Fighting Against the Lamb of God

 1 Nephi 14:11 - 14, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 28

And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the whore of all the earth, and she sat upon many waters, and she had dominion over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people. And it came to pass that I beheld the church of the Lamb of God, and its numbers were few because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who sat upon many waters. Nevertheless, I beheld that the church of the Lamb, who were the saints of God, were also upon all the face of the earth; and their dominions upon the face of the earth were small because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw. And it came to pass that I beheld that the great mother of abominations did gather together in multitudes upon the face of all the earth, among all the nations of the gentiles, to fight against the Lamb of God. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth. And they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim 1 Nefi 3 par. 28

And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the whore of all the earth, and she sat upon many waters, and she had dominion over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people. And it came to pass that I beheld the assembly of the Lamb of Elohim, and its numbers were few because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who sat upon many waters. Nevertheless, I beheld that the assembly of the Lamb, who were the k’doshim of Elohim, were also upon all the face of the earth; and their dominions upon the face of the earth were small because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw. And it came to pass that I beheld that the great mother of abominations did gather together in multitudes upon the face of all the earth, among all the nations of the Goyim, to fight against the Lamb of Elohim. And it came to pass that I, Nefi, beheld the power of the Lamb of Elohim, that it descended upon the k’doshim of the assembly of the Lamb and upon the covenant people of yhwh, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth. And they were armed with righteousness and with the power of Elohim in great glory.

Here is another place in the Book of Mormon that I believe that in all my previous readings of the Book of Mormon I was so intent on hurrying on through, in an effort to get my eyeballs over the words of the entire book in a certain amount of time, and so I miss applied what I now presently understand to be Nephi's or rather the Lord's intent for what is shared here.

There are three questions I have considered recently about this part of Nephi's vision.

1)What am I to understand concerning the statement Nephi makes, "I beheld that the great mother of abominations did gather together in multitudes upon the face of all the earth, among all the nations of the gentiles, to fight against the Lamb of God."?

What does that look like?

How would I know that this event is occurring?

If I am able to recognize what this looks like would that help me avoid being a part of it?

2)What should I understand by Nephi's statement, "I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth."?

What does that look like?

What is contained in the power of the Lamb of God that descends upon these two groups of people?

3)What should I understand by Nephi's third statement, "they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory."?

Why did Nephi use the word "armed" when he described the two groups having righteousness and the power of God in great glory?

Why would God "arm" someone?

Those who are so "armed", what actions or what tasks do they complete with their "arms"?

I will give my ever constant disclaimer here that I believe that it is impossible for me to share everything in this blog post that could even probably scratch the surface of this subject matter and anything I do share I consider to be at best incomplete and more likely than not incorrect.

I simply hope that these ideas that I am going to share will maybe spark an interest in someone to really look into the matter and get to the bottom of it.

To start with the first question:

Earlier in Nephi's vision he made the following statement.

And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying, Look. And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people, yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record. And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world. And after he was slain, I saw the multitudes of the earth, that they were gathered together to fight against the apostles of the Lamb, for thus were the twelve called by the angel of the Lord. And the multitude of the earth was gathered together, and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building which my father saw. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying, Behold, the world and the wisdom thereof; yea, behold, the house of Israel hath gathered together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And it came to pass that I saw and bear record that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and the fall thereof was exceeding great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me, saying, Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb. (1 Nephi 11:32 - 36, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 14)

Earlier Nephi declared that the multitudes of the earth were gathered together to fight against the apostles of the Lamb.

Now Nephi declares that the multitudes and nations are gathered together to fight against the Lamb of God.

What has changed?

Is it possible that Nephi is distinguishing between the time in world history, starting with Joseph of Egypt and culminating with the faithful eleven who were with the Lord during His mortal ministry, where He commissioned these apostles to take His gospel to the world and the end time of world history where the Lamb Himself is going about to do His work?

Is it possible that this is what Zenos was describing in his allegory here as the Master of the vineyard becomes very involved in the pruning and dunging of His vineyard for the last time before the end?

And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his servant, and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him and brought other servants, and they were few. And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them, Go to and labor in the vineyard with your mights, for behold, this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard, for the end is nigh at hand and the season speedily cometh. And if ye labor with your mights with me, ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come. And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights, and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them. And they did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things. And there began to be the natural fruit again in the vineyard. And the natural branches began to grow and thrive exceedingly, and the wild branches began to be plucked off and to be cast away; and they did keep the root and the top thereof equal, according to the strength thereof. And thus they labored with all diligence, according to the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard, even until the bad had been cast away out of the vineyard and the Lord had preserved unto himself, that the trees had become again the natural fruit. And they became like unto one body, and the fruit were equal. And the Lord of the vineyard had preserved unto himself the natural fruit, which was most precious unto him from the beginning.(Jacob 5:70 - 74, NC Jacob 3 pars. 26 - 27)

If one reads the entire allegory of Zenos in the book of Jacob, is it possible to detect a slight difference between the beginning of the allegory and this paragraph close to the end?

The Master never neglects His vineyard; He is very attentive and always has a servant who is obedient to care for the vineyard according to His commands.

At this point in the allegory though don't we see that the Master Himself is engaged directly in the labor with His servants this last time?

What does this look like?

Although the laborers in this final effort are “few” you will be the means used by the Lord to complete His work in His vineyard (Id., v.70). You are required to labor with your might to finish the Lord’s work in His vineyard (Id., v.72). But He will labor alongside you. (Id.) He, not a man or a committee, will call you to do work. When He calls, do not fear--but do not run faster than you have strength. We must find His people in the highways and byways and invite them to join in. (Luke 14:23.) Zion will include people from every part of the world. (Moses 7:62.) This conference is broadcast worldwide as part of the prophecy to Enoch that God would send “righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem.” (Id.) We must proclaim this to the world.(Boise Conference Address (Opening Remarks) Covenant of Christ Conference Egyptian Theater Boise, Idaho, September 3, 2017 by Denver C. Snuffer, Jr., pg. 6)

Why would the Lord or in other words the Master of the vineyard work in this way, beside the "few" servants, this last time?

It is the Lord's purpose to create equality in his vineyard. In the allegory equality in the vineyard appears three times in verses 66, 73 and 74. We cannot be greater and lesser, nor divide ourselves into an hierarchy to achieve the equality required for Zion. When a group is determined to remain equal (and I am personally determined to be no greater than any other) then it faces challenges that never confront unequal people. A religion of bosses and minions never deals with any of the challenges of being equals. Critics claim we will never succeed because of our determined desire for equality. None of our critics can envision what the Lord has said in verses 66, 73 and 74 about His people. But equality among us is the only way prophesied for us to succeed. That does not mean we won't have a mess as we learn how to establish equality....  We cannot allow ourselves to be drawn in to inequality when the result of this labor is to make us one body, equal with one another. We cannot imitate the failures of the past by establishing an hierarchy, elevating one above another, and forgetting that we must be of one heart, one mind and with no poor among us. The restoration was never intended to just restore an ancient Christian church. That is only a halfway point. It must go back further. In the words of the ancient prophet, God intends to do ‘according to [His] will, and [to] preserve the natural fruit, that it is good, even like as it was in the beginning (Id., v.75). This means the beginning, as in the days of Adam, with the return of the original religion and original authority. Everything must be returned as it was in the beginning. Civilization began with the temple as the center of learning, law and culture. The temple was the original “university” because it taught of man's place within God’s universe. (Boise Conference Address (Opening Remarks) Covenant of Christ Conference Egyptian Theater Boise, Idaho, September 3, 2017 by Denver C. Snuffer, Jr., pgs. 6 - 7)

If I desire to work beside the Master of the vineyard during the time of His final work in His vineyard should I expect that if I qualify and am faithful to be one of His "few" servants that the Master would speak directly to "me" and give "me" commandments concerning what He would like "me" to accomplish in His vineyard?

Wouldn't this be the same for any and all who would qualify to be one of the "few" who will labor in the vineyard beside the Master for the last time?

If the Master is speaking to each and every one of the "few" who labor for the last time in His vineyard beside Him, doesn't that create equality?

How should I consider, then, any religious tradition that requires another mortal, not the Master, to tell me or anyone else what to do and how to labor in the vineyard?

Would such a religious tradition create equality in the vineyard or would it create inequality by putting one servant above another?

If the above is correct and Nephi is seeing that it is the Lamb of God or in other words the Master of the vineyard who is going about personally to do a work, with His "few" servants, at the last day, then would that mean that if a person opposes, or belongs to something that opposes, or believes something that opposes, what the Lord is doing personally with His "few" servants that they are, in Nephi's words, fighting against the Lamb of God?

Is it even more serious a matter to fight against the Lamb of God than it is to fight against the apostles of the Lamb?

If this is what Nephi is beholding at this point in his vision, then does that give new meaning to what Nephi declared to the Prophet Joseph in September of 1823?

...He quoted also the third chapter of Acts, twenty-second and twenty-third verses [Acts 2:3], precisely as they stand in our New Testament. He said that that prophet was Christ, but the day had not yet come when they who would not hear his voice should be cut off from among the people, but soon would come... (Joseph Smith History 1:36 - 41, T&C 1, Joseph Smith History, part 3, par. 4) 

Is Nephi seeing here in vision the time that he told Joseph would soon come, where those who would not hear Christ's voice, or in other words, recognize His words as He goes about to perform His labor among the children of men would be cut off because they qualify by their actions to be fighting against Him? 

I have testified in preceding posts that I am a living eye witness that the Lord is going about at this time in the history of the world to do a great and a marvelous work among the children of men.

I will add that I have now experienced enough to conclude that He is doing this work personally. 

My present understanding of the effects of this work is that they are polarizing on the one hand or on the other to the convincing of one to peace and life eternal or to the bringing of one down into destruction and captivity according to the captivity and destruction of the Devil.

I have outlined previously my present understanding of what is required to be a part of the church of the Lamb of God.

I believe what Nephi declared, that there are save two churches only.

I believe that if our religious traditions are not in line with bringing us into the church of the Lamb of God that the only other option Nephi leaves us is to be a part of the multitudes and nations that belong to the great whore of all the earth; the only other church there is on the earth.

If one finds themselves in the situation of accepting and practicing religious traditions that are not part of the church of the Lamb of God then my understanding from Nephi is that they are in deed fighting against the Lamb of God, Himself.

I invite everyone to turn and face the Lord and be reconciled to Him in order to leave the mother of abominations and become one of the "few" who labor beside the Master this last time in the vineyard.

I do not believe that there are "few" servants because there are some "few" who are more knowledgeable about Christ or who seem to be more devout or who are better than others.  

I believe there are so "few" only because so "few" accept the invitation to participate.  It is open to all.

In my previous haste in reading through Nephi's vision I would come to this part and think in my mind "Here the world is fighting against those who follow Christ" the end.

I viewed it as a completely physical struggle for domination between a small group of people and the rest of the multitudes and nations of the world.

I now view it differently.  I presently understand that the vast majority of the multitudes and nations of the world that Nephi sees here embrace religious traditions that oppose the work that the Lamb of God is presently undertaking to accomplish.

In this way they are "fighting" against the Lamb of God.  

Yes those "few" who accept the task of working beside the Master of the vineyard are physically affected by this but the fight is not against them; it is directed against Christ.

The change in my understanding of the above has affected my understanding of the other two points I have questioned.

The second question.

Because I had viewed the fight to be a physical conflict between a small group that follows Christ and the rest of the world basically, I viewed the power of the Lamb of God descending upon those who are of the church of the Lamb of God and those who are the covenant people of the Lord to be like some "by the power of Grayskull!!!!" Heman getting magical powers type of event.

All of the sudden we would be able to in effect kill a whole bunch of wicked people by pointing our fingers at them or by using weapons; magic swords and forcefields did come to mind.

As I considered what Zenos set forth in his allegory I could not find such an event though.  

In the allegory of Zenos it is the Master of the vineyard who will burn the vineyard at the last.

Those "few" who are servants working beside the Master are doing nothing more than pruning and dunging and work that causes growth and development.  

I couldn't see anywhere where they were involved in anything that is destructive.

Enoch's people were not required to fight any battles against those who would come against them.

I also considered that at the time that the children of Israel were brought out of Egypt they did not have to fight any battles physically until they had provoked the Lord at Sinai.

Previous to that the Lord did all of the "fighting" so to speak.  Not one Israelite lifted a sword against Egypt as they left.

In the Book of Mormon as we read about captain Moroni even, we read that he did not delight in the shedding of blood.

I take that to mean that he abhorred it.

Even when the Nephites prospered in battle against the Lamanites we read,

 Now it came to pass that Moroni marched forth on the morrow and came upon the Lamanites, insomuch that they did slay them with a great slaughter and they did drive them out of the land. And they did flee, even that they did not return at that time against the Nephites. And thus ended the thirty and first year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi. And thus they had had wars, and bloodsheds, and famine, and affliction, for the space of many years. And there had been murders, and contentions, and dissensions, and all manner of iniquity among the people of Nephi. Nevertheless for the righteous’ sake, yea, because of the prayers of the righteous, they were spared. But behold, because of the exceeding great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites, many had become hardened because of the exceeding great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depths of humility. (Alma 62:38 - 41, NC Alma 29 par. 18)

Even with the Lord prospering them in battle many were "hardened" by the war.

Because of all of this, my point of view with respect to the Power of the Lamb of God descending upon some "few" believers has changed.

I do not believe that the Lord desires to have a warlike people.

My understanding, from what I have read in the scriptures and my conversations with some folks while they were living and what I have read of the accounts of those who have been to war, is that it is very difficult to not be affected in one way or another by killing someone in war.

Even though the Lord justifies self defense and outlines when it is allowed for a people to go to war, if you look at those instructions, the Lord commands first to sue for peace multiple times and always forgive enemies after they withdraw and He invites us to spare our enemies even if it has come to the point that they are delivered by Him into our hands.

In my mind, He really likes peace.

If any of my above conclusions are correct, then what is the power of the Lamb of God?

...the power of God and the glory of God—meaning the peace of God and the ability to live with one another in harmony without this raging conflict—that power is manifest among the people of God, the church of God, and the covenant people that belong to God.

So if you can maintain peaceful coexistence with one another as you worship God in the coming days, the power and glory of God will descend and be with you because you manage to extract yourself from the coming conflict, rage, hatred, polarization...("59: Nephi, Part 2, Denver Snuffer Podcast, Denversnuffer.com, March 3, 2019)

Is it possible to look around right now and see rage, hatred, polarization and conflict in every part of life, in government, in education, in business, in health, in religion, in philosophy, etc. all around the world?

I can now, by living experience, testify to the peace that comes from changing my desire to contend, and to argue with others, trying to compel them by my arguments to be submissive to my point of view, to being willing to simply put forth my opinions and let others do so as well and simply acknowledging that we may "disagree" without being angry with one another.

The Lord has revealed the following today in July 2017.

For you to unite I must admonish and instruct you, for my will is to have you love one another. As people, you lack the ability to respectfully disagree among one another. You are as Paul and Peter, whose disagreements resulted in jarring and sharp contentions. Nevertheless, they both loved me and I loved them. You must do better...Nevertheless, there have been sharp disputes between you that should have been avoided. I speak these words to reprove you that you may learn, not to upbraid you so that you mourn. I want my people to have understanding.(T&C 157 pars. 3, 5)

By the Lord condescending to reveal such a marvelous command today, could it be reasonably stated that such a statement from the Lord constitutes part of the power of the Lamb of God descending on anyone who will be part of the church of the Lamb of God?

If this pattern continues what would the conclusion be?

All nations, other than the Holy Order family-government ordained by God, will be brought to

a full end. Or, in the various iterations of the prophecy of Malachi, God “will smite the earth with a

curse,” or “the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.” The only surviving rule or

dominion at that time will be the one tied to the fathers. It will be the people whose one heart is like

the one heart of the fathers. They will possess the promises made to the fathers, or in other words,

they will have been sealed to the fathers. ("The Religion of the Fathers",  March 2021 Denver C. Snuffer, Jr., pg. 35)

My present understanding is that the power of the Lamb of God descends upon those who are of the church of the Lamb and the covenant people of the Lord to enable them to live in peace one with another as they work beside the Master this last time in His vineyard.

His work will culminate in the restoration of the family of God that was had in the beginning with Adam and the other ancient Fathers.

This connects with my third question.

To be "armed" with the power of the Lamb of God and with righteousness in great glory is to be able to have the "weapons" that God wants you to have to be at peace.

That is my opinion based on the following from Paul.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil; for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace — above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit (which is the word of God), praying always, with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching unto that with all perseverance and supplication for all saints, and for me — that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in bonds, that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:10 - 20, NC Ephesians 1 par. 25)

Is it a coincidence that in the very same teaching of Paul found here, where he clearly states that the struggle is not against flesh and blood (other mortals) but against principalities, and powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places, that he also declares the "arms" to fight these things to be the "armor of God"?

Is Nephi seeing here in his vision a small group of people who possess truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the spirit (which is the word of God)(ie. the Master of the vineyard is working beside them, speaking to them, and giving them "commandments not a few").

Could it be reasonably stated concerning a group of people, no matter how small the group, that if they possess this "armor of God" that they are armed with the power of God in great glory?

With these "arms" who would they be battling?

Would they be battling their fellow men?

I don't believe so.

With these "arms" would they be able to everlastingly be convinced of peace and life eternal amidst a world that is descending into complete disarray where the residue of the world is everlastingly hardened in their hearts and blinded in their minds and brought down into captivity and into destruction both physically and spiritually?

With these "arms", the armor of God, would they be able to perform the labors of blessing the vineyard in their pruning and dunging by inviting all to come to Christ by having their words of invitation being filled with the power of the Spirit?

By performing their labors in the vineyard that the Master of the vineyard has called them to perform using these "arms" would they be battling the ruler of the darkness of this world?

Would they be struggling against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places?

Why would Nephi present such glaring contrasts to us?

Does Nephi want us to understand how black and white this predicament is where we presently find ourselves in the history of the world?

Wouldn't we do well to carefully and thoughtfully consider what Nephi is presenting and then respond to what he has presented in a way that allows us to follow the Lord?

Dominions

1 Nephi 14:11 - 14, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 28

And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the whore of all the earth, and she sat upon many waters, and she had dominion over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people. And it came to pass that I beheld the church of the Lamb of God, and its numbers were few because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who sat upon many waters. Nevertheless, I beheld that the church of the Lamb, who were the saints of God, were also upon all the face of the earth; and their dominions upon the face of the earth were small because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw. And it came to pass that I beheld that the great mother of abominations did gather together in multitudes upon the face of all the earth, among all the nations of the gentiles, to fight against the Lamb of God. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth. And they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim 1 Nefi 3 par. 28

And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the whore of all the earth, and she sat upon many waters, and she had dominion over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people. And it came to pass that I beheld the assembly of the Lamb of Elohim, and its numbers were few because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who sat upon many waters. Nevertheless, I beheld that the assembly of the Lamb, who were the k’doshim of Elohim, were also upon all the face of the earth; and their dominions upon the face of the earth were small because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw. And it came to pass that I beheld that the great mother of abominations did gather together in multitudes upon the face of all the earth, among all the nations of the Goyim, to fight against the Lamb of Elohim. And it came to pass that I, Nefi, beheld the power of the Lamb of Elohim, that it descended upon the k’doshim of the assembly of the Lamb and upon the covenant people of yhwh, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth. And they were armed with righteousness and with the power of Elohim in great glory.

In the previous post we touched on what appears, as I presently understand, in the scriptures to be a sparsity of people who will qualify as members of the church of the Lamb of God to be gathered in at the last.

This present understanding comes from what the prophet Jeremiah stated in his prophecy.

Turn, O backsliding children, says the Lord, for I am married unto you. And I will take you one of a city and two of a family and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. And it shall come to pass, when you have multiplied and increased in the land in those days, says the Lord, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the Lord — neither shall it come to mind, neither shall they remember it, neither shall they visit it, neither shall that be done anymore. At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem; neither shall they walk anymore after the imagination of their evil heart. In those days, the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers. (Jeremiah 3:14 - 18, OC Jeremiah 2 par. 3) 

Does the phrase "one of a city and two of a family" denote a great multitude of people?

Does this match with what Nephi declared, "I beheld that the church of the Lamb, who were the saints of God, were also upon all the face of the earth; and their dominions upon the face of the earth were small"?

If there are scattered people, maybe not even small groups of people but just in many cases individual people (one of a city and two of a family), who live all over the earth who have heard the voice of Christ in the message He has sent and they comply with the requirements to become a member of the church of the Lamb of God, would that match with Nephi's and Jeremiah's statements above?

Does the Lord need a large number of people to vindicate His promises to the ancient Fathers and the human family as a whole?

When the flood occurred upon the earth, how many individuals were spared?

For it is better, if the will of God should be so, that you suffer for well-doing than for evil doing, for Christ also once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, being put to death in the flesh but quickened by the spirit, that he might bring us to God — for which cause also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison, some of whom were disobedient in the days of Noah while the long-suffering of God waited, while the ark was preparing, wherein few (that is, eight souls) were saved by water — the like figure at which even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is gone into Heaven and is on the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. (1 Peter 3:17 - 22, NC 1 Peter 1 par. 4)

Wasn't the Lord able to carry on with His covenants to the entire human family for the entire history of the earth through just eight souls who were saved on the ark at the time of Noah?

Shouldn't that give us pause as we consider what number of people the Lord would need to vindicate His promises to the ancient Fathers from the beginning?

Are there so few people who respond to the Lord because His work is competitive or is it because what He has is for all but few determine to cooperate with Him?

Does the Lord need a great host to perform any work He undertakes to do?

How many souls did the Lord cause to go with Gideon when the Lord caused a slaughter of the hosts of Midian?

Don't the scriptures describe the hosts of Midian like unto grasshoppers for numbers and yet the Lord had only 300 souls go with Gideon to confront them?

There’s this description that’s given in 1 Nephi 14, beginning at verse 12:

And it came to pass that I beheld the church of the Lamb of God, and its numbers were few, because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who sat upon many waters; nevertheless, I beheld that the church of the Lamb, who were the saints of God, were also upon all the face of the earth; and their dominions upon the face of the earth were small, because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw. (See also 1 Nephi 3:28 RE)

I mean, we’re not going to get 15 million people. But it’s not necessary that we get 15 million people; it’s only necessary that the invitation be extended. If the invitation is extended and if the hearts of people respond, there is a resilience, there is a power; there is something inside of them that cannot be broken. And we’re not looking for anything other than the few.

The scriptures do not foretell any great numbers will repent. Christ said: I will take you one of a city and two of a family and I will bring you to Zion (Jeremiah 3:14; see also Jeremiah 2:3 RE)—too few, perhaps, to impress the world, but the Lord does not view things as do men. The Lord describes those who respond to His invitation as His elect. He explained: [Mine] elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts (D&C 29:7; see also T&C 9:3).

Nephi foresaw how few believers there would be in the last days.

He beheld the church of the Lamb of God, and its numbers were few, because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who sat upon many waters; nevertheless, I beheld that the church of the Lamb, who were the saints of God, were also upon all the face of the earth; and their dominions upon the face of the earth were small, because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw. (1 Nephi 14:12; see also 1 Nephi 3:28 RE)

The Lord requires us to invite the world to repent but not to expect large numbers to do so. Numbers matter to man, but the hearts of men matter to the Lord. It is the quality of conversion, not the quantity. He always spoke of having few sheep. Of the likely billions living at the time of Enoch, only some few thousand were saved—and only eight by Noah. The end times will be like those days. ("Nephi, part 2", Denver Snuffer Podcast, Podcast #59, March 03, 2019)

Why would such a small number of individuals respond to the Lord's invitation to become part of the church of the Lamb of God?

Is His invitation, His message, hard to hear, or to say it in other words, is it uncomfortable?

Has the Lord's message always been uncomfortable to hear?

What did Laman and Lemuel say concerning the Lord's message through Nephi to them?

And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made an end of speaking to my brethren, behold, they said unto me, Thou hast declared unto us hard things, more than which we are able to bear. And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken hard things against the wicked according to the truth, and the righteous have I justified and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day. Wherefore, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center. And now my brethren, if ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth and give heed unto it, that ye might walk uprightly before God, then ye would not murmur because of the truth and say, Thou speakest hard things against us. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did exhort my brethren with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord. And it came to pass that they did humble themselves before the Lord, insomuch that I had joy and great hopes of them, that they would walk in the paths of righteousness. Now all these things were said and done as my father dwelt in a tent in the valley which he called Lemuel. (1 Nephi 16:1 - 6, NC 1 Nephi 5 par. 1)

What about the Lord's message or invitation through Himself at the time of His mortal ministry?

Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Does this offend you? What, and if you shall see the Son of Man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickens, the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. (For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not and who should betray him.) And he said, Therefore said I unto you that no man can come unto me except he does the will of my Father who has sent me.  From that time, many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will you also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we believe and are sure that you are that Christ, the Son of the living God. (John 6:60 - 69, NC John 5 pars. 18 - 19)

Was the message of the Lord through Samuel the Lamanite uncomfortable to hear?

Was the message of the Lord through Lehi uncomfortable to hear?

Was the message of the Lord through Abinadi uncomfortable to hear?

How many people of all of King Noah's court recognized and responded to the Lord's invitation to them through Abinadi?

Even with just one individual responding to the message He sent through Abinadi was the Lord able to fulfill His purposes?

Is there a pattern here?

Does this conform with what the Lord has revealed for His work to be done?

... for I will show unto the children of men that I am able to do mine own work. ...For behold, I am God, and I am a God of miracles, and I will shew unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and for ever, and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith. (2 Nephi 27:15 - 23, NC 2 Nephi 11 par. 20)

Can and has the Lord done His own work among the children of men throughout time with a very limited number of individuals?

If this is the pattern throughout history then should I be very careful to make sure to consider and look into messages that are purported to be from the Lord, even if they are uncomfortable or, in other words, hard to hear?

If I confine myself to what I feel comfortable with, is it possible that I might find myself outside of the church of the Lamb of God?

Does this point of view conform with what is recorded in scripture?

What does Nephi say concerning the "dominions" of the whore of all the earth?

I looked and beheld the whore of all the earth, and she sat upon many waters, and she had dominion over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people.

What is the definition of "many waters"?

And he says unto me, The waters which you saw, where the whore sits, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which you saw upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire; for God has put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree and give their kingdom unto the beast until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth. (Revelation 17:15 - 18, NC Revelation 6 par. 13)

John the revelator saw the same thing Nephi did and he gave us the definition of the many waters that the whore they both saw sits upon.

According to Nephi and John this whore has dominion over peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues that are upon the whole earth.  This whore exists among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people.

How extensive is that?

I have already expressed in my last post that my present understanding of who comes to be a part of the church of the Lamb of God, which Nephi is speaking of here, has been modified by time and experience and reflection.

I now consider that there is no earthly organization, institution, religion, etc. that fits as the church of the Lamb of God.

That having been said, how then should I view every earthly organization, institution, religion, etc. which wields influence among the nations, kindreds, tongues, and people of the earth?

What about the term "whore"?

Why does Nephi use such a negative and ugly term to describe those things that have dominion over the whole earth in one way or another?

Please consider the following.

The other and all-inclusive great church is comprised of all philosophies, all belief systems, all unbelief systems, all rationalizations, all theories and vanities that distract people from repenting and following Christ. These vary from very good things that are uplifting, and possess even great portions of truth, to the degrading and perverse. This all-inclusive church is a “whore” because she is completely indiscriminate and open for all to have her acceptance and affection. She welcomes you. The only requirement being that you have false beliefs.
She will make you rich, or she will make you covet riches. If she gives them to you it is to corrupt you. If she withholds them from you, it is so you will lust and envy what you do not have.
Look at her list of trade goods, given in the description of her fall by John the Revelator:
“And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.” (Rev. 18: 11-13.)
The final two on the list are the reason for the other items. The earlier ones lead inevitably to slavery and loss of the souls of men. The devil, who founded her, is not interested in anything other than slavery and the loss of your soul.
The great illusion of a whore is to imagine she likes you. To imagine she cares for you. To imagine she desires what you desire and is cooperating with you because she finds you attractive, appealing, and that you fulfill her longing. It is a lie, an illusion and a fraud. Her bodily diseases are less virulent than her contamination of the soul. Empty, false, vain and foolish thoughts occupy the imagination of those who have intercourse with the great whore. She prefers the lie, relies on it. You would not be her customer if not for the lies.
What an amazing congruence of sexual images and religious failing have been given to us by Nephi and John the Revelator. How apt! How perfect! Imagining something that is degrading and debilitating to be sacred. It is a work of a god or a devil. And of course it is for us to decide between them.
The whore does have her allures, doesn’t she? How many of us are in her embrace, speaking of love and Jesus and the joy of the Saints, while remaining wretched, poor, foolish and lost? She offers you vanity as a religion. “Vanity” because it is vain, or without any effect to save, i.e., without power. Only a form of godliness, nothing real. ("1 Nephi 14:10", Denversnuffer.com, July 8, 2010)

I agree with the above.

What Nephi is talking about here is critical at this point in history.

If I as an individual desire to escape the allure of the "whore" don't I have to cry out to God as a solitary individual and hear the Lord's voice, His invitation, which, if the scriptural accounts are correct, will be uncomfortable to me which will break my heart and cause me to awake to a sense of my awful state?

My present understanding is that God who loves us infinitely does not reassure us that all is well in Zion, yeah Zion prospereth, all is well.

God understands the depth of our darkness and for this reason my present understanding is that any message They send will call us to repentance or in other word invite us to turn and face Them; which is uncomfortable in the world we live in.

Why at this point does Nephi use the term "dominions" to describe influence of both the "whore" and the "church of the Lamb of God"?

How does the world at large understand the word dominion?

What comes to mind?

Do the terms control, compulsion, authority, rule, etc. come to mind as one thinks of the word "dominion"?

Do we see these actions of control, compulsion, authority, rule, etc. in action among all of the nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples, of the earth today with the resultant misery and slavery and conflict of the multitudes of the human family?

Is that not abundantly apparent?

Does the Lord have a different definition for the word "dominion"?

Likewise, the word “dominion” in the understanding of the gentile can convey the impression of a prison warden exercising control over captives. I think the word “dominion” should be understood instead to convey the idea of a gardener who is responsible for making the garden thrive, grow and bear fruit. To be clear, the three greatest examples of wielding “dominion” in the correct manner as we should understand it are, first: Christ, who is probably without any peer, unquestionably the greatest example of one holding the greatest dominion, and who also likewise showed the greatest example of how to wield dominion. He beseeched people to believe. He pled with them for their own good. He knelt to serve them. He denied that He had a kingdom of this world. (John 18:36) He tried to prepare people for a better one. But He was more intelligent than they all and He was the greatest of them all. (Abr. 3:19) Unquestionably holding the greatest dominion and He wore it as a light thing. His yoke was easy. (Matt. 11:30) In this world, Adam, after Christ held the greatest dominion. (Gen. 1:26-28) But Adam taught and pled and instructed (Moses 5:12) but did not abridge the agency of his children, even when one of his sons killed another of his sons. Adam did not execute Cain. Cain was sent away. Adam held dominion, but he exercised it like our Lord, pleading for the best interest of others. Adam invited and solicited all to obey God, hoping for their best interests. The third great example of holding dominion in a godly way was Moses. He is called in scripture “meek above all men which were upon the face of the earth” (Num. 12:3) and yet gentiles depict him as a bully and a strongman. Moses saw no reason to be jealous when others were out prophesying. “Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them.” (Num. 11:26-29) Moses, like Adam and Christ, is an example of how the word “dominion” should be understood. All three were gardeners responsible for trying to make their garden thrive, grow and bear fruit. In reality, those who have held the greatest dominion given by God have invariably lived lives of meekness and service. They were the opposite of what gentiles regard as a strongman. They were the opposite of a dictator or boss. They were more like loving grandfathers, gentle gardeners, and encouraging friends—trying to get the best from those who would allow them to teach. ("Things to Keep Us Awake at Night," Denver Snuffer, St George, March 19, 2017, pg. 19) 

In this world, how appealing is it to try and exercise "dominion" with persuasion, long suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness, and pure knowledge?

Does this give new meaning to the Lord telling Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world?

How popular among the rulers, presidents, leaders, etc. of any and all earthly institutions is the notion of living lives of meekness and service like King Benjamin, who worked with his own hands for his support and did not rely on the people to support his lifestyle?

Is it any wonder Nephi sees that the "dominions" of the church of the Lamb of God are few?

Do we hear a cacophony of voices in all of the groups, institutions, religions, etc. of the earth that promise safety, salvation, security, etc. in exchange for our upholding them with our time and money and the sacrifice of our ability to choose?

Aren't their voices alluring?

The illusion and fraud they perpetrate is to make you imagine that they like you, that they care for you and desire to work in cooperation with you because they find you desirable and attractive.

It is all a lie.

There is a vision that Enoch had, Moses restored, and is now part of the Old Covenants in Genesis. In the LDS scriptures it is in the Pearl of Great Price, Book of Moses. In that vision Satan had the whole world bound in a great chain, and he looked up at heaven and laughed. It is in OC Gen. 4:15: “And he beheld Satan, and he had a great chain in his hand, and he veiled the whole face of the earth with darkness; and he looked up and laughed, and his angels rejoiced.”

That great chain is not physical, but mental. The chain used by our common enemy is made of lies and deceit.

People are not depressed irrationally. They are responding in a normal way to an abnormal perception made of lies. They despair because they think there is reason to be despairing. But that is because they accept what the “world” is telling them about our present condition. Part of waking up is realizing that most of what is said, taught, claimed and broadcast in society is filled with lies about mankind’s condition, the state of society, and lies designed to inspire envy, jealousy and discouragement. ("Email:Depression," Denversnuffer.com, February 03, 2020)

How different is the "dominion" exercised among the diminutive group of the church of the Lamb of God from the "dominion" exercised by the whore of all the earth?

Wouldn't it be so much more joyful and liberating to hear and heed the uncomfortable invitation of the Lord and awake and come out from among the nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples who are dominated by the whore who reigns with blood and horror on this earth?

Nephi is recording this, not because he is a crank, but because he has charity for us and he has seen our sorrowful benighted condition and he is trying desperately to alert us to our pitiful condition.

I again testify that the church of the Lamb of God does exist now through the grace and mercy of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.  

I invite all men to comply with the conditions to become a member of the church of the Lamb of God who's dominions are small but who will, if faithful, come to a perfect day and who will receive what is necessary to cooperate with Christ as He brings again Zion before His coming in glory to the world at the last day. 

There Are Save Two Churches Only

 1 Nephi 14:8 - 10, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 27

And it came to pass that when the angel had spoken these words, he said unto me, Remember thou the covenants of the Father unto the house of Israel? I said unto him, Yea. And it came to pass that he said unto me, Look and behold that great and abominable church, which is the mother of abominations, whose foundation is the Devil. And he said unto me, Behold, there are save two churches only: the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the Devil. Wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church which is the mother of abominations, and she is the whore of all the earth.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim 1 Nefi 3 par. 27

And it came to pass that when the angel had spoken these words, he said unto me, Do you remember the covenants of the Father unto the house of Isra’el? I said unto him, Yes. And it came to pass that he said unto me, Look and behold that great and abominable church, which is the mother of abominations, whose foundation is HaSatan. And he said unto me, Behold, there are only two assemblies: the one is the assembly of the Lamb of Elohim, and the other is the assembly of HaSatan. Wherefore, whoever belongs not to the assembly of the Lamb of Elohim belongs to that great assembly which is the mother of abominations, and she is the whore of all the earth.

Given that the great and a marvelous work the Father is going to accomplish leaves us each personally receiving "everlasting" consequences either on the one hand or on the other according to our personal response to His great and a marvelous work, would it be important to carefully and thoughtfully consider this part of Nephi's vision?

From as far back as I can remember I have always looked at this part of Nephi's vision and determined that what Nephi was recording here had to do with an earthly institution referred to as the church of the Lamb of God and then all other earthly institutions being part of the great and abominable church.

Several events in life, and the passage of time, and personal reflection, have modified my understanding of what Nephi is recording here.

What I present is again my own present understanding of what constitutes the church of the Lamb of God and what constitutes the only other church; which is the whore of all the earth.

Would the following definition revealed to the Prophet Joseph apply to the church of the Lamb of God?

Behold, this is my doctrine: whosoever repents and comes unto me, the same is my church. Whosoever declares more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me. Therefore, he is not of my church.  And now behold, whosoever is of my church and endures of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. (D&C 10:67 - 69, T&C Joseph Smith History Part 10 pars. 19 - 20)

Does this definition match what the Lord taught the Nephites when He appeared to them here in the Americas following His resurrection?

And again, the Lord called others and said unto them likewise, and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them, On this wise shall ye baptize, and there shall be no disputations among you. Verily I say unto you that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them: behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them. And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying, Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy ghost. Amen. And then shall ye immerse them in the water and come forth again out of the water. And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name, for behold, verily I say unto you that the Father and the Son and the holy ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one. And according as I have commanded you, thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there hath hitherto been, neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there hath hitherto been. For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the Devil, who is the father of contention; and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another, but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.   Behold, verily, verily I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine. And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me — and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the holy ghost beareth record of the Father and me — and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men everywhere to repent and believe in me. And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved, and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned. Verily, verily I say unto you that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father. And whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also, and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the holy ghost. And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the holy ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me, for the Father and I and the holy ghost are one. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily I say unto you that this is my doctrine. And whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establisheth it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil and is not built upon my rock, but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell standeth open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them. Therefore, go forth unto this people and declare the words which I have spoken unto the ends of the earth. (3 Nephi 11:22 - 41, NC 3 Nephi 5 pars. 8 - 9)

Can we see the same principles expressed in both statements that allow us to determine that in both the Lord is talking about His church?

Did the Lord in both statements declare that repentance is necessary?

Did the Lord warn in both statements to not declare anything more or less than what He was declaring?

Did the Lord declare in both statements that it is necessary to endure to the end?

Did the Lord clearly declare in both statements that whoever would do what He was revealing would be built upon His rock and the gates of hell would not prevail against them?

Could it be said that both statements by the Lord are referring to the same thing?

I believe so.

To the Nephites, the Lord declared that the above is His doctrine.

Is it reasonable to assume that to be obedient to the doctrine of Christ is to come into His church?

I believe so.

If there are save two churches only then isn't it critical to properly understand and to be obedient to the directions of the Lord to be a part of His church, the church of the Lamb of God?

I would like to use the statement of the Lord to the Nephites in talking about the church of the Lamb of God because He reveals more detail at that point as He is declaring how someone becomes part of His church.

From the Lord's statement to the Nephites we can see that certain elements must exist for an individual to be a part of His church or in other words to comply with His doctrine.

First:

There must be individuals who have had the Lord give them power to baptize.

And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and commanded him that he should come forth. And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord, and he did kiss his feet. And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him. And the Lord said unto him, I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into Heaven. (3 Nephi 11:18 - 21, NC 3 Nephi 5 par. 7)

And again, the Lord called others and said unto them likewise, and he gave unto them power to baptize.(from 3 Nephi quoted above)

Now I have a question here.

Didn't Nephi have authority to baptize before this time?

And now it came to pass that there were many who heard the words of Samuel, the Lamanite, which he spake upon the walls of the city. And as many as believed on his words went forth and sought for Nephi; and when they had came forth and found him, they confessed unto him their sins and denied not, desiring that they might be baptized unto the Lord. But as many as there were who did not believe in the words of Samuel were angry with him, and they cast stones at him upon the wall, and also many shot arrows at him as he stood upon the wall. But the spirit of the Lord was with him, insomuch that they could not hit him with their stones, neither with their arrows. (Helaman 16:1 - 2, NC Helaman 5 par. 17)

The above is a reference to Nephi son of Helaman.

Upon his departure Nephi son of Helaman entrusted the following to his son Nephi.

Now it came to pass that the ninety and first year had passed away, and it was six hundred years from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem; and it was in the year that Lachoneus was the chief judge and the governor over the land. And Nephi, the son of Helaman, had departed out of the land of Zarahemla, giving charge unto his son Nephi, who was his eldest son, concerning the plates of brass, and all the records which had been kept, and all those things which had been kept sacred from the departure of Lehi out of Jerusalem. Then he departed out of the land, and whither he went, no man knoweth. And his son Nephi did keep the record in his stead, yea, the record of this people. (3 Nephi 1:1 - 3, NC 3 Nephi 1 par. 1)

If I am not mistaken this is the very same Nephi who received the following.

Now it came to pass that the ninety and first year had passed away, and it was six hundred years from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem; and it was in the year that Lachoneus was the chief judge and the governor over the land. And Nephi, the son of Helaman, had departed out of the land of Zarahemla, giving charge unto his son Nephi, who was his eldest son, concerning the plates of brass, and all the records which had been kept, and all those things which had been kept sacred from the departure of Lehi out of Jerusalem. Then he departed out of the land, and whither he went, no man knoweth. And his son Nephi did keep the record in his stead, yea, the record of this people.  And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words. For so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily, and in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people. And the people saw it and did witness of it and were angry with him because of his power; and he did also do many more miracles in the sight of the people in the name of Jesus. (3 Nephi 7:15 - 20, NC 3 Nephi 3 pars. 9 - 10)

Is it reasonable to assume that this Nephi ,who's father was baptizing prior to departing, who received all the sacred artifacts from his father, and had power to raise the dead, and received the ministry of angels daily also received the authority to baptize like his father?

Wasn't baptism a necessary ordinance even between the time of Samuel the Lamanite and the appearance of the Lord to the Nephites?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. This strong and positive answer of Jesus, as to water baptism, settles the question: If God is the same yesterday, today, and forever: (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith pg. 264)

If Nephi did already possess authority to baptize then why is the Lord specifically state here that He is giving Nephi power to baptize?

What is happening here?

Is it important that I take notice of this item?

Is there anything I could learn about the Lord and His ways by searching for an understanding of what is taking place with the Lord giving authority to baptize to an individual who already has been given authority to baptize?

Second: 

The ordinances that are part of the church of the Lamb of God must be clearly set forth.

Don't we see this here with the Lord's words to the Nephites?

On this wise shall ye baptize, and there shall be no disputations among you. Verily I say unto you that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them: behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them. And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying, Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy ghost. Amen. And then shall ye immerse them in the water and come forth again out of the water. And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name,

Once the ordinance is established, does it have to remain unchanged in order to have power to save?

What were Isaiah's words concerning the altering of ordinances?

...The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore has the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate; therefore, the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left... (Isaiah 24:1 - 15, OC Isaiah 7 par. 1)

How about the Prophet Joseph.  Does he echo the same teaching?

We all admit that the Gospel has ordinances, and if so, had it not always ordinances, and were not its ordinances always the same? (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 59)

And again, God purposed in Himself that there should not be an eternal fullness until every dispensation should be fulfilled and gathered together in one, and that all things whatsoever, that should be gathered together in one in those dispensations unto the same fullness and eternal glory, should be in Christ Jesus; therefore He set the ordinances to be the same forever and ever, and set Adam to watch over them, to reveal them from heaven to man, or to send angels to reveal them. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 168)

The power, glory and blessings of the Priesthood could not continue with those who received ordination only as their righteousness continued; for Cain also being authorized to offer sacrifice, but not offering it in righteousness, was cursed. It signifies, then, that the ordinances must be kept in the very way God has appointed; otherwise their Priesthood will prove a cursing instead of a blessing.(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 169)

What has the Lord declared concerning this today?

 Do not change the words of the covenant, for to change an ordinance is to break it. (Isa. 24:5.) (Opening Remarks, Covenant of Christ Conference, Denver Snuffer, pg. 2) 

If my religious tradition is involved in changing ordinances how should I feel about that?

If to change an ordinance is to break it can a religious tradition that changes the ordinances of God and therefore breaks those ordinances be a religious tradition that is part of the church of the Lamb of God?

Is it possible that this is why the Lord clearly declared to the Nephites for their benefit and ours, "And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establisheth it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil and is not built upon my rock, but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell standeth open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them"?

If a religious tradition changes the ordinances the Lord has established are they declaring more and less than what the Lord declared?

Third: 

The command is given from heaven to believe in Jesus Christ and repent and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost.

This was the command from the Father to all men that the Lord declared to the Nephites.

and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men everywhere to repent and believe in me. And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved, and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned. Verily, verily I say unto you that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father.And whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also, and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the holy ghost. And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the holy ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me, for the Father and I and the holy ghost are one.  

Don't we have another witness of this in the record Nephi left of his conversation with both the Father and the Son?

And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water to fulfill all righteousness, Oh, then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water? And now I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfill all righteousness in being baptized by water? Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he sheweth unto the children of men that according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments. Wherefore, after he was baptized with water, the holy ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove. And again, it sheweth unto the children of men the straitness of the path and the narrowness of the gate by which they should enter, he having set the example before them. And he said unto the children of men, Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? And the Father said, Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son. And also the voice of the Son came unto me, saying, He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the holy ghost like unto me. Wherefore, follow me and do the things which ye have seen me do. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ by baptism — yea, by following your Lord and Savior down into the water according to his word — behold, then shall ye receive the holy ghost. Yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the holy ghost, and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.  But behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying, After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the holy ghost, and can speak with a new tongue — yea, even with the tongue of angels — and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me. And I heard a voice from the Father saying, Yea, the words of my beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. And now my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved. Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shewn unto me: that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the holy ghost. And then are ye in this straight and narrow path which leads to eternal life. Yea, ye have entered in by the gate, ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son, and ye have received the holy ghost, which witness of the Father and the Son unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way, ye should receive. (2 Nephi 31:5 - 18, NC 2 Nephi 13 pars. 2 - 3)

So we can clearly see that part of entering into the church of the Lamb of God is the process of believing on Christ, repenting or turning to face Him, being baptized according to the ordinance He established, and receiving the Holy Ghost.

We can also see that we must endure in what we have received to the end of our lives.

Now, another question.

Weren't many if not all of the Nephites present here with the Lord already baptized previous to this time?

What is going on here?

Why, if they had already been baptized by one with proper authority to baptize (Nephi and probably others), would they need to be baptized again now?

Baptism has always been required from the days of Adam until the present. Baptism is always the sign of acceptance of what God is doing in each generation. If He acts again now (and He is), then we need to recognize that and respond. Baptism is a mandatory sign of penitence; turning and facing God, and then walking in a new path. From the days of Adam, it will continue through the end of the millennium. Whenever there has been believing people upon the earth, they have always been invited to perform the ordinance of baptism as a sign of their faith. (Forty Years In Mormonism, Lectures 1 - 10 Combined PDF, Downloads, Denversnuffer.com, pg.320

Is this something that I ought to seriously look at and consider if I am to be able to find myself as a part of the church of the Lamb of God?

Fourth:

All who are part of the church of the Lamb of God must become as little children.

Why?

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from them who think they are wise and prudent, and have revealed them unto babes. Because, Father, for so it seemed good in your sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father, and no man knows that the Son is the Father, and that the Father is the Son, but him to whom the Son will reveal it. And he turned himself unto the disciples and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see, for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them, and to hear those things which you hear, and have not heard them. (Luke 10:21 - 24, NC Luke 8 par. 6)

Does the above have any relation to this statement from the Lord?

... And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. 

Why does the Lord use the terms babes and children in the above references?

Was the Lord referring to His disciples as the "babes"?

I believe so.

Does that give new meaning to the statement the Lord made that if someone was guilty of offending one of His little ones it would be better that a millstone be set about their necks and they be drowned in the depths of the sea?

What are the qualities that "children" and "babes" possess that allow them to receive a message God has sent?

Consider the following.

Believe in Christ, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and become as a little child. There is no more inquisitive a creature on the planet than a little child. That’s who you’re to become. You should hunger and search for understanding. This is all of the doctrine. There is no more doctrine. This is not all of the teachings, this is not all the tenants, these are not all of the precepts, this is not all of the covenants, this is not all of the commandments, and this is not all of the principles, but it’s all of the doctrine. There is no more doctrine than this…

We have this absolutely schizophrenic set of pictures in our head about the Lord. On the one hand, He is this limp-wristed, happy-go-lucky, permissive chap who sashays about blessing everyone with fairy dust. And on the other hand, we have this stern, unapproachable, distant, galactic ruler who just can’t be troubled by any of us and He says, This is His work and His glory, to save you. Not merely to save and preserve you, but to bring about your eternal life and your exaltation. That’s what He’s about. Get rid of the junk in your heads and let the scriptures speak to you. As Joseph said, Look, everything in them can be a mystery if what you have done is barred the information from getting through to you by the door that you have erected from the traditions that you have been handed. Many of you have been handed traditions from very good and very well meaning and very honorable Latter Day Saint parents who ought to be commended and praised for the effort that they made with you.

However, I don’t care if your parents were nigh unto God or the devil himself, the fact of the matter remains that we all have the freedom to choose to leave behind whatever it is that becomes the door against which the Savior has to knock, hoping that you’ll hear his voice. We have to become as a little child, because it’s only the little children who are willing to open themselves up and become vulnerable enough to believe and then hopeful enough to act on that belief, so that they develop faith and then persistent enough to ask again, and again, and again… are we there yet, are we there yet? ("As a Little Child", Podcast 72, Denver Snuffer.com)

I would invite everyone to listen to or to read the full transcript of the podcast "As a Little Child", podcast #72.

I believe it has great application to being a part of the church of the Lamb of God.

If we become people who thirst and hunger for truth, light, and understanding; if we become people who are inquisitive and willing to let the words of the Lord inform us instead of reading our traditions and learning into His words then won't the rest of the human family, those who consider themselves wise and prudent, look at us as though we are unlearned children?

How did the Pharisees and Sadducees and the Scribes and the Professors of the Law look at Christ and His followers? 

Didn't the Lord declare in an above scripture that God reveals things that are kept hid from those who consider themselves wise and prudent to babes and children?

Would the above give new meaning to what Isaiah prophesied?

For behold, the Lord, the Lord of Hosts doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole staff of bread and the whole stay of water, the mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient, the captain of fifty, and the honorable man, and the counselor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator. And I will give children unto them to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them... (2 Nephi 13:1 - 11, NC 2 Nephi 8 par. 7)

Fifth:

There are no contentions among those who belong to the church of the Lamb of God concerning doctrines, principles, ideas, philosophies, anything in life.

And there shall be no disputations among you, as there hath hitherto been, neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there hath hitherto been. For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the Devil, who is the father of contention; and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another, but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.

What did the Prophet Joseph observe in his day concerning all the churches?

...But so great was the confusion and strife amongst the different denominations that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong. My mind at different times was greatly excited; the cry and tumult were so great and incessant. The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all their powers of either reason or sophistry to prove their errors, or at least to make the people think they were in error. On the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others.  In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself, What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right? Or are they all wrong together? And if any one of them be right, which is it? And how shall I know it? ... (JSH 1:8 - 14, T&C, Joseph Smith History, Part 2, pars. 2 - 3)

What image do the conditions of strife, confusion, great and incessant crying, making people think they were in error, using the powers of either reason or sophistry to prove errors, disproving all others, war of words, tumult of opinions, bring to mind?

Does such a condition exist today in every area of life?

Can we see it all around us in education, business, politics, philosophies, religion, etc.?

According to the Lord who is the author of such a condition?

Why would the Devil want to stir up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one against another?

What is the result of such contention and anger?

Can't we clearly see from the Book of Mormon and from world history what the disastrous end results are of any contention among peoples and nations?

If I want to be a part of the church of the Lamb of God then how should I view all my brethren; who are all people of the earth?

Be of one heart, and regard one another with charity. Measure your words before giving voice to them, and consider the hearts of others. Although a man may err in understanding concerning many things, yet he can view his brother with charity and come unto me, and through me he can with patience overcome the world. I can bring him to understanding and knowledge. Therefore, if you regard one another with charity, then your brother’s error in understanding will not divide you. I lead to all truth. I will lead all who come to me to the truth of all things. The fullness is to receive the truth of all things, and this too from me, in power, by my word, and in very deed. For I will come unto you if you will come unto me. (T&C 157 par. 3)

As I understand things this is the condition I find myself in presently.

I desire to heal you from an awful state of blindness so that you may see clearly my will, to do it. I promised to bring unto you much of my gospel through the Book of Mormon and to provide you with the means to obtain a fullness of my gospel, and I have done this; yet you refuse to receive the truth, even when it is given unto you in plainness. How can you who pursue the truth yet remain unable to behold your own weakness before me? (T&C 157 par. 16)

I am in an awful state of blindness that the Lord must heal me from so that I may see clearly His will to do it.

I have the Book of Mormon to provide me with a means to obtain a fullness of His gospel.

I must behold my own weakness before the Lord if I am going to be able to receive the truth in the plainness He has given it.

If such is my situation, and I believe it is, then at best I am only able to share some ideas and insights I have received and allow all others to decide whether they agree with my present understanding of things or not.

Because I find myself in my present predicament, would it not be a great profit for me to listen to and consider the insights and thoughts and present understandings of others?

Don't I need to hear and consider other points of view and insights for my own well being?

I believe that I do in reality err in understanding concerning many things.  The Lord is the only one who can fix that.  I am powerless to fix that beyond prayerfully searching out and considering and being obedient to His words as I presently understand them.

I, however, have all the power required to decide to come to Christ and all the power required to view all people and their insights and points of view with charity so that regardless of our errors in understanding we will not be divided.

If the church of the Lamb of God contains many people who all may have different understandings of things then shouldn't we expect that there would be a great diversity of teaching and opinions shared in such a church or such a community?

Can such a diversity exist without a war of words and tumult of opinions?

I believe so.

Didn't the Lord declare that the only powers given to those who are His saints are the powers of persuasion, long suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness, and pure knowledge?

Under the circumstance of these above listed powers couldn't hugely diverse ideas in all areas of life be brought forth without a war of words and tumult of opinion, or in other words contention?

Can coercion exist where the above listed powers exist?

If I find myself in a religious tradition where there is coercion or control, can that religious tradition be a part of the church of the Lamb of God?

If my religious tradition does not tolerate or allow diverse ideas thoughts and points of view concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ can it be said of my religious tradition that it is part of the church of the Lamb of God?

I try to use the term "religious tradition" instead of the term "religion" to describe, for my own understanding, ideas, philosophies, traditions, beliefs, creeds, knowledge, etc. that affect the way people live in their daily walk because I do not see either the church of the Lamb of God or the great and abominable church of the Devil as institutional any more.

My present understanding is that a person may belong to any religious or secular denomination or institution they choose and still be a part of the church of the Lamb of God because to belong to His church only requires one to come to Him, repent, be baptized to receive the Holy Ghost, and become as a little child.

My present understanding is that a person may belong to any religious or secular denomination or institution they choose and still be a part of the great and abominable church of the Devil by opposing those things established by God to be a part of the church of the Lamb.

We got an extensive warning. Moroni inserted his warning about the last-days gentiles in Mormon chapter 8, beginning at verse 32: 

"Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins. O ye wicked and perverse and stiffnecked people, why have ye built up churches unto yourselves to get gain? Why have ye transfigured the holy word of God, that ye might bring damnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the 3 revelations of God; for behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled. Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you. Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing. And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts. For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted." 

In the warning he makes no exception for some latter-day church. He makes no exception for any latter-day organization of any kind. There may be a few who are the humble followers of Christ that are mentioned in the Book Mormon (see, e.g., 2 Ne. 28:14), but they are not mentioned as part of an organized congregation.  

They are not identified as part of an institution. When the faithful are gathered at the end they are gathered as individuals, not as congregations. Christ said through Jeremiah, "I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion. " (Jer. 3:14.) He has never promised to take those belonging to an institution. There is no such thing as collective security. The Book of Mormon preaches against such an idea. We are just as vulnerable to the misapprehension that we are safe and "saved" because of status as are any other group of people. 

We are bound together to fellowship, bear one another’s burdens, mourn with those who mourn, testify to one another, and help comfort those in need. (Mosiah 18:9.) Fellowship is indispensible to Christianity. But salvation comes one-at-a-time when we render an account of our lives. (Luke 19:12-26.) It is our relationship to and our connection with God that matters. And you cannot form that through me or through some other man, nor through the groups to which you belong. The groups to which you belong are a place to render service. They are place where you can sacrifice to help others. It does not matter if that group is Methodist, Presbyterian, Latter-day Saint, or one of the fellowships that has been organized. That is of little consequence. You can be a Christian soul wherever you are, serving whoever you happen to be in company with. ("Zion Will Come", Moab Conference Talk, Downloads, Denversnuffer.com, pgs. 2 - 3)

Because of what I share above and because of life experience I have come to the present understanding that I must stand for myself in doing those things the Lord has declared to be a part of the church of the Lamb of God.

I cannot expect that because my association or membership in any group, institution, etc. will give me security that I am part of the church of the Lamb of God.

For me this is a very serious matter because I believe what Nephi is saying here.  There are save two churches only.

If I understand Nephi correctly, my actions really do matter at this point in world history to the convincing me of everlasting peace and eternal life on the one hand or to the everlasting blindness of my mind and hardness of my heart unto the bringing me unto destruction and captivity both spiritually and temporally according to the destruction and captivity of the devil.

There is no middle ground here.

In spite of how broken and blind and full of stain I am, I still, as a weak living eye witness of the Father's great and a marvelous work that is now going forth, invite everyone to come unto Christ and partake of His goodness and enter into His church the church of the Lamb of God and endure to the end that you may be saved in the kingdom of God.