Sunday School 37 - 3 Nephi 1-7

Coincidence or Providence 

The sign of a whole day of light. The last-minute rescue.

How do the Gadianton Robbers try to get us to surrender the good things?

Do not take counsel from fear (3 Nephi 3:11-12)

Satan uses flattery, intimidation, threat, boasting, promises, blame, and guilt you out of your virtue and covenant, out of your rights and property. 

Harken and fear not, gather and council with the Lord.

Be priceless, don't sell out for "free" stuff.

"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." (3 Nephi 5:13)
______

Brothers and sisters,

The scriptures say...
"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life" (3 Nephi 5:13).

The first three chapters of 3 Nephi are tense. Gadianton Robbers are intensifying the situation as a separate government entity using power over the Nephite empire. At the same time, incredible miracles are occurring. Samuel is gone, Nephi, the brother of Lehi, is gone, and Nephi's son is now a prophet. 

 At times, we are in such tense moments that Satan tries to get us to overlook miracles, and even after the miracles, he then tries to have us dismiss them. A prime example is in chapter three, Gadianton Robbers. We're doing everything to get the saints to surrender their liberties, fortunes, laws, and covenants. They try to change words' meanings, threaten us, promise free stuff, chastise us for having our covenants, guilt us out of our lands and money, trick or deceive us into believing that other ways that are quick and easy are better than the way that took blood sweat and tears to build. When the threat of death demands us to forsake our principles and values it becomes vital to lean on faith. Fear doesn't work long-term. We invest in our relationship with the Lord. It's not a passe thing. 

Is it coincidence or providence that saved the Nephites from death? I can tell you God watches over us. It is by providence that we see miracles. It's not coincidence or happenstance. God made the day and night and day, one day of light because he loved them. Next week we will see how God spares the righteous in dark times, I mean literal and figurative dark times. When we are drowning in sin or life, it is the same. He will pull us out. Sometimes, it is immediately, and other times, he asks for our patience so we can learn in our experience attributes that we could have never learned outside of our trials. In our trials, we gain compassion. In poverty, we appreciate wealth and the restoration of loss. We are asked to show charity, faith, and work for joy and hope. There is no mistake in this. Jesus showed us that he loved his enemies, found endurance in the most trying times, and gave thanks for all of his miracles in his life. Let us be part of his miracles, the things he looks forward to seeing. We are beaten and haggard, but we are smiling, thanking him for his involvement in our lives.  

So again read that scripture that this blog started with... You and I are disciples of Christ. You and I are set apart to change lives.  When we share our testimony, it's a real experience that is meant to change lives. Don't just say that you love Jesus; show it in your actions, words, and continuance by loving the people you're with at home, school, and work. You got this with the Holy Ghost. Again, pray, fast, and bear your testimony. You got this.

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