3 Nephi 27

Reading Assignment for Tuesday, April 17: 3 Nephi 27

Learning Activities:

1) Introduction

Soon after the Savior’s ministry among the Nephites, the twelve newly called Nephite disciples met together in mighty prayer and fasting. Jesus Christ appeared to them and answered their question concerning the name they should give the Church. He taught them about His gospel and commanded them to be like Him.

2) Watch this video and as you read this chapter, consider Christlike attributes you need to work on to be more like Him

Christlike Attributes

 
Christlike Attributes (2:53)—The attributes of Christ are portrayed in scenes from His life. TRUTH: The Lord commands His disciples to become as He is.
Want More?

3 Nephi 27:8. The name of the Church

The First Presidency stated:
“The use of the revealed name, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (D&C 115:4), is increasingly important in our responsibility to proclaim the name of the Savior throughout all the world. Accordingly, we ask that when we refer to the Church we use its full name wherever possible” (First Presidency letter, Feb. 23, 2001).
President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) taught:
President Harold B. Lee
“When he [the Lord] revealed the name by which the Church was to be called, he used some interesting expressions. He said, ‘For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.’ (D&C 115:4.)
“The word the is significant: not just Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, because to say ‘The Church’ distinguishes this as the only true church on the face of the earth. He didn’t say Mormon Church; he didn’t say LDS Church, but the clear, firm, unequivocal statement, ‘even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’” (Harold B. Lee, “The Way to Eternal Life,” Ensign,Nov. 1971, 13).

3 Nephi 27:13–21. The gospel of Jesus Christ

The Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–1844) explained the central message of the gospel of Jesus Christ:
Prophet Joseph Smith
“The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith[2007], 49).

3 Nephi 27:27. Becoming like Jesus Christ

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught:
President Ezra Taft Benson
“That man is greatest and most blessed and joyful whose life most closely fits the pattern of the Christ. This has nothing to do with earthly wealth, power, or prestige. The only true test of greatness, blessedness, joyfulness is how close a life can come to being like the Master, Jesus Christ. He is the right way, the full truth, and the abundant life” (Ezra Taft Benson, “Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations” [Brigham Young University devotional, Dec. 10, 1974], 1, speeches.byu.edu).