2 Nephi 26

(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

Everything the Lord does is for the benefit of the world. The Lord loves all people and invites all to come unto Him and partake of His salvation.

1-11. From these verses, list three gospel topics you would include if you were assigned to give a talk on preparing to be with the Savior at His Second Coming.

"The record of the Nephite history just prior to the Saviors visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Saviors second coming." – Ezra Taft Benson, GC, April 1987

7. How do you think Nephi felt about seeing the destruction of his people? How would you feel if you were in his position?

8-9. What blessings did Nephi say would come to his righteous descendants?

11. What kinds of things will cause the Spirit to stop striving with man?

"God grant that we will come to our senses and protect our moral environment from this mist of darkness which deepens day by day. The fate of all humanity hangs precariously in the balance." – Boyd K Packer, GC, April 1992

12-13. How can you invite Jesus into your life? Imagine the picture of the Savior standing outside the door and knocking. Why is Jesus knocking? Why doesn't he just walk in? What does this door represent? How is your heart like a door with no not on the outside? What can you do to open the door and let Jesus into your life? What does Nephi suggest in these verses that will help you invite the Savior into your fife? In what ways can the Savior bless you when you open your heart to Him and invite Him into your life?

13. How does Jesus Christ manifest Himself to those who exercise faith in him? How have you witnessed or experienced to some of these manifestations of Jesus Christ?

14-17. What would it be like to stand in a cemetery where your ancestors are buried and hear them speaking to you? What kinds of things might they say? How valuable with their message be to you? Who did Nephi say would whisper out of the dust? Why would they not be forgotten? Where are their voices recorded? What value is there in hearing their voices and listening to the messages?

20-22. What kinds of things does the devil invite the Gentiles to do?

23-28, 33. List three things in these verses that tell you what the Lord is like. What difference does it make for you to know that particular truth about the Lord?

23. In contrast to the devils dark works, what does Nephi teach you about the Savior?

24. The devil seeks to bind people to him. How does the Savior draw people to him? Who's invitation is more inviting? How does the church help the Lord send invitations? What can you do to make sure that you accept the right invitations?

"Indeed, all truth, both spiritual and temporal, testifies of Him. When we learn to read the signs, and wonders, and types, and shadows properly, with the eyes of faith, we will realize that all of history, all of science, all of nature, all divinely revealed knowledge of any sort, testifies of him.  He is the very personification of truth and light, of life and love, of beauty and goodness. All that he did was done out of love." – Alexander B Morrison, GC, April 1992

29. What is priestcraft? Why do you think the Lord forbids priestcraft? Why is it so dangerous? What do you think priestcrafts are damaging to the church?

"To seek after the praise of men, the scriptures caution us, is to be led carefully away from the only safe path to follow in life. And the scriptures warn us plainly what follows when we aspire to the honors of men (Doctrine and Covenants 121:35)" – Boyd K Packer, GC, April 2007

"Let us beware of false prophets and false teachers, both men and women, who are self-appointed declares of the doctrines of the church and who seek to spread their false gospel and attract followers by sponsoring symposia, books, and journals whose contents challenge fundamental doctrines of the church. Beware of those who speak and publish in opposition to God's true prophet who actively proselyte others with reckless disregard for the eternal well-being of those whom they seduce. Like Nehor and Korihor in the Book of Mormon, they rely on sophistry to deceive and entice others to their views. They set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain in praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion." – M Russell Ballard, GC, October 1999

"The temptation to seek personal recognition and reward from our service to others is ever-present. The pattern was established in the pre-earth life of Satan himself. There, when the Father explained His plan of salvation for the inhabitants of this earth and the need for a Redeemer, Satan responded by saying: Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy Son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor. (Moses 4:1) In contrast, Christ showed us for all time that God's work is to be done with an attitude of Thine, not mine. Said He: Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. (Moses 4:2) Those who seek honor and gain for themselves in doing the Lords work are guilty of what the scriptures call priestcraft. Of this sin, Nephi stated: Priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.… There is something particularly noble about the good works of those who act without restraint or compulsion and with no expectation of reward or recognition. Their goodness has its source in the desires of their hearts and is the result of pure motives." – Marlin K Jensen, GC, October 1989

30. How can charity be an antidote for the sin of priestcraft?

31. Why do your bishop and other ward members serve? What does this teach you about what should motivate you to serve in the church?

32. How can a Singlestrand of thread become the strong chords which the devil uses to bind those who follow him? How would you counsel a friend to avoid the traps of the devil?