Personal Online Journal

Monday, January 17, 2011

Taking Away Stumbling Blocks

1 Nephi 14:1 "And it shall come to pass, that if the Gentiles shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in word, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of their stumbling blocks"

This smacked me in the face as I read it this evening.  I really don't want to stumble in my faith, so what must I do keep from tripping over them?  I must "hearken unto the Lamb of God".  The first place my mind went was that I must follow the doctrine of Christ.  There are a couple of places in the scriptures that I remember the doctrine of Christ being detailed.  2 Nephi 31-33 and 3 Nephi 11

What the doctrine of Christ is:
- Repent 3 Ne 31:11 " become as a little child" 3 Ne 11:37 and 38
- Be baptized 2 Ne 31:5, 3 Ne 11:33, 2 Ne 31:13 "follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism"
- Receive the Holy Ghost 2 Ne 31:13, 3 Ne 11:35
- Endure to the end 2 Ne 31:16, "Pray always" 2 Ne 32:9,

The doctrine of Christ is Not:
Contention 3 Ne 11:28-29

There have been several things in the last several months and years that I have wondered about in the teachings of  the LDS church.  The last thing I want are stumbling blocks.  This scripture makes it clear that the Savior will manifest himself to me in word, power and deed unto the taking away from me the stumbling blocks before me.

What a promise!

4 comments:

Dandi said...

This was my morning devotional to myself. Thanks. 3 Nephi 29 is one of my favorite scriptures. My mom had me memorize it when I was young.

Papa D said...

Well said, Rich.

Just something to consider, in light of our previous conversations:

Often impatience, even regarding things about which we might be right, can be a stumbling block. Sometimes we can be too patient - but in many instances we need to be patient enough.

You've identified the key, I believe - relying on the Lamb of God to do what is best collectively and to speak to us individually.

Richard Alger said...

Thank you. You have a great mom Dandi.

Thanks for your comment too Papa D.

Dandi said...

Opps! I meant 3Nephi 11:29