S3 E75 Hope and Charity through Grace with Robert Millet (Moroni 7-9)

[@JosephChild1]

How blessed we are that Moroni lived long enough to include Mormon's words.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

Amen to that!!!!

[@shelleydahle5502]

You two, are my dream team for teaching the scriptures

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

My first response is that you should dream bigger. Then I remembered that Brother Millet was on this team, and I feel okay about it. All joking aside, I am so happy if any of this is helpful for you!

[@rondamabey3893]

Thanks so much. I love Brother Millet's insight and knowledge.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

He has a gift for enlightening us!

[@GilBowles]

Consider this thought regarding infant baptism - ALL of us privileged to come to earth and obtain a body were supporters of Heavenly Father's and Jesus Christ's plan , the Plan of Salvation. Infants/little children are guiltless before the age of accountability because The Father and The Son made a promise to us as part of that plan that we would have the first 8 years of life to figure out and control our bodies; an experience completely new to us. We earned the right to have a body. Satan did not. All of us as little children were given time to control our bodies before the Lord would hold us responsible for our actions as they related to Satan's influence. In essence, the Lord told Satan, "Hands off while they figured this out. They earned the right to have a body. They get time to figure out how to control their bodies before you can touch them." Another great mercy from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

I love this thought. Of course we don't know if it was just like this, but you are right, there has to be something to the idea of having a divine spirit learn how to navigate a fallen body, and also how to navigate with the loss of memory of their former life. That has to be part of this equation.

[@truedreamer2]

10:55 (1)

[@sherriluce4252]

Thank you for your comment about writing down your promptings during your prayer and writing the promptings down is part of your prayer. ❤

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

It really was a mental hurdle for me, that looks like a silly mental hurdle in hind sight but didn't feel like it at the time, that writing down my thoughts was part of the prayer process. It wouldn't seem foreign if I were sitting and talking with any leader here on earth, but somehow felt foreign to the process of praying. It has helped me rethink prayer.

[@amyhawkins6791]

I love sitting at the feet of these two great, though humble teachers!

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

We sure love you Amy!!!!

[@ruthjamieson4072]

Robert Millet has always been one of my favorites.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

Mine too! He brings some wonderful teachings to this episode!

[@Killthesefears]

Same!

[@ScrivenArt]

This is an episode that I will watch again and again. There is so much information that I need to understand better. Thank you for pulling this feast together to serve to us.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

I am so glad it is helpful for you!

[@eveelane2806]

Kerry, I’m often commenting on that I love your teachings. I totally APPRECIATE that you dive right in and get to the meat of the gospel ‼️🥰 Could it be that the comments regarding your not diving in could simply be gaslighting ⁉️ I also appreciate that if your guests are wandering off topic you respectfully guide them back to the topic. I listen to most all of the gospel podcasts and if I could only choose ONE it would be yours‼️. The number one podcast is great but yours is usually the best. I think it might be number one due to the decades of the popularity of the CO Host as we well know is a great author and occasionally speaker. I really enjoy Bob Millet and Andrew Skinner’s lessons. They serve us up the meat all throughout the lessons.

[@elizabethpeterson9914]

I agree, this is the best Come Follow Me podcast and the first one I go to. I also really love Andrew Skinner's lessons and can't wait for next week.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

You are kind, and I am glad to hear a little reassurance that we don't take too long at the beginning. I always try to find a balance between having the people who are with us be seen and connected with as people and not wanting that to get in the way of the message. I usually feel pretty good about the balance, but some comments have made me question it. I also feel blessed that I get to continue to learn from these two timeless and great scholars. What a blessing they are in our lives as they help us see profound truths. Thanks again for your kindness!

[@GilBowles]

Great job, Kerry - as usual!

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

So great to hear from you, and I am so glad it was helpful for you!

[@JosephChild1]

I remember once when I was young, on my own accord, I made a similar plea to my Father to give Him my agency. But I went about it wrong. My intent was different than what brother Millett relayed from Elder Packer. I wanted Him to take my agency, rather than give my agency to Him. I think I just didn't want the choice to do wrong anymore, and to remove the effort I needed to make. That is not something God will take from you, no matter what. What I've learned since, is that you must exercise and use your agency by making good choices. That is how you give your agency to God.. by always choosing the right and repenting when we fall short. It's a great effort to consciously continue to choose the right. But that is how we sacrifice the natural man to God and His purposes. That is how we can obtain the power of godliness. And when we do this; when we turn our heart to God through our actions, we are blessed by Him immeasurably. This is when we witness the unending miracles waiting for us.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

What profound insights. I especially learned from the distinction you made between not having to decide anymore and just making that decision. Thank you for this comment!

[@CatherineSithole-k2r]

Thank you for edifying me.God bless you

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

So glad it was helpful for you!

[@CherylEdvalson]

This is another discussion where the insights and interrelation to other scriptures was tremendous. Hope on either side of Faith absolutely of course! So many gems in these chapters. Thank you two for your humor and goodness, this study is so enjoyable!

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

I felt the same way when we finished this discussion. The scriptures bring such joy and enlightenment!

[@csr5794]

Loved the discussion about learning to hear AND recognize the voice of the Spirit! It is indeed a life-long journey. And just like most of our mortal experiences, it’s a “three steps forward, one or two steps back” process. But ultimately and gratefully, we make forward and upward progress and growth. Also, it was Sister Michelle Craig who quoted Camilla Kimball, “Never suppress a generous thought.” (2018 Oct General Conference; “Divine Discontent”) I have remembered and relied on that counsel to this day!! 🙏🏻Thank you for your podcast!

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

Thanks for tying those together for me. So much good to think about!

[@RubyB-hb6hd]

This was just awesome! Thank you very much

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

I am so glad it was helpful for you!

[@terrybroadbent6001]

That was awesome. Thank you for all your insights into these rich chapters.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

So glad it was helpful for you!

[@loisparrish2146]

I loved having opportunities to hear Brother Millet at Education Week when blessed to attend. Now, thanks to technology, I can be a student of tge scritures tutored by great spiritual minds.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

It is always a treat to be taught by him!

[@disciplesofjesuschrist2026]

Grace is a gift to all mankind that assures salvation by way of immortality, Grace and works of righteousness is required for exaltation

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

I think you are right. Of course the works will naturally follow our love of God and all men. Bless you!

[@oralynm]

I have often thought that just as we can be Savior-types by being saviors on Mount Zion, we also can be His types with claims to mercy. I think mothers are one of the strongest examples of having claims of mercy upon their children and it's because of what they sacrifice to give them life and to nurture them. I also suspect that one reason the Lord didn't make things easier for the pioneers of our faith in the early restored church was because by their greater sacrifice, they have more claims of mercy upon us to help us remain faithful and bring about Zion. I believe those claims of mercy are manifested in power in our prayers for those we've sacrificed for.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

Thank you for this comment. I am not sure I understand what you mean when you say we have a claim to mercy. Could you explain that a bit more, I would love to understand. Thanks!

[@robertrogers4898]

Hi. Please clarify for me the following: Moroni 7:16 "the Spirit of Christ is given to every man...." yet in the Sacrament Prayers (see D&C 20: 77,79) "that they may always have his Spirit to be with them." I presume 'his Spirit' is 'the Spirit of Christ.' Or are the sacrament prayers refering to 'his Spirit' as the Holy Ghost, which we have received but need to be worthy to feel those promptings from the Holy Ghost/Spirit. I look forward to your thoughts. I am enjoying the teachings from you and Brother Millet.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

I believe you have it correct. I think Moroni 7 is talking about the light of Christ, and the prayers are talking about the Holy Ghost. I am not the person who can say this definitively, but it makes sense to me. We do receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost as part of our baptismal covenant, and as we renew that covenant each week we have the chance to renew having that gift remain active in our lives. It is a wonderful renewal!

[@robertrogers4898]

@@TheScripturesAreReal I agree.

[@disciplesofjesuschrist2026]

Sometimes the reference to, The Light of Christ and the Spirit of Christ are used interchangeably, however they are different just as the Holy Ghost and the Spirit of God are different. The confusion comes when we fail to see the difference from the source and the power/influence. God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son have a spirit like you and I. The power/influence of the Spirit of Christ or the Spirit of God produces, Light, Knowledge, Power and intelligence and yet we may call it the Light of Christ or the Spirit of Christ or the Holy Ghost. As Moroni mentions, when all come into this world, we receive the Spirit of Christ or rather the Light of Christ. At an age/period of accountability or when consequences of choice are understood by agency, we then act on faith and belief. To those who rebel against Gods commandments will have the Light diminished or in some cases being removed because of wickedness but to those who remain faithful the light is magnified. When we partake of the Sacrament, overcoming sin through repentance can influence the individual by way of renewal or sanctification through the Spirit of God or the Holy Ghost that acts upon the individual. We will not go into detail at this time about how the source directs the influence and power to the sons and daughters according to His goodwill and pleasure, but at another time

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

@@disciplesofjesuschrist2026 It does become difficult because not every scriptural author uses the same phrases in the same way, or even understand things in the same way.

[@MiriamBallejos-j9h]

Thank you! Great insights !

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

So glad it was helpful for you!

[@Killthesefears]

I love this so so much.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

I am so glad to hear it!!!!

[@Killthesefears]

@ 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@MrMocheeks]

As I read Moroni 7:16 I had this interesting thought how the spirit of Christ is doing the same thing as the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Which draws my mind to the temple as I read the rest of chapter 7. Any thoughts on the connection here?

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

I think that is a fantastic insight! Of course the temple is teaching us about the plan and Christ and covenants, so as I look for connections with those things there are a bunch of them. Clearly covenants, and Christ lead us to choose that which is good, and Satan and the world want us to choose that which leads us away from Christ and brings sorrow. There is a lot of room for exploring this connection. Thank you!

[@disciplesofjesuschrist2026]

This is of a truth that the Spirit of Christ/Light of Christ, draws the willing heart to all that which is good and warns against the evils of the world. That which is good includes intelligence or knowledge that worketh good among the children of men, however without charity, knowledge is to no avail. We must remember that the self same fruit produces 'knowledge' of 'good and evil'. The key is that before accountability there is innocence but after cometh evil one. The Mind/Intelligence of the individual, is presented two choices, one from the Holy Ghost and the other from Satan or his hosts whereby a choice is made and a consequence is meted out , good or bad. The Holy Ghost and or the Light of Christ prompts one to do good while the evil one entices to do evil. We are the masters of our own destiny. We cannot blame God nor Satan for our final destination. By attaining the endowment of Heaven, one has been found worthy to enter the presence of the Lord (his Temple) or sanctuary

[@kylabeckstrand5362]

As I've been studying Moroni 7 over the last couple weeks I feel like I see a chiastic structure in verses 12-48. It may be a stretch, but it has at least been a very eye opening perspective on this sermon. All good things come from God = charity of Christ 12-16 Angels, prophets,and everyone the Lord inspires teach about Him which brings hope 22-31 And that hope gives us something to put our faith in 31-32 Our faith gives us more hope 33-42 And when we have hope we are filled with charity towards all 44-48

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

That is cool! I am going to have to look at that some more. Thanks for pointing it out!

[@mygreatestdayever]

If we believe young children are guiltless we haven't taught that. One of my favorite Primary songs says "I know WHEN I am baptized my wrongs are washed away and I can be forgiven.....". How many of us have talked about our own baptism day and how clean we felt after we were baptized and we never wanted to sin again because we were finally clean. Its as if we save up our sins until we can finally be baptized. I noticed the children's video that goes with this CFM lesson focuses on the covenant rather that the cleanliness, so maybe there is a shift in how we talk about baptism for children. In the past we've said one thing while teaching another.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

Thanks for asking perceptive and penetrating questions we usually don't think to ask. This is a great discussion and question. I think there are two things going on here. We certainly are having a greater covenant emphasis, and I think we are finally starting to teach that at baptism. Also, I think our doctrine also teaches us that children are guilty ("original guilt" is the phrase in Moses 6:54), but that the atoning sacrifice covers that automatically. Thus, if children die before they are baptized, their guilt is automatically covered. If they live until they are baptized, then baptism makes it so that their sins are fully covered. If they lived that long and were not baptized, they are responsible for that guilt (but can have that washed away whenever they accept baptism, in this life or the next). So I think it is accurate to say that at the age of accountability when we are baptized are sins and guilt are washed away. Am I explaining this in a way that makes sense, or do you see something I am missing in this explanation? What are your thoughts?

[@mygreatestdayever]

@TheScripturesAreReal Thank you for your response. My perspective is mainly questioning how children understand this doctrine. I think we haven't taught very well that Jesus covers sins until the age of accountability because we have focused on becoming clean from sin at baptism. I like that the Church is focusing more on the covenant that is made at baptism. I always enjoy the things I learn from this channel. Thanks for the discussion!

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

@@mygreatestdayever I think you are right! As I read what you are saying I am thinking of how I should adjust some things I say to youth in our ward who are getting baptized. Thank you for that!

[@andrearmstrong8195]

Although infant baptism is not of Heavenly Father I'm really grateful for those records which help when compiling family trees.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

That is true!

[@ildenete3235]

Não conseguia entender o descanso do Senhor, apenas depois com o pensar celestial do presidente Nelson eu pude deixar de ver pelo angulo mais espiritual subir um degrau acima para olhar as orações que fazemos depois do descanso do Senhor as escolhas as obras mesmo tendo um corpo mortal ainda somos capazes de fazer coisas celestiais e um pouco mais acima é isso que interessa. Obrigado pelos seus testemunhos de Jesus Cristo

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

Fico feliz que nossos ensinamentos e testemunhos sejam edificantes para você. Também sou grato por esse profeta maravilhoso que nos ensina de maneira tão poderosa. E também pelos incríveis ensinamentos do Livro de Mórmon. Abençoe!

[@StephenMillet-ud5vt]

My dad is a Jedi ..

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

Tis true!!!

[@lorraineanderson5467]

Thank you both for a wonderful, thought provoking discussion. I was raised in the Episcopal church, and only converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age 60, 13 years ago. (Best decision of my life!) I was interested in the comments made concerning some other Christian sects, including Catholics, revising their thoughts on infant baptism. I had not heard this, and would be interested in reading more about this. Is there a source you could share please?

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

I will ask Brother Millet.

[@waynemerrill3628]

Elder Millett, I heard a presentation you made at what I think was the BYU education week. The topic was in regards to God and human suffering it was a KZbin podcast. It was very meaningful to me. I listen to it once and wanted to study it more deeply and share it with loved ones who need to hear it but I've been unable to find it on KZbin or anywhere else. I seem to remember it being given in around 2001 or 2003. I would love any help from you on locating the video or a copy of that talk if you recall the occasion and are willing to help me.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

I will make sure Elder Millet sees this comment. Thanks!

[@velocirapture89]

You gotta hand it to those medieval people-they had some wild imaginations. The road to hell being paved with the skulls of deceased children is an extremely gruesome picture!

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

That is grotesque indeed!

[@disciplesofjesuschrist2026]

No need to reference the medieval just look to the Book of Mormon: "And the husbands and fathers of those women and children they have slain; and they feed the women upon the flesh of their husbands, and the children upon the flesh of their fathers; and no water, save a little, do they give unto them. 9 And notwithstanding this great abomination of the Lamanites, it doth not exceed that of our people in Moriantum. For behold, many of the daughters of the Lamanites have they taken prisoners; and after depriving them of that which was most dear and precious above all things, which is chastity and virtue- Moroni 9 10 And after they had done this thing, they did murder them in a most cruel manner, torturing their bodies even unto death; and after they have done this, they devour their flesh like unto wild beasts, because of the hardness of their hearts; and they do it for a token of bravery.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

@@disciplesofjesuschrist2026 You are right!

[@terrymanning5132]

I think you are making charity too complicated. It is a spiritual gift. We pray to receive spiritual gifts and they are bestowed upon us. Corrie Ten Boom has a wonderful story about meeting a man after World War II who had been a Nazi guard at the camp where she and her sister had been incarcerated and where her sister had died. She could not find it in her heart to forgive him and love him, even as he stood before her expressing his love and appreciation for the Savior. After asking God to help her, she said she received such a love for this man she could not imagine. And she said that it is not on our abilities, but on the gifts of God, that our ability to accomplish what God asks of us is made possible.

[@TheScripturesAreReal]

It definitely is a gift from God. Spiritual gifts often come as a great bestowal. Usually that level is temporary. In my opinion those experiences do change us, even if we don’t stay changed to that degree. Corey probably had to work at forgiving other people even after that experience. I have had great outpourings of charity that I have felt and I hope I am never quite the same but I know that I havent maintained that level of charity all the time either. I wish I had, but it is not what has happened for me. It seems to me that there is a mixture of gift bestowal and of effort. The effort is minimal, almost undectectable on our part when compared to the gift. But I think both are present.