1 Nephi 11-15 Part 1 • Dr. Joshua Sears • Jan 22 - 28 • Come Follow Me
Jan 17, 2024
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Dr. Joshua Sears, an expert in ancient scripture, discusses Nephi's vision of the Messiah and the evolution of the concept. They explore the role of Israel in spreading God's love and the concept of being cast off from God's presence. The symbolism in 1 Nephi is also analyzed to understand destructive systems and the importance of aligning with Jesus.
Nephi's vision in the Book of Mormon reveals the concept of the condescension of God and the transformative nature of Christ's divine nature.
Repentance is crucial in maintaining a covenant relationship with God, while rebellion can lead to being cast off from His presence.
The covenant relationship between God and the house of Israel is inclusive, not exclusive, and serves as an invitation for all people to experience God's love and mercy.
Deep dives
The Vision of Nephi and the Condescension of God
In the podcast episode, Dr. Josh Sears discusses Nephi's vision in the Book of Mormon. The vision shows Nephi learning about Jesus Christ and understanding the concept of the condescension of God. Nephi sees the life of Christ and how he will become a human being through the virgin birth. This revelation is new to Nephi, as the concept of a divine figure becoming human was not commonly understood in ancient Israelite culture. Through the vision, Nephi is able to grasp the immense love of God and the significance of the Messiah's mission. The podcast emphasizes the central themes of the Book of Mormon, which are to show the great things the Lord has done for their ancestors and to convince others that Jesus is the Christ. Overall, this episode highlights the transformative nature of Nephi's vision and its relevance in understanding the divine nature of Christ.
The Choice between Repentance and Rebellion
Another important theme discussed in the podcast is the concept of repentance and rebellion. In citing examples from the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon, the episode highlights the crucial choice individuals have in maintaining their covenant relationship with God. While acknowledging that everyone stumbles and experiences weaknesses, it clarifies that rebellion and prolonged severe disobedience can lead to being cast off from God's presence. The podcast emphasizes the importance of repentance and emphasizes that God is merciful and patient with our weaknesses, always extending the opportunity to return to His presence. It also notes the significance of individual agency in determining the state of one's relationship with God, with repentance leading to a close and loving connection, and rebellion resulting in separation from His presence.
The Vision of Jesus' Visit: Apparent Failure but Greater Significance
The podcast explores Nephi's vision of Jesus' visit to the Nephites and highlights an intriguing aspect of the vision. While the visit itself appears to end in apparent failure, with subsequent generations returning to wickedness, the podcast suggests that there is a greater significance to this visit. Although the vision does not explicitly reveal this significance, it raises questions about why the Spirit instructed Nephi to watch for the moment when Jesus descends from heaven. This raises the anticipation for a future explanation. The episode points out the disappointment that Nephi must have felt witnessing the downfall of his people, but hints at the idea that this visit holds a crucial importance beyond what initially meets the eye. The podcast suggests revisiting this topic in a subsequent chapter for further insight.
The importance of covenants with Israel
The podcast episode explores the significance of the covenant relationship between God and the house of Israel. It explains that this covenant relationship is the foundation of God's desire to have an intimate, binding, and exalting relationship with all of his children. The episode emphasizes that being part of this covenant is not exclusive to Israel, but rather an invitation extended to all people, including the Gentiles. The discussion highlights that the covenant relationship brings blessings, love, mercy, and the opportunity for change from God. It presents the notion that the purpose of the house of Israel is not to be an exclusive chosen people, but rather a vessel for spreading God's love and inviting others into the covenant. The episode concludes by discussing the consequences of being cast off from the presence of the Lord, wherein individuals or groups distance themselves from the blessings and relationship of the covenant.
The significance of the Bible as a record of covenants
The episode delves into the importance of the Bible as a record of the Lord's covenants with the house of Israel. It highlights that the Bible contains the Abrahamic covenant and prophecies of the Holy Prophets, emphasizing that everything in the Bible is centered around these covenants. The discussion notes that many contemporary Christians may not acknowledge or recognize this focal point of the Bible. The episode suggests that understanding the significance of the covenants within the Bible invites a new perspective on its importance. It raises questions about why modern interpretations may differ from the angel's perspective in the Book of Mormon, inviting further exploration and reflection.
How does reading Nephi’s Vision prepare you for the work in the kingdom? Dr. Joshua Sears explores the evolution of the term “Messiah” and emphasizes the role of Jesus Christ and his condescension to gather the family of God.
Show Notes (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese): https://followhim.co/book-of-mormon-episodes-1-13/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZbOlFPxRJy0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-him-a-come-follow-me-podcast/id1545433056 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followhimpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15G9TTz8yLp0dQyEcBQ8BY
00:00 Part 1–Dr. Joshua Sears 00:47 Nephi wants to see what Lehi saw 01:09 Dr. Sears shares the two purposes of the Book of Mormon 02:44 Bio of Dr. Joshua Sears 07:38 1 Nephi 1 and the term “Messiah” 10:09 Kingship and the title Messiah 10:58 Messiah as Redeemer 12:12 1 Nephi 11 and the “condescension of God” 14:13 The Lion and the Lamb 15:49 Jehovah and the Messiah in 1 Nephi 11:18 19:00 Jesus as the literal Son of God 22:19 Fulfilling the promises of the Title Page 24:13 1 Nephi 8:30 26:32 Similarities for Lehi and Nephi 28:48 Hesed and covenantal relationships 33:42 So exclusive, everyone can be a part 35:43 Broken relationships with God 38:03 “Being cast off” 41:33 Psalm 89 47:03 We are free to choose to be in covenant with God 51:53 1 Nephi 11:7 and 1 Nephi 12 56:28 1 Nephi 10:12 and a remnant 59:20 The term gentile 1:00:42 The Great and Abominable Church 1:04:25 That which destroys souls 1:07:00 A Jewish record 1:09:52 End of Part 1–Dr. Joshua Sears
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 Annabelle Sorensen: Creative Project Manager Will Stoughton: Video Editor Krystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, Website Ariel Cuadra: Spanish Transcripts
"Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonald https://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com
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