Ether 6-11 Part 2 • Dr. BJ Allen • November 18-24 • Come Follow Me
Nov 13, 2024
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Dr. BJ Allen, an expert on the role of prophets and their impact on civilization, discusses the importance of faith, hope, and charity during trials. He explores the dangers of secret combinations and their corrupting influence on society, drawing on lessons from the Book of Ether. Allen delves into King Omer's righteous leadership and the consequences of rejecting divine guidance. He emphasizes the significance of resilience and spiritual gifts in overcoming adversity and encourages reflection on past divine interventions to strengthen faith.
The podcast emphasizes the role of prophets in guiding individuals toward righteousness, underscoring God's mercy and the Book of Mormon's importance for personal revelation.
It warns against the destructive impact of secret combinations, illustrating how organized evil historically undermines civilizations and urging vigilance in modern society.
Deep dives
The Role of Prophets in Redemption
The invitation to repent is exemplified through the sending of prophets, highlighting God's mercy towards His people. Rather than enacting judgment, God sends prophets to guide individuals towards righteousness, positioning the Book of Mormon as a vital tool for receiving revelation. It serves as a personal conduit to God, emphasizing that answers can come through scripture and teachings from modern prophets. Engaging with the Book of Mormon enables individuals to connect deeply with their beliefs, reinforcing the view that God communicates with His followers in ways tailored to their specific needs.
The Danger of Secret Combinations
The narrative emphasizes the destructive impact of secret combinations throughout the Book of Mormon, which are portrayed as organized evil that undermines societies. Both Mormon and Moroni attribute the downfall of civilizations, including the Jaredites and Nephites, to these nefarious influences, warning future generations about their existence. The need for vigilance against such conspiracies is paramount, as they strive to overthrow moral order and democracy. Reading about these consequences serves as a cautionary tale for modern audiences to remain aware and actively combat such threats to civilization.
The Consequences of Wickedness
The story of the daughter of Jared illustrates the dire ramifications of engaging in wicked schemes and secret combinations, as her actions ultimately lead to familial destruction and chaos. Her misguided attempts to reclaim her father's throne end up costing her dearly, serving as a powerful example that breaking commandments results in personal and societal suffering. The downfall of her family mirrors broader themes within the Book of Mormon that highlight the inevitable consequences of immorality. This narrative reaffirms that pursuing wickedness not only brings misery but also leads to the collapse of entire civilizations.
Righteousness as a Source of Blessing
In times of wickedness, the resilience of individuals like Shul and Omer showcases the importance of staying faithful and supporting prophetic guidance. Their stories emphasize that righteousness can lead to periods of peace and prosperity, contrasting the chaos seen during times of moral decline. The accounts remind believers of the blessings that come from following divine counsel, enhancing both individual lives and societal conditions. Such narratives inspire current and future generations to uphold righteous principles and highlight the enduring significance of divine guidance in achieving happiness and stability.
33:58 Ether 11:1-22 - Prophets and a safe civilization
36:40 Ether 11:14 - Ether 12 - “Moron did that which was wicked”
37:48 Two major lessons
39:01 Commandments lead to greater happiness
45:48 End of Part 2 - Dr. BJ Allen
Thanks to the followHIM team: Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, Sponsor David & Verla Sorensen: Sponsors Dr. Hank Smith: Co-host John Bytheway: Co-host David Perry: Producer Kyle Nelson: Marketing, Sponsor Lisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show Notes Jamie Neilson: Social Media, Graphic Design Will Stoughton: Video Editor Krystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, Website Ariel Cuadra: Spanish Transcripts
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