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My Gospel is... ​ (3 Nephi 27-30, 4 Nephi 1)

Attention Activity


"The importance of a "Name"


A name is used to connect an individual/organization with a set of attributes, an identity - a self identity, a representation of who/what an individual is.  
It is a powerful connection to a specific group or person to which they respond, and identify with. A title is also a type of name - as well as a nickname that can provide identity to an individual but less than their "True" name.


Quote #1:
Is it Illegal to not have a name?


In the United States, no matter where a woman gives birth, she is legally obligated at some point to report it to the appropriate govenment entity, usually a department of health and human services or vital records. That entails filling out a first and last name for the child. How long the mother has to fill out that birth certificate varies by state.
How stuff works

Quote #2:


How important is an individuals name?


Dale Canegie - How to win friends and influence People
"The average person is more interested in their own name than in all the other names in the world put together."  People love their names so much that they will often donate large amounts of money just to have a building named after themselves. We can make people feel extremely valued and important by remembering their name."

Quote #3:
How much time did you spend - when determing your childs name?


Like many parents, Rachel Miller believes that a name holds the power to shape a child's self-esteem and his identity—and influence how he's seen and treated by others. "There were times during my pregnancy when we felt that choosing the name was a greater responsibility than having the child," says Heather Abrahams, the Woonsocket, Rhode Island, mom of 5-month-old Jaden. What gives a name choice so much weight? The permanence of the decision, for one thing. While parents have been known to change their baby's name, you can't very well call a child Jaden today, Sam a few weeks from now, and Louis at Thanksgiving.
Parenting.Com - How important is a name

Why don't we change names - like hats?
Wouldn't that be confusing to be called John one day and Bob the next?
When do we change names: Titles

Marriage - identified as member of a new group
Baptism - identified as a member of new group
Abram - Abraham - new calling - stewardship given
Take upon ourselves a Name when Making a Covenant
 

Have you ever met someone with your name? Was it weird... if not why?
Did you remember them better because they have same name as you?


 

There is Power in an individual's name - and specifically the name of "Jesus Christ" has power!


Can't you see there is a power to an individuals name - a "True" Name provides power from the name and to the person who is named.


Examples of Power in an Individuals Name:

We start every prayer with a Name "GOD", "Heavenly Father", etc. and end that prayer with a name "Jesus Christ" - as power words - tokens
Priesthood power is always invoked through the use of the name of "Jesus Christ" and through his authority by being his representative
All ordinances are performed in his name - saving and otherwise.
Whatsoever we do should be in his name - representing him 
Jews wouldn't even say God's name - Respect - not to be in vain
We take upon us his name being called after his order - and being disciples of him as our "Master"
 

In some cultures an individual does not reveal his "True" Name but instead has a common name used by the group.  Their true name is only give to select individuals, people they trust and are close to, their spouse, family etc.

It is a Token Phrase that attracts attention, and emphasis to an individual

I.e. Hearing your name in a crowded room and lots of noise - why do we catch it?
The Cocktail Party Effect - Selective Attention


Introduction: Thus the importance of the Name of the Church!


After Jesus left and his disciples began teaching and baptising members into his church.  There was a disputation/argument among them about what the church should be called. 
3 Nephi 27:1-5 What should the name of our church be called?

Have we had disputations about this as well?
What about the word "Mormon" - is it bad?
Quote #4:


“Others refer to us as Mormons. I do not mind if they use that title. However, sometimes we are prone ourselves to say ‘Mormon Church.’ I do not think it best for us to do so” (“The Peaceable Followers of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 1998, 64).

Video: 


M. Rusel Ballard October 2011 - General Conference - The Name of the Church
Descriptive overview of wha the church is - brief candid and complete
The word "The" means it is unique among all
It uses "Jesus Christ" it is his church
Of Latter-day - same churdh but established in the later days
Saints - members follow him and are his disciples
 
3 Nephi 27:6-11 What should the name of our church be called?

How important is it for us to be a member of the "Correct" church?


3 Nephi 27:19-22,33 Repent, and be baptised into this church - receive Holy Ghost - and be forgiven
Enter into the strait gate - narrow way - that leads to etenal life!

The desires of the 12 disciples:


3 Nephi 28:1-11
What do you desire of me
9 desired to come quickly to him in his kingdom
3 desired to bring souls to him as long as possible
they will never taste of death 

Which desire was greater? Why?



What is the change that occured to the 3 who would remain:


3 Nephi 28:17-24,36-40

The state of a Translated being:


Translated beings are “persons who are changed so that they do not experience pain or death until their resurrection to immortality” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Translated Beings,”scriptures.lds.org; see also 3 Nephi 28:7–9, 20–22, 37–40). Their purpose is to bring souls to Christ (see 3 Nephi 28:9). The scriptures contain accounts of people who have been translated, including Enoch (see Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5), Moses (see Alma 45:19), Elijah (see 2 Kings 2:11), and John the Beloved (see John 21:22–23; D&C 7).

Mormon Myths - 3 Nephite appearances etc.


Stories often circulate about the three Nephites who were translated. Members of the Church should be careful about accepting or retelling these stories. 

Words of Jesus to the Gentiles:


3 Nephi Chapter 30

Society after Jesus Came to them

:
Divide Class into groups and have them read and report of the state of this society:
4 Nephi 1:1-18 - The society after Christ - compare to Millenial society - differences similarities

4 Nephi 1:1-2  Everone upon the face of the whole land converted - No disputations, or contentions
4 Nephi 1:3-4  All things in common - no rich, no poor, bond or free - all free
4 Nephi 1:5 Great miracles wrought by the disciples - healings
4 Nephi 1:10-12 multipled fast - married and given in marrage - didn't live Law of Moses anymore - meet together oft
4 Nephi 1:13-14 Lived in peace - mighty miracles - all disciples died
4 Nephi 1:15-16 No contention , no envyings strifes - no happier a people
4 Nephi 1:17-18 heirs to the kingdom of God!

Why don't we have this society now?
Will it come again?



What contributed to the ending of this society:


4 Nephi 1:20,26,35  Division and the creation of classes
4 Nephi 1:23-25,41,43 Pride and greed for riches
4 Nephi 1:26-29,34 Churches professing to know Christ
4 Nephi 1:38 Parents not teaching their children
4 Nephi 1:42,46 Secret combinations

Conclusion:

 

Appendix:
Summary of Events while Jesus visited America:3 Nephi 11-26
Day one: 3 Nephi 11-18


Voice is heard at the location of the Temple - pierce them to the center - repeats 3 times
Jesus Shows himself - declaring himself as the God of the whole earth
Multitude came forth to see his hands/feet and side
Jesus Calls 12 disciples as leaders of his church - Authority to Baptize, Holy Ghost given
Jesus give the sermon on the mount - beatitudes - be ye therefor perfect
Jesus teaches basic doctrines about alms, prayer, fasting, treasures in heaven, light of eye etc.
judge not, enter in at the gate, build house upon rock, etc.
Jesus announces the Law of Moses is fulfilled in him - I am he that gave the Law to him
Teaches of House of Israel, Scattered, Gathered, Other tribes unknown, Gentiles - Prophecies of Restoration
Ponder his words - he will retun tomorrow - ministeres to children
Institutes the Sacrament - doctrine of repentance, prayer, - he departs into heaven

Day two: 3 Nephi 19-26


Multitude dispersed every man took his wife and children and went home
It was noised abroad that Jesus would appear again tomorrow
All night it was spread abroad - and people traveled all night to be there when he came
Multitude gathered together - taught by disciples - names given
Disciples baptized by Nephi - they were filled with the Holy Ghost - Unknown how Nephi was baptized??
Jesus Appears - Disciples encircled about as if by fire - angels came down 

Holy Ghost given to the Disciples
Intercessary Prayer
Sacrament performed - 
People commanded to search words of isaiah - speaks of Scattering and Gathering
Prophecies against Gentiles, and House of Israel promises to be fulfilled
When Book of Mormon comes forth - Israel will begin to be gathered - A sign of this
Prophecies against Gentiles if they will not repent - and gathering of Israel promised
Quotations from Isaiah 54
People commanded to search the words of Isaiah
Accuracy of the Scriptures emphasized, additional scriptures given
Malachi 3
Malachi 4
Jesus Expounds all things from the beginning - children teach parens unspeakable things
He heals the sick, raises the dead and assends to the Father

Day 3: 3 Nephi 26:16-21


Multitude gatheres together again - children yet again uttered marvelous things - forbidden to write
Disciples began to baptize and teach as many as would come and be baptized - filled with Holy Ghost
They have all things in common - organized Church of Christ

Some time later:


Disciples gathered together in fasting and Mighty Prayer Jesus appears unto them again
What should we call your church?
Why do you dispute - know you not it should be called the Church of Christ?
What can I do for you - asked to the 12
9 of the disciples ask to come to him speedily
3 of the disciples ask to stay and bring souls unto him - they are translated