3 Nephi 12-16 Part 2 • Dr. Brad Wilcox • September 30 - October 6 • Come Follow Me
Sep 25, 2024
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Dr. Brad Wilcox, an expert on the teachings of Jesus, delves into the profound messages found in 3 Nephi, highlighting prayer's connection to divine power. He discusses the challenges of loving one's enemies and navigating divorce, emphasizing personal growth through difficult teachings. The conversation transitions to the difference between covenant relationships and contracts, encouraging a deeper spiritual commitment. Listeners are invited to reflect on their faith journeys and the transformative power of community prayer and self-reflection.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of genuine spiritual hunger for righteousness over merely meeting minimal standards in one's relationship with God.
It discusses the complexities of divorce from a scriptural perspective, advocating for legal separation while focusing on preserving one's covenant relationship with God.
Deep dives
The Importance of Righteousness Over Minimums
The discussion emphasizes the difference between seeking minimum standards in personal behavior and striving for true righteousness. Attitudes that inquire about how little one can do to maintain a relationship with God are contrasted with a genuine desire to completely surrender one's sins and pursue righteousness. An example highlighted is King Lamoni’s father, who passionately expressed a yearning for God, saying he would give away all his sins to know Him, showcasing the deeper quest for spiritual fulfillment rather than simply meeting baselines. This illustrates the ideal attitude of hunger and thirst for righteousness, an approach that challenges listeners to reassess their motivations in their spiritual journeys.
Understanding the Teachings on Divorce
The episode delves into Jesus' teachings on divorce as mentioned in the scripture, clarifying that the intent is not to condemn but to advocate for legal and honorable separation. It highlights the complexities surrounding divorce, especially in contexts like Chile, where it was illegal until 2004, causing many to struggle with the implications of separation. The narrative suggests that Jesus is not implying that divorce is always wrong but rather advocating for it to be approached legally to preserve one’s covenant relationship with God. This perspective shifts the focus from blame to practical guidance on maintaining one’s spiritual life amidst difficult circumstances.
The Role of Perfection in Our Journey
The concept of perfection, as stated in scripture, is reassessed to reflect a process of becoming rather than an immediate expectation. The discussion explains that the term 'perfect' signifies being complete or fully developed, which allows individuals to approach their spiritual progression with a sense of hope rather than despair. The insight that one does not need to achieve perfection instantly but can see it as a lifetime goal helps alleviate pressure and encourages growth through grace. This reframing affirms that striving toward perfection is a gradual process, supported by God’s grace and emphasized through ongoing covenant relationships.
The Power of Prayer in Building Relationships with God
The significance of prayer as a means to foster a connection with God is profoundly addressed, underscoring its role in personal faith. Personal anecdotes illustrate the impact of communal and individual prayers on one's spiritual journey and emphasize that the essence of prayer is not solely about receiving what one asks for but about nurturing a deeper relationship with God. The narrative conveys that individuals often return to their faith not necessarily by having resolved all doubts but by experiencing the transformative power of prayer and its ability to restore faith. This vital connection through prayer becomes a key element in navigating life's challenges, reinforcing the notion that through sincere communication with God, believers gain strength and understanding.
Dr. Brad Wilcox continues to illuminate the powerful teachings of Jesus during his visit to the Americas including the power of prayer, covenants, and the process of accessing God’s power.
10:17 Using Jesus’s Atonement to be cleansed and changed
12:39 3 Nephi 13 - Ezra Taft Benson’s talk on pride
16:58 Prayer: connection and power
22:23 Vain repetitions and the “net” of prayer
25:32 3 Nephi 14:21-23 - “I know a guy”
31:44 Contract thinking vs. relationship thinking
33:04 3 Nephi 14:1-6 Judge not
35:27 3 Nephi 14-15 - Righteous judgment and other sheep
39:13 Jesus reveals himself and reminds them of their heritage
41:25 3 Nephi 16 - Remember who you are.
46:33 The Rome Temple is a “hinge point”
48:10 How does the Book of Mormon stand against other books?
53:37 Becoming like Christ is a process
57:17 End of Part II – Dr. Brad Wilcox
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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