Come unto Christ–Sermon at Mountain View Ward
November 29, 2020
Merlin Frei
Good afternoon Brothers and Sisters. It is a beautiful day and I am happy to be with you today.
We have just enjoyed a celebration of Thanksgiving which was a culmination of #givethanks opportunity which President Russel M. Nelson invited us to respond to. Have you found that this opportunity has been a joyful experience?
I am reminded of a story about a woman who “got up on the wrong side of the bed” that day and was conversing with a friend. She asked, “do you every wake up grumpy in the morning?” Her friend replied, “no, I just let him sleep!”
I think President Nelson is teaching us what the Lord wants us to become. He wants us take the “gr” out of grumpy and place in right in front of our attitude – making it “gratitude.”
Let’s see how the Book of Mormon helps us do just that.
In the Title Page of the Book of Mormon, he reminds of three purposes for this sacred book:
1. Which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers;
* What great things has the Lord done for us of the House of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Mormon?
a. Multitude of faith-promoting stories. Lehi, Nephi, many other: Protection in wars – examples of his tender mercies. 2nd chances, “as oft as my people repent.”
One of Satan’s greatest lies is this: tempted to sin – we do – then he teaches that God doesn’t love us anymore. We withdraw from the very source that would help us because of our guilt. Guilt comes from Satan – Peace comes from God.
Example: Nephi (psalm) 1 Nephi 4:15-35. (read vs. 18-19) I know in whom I have trusted!
See also Alma 33:11-23 esp. vs. 11, 16, 19-20, 23.
2. and that they may know the covenants of the Lord
3. And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.
Let us review what happened when the Savior manifested himself unto the Nephites in 3 Nephi chapter 11 & 12:
The Savior descended out of heaven clothed in a white robe and stood in the midst of them. He introduced himself and spoke of his atoning sacrifice and then invited them, individually, to come and feel the wounds in his side and feet.
After those tender moments, he invited Nephi to come forth. Nephi went forth, bowed and kissed the Savior’s feet. The Lord commanded that he should arise. And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven (3 Nephi 11:21).
The Savior speaks of baptism nineteen (19) times from this verse to 3 Nephi 12:2. Then he teaches the beatitudes similar to what he taught in the Holy Land as the Sermon on the Mount. I like to call these “beautiful attitudes,” even though the meaning is from the Latin word beatus, meaning both “happy” and “blessed.”
An interesting insertion is in the beatitude blessed are the poor in spirit, who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (3 Nephi 12:3).
Would you rather be poor in spirit or rich in spirit? Only the poor in spirit who come unto me receive the kingdom of heaven.
What does it mean to “Come unto me” as spoken by our Savior? What has he reinforced in our minds with 19 reptations? – baptism – What precedes baptism? – Repentance and faith. Then receiving the Holy Ghost.
Let’s look at the next verse: and again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted (3 Nephi 12:4). Is everyone that mourns comforted?
What must happen to receive comfort when mourning? “Come unto Me!”
The Savior’s invitation is the same for any who desire it. He said: Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest Matthew 11:28).
He wants us to have faith in him, repent of our sins, be baptized for a remission of our sins and then receive the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands. We then should continue on that path towards by following Him and living as He did. That course of action blesses our lives, no matter what happens.
Each of these purposes ties in with “Come unto Me.” In fact, Moroni concluded his writing three times before he had finished the record his father, Mormon gave him. Each time he concluded with this invitation.
See Mormon 9:27, Ether 12:27 and Moroni 10:3, 32.
In conclusion: Moroni 10:3, 10:32-33
May we continue to be a blessed, happy and thankful people because of our love for the Savior.
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