Two weeks ago, I taught Gospel Doctrine. I was given a specific lesson to teach, so that\u2019s the one I prepared. When I stood at the front of the class to teach, I was told by the class I was teaching the wrong lesson, and I was teaching one three lessons later. (It turns out that \u00a0they were wrong and the lesson I taught will actually be taught next week. Oh well.)<\/p>\n
It\u2019s an uneasy feeling having to come up with a lesson on the spot with absolutely no time to prepare, especially when you don\u2019t have a manual and have only printed off the one lesson.<\/p>\n
The lesson the class said I was supposed to be teaching apparently covers 3 Nephi 8\u201312. I had read 3 Nephi 11 with investigators many times, so even though it has been 20 years, I figured that teaching 3 Nephi 11 was my best shot.<\/p>\n
Anyhow, at some point in the lesson, someone (it may have even been me) and made mention that the people alive when Jesus visited the Nephites were not necessarily righteous. There was a discussion about this, and it became quite clear that this was a view held by a minority of the class. In fact, one class member even referred to the survivors as the cream of the crop. I knew this was wrong, and that there were scriptures in the 9th and 10th chapters that supported my stance. Unfortunately, not having had time to prepared this lesson, I did not have those scriptures handy and it would have taken too long to search for them. I politely conceded on the point, and we moved on to the rest of the lesson.<\/p>\n
Anyhow, as I was searching this issue this morning, I came across the following scriptures and thought I would post them here for your enjoyment. I doubt I will get an opportunity to share them at church.<\/p>\n
\u201cWo, wo, wo unto this people<\/strong>; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent<\/strong>; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my people; and it is because of their iniquity and abominations that they are fallen!\u201d (3 Ne 9:2)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd many great destructions have I caused to come upon this land, and upon this people<\/strong>, because of their wickedness and their abominations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\u201cO all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous<\/strong> than they, will ye not now return unto me<\/strong>, and repent of your sins<\/strong>, and be converted<\/strong>, that I may heal you.<\/p>\n
\u201cYea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me<\/strong> ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.\u201d (3 Ne 9:12\u201314)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cO ye house of Israel whom I have\u00a0spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent<\/strong> and\u00a0return\u00a0unto me<\/strong> with full purpose of\u00a0heart.\u201d (3 Ne 10:6)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n