know his sheep very intimately….One day a missionary, meeting a shepherd on one of the wildest parts of the missionary, meeting a shepherd on one of the wildest parts of the Lebanon, asked him various questions about his sheep, and among Lebanon, asked him various questions about his sheep, and among others if he counted them every night. On answering that he did not, others if he counted them every night. On answering that he did not, he was asked how he knew if they were all there or not. His reply he was asked how he knew if they were all there or not. His reply was, ‘Master, if you were to put a cloth over my eyes, and bring me was, ‘Master, if you were to put a cloth over my eyes, and bring me any sheep and only let me put my hands on its face, I could tell in a any sheep and only let me put my hands on its face, I could tell in a moment if it was mine or not’” (George M. Mackie, moment if it was mine or not’” (George M. Mackie, Bible Manners Bible Manners and Customs and Customs [n.d.], 33, 35).[n.d.], 33, 35).

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, speaking Elder Neal A. Maxwell, speaking about this personal care said:about this personal care said:

““Jesus is so personal in His Jesus is so personal in His shepherding and tutoring!...shepherding and tutoring!...

“…“…Jesus knows and cares for each Jesus knows and cares for each individual; He watches carefully over individual; He watches carefully over the seemingly smallest of things” the seemingly smallest of things” ((That Ye May Believe That Ye May Believe [1992], 204-5).[1992], 204-5).

3 Nephi 16:1-3; 17:43 Nephi 16:1-3; 17:4 Who are the “otherWho are the “other sheepsheep?”?”

Did not Jesus visit them (the lost tribes of Did not Jesus visit them (the lost tribes of Israel) after he ministered among the Israel) after he ministered among the Nephites?... Of course he did, in one or many Nephites?... Of course he did, in one or many places as suited his purposes. He assembled places as suited his purposes. He assembled them together then in exactly the same way he them together then in exactly the same way he gathered the Nephites in the land of Bountiful gathered the Nephites in the land of Bountiful so that they too could hear his voice and feel so that they too could hear his voice and feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet. Of this there can be no question. And we feet. Of this there can be no question. And we suppose that he also called twelve apostles and suppose that he also called twelve apostles and established his kingdom among them even as established his kingdom among them even as he did in Jerusalem and in the Americas” he did in Jerusalem and in the Americas” (Bruce R, McConkie, (Bruce R, McConkie, Millennial MessiahMillennial Messiah, 216)., 216).

““He has other worlds or creations and He has other worlds or creations and other sons and daughters, perhaps other sons and daughters, perhaps just as good as those dwelling on this just as good as those dwelling on this planet and they, as well as we, will be planet and they, as well as we, will be visited, and they will be made glad visited, and they will be made glad with the countenance of their Lordwith the countenance of their Lord. . Thus he will go, in the time and in the Thus he will go, in the time and in the season thereof, from kingdom to season thereof, from kingdom to kingdom or from world to world” kingdom or from world to world” (Orson Pratt, (Orson Pratt, JDJD, 17:332). (D&C , 17:332). (D&C 88:51-61).88:51-61).

3 Nephi 17:23 Nephi 17:2 ““The GatheringThe Gathering””

Their difficulty in understanding the gathering Their difficulty in understanding the gathering seems to have had more to do with their lack of seems to have had more to do with their lack of intellectual understanding of the doctrine itself.intellectual understanding of the doctrine itself.

3 Nephi 17:4-53 Nephi 17:4-5 2 Nephi 29:11-142 Nephi 29:11-14

3 Nephi 17:6-253 Nephi 17:6-25 ““The TempleThe Temple EndowmentEndowment?”?”

vv. 6-9. 6-9 “ “How many people was the How many people was the Savior willing to healSavior willing to heal?”?”

During his mortal life, Jesus never refused During his mortal life, Jesus never refused to heal a single personto heal a single person (Matthew 15:23-28)(Matthew 15:23-28). .

Elder Richard G Scott said, “I testify that the Elder Richard G Scott said, “I testify that the Savior will heal you as you choose to obey truth Savior will heal you as you choose to obey truth and use your agency according to His counsel” and use your agency according to His counsel” ((EnsignEnsign, November 1992, 62)., November 1992, 62).

Evidently the resurrected Lord appeared to all Evidently the resurrected Lord appeared to all of the people who were to write these great of the people who were to write these great spiritual witnesses (spiritual witnesses (Three Great Spiritual Three Great Spiritual WitnessesWitnesses, Ludlow, 271)., Ludlow, 271).

Being of good cheer is the proximate preparation for ultimate joy. Being of good cheer is the proximate preparation for ultimate joy. Being of good cheer --- one day at a time --- precedes that point Being of good cheer --- one day at a time --- precedes that point later on when, if we live righteously, we can justifiably say what later on when, if we live righteously, we can justifiably say what Jesus said: “Now behold, my joy is full” (3 Nephi 17:20) (Neal A. Jesus said: “Now behold, my joy is full” (3 Nephi 17:20) (Neal A. Maxwell, Maxwell, Even As I AmEven As I Am, 98)., 98).

The gospel glow we see radiating from some --- amid dark The gospel glow we see radiating from some --- amid dark difficulties --- comes from illuminated individuals who are “of good difficulties --- comes from illuminated individuals who are “of good cheer!” To be cheerful when others are in despair, to keep the cheer!” To be cheerful when others are in despair, to keep the faith when others falter, to be true even when we feel forsaken --- faith when others falter, to be true even when we feel forsaken --- all of these are deeply desired outcomes during the deliberate, all of these are deeply desired outcomes during the deliberate, divine tutorials which God gives to us --- because He loves us divine tutorials which God gives to us --- because He loves us Mosiah 3:19). These learning experiences must not be misread Mosiah 3:19). These learning experiences must not be misread as divine indifference. Instead, such tutorials are a part of the as divine indifference. Instead, such tutorials are a part of the divine unfolding (Neal A. Maxwell, divine unfolding (Neal A. Maxwell, EnsignEnsign, November 1982, 67)., November 1982, 67).

3 Nephi 18:4-73 Nephi 18:4-7

““And were filledAnd were filled””

Let us make that sacrament hour one of the Let us make that sacrament hour one of the most impressive means of coming in contact most impressive means of coming in contact with God’s spirit (1946, David O. McKay).with God’s spirit (1946, David O. McKay).

The sacrament is the only ordinance of the The sacrament is the only ordinance of the gospel that we do for ourselves more than gospel that we do for ourselves more than onceonce..

““No more sacred ordinance is administered in the No more sacred ordinance is administered in the Church of Christ than the administration of the Church of Christ than the administration of the SacramentSacrament” (David O. McKay, C.R., April 1946, 112).” (David O. McKay, C.R., April 1946, 112).

Bread and water are the two most basic elements to Bread and water are the two most basic elements to sustain lifesustain life. In a similar way, Jesus, who is the “bread . In a similar way, Jesus, who is the “bread of life” (John 6:35) and the “living water” (Jeremiah of life” (John 6:35) and the “living water” (Jeremiah 17:13), is the basic elements to sustain our spiritual 17:13), is the basic elements to sustain our spiritual life.life.

““Un-baptized children, being without sin, are entitled Un-baptized children, being without sin, are entitled and expected to partake of the sacrament to prefigure and expected to partake of the sacrament to prefigure the covenant they will take upon themselves when the covenant they will take upon themselves when they arrive at the years of accountability” (Bruce R. they arrive at the years of accountability” (Bruce R. McConkie, McConkie, M.DM.D., 660).., 660).

Commenting on this verse, President George Commenting on this verse, President George Q. Cannon wroteQ. Cannon wrote: :

““In our Church numerous instances have In our Church numerous instances have occurred where…bread and wine (or water) occurred where…bread and wine (or water) have been partaken of as a meal, and not, as is have been partaken of as a meal, and not, as is usual when the Sacrament is passed in our usual when the Sacrament is passed in our general meetings, in the shape of small pieces general meetings, in the shape of small pieces of bread and a little sip of water… It seems from of bread and a little sip of water… It seems from this that in partaking of this ordinance they this that in partaking of this ordinance they satisfied their appetites – that is, they ate and satisfied their appetites – that is, they ate and drank until they were filled. drank until they were filled. This would be the This would be the proper manner to administer this ordinance now proper manner to administer this ordinance now if circumstances permittedif circumstances permitted” (Editorial Thoughts ” (Editorial Thoughts [Passing the Sacrament],” [Passing the Sacrament],” The Juvenile The Juvenile InstructorInstructor 32 [15 January 1897]: 52-53). 32 [15 January 1897]: 52-53).

Philo Dibble told Oliver B Huntington of an occasion in Philo Dibble told Oliver B Huntington of an occasion in 1838 in Far West, Missouri , during which “the Prophet 1838 in Far West, Missouri , during which “the Prophet Joseph Smith gave the people a true pattern. Joseph Smith gave the people a true pattern.

A pattern of the true manner of partaking of the A pattern of the true manner of partaking of the sacramentsacrament. The people came together in the morning . The people came together in the morning without their breakfast, to the bowery on the Public without their breakfast, to the bowery on the Public Square where there was prepared a plenty of good Square where there was prepared a plenty of good bread and a barrel of wine. The bread and wine was bread and a barrel of wine. The bread and wine was blessed, every person ate bread and drank wine as blessed, every person ate bread and drank wine as they wanted all day, when they wanted… No one said they wanted all day, when they wanted… No one said ‘less [lets] go and get a drink’ but with solemnity they ‘less [lets] go and get a drink’ but with solemnity they commemorated the death and sufferings of Jesus… commemorated the death and sufferings of Jesus… No one was intoxicated during the day” (No one was intoxicated during the day” (Diary of Diary of Oliver B. HuntingtonOliver B. Huntington, 1847-1900, part 2 {Provo, Utah: , 1847-1900, part 2 {Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University Library, 1942], entry of 4 Brigham Young University Library, 1942], entry of 4 September 1887).September 1887).

Records indicate that the Records indicate that the sacrament was “administered at sacrament was “administered at times when Joseph appointed, times when Joseph appointed, after the ancient order; that is, after the ancient order; that is, warm bread to break easy was warm bread to break easy was provided, and broken into pieces provided, and broken into pieces as large as a fist (School of the as large as a fist (School of the Prophets, October 3, 1883).Prophets, October 3, 1883).

““The Administration of the The Administration of the SacramentSacrament””

B.H. Roberts insisted they (the sacrament B.H. Roberts insisted they (the sacrament prayers) were the most perfect forms of sacred prayers) were the most perfect forms of sacred literature to be found. literature to be found. To participate in them is To participate in them is to enter the Holy of Holies of the Atonementto enter the Holy of Holies of the Atonement ((Truth, Way, LightTruth, Way, Light, 39)., 39).

These prayers spiritualize the physical and These prayers spiritualize the physical and physicalize the spiritualphysicalize the spiritual. They unite from man’s . They unite from man’s mortal condition to an eternal family.mortal condition to an eternal family.

Elder Melvin J. Ballard cautions, “We must come…to the Elder Melvin J. Ballard cautions, “We must come…to the sacrament table hungry” (Ballard, sacrament table hungry” (Ballard, Melvin J. BallardMelvin J. Ballard, 132)., 132).

Some come to the banquet table each week with pitchers, ready Some come to the banquet table each week with pitchers, ready to catch and drink every drop of eternal life that is offered. Others to catch and drink every drop of eternal life that is offered. Others come with cups---and still others with yet smaller receptacles. come with cups---and still others with yet smaller receptacles.

Jedediah M. Grand observed: “A great many people partake of Jedediah M. Grand observed: “A great many people partake of the Sacrament, and at the same time are thinking, ‘How many the Sacrament, and at the same time are thinking, ‘How many teams can I get tomorrow to haul stone? I wonder if that sister teams can I get tomorrow to haul stone? I wonder if that sister has a bonnet like mine, or if I can get one like hers? I wonder if it has a bonnet like mine, or if I can get one like hers? I wonder if it is going to be a good day tomorrow, or whether it will rain or is going to be a good day tomorrow, or whether it will rain or snow?’…You can sit in this stand and read such thoughts in their snow?’…You can sit in this stand and read such thoughts in their faces” (faces” (Journal of DiscoursesJournal of Discourses, 2:277)., 2:277).

I imagine that if we could see the heavenly barometer I imagine that if we could see the heavenly barometer that reads and records the secret thoughts of each that reads and records the secret thoughts of each person during this holy ordinance, we would have a person during this holy ordinance, we would have a pretty good measure of the spirituality of that person pretty good measure of the spirituality of that person (Tad R. Callister, (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite AtonementThe Infinite Atonement, 288)., 288).

Each week a feast is served at sacrament meeting. Each week a feast is served at sacrament meeting. Speakers, music, and prayers are integral parts of this Speakers, music, and prayers are integral parts of this meeting, but they are not the main course. The music meeting, but they are not the main course. The music might be discordant, the speakers monotonous---and might be discordant, the speakers monotonous---and yet those who come to the sacrament table hungry still yet those who come to the sacrament table hungry still can be filled. Any man or woman who comes to can be filled. Any man or woman who comes to sacrament meeting hungering and thirsting for spiritual sacrament meeting hungering and thirsting for spiritual food will find refreshment and nourishment for his or her food will find refreshment and nourishment for his or her soul.soul.

Elder Marion G. Romney recalled it Elder Marion G. Romney recalled it being said of President Wilford being said of President Wilford Woodruff “that while the sacrament Woodruff “that while the sacrament was being passed, his lips could be was being passed, his lips could be observed in silent motion as he observed in silent motion as he repeated to himself over and over repeated to himself over and over again, ‘again, ‘I do remember thee, I do I do remember thee, I do remember theeremember thee’” (Romney, ’” (Romney, ““ReverenceReverence,” 3).,” 3).

Gerald Lund shared the account he read of climbing instructor, Gerald Lund shared the account he read of climbing instructor, Alan Czenkusch.Alan Czenkusch.

““Belaying has brought Czenkusch his best and worst moment in Belaying has brought Czenkusch his best and worst moment in climbing. Czenkusch once fell from a high precipice, yanking out climbing. Czenkusch once fell from a high precipice, yanking out three mechanical supports and pulling his belayer off a ledge. He three mechanical supports and pulling his belayer off a ledge. He was stopped, upside down, ten feet from the ground when his was stopped, upside down, ten feet from the ground when his spread-eagled belayer arrested the fall with the strength of his spread-eagled belayer arrested the fall with the strength of his outstretched arms.outstretched arms.

“’“’Don saved my life,’ says Czenkusch. ‘How do you respond to a Don saved my life,’ says Czenkusch. ‘How do you respond to a guy like that? Give him a used climbing rope for a Christmas guy like that? Give him a used climbing rope for a Christmas present? present? No, you remember him. You always remember himNo, you remember him. You always remember him’” ’” (Lund, (Lund, Jesus ChristJesus Christ, 45)., 45).

As Brother Lund observed, “Those very words are the words of As Brother Lund observed, “Those very words are the words of the sacrament covenant (Lund, the sacrament covenant (Lund, Jesus ChristJesus Christ, 45)., 45).

3 Nephi 18:15-233 Nephi 18:15-23 ““Which is RightWhich is Right””

And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is which is rightright, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given , believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.unto you.

The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessing that God is already secure for ourselves and for others blessing that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them” (them” (LDS Bible DictionaryLDS Bible Dictionary).).

The Savior reminds us that faith, no matter how strong it is, The Savior reminds us that faith, no matter how strong it is, cannot produce a result contrary to the will of him whose power cannot produce a result contrary to the will of him whose power it isit is. The exercise of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is always . The exercise of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is always subject to the order of heaven, to the goodness and will and subject to the order of heaven, to the goodness and will and wisdom and timing of the Lord. That is why we cannot have wisdom and timing of the Lord. That is why we cannot have true faith in the Lord without also having complete trust in the true faith in the Lord without also having complete trust in the Lord’s will” (Dallin H. Oaks, May 1994, 100). Lord’s will” (Dallin H. Oaks, May 1994, 100).

3 Nephi 18:28-293 Nephi 18:28-29 ““Take the sacrament worthilyTake the sacrament worthily!”!”

In reviewing that day, it is impressive to note the cohesive, In reviewing that day, it is impressive to note the cohesive, chiasmic nature of the messages that were delivered. Note the chiasmic nature of the messages that were delivered. Note the reinforcement and revealed unity of the manner in which this reinforcement and revealed unity of the manner in which this day’s experience began and the way it concluded.day’s experience began and the way it concluded.

Christ descends (3 Nephi 11:8)Christ descends (3 Nephi 11:8)

He disperses the mists of darkness (10:9)He disperses the mists of darkness (10:9)

He is the Light of the World (11:11)He is the Light of the World (11:11)

The people fall at the feet of Jesus, worship him, The people fall at the feet of Jesus, worship him,

and kiss his feet (11:17, 19)and kiss his feet (11:17, 19)

Christ commands the people to arise (11:14, 20)Christ commands the people to arise (11:14, 20)

He gives power to baptize (11:21-22).He gives power to baptize (11:21-22).

He is touched “one by one” (11:15)He is touched “one by one” (11:15)

The people see and feel the marks of the AtonementThe people see and feel the marks of the Atonement

(11:14-15)(11:14-15)

There are to be no disputations about baptisms There are to be no disputations about baptisms

(11:22, 28)(11:22, 28)

Beware the temptations of the devil (11:29)Beware the temptations of the devil (11:29)

Repentance is the gate to baptism (11:23)Repentance is the gate to baptism (11:23)

The significance of baptism (11:21-34)The significance of baptism (11:21-34)

Become as a little child (9:22, 11:38)Become as a little child (9:22, 11:38)

Build upon the Savior’s rock (11:39)Build upon the Savior’s rock (11:39)

Do no more than this (11:40)Do no more than this (11:40)

Do no more than this (18:13)Do no more than this (18:13)

Build upon the Savior’s rock (18:12)Build upon the Savior’s rock (18:12)

“ “Behold your little ones” (17:23)Behold your little ones” (17:23)

Significance of the sacrament (18:1-32)Significance of the sacrament (18:1-32)

Repentance and baptism are the gate to Repentance and baptism are the gate to

the sacrament (18:30)the sacrament (18:30)

Beware temptation of the devil (18:15, 18)Beware temptation of the devil (18:15, 18)

There are to be no disputations about the sacrament (18:34) There are to be no disputations about the sacrament (18:34)

The people see and feel the spirit of the Atonement (18:25)The people see and feel the spirit of the Atonement (18:25)

Christ touches “one by one” (18:36)Christ touches “one by one” (18:36)

He gives power to bestow the Holy Ghost (18:37)He gives power to bestow the Holy Ghost (18:37)

He commands the people to arise (17:19)He commands the people to arise (17:19)

The people kiss Christ’s feet and bathe them with their tears (17:10) The people kiss Christ’s feet and bathe them with their tears (17:10)

Christ is the light unto the world (18:24)Christ is the light unto the world (18:24)

Overshadowing of a cloud (18:38) Overshadowing of a cloud (18:38)

Christ ascends (18:39)Christ ascends (18:39)