PublishedQuarterly by The Book of Mormon Foundation Number 117. \flinter 2005

h.t. i. a Biblicalsratemenr relared ro rhelile an angelawakened him and told him to listenbecause # 'tidings andminisrry of lesu.,Chlisr rhar i5 an enigma ro he, the angel,had broughtl.rin of greatjoy," tl.!vf/trf, ll lrrr/frl manv Lnn)udns. r ncv havenot understoodthe which he wasro sharewith the peopleso they,too, could fll\\:/t/-'\3/ mysteryof Revelation13:7-8 of both the Klz6' be fillcd with joy. JartesBible and,the Inspired Wrsion Hele, the prophet The angeltold King Benjaminto tell his peoplethat the declaresthat all the peopleof the earthshall worship Satan time wasnot far disrantwhen, "whosenames are not written in the book of life of the . . . with poweqthe Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, Lamb slainfrom the foundationofthe world." They iden- who was,and is from all eternityto all eterniry shall tily dre Lamb asJesus Christ, but how the sacrificeof our comedown from heaven,among the childrenof men, Lord could reachback into time and be effectivebefore the and shalldwell in a tabernacleof clay, time of His birth and death,they havenot understood. And shallgo fbrth amongstmen, working 'miracles, Many deny that it could possiblybe, and condemnThe mighty suchas'healing the sick, raising Bookof the dead, Mormon for its causing'the _to testimony that lame 'the its people trusted walk, 'to JesusChrist for blind their salvation recelve long before His JesusChrist their sight, death on the and the 'deaf cross. theLamb Slain From to Although hear, and The Book of curing all Motmon never the Foundationof theWorld manner of usesthe term Mildred Smitb dlseases; "Lamb slain And he from the foundationof the world," it explainsthe principle shallcast out devils,or the evil spiritswhich dwell so clearlythat none needquesrion its meaningor its truth- in the heartsof the childrenof merr. fulness.As Nephi prophesiedin 2 Nephi 2:20-21 (RLDS) And lo, he shallsuffer temptations, and pain of [2 Nephi3:12 LDS], thatwhich is written inThe Bookof body,hunger, thirst, and fatigue,even more than Mormon and that which is written in the Holy Bible will man can suffet exceptit be unto death; "growtogether, unro the confoundingof falsedoctrines, For behold,blood comerhfrom everypore, so and layingdown of contentions,ar.rd establishing peace . . ." greatshall be his anguishfor the wickednessand There aremany referencesin The Book of Mormon the abominationsof his people. to the way that hasbeen "prepared from the foundation And he shallbe calledJesus Cl.rrist, the Son of of theworld." Mosiah 2:10-11 (RLDS) [Mosiah 4:4:7-8] God, the Fatherof heavenand earth,the Creator spellsout clearlywhat that way is. King Benjaminhas just of all things,from tl.rebeginning; and his mother declared(Mosiah 1:94-2:9 RLDS) lMosiah3:2-4:6 LDS] shallbe calledMary. continued on page 2

Wnter Classes WintorRetreat I WitnessKidr poge7 poge I page9 TheLamb Slain for 33 years.After Mosiah, judges reigned over the land, continuedfiom page I and the faithfulnessof the people surged and waned in spite of the faithfi;l leadershipof such great men asAlma, And lo, he corneth unto his own, that salvation Alma's son, Helaman and Helaman'sson, Nephi. All of might comeunto the childrenof men, even this time, the prophecy of the coming of Cb'rist was kept through faith, on his name; before the people by theserighteous rulers, who were also And even after all this, they shall consider him priesthood in the church. Still, so many of the people a man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall continued to do wickedly that Nephi gaveover his judge- scourgehim, and shallcrucify him. shio to Cezoramso he could ioin his brotherL.ehi in And he shall rise the third day fiom the dead; firll-time ministry. and behold, he standeth to judge the world. khi and Nephi rememberedthe words of their father, Ard behold, all thesethings are done, that Helaman(Helaman 2:67-75 PLDS) fHelaman5:5-12 LDS] a righteous judgenient might come upon the who, along with other good counsel,had chargedthem: childrenof men. O remember,remember, my sons,the #ords For behold,and alsohis blood atonethfor which King Benjaminspake unto his people;yea, the sins of those who havefallen by the transgres- rememberthat there is no other way nor means sion ofAdam, who havedied, not knowing the whereby man can be saved,only through the aton- will of God concerningthem, or who have ing blood ofJesusChrist, who shallcome; yea, ignorandysinned. rememberthat he cometh to redeemthe world. But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he Ard rememberalso, the words which Amulek rebellethagainst God; for salvationcometh to spakeunto Zeezrom,in the city of Ammonihah; none such,except it be throughrepentance and for he saidunto him, that the lord surelyshould faith on the Lord JesusChrist. cometo redeemhis people;but that he shouldnot V/hen King Benjamin finished delivering the angel's cometo redeemthem in their sins,but to redeem message,the peoplewere praying them from their sins. for mercy and forgivenessof their And he hath power given sins, declaring that they believed unto him from the Father,to in JesusChrist, the Sonof God, redeemthem from their sins, creatorof all tlings. becauseof repentance;therefore . . .the Spirit of the lord he hath sent his angelsto cameupon them, and they declarethe tidingsofthe were filled with joy, conditionsof repentance, Having receiveda remission which bringeth unto the oftheir sins,and havingpeace powerof the Redeemer,unto ofconscience,because of the the salvationof their souls. exceedingfaith which they had Nephi and Lehi were charged in JesusChrist who should by their father to build their come,according to the words foundation on their Redeemer, which King Benjaminhad who is Christ, the Son of God, spokenunto them. so that when the devil unleashed King Benjaminagain began to his fury on them, they could not speakto his people,and it washe fa.l[.The ministry of Lehi and who explained: Nephi was so richly blessedthat . . . this is the man who not only did many Nephites receivethsalvation, through the rerurnto the faith, but 8,000 atonementwhich was oreoaredfiom the founda- Lamaniteswere converted at one time and were baptized tion of the world, for all mankind,which ever unlo fepentance. were,ever since the fall ofAdam, or who areor It was on this missionaryjourney that they were impris- who ever shall be, even unto the end of the world; oned in the verv orisonin which Ammon and his brethren and this is the meanswhereby salvation cometh. had beencast byihe s€rvantsof Lemhi. \X/hentheir captors And thereis none odrersalvation, save this came to kill them, they were encircled by fire that fright- which hath been spoken of; neither are there any ened the Lamanitesbut did not burn Neohi and Lehi. conditions whereby man can be saved,except the Encouragedby the prorectionof the fire,-Lehiard Nephi conditionswhich I havetold you. beganto bear witness of the God who had come to their Mosiah followed his father Benjamin as king and reigned rescue,and the earth shook so hard that it seemedthe walls

V/INTER2OO5 TheLamb Slain continuedfom page2 upon him. He would havebeen prosecuted except that he told them of the murder of their j udge and correcdy informed them of the way in which they would identi$' would fall. A dark cloud came over the Lamanitesand the his killer. After the ordeal, he was griwing for his people dissentingNephites who were their tormentors, and a voice when the Lord spoketo him (Helaman31115-117 RLDS) from the cloud spoketo them (Helaman2:93 RLDS) lHelaman10:4-5 LDS], commendinshim for his faithfirl- [Helaman5;29 LDS] sayrng,"Repent ye; repentye, and nessand courage.God madeNephi a-promisedrat he seekno more to destroy my servantswhom I have sent would be made mighry in faith, words and deedsand that unto you to declaregood tidings." whateverhe askedwould be granted because,the Lord said, Nephi and khi's caDtorswere unable to move becauseof He knew Nephi would not ask anything contrary to the the darkness,the fear ihat came upon rhem and the contin- Lord'swill. ued shaking of the earth. Aminadib, a Nephite captor who This was now the 7 1st year of the reign of the j udges, had been a member of the church, was able to seethroush 104 yearssince King Benjamin prophesiedthat it would the darknessand sawthe facesof Lehi and Nephi, shining nor be long beforethe coming into the world ofthe Christ as though they were angels,uplifted and talking to some- child. The Nephites had becomeso wicked that, at one one they could see. point, Nephi had to be lifted out of the midst of them by Aminadab cried for the others to look, and they were the Spirir of God just to savehis life. Grievingfor their permitted to seethrough the darkness.They askedwith wickedness,he askedGod to send famine upon tiem in whom theseprisoners were talking. Arninadab told them rhe hopeit would bring rhem ro repenrance.A devastating they were talking with the angelsof God. Their nexi ques- famine did occur, and many repented.Many of the tion was how to get the cloud of darknessto lift. Again, Nephites soon rerurned to their rebellion, but the larger it was Aminadab who reminded them of the teachinss part of the Lamanitesstricdy followed the commandments of Alma. Amulek and. Zeezromand told rhem rLey*urt of God accordingto the Law of Moses.The Lord sent repentand havefaith in Christ asthey had taughtthem. Samuel,the Lamanite, into the land of Zatahemlato \fhen they repented,they found that preach to the Nephites. eachof them wasa.lso encircled by Samuel'sministry was re.jected,not fire that did not burn, and they were only b€causeofhis denunciationof filled with the Holy Ghost. A pleas- their wickedness,but alsobecause he ant voice, almost like a whispeq was a Lamanite. He was cast out of saidto them, (Helaman2:112 the city, but the Lord told him to RLDS) fHelaman5:46-47 LDS] return and prophesywhatever came "Peace,peace be unto you, because into his heart. He was not allowed to ofyour faith in my well beloved, enter the ciry so he climbed up onto who was from the foundation of the wall, stretchedforth his hand and the world." criedwith a loud voicewarnine the This was the 62nd year of the peoPleot therr rmpendtngdesrruc- reign of the judges,about 95 years tion if they did nor repent. In fuc, from rhe time King Benlaminsaid he said, the only reasonrhey had not it would not be long until d1e alreadybeen destroyed was because coming ofJesus Christ through ofthe righteousnessofa few among his mother Mary. them. He particularlysingled out The men who experiencedthis their love of money and warned gteat conversionwent out and told them of a time when they would their story to a receptivepeople, hide their richesin rhe earth and and peaceand prosperity for both never be able to find them aeain. Nephites and Lamanitesfollowed until the Gadianton rob- One particularlysignificart statement is recordedir bers surfacedamong them. Many Nephites supported the Helaman5:52 (RLDS) [Helaman13:38 LDS]: "Yea,for Gadiantons.The larger portion of the l,amanites fought ye have sought all the days ofyour lives for that which ye againstthem and continued to preach about Christ, as did could not obtain.Ye have sought for happinessin doing Nephi and Lehi. iniquiry which thing is contrary to the nature of that The burdenof the rebellionof the Neohitesbecame vew righteousnesswhich is in our greatand EternalHead." hearyfor Nephi and, on one occasion,he wason his tower Angered by his brashness,the people threw stonesand praying when a crowd assembledto seewhat he was doing. shot arrowsat Samueland tried to kill him or removehirn He gavea lengthy and scathing denunciation of their from the wall. He stood firm and declaredthat they were wickednessthat broueht the wrath of the ofticials down going to hear him for the Lord had sent him not only ro

WINTER 2OO5 The LambSlain self; for behold ye are freei ye are permitted to act j for yourselves;for behold, God hath given unto continuedfom page you a knowledge,and he hath madeyou free; He hath given unto you that ye might know warn them but to let them know the conditions of repen- good from evil, and he hath given unto you that tance and the sourceof their salvation. Samuelpled with ye might chooselife or death, and ye can do good the people to turn to the only way they could be saved and be restoredunto that which is good, or have fiom total destruction. That way, he declared,was by that which is good restoredunto you; or ye can do repentanceand faith on the lord Christ ofwhom evil, and have that which is evil restoredunto you. 'tidingsJesus he had come to bring them of greatjoy." He said, And now my belovedbrethren, behold, I declare "Behold, I give unto you a sign: for five yearsmore unio you that exceptye shall repent, youl houses cometh,and behold,then comeththe Son of God to shallbe left unto you desolate;yea, except ye redeemall those who shall believeon his name." repent, your women shall havegreat causeto (Helaman5:55-67 RLDS) [Helaman14:2-13 LDS] mourn in the day they shall give suck; As a sign of His coming,Samuel said, There were many who, when they saw that thek ston€s ...thereshall be greatlights in heaven,inso- and anows could not touch Samuel,repented and ran in much that in the night before he cometh, rhere searchof Nephi. Nephi was likewise preaching, prophesy- shall be no darkness,insomuch that it shall appear ing and baptizing those who repented,confessed their unto man as if it was day; sins and askedto be baptized. Most of them declaredthat Thereforethere shall be one day and a night, and Samuelhad a devil and ordered that he be bound and cast a day, asif it were one day,and there were no night; out. Instead, he let hirnself down from the wal[, went to and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall preach and prophesyin his own country and was never know ofthe risingof the sun, and alsoof its setting; heard of again in the land of the Nephites. Therefore they shail know of a surety that there Conditions in Zarahemla didnt changemuch in shall be two days and a night; nwerthelessthe the next three years.Most of those who were baptized nisht shallnot be darkened;and it shallbe the remainedfaithfirl, and thosewho chosewickedness contin- night beforehe is born. ued in their lifestyle. But Then Samuelgave at the fourth year, great a prophecy that is not signsand wonders began recordedin any other to appear."And angels scripture, not even in did appearunto men, the Bible, wise men, and did declare And behold there unto them glad tidings shall be a new star of greatjoy; thus in this arise,such an one as year the scripturesbegan ye never have beheld; to be fulfilled." (Helaman and this also sha.ll 5:126 RLDS) fHelaman be a sign unto you. l6:14 LDSI And beholdthis It was now 600 years is not all, there shall sincekhi and his people be many signs and left Jerusalem.Nephi, the wonders in heaven. son of Helaman,who had And it shallcome to passthat ye shallall be been 6ithfirl and to whom God had prornised that any- amazed,and wonder, insomuch that ye shdl fall thins he askedhe could have becausehe would not ask to the earth. *ytiing .otr,t"ry to God's will, had left the land. Before And it shall come to passthat whosoevershall going, he had given his eldestson, Nephi, chrge of the believeon the Son of God, the sameshall have platesof brassand dl the sacredthings and records.And, everlastinelife. the record sa1n,no one knew where he went. Samuelconiinued to tell of the death and resurrection Signsand wondersincreased, but thosewho persistedin ofJesus Christ and to explain how significant those events disbelief attributed them to the workings of Satanto keep would be in their liveshere and in eterniry,cautioning them in ignoranceof the truth. It wasnot reasonableto them in words appropriate for us in this day (Helaman believeth-at such a Dersonas Christ would come down 5:85-87RLDS) [Helaman14:30-15:l LDS]: from heavenwith oower to sarrethem! \(4rile the believers And now remember,temember, my brethren, beganto rejoice, looking to the futfillment of the prophe- that whosoeverperisheth, perisheth unto himself; ciesfrom the time they left Jerusdem, through King and whosoeverdoeth iniquiry doeth it unto him- Benjarnint prophecy so many yearslater and Samuelt

\YINTER 2OO5 TheLamb Slain There were some in the church who did not understand continuedfiom page4 that they were to continue obeying the [,aw of Moses until the prophecyofJesus' death and resurrectionshould also be fulfilled. Until His death and resurrection,the work of prophecy of almost fi,,L yearsbefore, the unbelievers redemption for which He was "slain ftom the foundation taunted them, saying the tirne had passedand their faith of the world" would not be complete.They soonlearned wasln valn. their error and reoented. Finally, a day was set rhat all those who believedin what It was now 12i yets since King Benjamin explained 'traditions" their enemiescalled shouldbe out to death how it was that the sacrificeofJesus on the crosscould exceptthe signwhich Samuelhad givenshould come to bring sa.lvationto peopleof all timessince the creation pass.Nephi, son of the Nephi who had left for places ofAdam aswell as those who trusted Him after the cross. unlnown, saw the wickednessof the people and went out, The way was preparedbefore there was man on the eafth. bowed himself to the earth and prayed mightily to his God He was the Lamb "slain from the foundation of the wodd." all that day in behalf of his people who were about to be Nine yearsafter the day the night and the day that were destroyedbecause of their faith (3 Nephi 1;12-14RLDS) as one day without any darkness,and after the new star [3 Nephi1:13-14]. did arise,people were still looking for Nephi (the 6ther of ...and behold,the voiceof the [,ord cameunto Nephi), the presentleader of the church.The elderNephi him, saying,Lift up your headand be ofgood had left the land some time before the sisns of the birth of cheer,for behold, the time is at hand, and on this Jesushad come-not long afterangek h;d broughrtidings night shall the sign be given, of great.joy to wisemen in the land-and sdll no one And on the morrow comeI inro the wodd, seemedto know wherehe had sone. to shew unto the world that I will futfill all that Is it possiblethar subsequent"happeningsin the Land of which I havecaused to be spokenby the mouth Jerusalem,where the Nephirerecords said the Christ child of my holy prophets." would be born, may havebeen related to Nephi'sdisap- It wasthe voiceofJesus, the One who wasto be born pearance?And what of Samuel?Those who kept the record a child on the morrow-on the did not hearofhim againeither. 'wise morrow in the land of Nephi, during It was men' in the land of the night in Bethlehem!He went the Americas to whom rhe angels 'tidings aheadto explain that it was He who appearedwith of greatjo1" had sentHis prophetsto tell of His long beforethat night when the comingand of the missionthat shepherdsheard the angelmessage wasHis sincethe foundationof on Berhlehemshills. And it waswise the world. Again He repeatedthe men who came fiom the east,who reassuringmessage for Nephi to take first told of a new starappearing at backto his anxiouspeople; "the time the time ofJesus'binh. No one in is at hand, and this night shallthe Jerusalemor in Bethlehemseems sign be given!" to have noticed. And it happenedjust asJesus said It was the wise men who went it would (3 Nephi 1:16-26RLDS) to Jerusalemto inquire where to [3 Nephi 1:15-22LDS]. The sun go to find the child born the "King went down, but therewas no dark- of the Jews"that they had traveled ness;and the peoplewere astonished. for months to worship and to whom Many of those who had not believed they wished to give gifts. It was the prophets fell to the earth as the wise men who followed the star though they were dead, for their until it stood right over the house, plans to destroy the believershad not a stable,where they found the been frustrared, and they "began to know that the Son child, not a baby,with his mother. It was the wise men of God must shordyappear" and to "fearbecause of their who were warned by God in a dream not to repoft their iniquiw and their unbelief" finding to the king. They recognizedthe messageas All tiat night it was as light as at midday. The sun came coming from God and departed arother way. As soon as up the next morning just as it alwaysdid, "and they knew they had departed,an angel of the Lord told Josephto that it wasthe day that the Lord shouldbe born, because take the child and Mary to Egypt to escapethe wrath of the signwhich had beengiven." A new starappeared, of King Herod. They left by night, fleeing as the angel just asSamuel had prophesied.In spite ofthe fact that some had insrructed them. Josephand Mary were poor. How still believedSatant lies and deceptions,most ofthe people do you supposethey financed a trip to Egypt with such were converted to the Lord, and rnany were baptized. suddennotice?

\?]NTER 2OO5 TheLamb Slain ing and mourning and weeping among the people was all that penetrated the darknessuntil they heard a voice continuedfom page5 out ot neaven. It wasthe voiceofJesus calling them and all the peoples ./1 urinqthe nine years afier the signs of the birth of the earthro repentance.He recountedthe sinsof those .'ffl lJ weregiven, the Gadianronrobber. became very in the citiesthat had beendestroyed and saidthat the Y7 \ rrrongin rheland. and many, especially rhe devilslaughed and Satansangels rejoiced at the deathand t--*=:r young,adopted their perniciousways. It wasnot destructionthey had broughton themselvesby their iniq- until their brashthreatenings were clearly bent on bringing uity and abominations.He pled with thosewho remained destructionto the whole Nephitesociety that the righteous who weremore righteousthan thosedestroyed to return prophet-chiefjudgeof the land, Lachoneus,was able to unto Him, repentand be convertedso He could heal convincethe peopleof their suredestruction if they did them. His pleadingand instructionfilled the threedays not repentand return to the way of the Lord. Prosperity of darkness(3 Nephi 4:41-52 RLDS) [3 Nephi 9:13-22 followedand, asso often happens,a return to pride and LDS]. He statedagain who He wasand the missionfor injusticeoccurred, led by a group of unjustjudges. By the which He cameto earthand explainedthat portion of that 30th yearafter the birth of the Lamb of God, therewas missionHe had now completed. a definitedivision of the peoplebetween the wicked and BeholdI am JesusChrist, the son of God. the righteous.Although they had agreednot to fight each I createdthe heavensand the earth,and all things other.the oneswhose hearts were turned from the Lord that in them are. stonedthe DroDhetsand castthem ou.. I waswirh rhc Fatherfrom the beginning. B,.,tth.u .ot,ld not castNeDhi out. Neither could I am in the Father,and the Fatherin me; and in they disbelievewhat he said,for angelsministered to him me hath the Fatherslorified hrs name. daily,and he spokewith powerand authoriry His ministry I cameunto my own, and my own receivedme broughthealing to the sick,cast out devilsfrom those not. And the \cripture\. concerning my coming. possessed,and evenraised his brotherfrom the deadafter arefulfilled. he waskilled, havingbeen stoned by the people.Fearlessly, And asmany ashave received me, to them have Nephi tesdfiedboldly of repentanceand remissionofsins I givento becomethe sonsof God; and evenso througfrfaith on JesusChrist. Insteadof beingconverted, will I to asmany asshall believe on my name,for most of the peoplewere angry with him becauseof his behold,by me redemptioncometh, and in me is power.Those who receivedhis ministry testifiedofJesus, the Law of Mosesfulfilled. and all thosewho repentedwere baptized. By the end of I am rhe lieht and the life ofthe world. i am the 33rd yearafter the signsof the birth of the Saviorhad Alpha and Omega,the beginningand the end... beenexperienced, those who werefaithful beganto look Behold,I havecome unto the world to bring earnestlyfor the three daysof darknessover the land that redemotionunto the world, to savethe world Samuelthe Lamanitehad prophesiedwould accompanyhis from sln: therefo..whoso repenteth and cometh death.There were many doubtingsand disputationsamong unto me asa litde child, him will I receive;for of the peoplein spiteof the many signsthat had beengiven. suchis the kinedom of God. It wason the fourth day of the first month ofthe 34th tteholo,ror sucnl navetaro down my li[e,and yearthat a greatstorm, such as had neverbefore been havetaken it up again;therefore repent, and come known in the land began.There was a greatand terrible unto me ye endsof the earth,and be saved. tempest(wind storm or hurricane),terrible thunder that The people were gather€dat the temple sharing shookthe earthas thoueh it wasabout to breakasunder their storiesof the wonderfuland terriblethings they had and exceedingsharp li$ming that had neverbeen known witnessedwhen they againheard a voiceout ofheaven.A beforein the land. Eanhquakesleveled cities, killing the mandescended (3 Nephi5:11-14 RLDS) 13Nephi 11:9- inhabitants.The city of Zarahemlacaught fire. The city 13 LDSI, testifyingthat He wasJesus Christ, ofwhom rhe of Moroni sankinto the ocean,and the inhabitantswere oroohetstestified should come into the world. He invited drowned.S7here the city of Moronihah had oncestood, the peopleto "thrustyour handsinto my side,and also therewas a greatmountain. Roads were broken up. The that ye may feel the prints of the nailsin my hands,and whole faceofthe land waschanged. People were carried in my feet,that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, away by the wind and never heard of again. and the God of the whole earth,and havebeen slain for The storm lastedabout threehours, and then therewas the sinsof the world." Tiuly, the way that wasprepared darknessover the land-such intensedarkness that the from the foundationof the world had orevailedin the lives inhabitantswho wereleft could feelthe vaoorofdarkness. of rhosewho choserhar way from the beginningof rime No lighrnor fireof anykind couldbe kindled.There was becauseof the Lamb who was"slain from the foundation not a qlimmer ofsun, moon or stars.The soundsof howl- of the world!"

wlN'I'ER 2005 he attendance of the Sunday and Thursday fall classesat BMF has been evaluated.It has been determined the best day for classesfor the winter sessionwill bc l-hunday evenings.rJ/e encouragcevcryon€ to attend and invite others.

January26 MarlinGuin Treasuresofthe Deep February2 MarlinGuin Propheciesofthe Latter Days- Part ll ConvertingOur Minds,Too-Part I February16 LyleSmith ConvertingOur Minds,Too-Part ll ConvertingOur Minds,Too- Part lll March2 DaleGodfrey The LegalSetting of the Book of Mormon March9 DaleGodfrev ToBe Announced March16 AaronSmith The BiblePoints to the Book of Mormon-Part I March23 AaronSmith The BiblePoints to the Book of Mormon- Part ll March30 DavidGilmore The Book of Mormon Apologetics

June26-August 5 . Ages:18-24 (high schoolgraduate at the beginningof the Internship)

Contact: Bonnie Anderson at [email protected] or Linda Guin at the Foundation 816-461-3722or [email protected]

E-MAILADDRESS CHANGE OURNEWADDRESS IS: bmfoundation @sbcg lobal.net u I\t 1 t i00 ; fu,JamieGrohe God watchedovcr us, and therewere times I felt LnruNcIN COVENNT*",,h.,h.-. He wassn.riling down upon us. During a morning class, for this yeark Book of Mormon Day for Kids. Considering I heardthe childrensinging as I walkeddown the hall, our day and time, we felt it was important to teach our and thc purity wasso sweetthat dre Holy Spirit spoheto children what a covenant is, the different types of my hearttelling me Cod sawthis, and it was"good." covenantsand the seriousnessof covenants.Some have Throughoutthe openingsession, the classes,music, already been taught and have made a covenant widr the craftsand games,we tried to tie in the themewith an undcrstandingto faithfulness,endurance, and forever. Lord. We hope we have reinforced their understanding. 'We Some are still learning, and we hope, along with dreir thank the Lord fol the 61 childrenranging parents, thc priesthood and this activiry they have from lst gradcto 6th gradeand a wonderfulstafl receiveda greater knowledgc of covenant. Our desire is \Ve aretl.rankful to thc parcntsfbr their commitment they will want to enter into a covenant with the Lord. tt, the welfareof thcir children'ssouls.

TgT ThngE NEPHITESSANCTIFIED IN THE FLESH Now thh changewas not equal to that which shou/dtahe pkce at the Ltt day but therewas a changewrought upon them, insomuchthat Satan could haueno power luer them, that he could not tem?t them, and thqt were sanctifed in theflesb, that thry wereholy and tbat thepouers of the earth couA not holtl them. (3 Nephi13:52 RLDS) [3 Nephi28:39 LDS] Director: Val Brotherton816- 69 4- 6031 Date: January27th at 7:00 PM throughJanuary 29th at 1:00 PM Location: OdessaHills Campground Ages: 17 thror4h24 Cost: $30 if registrationis postmarkedbefore January lSth $35 afterthe 18th F,tITH IN TIMES OF FFt BvBe,hspencerI RIAL Rebekahsearched throush the baskets of fruit looking for the firmestapples,66e from blemishes.As rie oldestof six children,it washerherjob iob to find the bestfruit for the hbestprice. It wasnt easy.The tiny jingle in her pouch proved.that once again she'dgo home with a litde food to feed a large family. Hoots oTlaughter broke the quiet hum ofthe afternoon marketplace.Looking up, Rebekah recognizeda group of boys coming toward her. "Look what we have here, boys. It's one of those believers." Rebekahpaid no attention to them as she quickly paid for her applesand turned to leave. " Whoa,not so fast,Rebekah. We weretalking to you." One ofthe bop grabbedher arm andpulled. Falling to her knees,Rebekaht basketspilled and fruit scatteredin every direction. Blinking back tearsthat refusedto leave,she beganpicking up the bruised applesshe had so carefirlly selected. Suddenly a young man stooped to help her. "Let hei go, boys.If the sign doesntcome, you wont haveto worry about her much longer." 'When - tlre tormentors left Rebekahthanked her new friend, Tomas, as they walked homeward. "Why did you help me?"she asked. "I dont like bullies. Besides,I'd like to know more about people like you that beliwe. I dorit understandwhy anyonewould keep having faith in a Lamanite prophet if it meansyou.could die." "Well, firsi of il, we have faith in God and we believeHe sent the prophes to teach and guide us. I was there when Samuelthe Lamanite stood upon the wall and prophesied!I felt God's wonderful Spirit- fill my heart!" "I've never felt this spirit. Would you tell me more about the prophecy?"asked Tomas. "Sure," said Rebekah."samuel prophesiedthat the Son of God would come in five years. He'll be born in the land of Jerusalern,but God will blessus with a sign so we may also know of His birth in our land." "And if this sign doesnt come soon, all believerswill die. My family thinla the-time hT-passed." "I dont!" Rebikah respondedquicldy. "I know r]re sign will come. Very soon there will be two days and a night without darknlss. The iun will set in the sky and rise the next morning, but darknesswill not come that night. Then a new star will appear."

WINTER 2OO5 Tomx scratchedhis chin in deepthou$t. "l supposeif God can make heavenand earth, He can hold the darkness back for a nieht." Rebekahlmiledand twirled around."Isnt it exciting?" Shewaved good-bye as she skipped home. Her haooinessfaded as she saw her mother'stear-stained face."Mother, what'swrong?" she asked. "Rebekah,I wasso worried. I shouldnt havesent you to market today. The people in Zarahemlahave become so wicked." "It's okay, Mother. God is with us. I evenshared Samuel's prophecywith someonetoday!" said Rebekah. Mother closedher eyesand softly spoke. "\r(/hat if . . . what if our faith hasbeen in vain?What if the sien doesnrcome?" Rebekahhugged her mother warmly. She had an overwhelrningassurance that God wasin control. "Mother, dre sign will corne. [rt's pray together and then I'll help you preparedinner" After the meal,the family satout under the starstelling storiesto eachother aboutJesus. Rebekah thought they had more time than usualbefore the lastrays ofsunlight signaledbedtime. Shechecked the sun'soosition in the sky and realizedsomething was different. Suddenlyshe jumped to her feet."[ook at the sun!" Everyeye turned to seethe sun settingin the s[ry.At the samedme they realizedit wasnt gettingdark. All at once Rebekaht family was crying, hugging, laughing and praying at the sametime. fu the sun disappeared,they beganto s€€great lights in the sl;y.All the people upon the Ac€ of the whole earth, from the westto the east,both in the land north and in the land south,were so exceedinglyastonished, that they fell to the earth.(III Nephi 1:19)They sawmany signs and wondersin the heavens,and the night wasbright as midday. The next morning, Rebekah'sfamily watched as the sun rosein the sky,and they rejoicedwith all believersin the land.And it had cometo pass,yea, all things,every whit, accordingto the wordsof the prophets.And it came to passalso, that a new stardid appear,according to the word. (III Nephi 1:23,24) Tearssprinkled their cheelsas they thought of the coming of God'sSon. The Holy Child Jesuswould be born that night.

Note Rebekahand Tomas are fictional characters,but the story is based on fact.See III Nephi, Chapter 1.

Arswerr to Mircing \fford Puzzlc 'paqsrLolsv9',![qOU{ 'p6lunl 'sq.erry! HvtSSt!\r:proa uapprH s|aqddd 1 q'tf! o]rosr'ss€upg|3rM e z ! :Ie,

10 WNTERzOOi Lookin 3 Nephifor some of theevents of Christ'sbirth in the land of theNephites. Thereyou will find the missing words below by matching the numbers and spaces. Findthe hidden word which is anothername for Jesus Christ.

3 Nephi1:4 ... Behold,the propheciesof the prophetsbegan to be fulfilledmore fully; For there beganto be greatersigns and greater(1) _ wrought amongthe people. 'l:6 3 Nephi And they beganto rejoiceover their brethren,saying: "Behold, the time is past and the wordsof Samuelare not (2) _ 3 Nephi1:10 Nowitcametopass that when Nephi, the son of Nephi,saw this (3) of hispeople, his heart was exceeding (4) _. 3 Nephi1 :12 Andit cameto passthat he cried(5) _ untothe Lordall that day... 3 Nephi1 :17 For beholdat the goingdown of the sun therewas no darkness,And the peoplebegan to be (6) _ becausethere was no darknesswhen nightcame. 3 Nephi1 :23 And it cameto pass,yea, all things,every whit, according to the words of the (7) _.

2 3 4

7

CHALLENGE Besides the hidden name in the puzde above, there are many more names given for Christ in the scriptures. Can you find a verse that contains another name for JesusChrist? Some examples are: Son of God Light of the World Emmanuel Redeemet Savior and lord Ti:acher rWhat does this tell you about who he is?

WINTER z{JOi FromThe Board... The

n thelast issue of I/ e Wimes,we askedfor your support to helpcover the expense of a newrooffor BMF.We sincerely appreciate the allowidus to payabout ofthe $18,800total. We continue to askfor .-,rdulnLcsacrifice you/uu madelrdu to helpwith thisneed. Your genirosity $5,000 rernainingrg balance ofabouiof aboui$ 13.800. As an example,exampli. any one oftheof thefollowing responses would meet the goal. your'f--- assistance with------__-.1 the - $13,800./s - WeW'ealso acknowledgeacftnowledge louryour contributions, in other wa).s,ways, to BMF this past year. Thanls to the Numberof participatedin Bookof MormonDays. Also, we appreciate all thosewho Contributors Ahount teachersand students who workedto presentThe Bool of MormonDay for Kidsand the families who broughttheir children. 552 $ 25 in theoffice, teachers and students ofspecial classes, and those who 276 Thereare aiso many volunteers $ 50 diligentlysupport us in prayer.\fe extendspecial thanks to our Internshipdirector, staff and committee, 138 $100 aswell as The \?itnessCommittee for theirdedicated service. 'We noticeda significanctresponse this year fromfirst-time contributors and trust BMF is meet- Publishedquarterly by ins theneeds ofsome new friends. Our steadfast The Book of Mormon Foundation resularcontributors remain a financialfoundation ',i,'.X::.H:'i,?1.*,foi the work at BMF. Our deepestthanls extendto \V Il themas well. The individualgifts this year ranged j@W i1;.1r;lr" froma fewdollars to hundredsofdollars. Every lktl,LP,c} $S":'ffi*:'i'li*'? oneof them,reqardless ofamount, is seenas the greatestof blessingsfrom the [prd. BoAxp oF DrREcroRS THr'WITurss Committee In our deliberationsto fund the programs Preident Marlin Gtin Linda Guin, Chairnan at BMF,we madean interestingobservation. Kathy Keller VicePtesident Dde Godfrey It is basedon theidea that "many hands make Ti,eaurerEldon Anderson Cheryl Scofield lightwork." Since our mailing Iist is currently Seoenry Kathy Keller Beth Spencer about4,500, if everyfamily participated, it would Jeff Ballantyne Marlin Guin Michelle Sherer Dale Godfrey onlytake about $1.66 per month or $20a yearfor Mary Drummond eachfamily to meetthe BMF budget, Manyrestoration branches have contributed GraphicDesigner Brenda Eggert aswell. \7e knowthe budget process is not easy andappreciate being remembered in your branch Hopefully,some new The Book of Mormon Foundationis a nonprofit corporationcomposed financialconsiderations. ofindividualswho desireto promoteThe Book of Mormon ard its witnessof brancheswill consideraddins BMF x a lineitem 'lesus \-nr$t. to theirbudget this year Throueh reseatch,publications, seminars ald relatedproiects, members As we reportthe financialneeds at BMF,we ofThe Boo[ of MormonFoundation seek to assislin bringingfonh rhelight arereminded this is theLord's work. It is onlyby containedin The Book of Mormon. his graceand rnercy,as he touchesthe livesof the to The Book of Mormon Foundationis tax deductible. A contribution journey.In themidst Financialsare available uoon request. people,that we continue the Articles and the opinions expressedherein do not necessarilyrepresenr of ourdiscussions about giving, we mustnever the view ofThe Book oTMot-on Fo.,ndation.Unsisned articles are aitribut- forgetdre greatest gift ofall, thecoming ofJesus able ro the Foundation, Christour Savior.May the Lord bles youwith the richestof blesingsand the peace of knowingHim, especiallyduring this Christmas season.

o0 TneBooror MoRMoNFouruonnont Nonprofit Organization 210 WestWhite Oak U.S. Postage cro Independence,MO 64050 PAID Independence,MO O RETURNSERVICE REQUESTED PermitNo. 123 ,) FiI- D< l- N) r sr$\tr