There are many ways to study the scriptures. One way is to read through them cover to cover. Another way is pick a topic and study on that topic. Topics like “prophets” “apostles” “children” and “division” are all things that come to mind.
We all have an obligation to take what the prophets tell us and then meditate and ask the Lord about it for ourselves. Here some thoughts from my personal scripture study, over the past few months. I usually don’t share my scripture notes online, but I thought this might be a good time to show how I try to reach my own conclusions.
Prophets
Moses– mocked, disregarded, mistrusted. Led an unrighteous and obstinate people who constantly complained and yearned to return to their life in Egypt.
Abinadi–mocked, demeaned, hunted, chained, burned. Now it came to pass that when Abinadi had spoken these words unto them they were wroth with him, and sought to take away his life. Mosiah 11:26
Stephen- told the people how they were disregarding the prophets. And When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. Acts 7:52 Soon after, Stephen was stoned to death.
Lehi- mocked, hunted. And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. 1 Nephi 1:20
Nephi- mocked, abused, ridiculed and persecuted by his own family members. Behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord. 1 Nephi 3:5 Later his brothers say Thou hast declared unto us hard things, more than we are able to bear. 1 Nephi 16:1
Amulek- rejected by his friends and family for believing in a prophet. Was publicly tested and ridiculed by Zeezrom, and physically and verbally abused by judges. And many such things did they say unto them, gnashing their teeth upon them, and spitting upon them, and saying: How shall we look when we are damned? Alma 14:21
Jesus – Not believed, publicly humiliated, put on trial, crucified. During His life He gives the parable of the rich man and the steward: And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Luke 16:31 (If people do not believe the prophets, they will not believe in Christ, even if he died and came back to life)
Samuel the Lamanite- cast out of the city, shot at with arrows. He said: If a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil.
But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth—and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet. Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him. Helamen 13:25-28
Division
When I studied the word “division” I found this, which was said by Christ:
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. Luke 12:51-53
Children and Baptism:
Moroni asks his father about a controversial topic in the church: baptizing infants. His father writes back and tells him that baptizing infants is wrong because small children cannot be held accountable. He tells Moroni to instead teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children. Moroni 8:10
My conclusion:
In all periods of time, when the Lord has called a prophet, it has been because the people needed direction and guidance. Every prophet has met with resistance. We should not be surprised that this is still the case. I would be more concerned if the modern day prophet did not trouble the waters.
As I am sharing with you my own private scripture study I will not be opening up this to comments. We should not spend our precious time arguing with each other. But I would encourage you to chose a topic, open your scriptures and study it out for yourself so that you can draw your own conclusions. Nothing can replace personal scripture study.
Especially social media.
Chelsea Dyreng 