Book of Mormon | “Destruction of Nephite Cities at the Time of Jesus Christ’s Death” by grego

Book of Mormon | “Destruction of Nephite Cities at the Time of Jesus Christ’s Death”
by grego
(c) 2009

In the description of the Nephite cities’ destruction at the time of Jesus Christ’s death, Mormon writes:
3 Nephi 8:8 And the *city of Zarahemla* did take *fire*.
3 Nephi 8:9 And the *city of Moroni* did sink into the depths of the *sea*, and the inhabitants thereof were drowned.
3 Nephi 8:10 And the *earth* was carried up upon the *city of Moronihah*, that in the place of the city there became a great mountain.

Then, describing the aftermath:
3 Nephi 8:24 And in one place they were heard to cry, saying: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and then would our brethren have been spared, and they would not have been *burned* in that great *city Zarahemla*.
3 Nephi 8:25 And in another place they were heard to cry and mourn, saying: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and had not killed and stoned the prophets, and cast them out; then would our mothers and our fair daughters, and our children have been spared, and not have been *buried up* in that great *city Moronihah*. And thus were the howlings of the people great and terrible.

The city Moroni is missing here…

The same cities are then mentioned by Jesus Christ when He reports the destruction He caused:
3 Nephi 9:3 Behold, that great *city Zarahemla* have *I burned with fire*, *and the inhabitants thereof*.

3 Nephi 9:4 And behold, that great *city Moroni* have *I caused to be sunk in the depths of the sea*, and *the inhabitants thereof to be drowned*.

3 Nephi 9:5 And behold, that great *city Moronihah* have *I covered with earth*, and *the inhabitants thereof*, to hide their iniquities and their abominations from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints shall not come any more unto me against them.

Notice that each city represents one “element” (as in the classical elements, etc.): fire, water, earth. Missing, for some reason, is the element of air, according to the Greeks; but maybe it’s based on a Chinese system, which would only use these three major elements for natural destruction.

The Lord continues His list of cities, this time moving backwards (from fire, water, earth, to now earth, water, fire):
EARTH: 3 Nephi 9:6 And behold, the city of Gilgal have *I caused to be sunk*, and the inhabitants thereof to be *buried up in the depths of the earth*;

WATER: 3 Nephi 9:7 Yea, and the city of Onihah and the inhabitants thereof, and the city of Mocum and the inhabitants thereof, and the city of Jerusalem and the inhabitants thereof; and *waters have I caused to come up in the stead thereof*, to hide their wickedness and abominations from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints shall not come up any more unto me against them.

COMBINATION OF EARTH AND WATER: 3 Nephi 9:8 And behold, the city of Gadiandi, and the city of Gadiomnah, and the city of Jacob, and the city of Gimgimno, all these have *I caused to be sunk, and made hills and valleys in the places thereof; and the inhabitants thereof have I buried up in the depths of the earth*, to hide their wickedness and abominations from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints should not come up any more unto me against them.

FIRE: 3 Nephi 9:9 And behold, that great city Jacobugath, which was inhabited by the people of king Jacob, have *I caused to be burned with fire* because of their sins and their wickedness, which was above all the wickedness of the whole earth, because of their secret murders and combinations; for it was they that did destroy the peace of my people and the government of the land; therefore I did cause them to be burned, to destroy them from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints should not come up unto me any more against them.

FIRE: 3 Nephi 9:10 And behold, the city of Laman, and the city of Josh, and the city of Gad, and the city of Kishkumen, have *I caused to be burned with fire*, and the inhabitants thereof, because of their wickedness in casting out the prophets, and stoning those whom I did send to declare unto them concerning their wickedness and their abominations.

There seems to be some order after all!

As a testimony to Elijah, the Lord did this:
1 Kings 19:11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and *a great and strong wind* rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind *an earthquake*; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
12 And after the earthquake *a fire*; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

Remember the disciples in Jerusalem? Even thought they had already seen miracles and knew that Jesus was the son of God, they marveled at Jesus’ control over the elements.
Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and *rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm*.
27 But *the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!*

Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
41 And *they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him*?

Matthew 14:24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night *Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea*.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw *the wind boisterous*, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And *when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased*.
33 Then *they that were in the ship came and worshipped him*, saying, *Of a truth thou art the Son of God*.

By giving the Nephites (and future readers) examples of destruction by all three elements, and by the words of Jesus himself testifying that He caused the destruction, Mormon and the Lord testify to everyone that Jesus Christ is truly Lord and master over all the elements–earth, water, and fire.

They also testify that He is Lord over the inhabitants of the land that He destroyed, and that He was the one who saved those who were not destroyed (3 Nephi 9:13 O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they… 3 Nephi 9:14 …Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you…).

Oh, air… I see some elements about it in a few places:
1. the thunder, and lightning, and whirlwinds (3 Nephi 8:16, 17, 19);
2. the three days of complete darkness and vapor in the air (3 Nephi 8:20-23); and
3. lastly, the descension of the Lord, from the sky down to the earth (3 Nephi 11:8 And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them…
3 Nephi 11:10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ…)
all constitute testimonies of Jesus’ supremacy over the element of air.

Once more, the Book of Mormon emphasizes Jesus is mighty to save, and to destroy by control over the elements:
3 Nephi 10:12 And it was *the more righteous part of the people who were saved*…
3 Nephi 10:13 And *they were spared* and were *not sunk and buried up in the earth* (earth); and they were *not drowned in the depths of the sea* (water); and they were *not burned by fire* (fire), neither were they fallen upon and crushed to death; and they were *not carried away in the whirlwind; neither were they overpowered by the vapor of smoke and of darkness* (air).
3 Nephi 10:14 And now, whoso readeth, let him understand; he that hath the scriptures, let him search them, and see and behold if all these deaths and destructions *by fire*, and *by smoke*, and *by tempests*, and *by whirlwinds*, and *by the opening of the earth to receive them*, and all these things are not unto the fulfilling of the prophecies of many of the holy prophets.

Book of Mormon: “The City of Gideon Repents and is Saved” by grego

Book of Mormon: The City of Gideon Repents and Is Saved
by grego
(c) 2009 in this form

Note that in the report of destroyed cities that the Lord gives, one great city is missing from the list: Gideon. There was a prophecy against her; here’s the prophecy:
Helaman 13:14 But behold, it is for the righteous’ sake that it is spared. But behold, the time cometh, saith the Lord, that when ye shall cast out the righteous from among you, then shall ye be ripe for destruction; yea, wo be unto this great city [Zarahemla], because of the wickedness and abominations which are in her.

Helaman 13:15 Yea, and wo be unto the city of Gideon, for the wickedness and abominations which are in her.

Gideon, it seems, repented and returned to her righteousness.

“Book of Mormon: Five Prophets Disappear” by grego

“Book of Mormon: Five Prophets Disappear”
by grego
(c) 2009 in this format

Five prophets “disappear themselves” in the Book of Mormon.

Meaning, they take themselves away from the people.

This doesn’t include the ones that were killed by the wicked, such as Abinadi, etc., or these:
3 Nephi 6:23 Now there were many of those who testified of the things pertaining to Christ who testified boldly, who were taken and put to death secretly by the judges, that the knowledge of their death came not unto the governor of the land until after their death.

Or the two that are the last of their people, who hide up their plates:
Moroni 10:34 And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen.

Ether 15:34 Now the last words which are written by Ether are these: Whether the Lord will that I be translated, or that I suffer the will of the Lord in the flesh, it mattereth not, if it so be that I am saved in the kingdom of God. Amen.
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The first of the five is Alma the younger:
Alma 45:18 And when Alma had done this he departed out of the land of Zarahemla, as if to go into the land of Melek. And it came to pass that *he was never heard of more; as to his death or burial we know not of*.

Alma 45:19 Behold, this we know, that he was a righteous man; and *the saying went abroad in the church that he was taken up by the Spirit, or buried by the hand of the Lord, even as Moses. But behold, the scriptures saith the Lord took Moses unto himself; and we suppose that he has also received Alma in the spirit, unto himself; therefore, for this cause we know nothing concerning his death and burial*.

Perhaps Alma got his wish to be an angel, after all. I’m sure he didn’t want to head into death with the Korihor event as the last biggie…
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The second is Nephi, his great-grandson (Alma–Helaman–Helaman–Nephi):
3 Nephi 1:2 And Nephi, the son of Helaman, had *departed out of the land of Zarahemla*, giving charge unto his son Nephi, who was his eldest son, concerning the plates of brass, and all the records which had been kept, and all those things which had been kept sacred from the departure of Lehi out of Jerusalem.

3 Nephi 1:3 Then he departed out of the land, and *whither he went, no man knoweth*; and his son Nephi did keep the records in his stead, yea, the record of this people.

3 Nephi 2:9 And Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, who had the charge of the records, *did not return to the land of Zarahemla, and could nowhere be found in all the land*.

Perhaps that had to do with the sealing powers. Did Nephi receive the keys from Elijah? Did Nephi appear to Jesus and the apostles on the Mount of Transfiguration, or to Joseph Smith?
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The remaining three prophets are whom we refer to as the Three Nephites:
Mormon 8:10 And there are none that do know the true God save it be *the disciples of Jesus, who did tarry in the land until the wickedness of the people was so great that the Lord would not suffer them to remain with the people; and whether they be upon the face of the land no man knoweth*.

Yes, they are real, they are here, they are helping. Yes, sometimes people might go overboard with unsourced, unsupported, or otherwise unknown stories, but no need to disbelieve them all, just because someone else believed too much in something that might not have been right.

Remember that the Three Nephites appeared to Mormon and Moroni, they are busy all over the world, and they can show themselves to others, too:
Mormon 8:11 But behold, my father and I have seen them, and they have ministered unto us.

3 Nephi 28:26 But behold, I have seen them, and they have ministered unto me.

3 Nephi 28:27 And behold they will be among the Gentiles, and the Gentiles shall know them not.

3 Nephi 28:28 They will also be among the Jews, and the Jews shall know them not.

3 Nephi 28:29 And it shall come to pass, when the Lord seeth fit in his wisdom that they shall minister unto all the scattered tribes of Israel, and unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, and shall bring out of them unto Jesus many souls, that their desire may be fulfilled, and also because of the convincing power of God which is in them.

3 Nephi 28:30 And they are as the angels of God, and if they shall pray unto the Father in the name of Jesus they can show themselves unto whatsoever man it seemeth them good.

3 Nephi 28:31 Therefore, great and marvelous works shall be wrought by them, before the great and coming day when all people must surely stand before the judgment-seat of Christ;

3 Nephi 28:32 Yea even among the Gentiles shall there be a great and marvelous work wrought by them, before that judgment day.

(Why it’s so easy for some to believe in spirit angels or resurrected angels but not in translated beings, is not easy for me to understand…)
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So, as far as I can tell, there you have it, though I’m sure the resurrected people who appeared to others left at some time, too; and though I don’t see where it says when, I imagine they all went to heaven before Jesus appeared to the Nephites:

Helaman 14:25 And many graves shall be opened, and shall yield up many of their dead; and many saints shall appear unto many.

3 Nephi 23:9 Verily I say unto you, I commanded my servant Samuel, the Lamanite, that he should testify unto this people, that at the day that the Father should glorify his name in me that there were many saints who should arise from the dead, and should appear unto many, and should minister unto them. And he said unto them: Was it not so?

3 Nephi 23:10 And his disciples answered him and said: Yea, Lord, Samuel did prophesy according to thy words, and they were all fulfilled.

3 Nephi 23:11 And Jesus said unto them: How be it that ye have not written this thing, that many saints did arise and appear unto many and did minister unto them?

Book of Mormon: “A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit” by grego

Book of Mormon: “A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit”
by grego
(c) 2009 (in this format)

When Jesus Christ visits the Nephites and speaks of having fulfilled the Law of Moses, He tells them:

3 Nephi 9:19 And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings.

3 Nephi 9:20 And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me *a broken heart and a contrite spirit*. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.

Many have taken this to mean a change, a new sacrifice; but is that the case?. Notice what Lehi says, over 600 years before that:

2 Nephi 2:7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.

Book of Mormon | “Who Were the Lamanites that Were Baptized with Fire and the Holy Ghost that Jesus Christ Refers to in 3 Nephi 9:20?”

Who Were the Lamanites that Were Baptized with Fire and the Holy Ghost that Jesus Christ Refers to in 3 Nephi 9:20?
by grego
(c) 2009

In 3 Nephi 9:20 we read Christ saying: “And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of *their faith in me* at the time of their conversion, were *baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost*, and *they knew it not*”.

Who are these Lamanites that Jesus is referring to? Some have mistakenly taught that they are the Anti-Nephi-Lehites. Here is the event, which is indeed marvelous:

Helaman 5:20 And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did proceed from thence to go to the land of Nephi.

Helaman 5:21 And it came to pass that they were taken by an army of the Lamanites and cast into prison…

Helaman 5:22 And after they had been cast into prison many days without food, behold, they went forth into the prison to take them that they might slay them.

Helaman 5:23 And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi were encircled about as if by fire, …
Helaman 5:25 …but stood as if they were struck dumb with amazement.

Helaman 5:26 And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did stand forth and began to speak unto them, saying: Fear not, for behold, it is God that has shown unto you this marvelous thing, in the which is shown unto you that ye cannot lay your hands on us to slay us.

Helaman 5:27 And behold, when they had said these words, the earth shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison did shake as if they were about to tumble to the earth; but behold, they did not fall. And behold, they that were in the prison were Lamanites and Nephites who were dissenters.

Helaman 5:28 And it came to pass that they were overshadowed with a cloud of darkness, and an awful solemn fear came upon them.

Helaman 5:29 And it came to pass that there came a voice as if it were above the cloud of darkness, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, and seek no more to destroy my servants whom I have sent unto you to declare good tidings.

Helaman 5:30 And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul–

Helaman 5:31 And notwithstanding the mildness of the voice, behold the earth shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison trembled again, as if it were about to tumble to the earth; and behold the cloud of darkness, which had overshadowed them, did not disperse–

Helaman 5:32 And behold the voice came again, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; and seek no more to destroy my servants. And it came to pass that the earth shook again, and the walls trembled.
…
Helaman 5:34 And it came to pass that the Lamanites could not flee because of the cloud of darkness which did overshadow them; yea, and also they were immovable because of the fear which did come upon them.
…
Helaman 5:38
And they said unto the man: Behold, what do all these things mean, and who is it with whom these men do converse?

Helaman 5:39
Now the man’s name was Aminadab. And Aminadab said unto them: They do converse with the angels of God.

Helaman 5:40
And it came to pass that the Lamanites said unto him: What shall we do, that this cloud of darkness may be removed from overshadowing us?

Helaman 5:41
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*.

Helaman 5:42
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.

Helaman 5:43
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*.

Helaman 5:44
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.

Helaman 5:45
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.

Helaman 5:46
And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper, saying:

Helaman 5:47
Peace, peace be unto you, because of *your faith in my Well Beloved*, who was from the foundation of the world.

Helaman 5:48
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.

Book of Mormon | “The Lord Jesus Christ Speaks: Similarities in His Messages” by grego

Book of Mormon | “The Lord Jesus Christ Speaks: Similarities in His Messages”
by grego
(c)2009

Here are a few connections (it might be helpful to print this, get colored pens and draw out the links) between words Jesus speaks in the Book of Mormon:

In 3 Nephi 1, the Lord Jesus Christ tells Nephi:

3 Nephi 1:13 {Lift up your head and be of good cheer;} for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come {I} into the world, to {show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets}.

3 Nephi 1:14 Behold, {I come unto my own, to fulfil all things which I have made known unto the children of men} {from the foundation of the world,} and {to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son–of the Father because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh}…

In 3 Nephi 9, the Lord Jesus Christ tells the Nephites:

3 Nephi 9:14 {Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.}

3 Nephi 9:15 Behold, {I am Jesus Christ the Son of God}. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. {I was with the Father from the beginning.} {I am in the Father, and the Father in me;} and {in me hath the Father glorified his name}.

3 Nephi 9:16 {I came unto my own, and my own received me not.} {And the scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled.}

3 Nephi 9:17 {And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name}, for behold, by me redemption cometh, and in me is the law of Moses fulfilled.

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

In 3 Nephi 11, the Lord Jesus Christ says:

3 Nephi 11:10 Behold, {I am Jesus Christ}, {whom the prophets testified shall come into the world}.

3 Nephi 11:11 And behold, {I am the light and the life of the world}; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and {have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world}, in the which {I have suffered the will of the Father in all things} {from the beginning}.

In Ether, the Lord Jesus Christ says:

Ether 3:14 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}.

Book of Mormon: The Sign of Christ’s Birth; or, An Example of the Wicked Using Double Standards in a Religious Political Debate

Book of Mormon: The Sign of Christ’s Birth; or, An Example of the Wicked Using Double Standards in a Religious Political Argument
by grego(c)2009

Here’s a great example from the Book of Mormon of the wicked using double standards, and it even happens after much evidence had already been provided to the wicked. The uproar happens because a prophecy was unfulfilled—up to that point in time—not because a prophecy had turned out wrong.

In 3 Nephi we read:
3 Nephi 1:4 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the ninety and second year, behold, the prophecies of the prophets began to be fulfilled more fully; for there began to be greater signs and greater miracles wrought among the people.

3 Nephi 1:5 But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite.

3 Nephi 1:6 And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain.

3 Nephi 1:7 And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land…

3 Nephi 1:9 Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet.

3 Nephi 1:15 …for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came.

3 Nephi 1:16 And there were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, who fell to the earth and became as if they were dead, for they knew that the great plan of destruction which they had laid for those who believed in the words of the prophets had been frustrated; for the sign which had been given was already at hand.

3 Nephi 1:17 And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth.

3 Nephi 1:18 For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief.

3 Nephi 1:19 And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given.

3 Nephi 1:20 And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets.

3 Nephi 1:21 And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word.

I wonder why the nonbelievers weren’t fair to add, “And if *we* are wrong and the sign really is given/ fulfilled by this day, we will all kill ourselves!” NOPE. Can’t have any of that!

Is It Good for Me?

Is It Good for Me?
by grego

There’s a lot going on in this world, and sometimes it’s hard, even for the diligent, to know if something is good for them or not. Look, for example, at all the studies on wine, coffee, and tea–three big parts of the law of the Word of Wisdom that LDS/ Mormons follow. Good, bad? Which is it?

Here’s an insight or two to keep in mind when you read all the studies, and more. “Is it good for me?” can be answered “yes” for most things in at least some way or another, some time or another! So can bad. Is cutting your leg off good? Maybe so, if you have a super-powerful deadly poison working its way up and you’ll be dead in 10 seconds unless you do it. Is it bad to pat someone on the back to encourage them? Yes, if they have a big boil there! I suggest that “Is it good for me?” is usually not the question you want to be asking.

Instead, ask, “Is it the best thing for me? Adding it all up (the pluses and the minuses), what is the result? Other than the one thing this study talks about, what other studies have been done? What could happen if I take this? What could happen over time?” And perhaps the most important, “What are other things that could also give me what I’m looking for, but would be better for me overall?” (For example, coffee wakes you up and gives you energy when you feel tired but need to get things done–and so do many green powder drinks, but with probably none of the negative side effects of coffee. Or better, thymus tapping, which is healthy, even more convenient, and free.)

So, don’t take the narrow, limited view when looking at matters like this (or any other matter, for that matter)–step back, look wide and far, take it all in!