Quick to Observe | Mormon 1-7 | Come Follow Me | Book of Mormon Master Class #45
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- *Free handout on Mormon's final words to latter-day readers.* See below
Welcome to "The Book of Mormon: A Master Class," by John Hilton III.
Whether you're using this course for personal enrichment or to help with "Come Follow Me" we hope it will be valuable in your studies.
To learn more about this course, visit johnhiltoniii....
For the materials specific to this class, please visit:
johnhiltoniii....
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May the Lord richly bless you as you seriously study the Book of Mormon!
The biggest thing I have understood that has changed my life in the last couple of years is the counsel of President Nelson to repent daily. Somehow I realized how to do this and it has grown as time goes by. As I started daily repentance it has grown and developed giving me a closer relationship with the Lord and He gives me more insight into the many ways I am in need of repentance that I didn't realize. The complexity of the huge sin of pride is one. I am learning and correcting so many things in my life that helps me to love others the way the Lord wants me to. I am so blessed to have listened and learned how wonderful daily repentance in our lives.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful testimony!
@@diane.graybeal I completely agree with Brother Hilton, and (without trying to one-up you or anything) I relate to what you’ve articulated, very much so. Thank you so much for sharing this Sister Diane, it’s very, very helpful for me.
It took me many, many years to finally admit that despite all the well-intended praise church members had heaped on me all my life - including my Redmond WA ward bishop who so lovingly told me many years ago (before either of us understood I’d been wrong, and at the outset of a very severe extended beating I took for years from a few who had previously loved me) that he’d be thrilled to see me marry one of his daughters (this isn’t a run-on sentence, is it? :) - that I not only had the same pride issue the Nephites did, but so extensively the Lord had compelled me to be humble via this and other very miserable trials - even beyond what the poor Zoramites Alma preached to endured.
But Hallelujah, Hallelujah He did this! Hallelujah He loves me so much He sent all my difficulties my way in the hope I’d choose repentance and find His sure mercy. How sweet, how eternally sweet it is, how wonderful He is!
Thank you again Sister Diane. And thank you so much again dear Brother John.♥️
Such a good message! Such great examples and insights of bad things happening to good people, because the “gospel of Jesus Christ is not insurance against pain. It is a resource in the event of pain.” This has always troubled someone who is close to me and now I can share this message with him. Thank you
Dear Brother Hilton, I loved this podcast! I am a senior missionary just finishing up our 3rd mission in 6 years. While we were on our 2nd mission both my husband and I knew we needed to serve again, so as soon as we got home we started our paperwork. We both felt very strongly that the Lord needed us again. Our call came and we headed to our new assignment with such eagerness. Unfortunately, the missionaries we were replacing were not happy to see us. There was so much tension in the office that I finally told my husband I couldn't go back to the office. I kept asking the Lord, "What am I supposed to learn from this very hard experience."
Well, I learned that the Lord loves everyone, even if they are mean or spiteful. I wondered out loud why the Lord prompted us to turn in our papers quickly when we were met with such contention. Then I got really sick. I had to go to the ER at 3:00 am because I couldn't breathe and my chest felt like fire was inside. After major surgery, we were finally able to go back to our mission. Everyone was very surprised that we hadn't been released. But I told my mission president and my husband that we had been specifically told that we needed to be there. It took several weeks before I was able to resume my office responsibilities, but the office environment was still very caustic.
Because we had gotten to the office a couple of months before I got sick, I knew the procedures that needed to take place. Three months after my recovery the office couple were finished with their mission and went home. We were able to step into their role without a hitch. I asked the Lord to forgive me for doubting his plan. I have learned that He gives us hard things to make us stronger.
We are now waiting for our Visas to go to another country to serve. I feel a profound sense of protection and love from the Lord. In your lesson today I was thinking of the early training Mormon received. It's phenomenal that he was so young, brave, and determined to sacrifice his life for not much in return in worldly ways, but he was a spiritual giant. I feel very strongly that the Lord will expect us all to become like Mormon. Spiritually ready to do what the Savior will need us to do. Thank you for all of your hard work to bring this series to us.
Wow, thank you for sharing these powerful experiences!
I'm sorry that you had such a hard experience, but you see the Lord's hand in the way of your progress. It's great you can serve multiple missions.
Thank you for sharing this inspiring story. I agree with you that all of the difficulties in my life strengthened me when I was following the promptings of the Spirit. Sometimes I was on the path and other times I was off the path (I understand now that the Spirits was guiding me back).
"The gospel of Jesus Christ is not insurance against pain. It is resource in event of pain, and when that pain comes... rejoice that you have resource to deal with your pain." I loved this! So powerful! Wow
Yes, that's a powerful quote!!!
Brother Hilton, I listen to several podcasts to add to my perspective of scriptures as I prepare to teach. I appreciate your approach to these Master Classes. You make them easier for me to comprehend. You present many amazing points I hadn’t considered before. Thank you for your time and effort.
I'm so happy that this class is helpful for you!
Thank you Dr Hilton. Love your Book of Mormon master classes. They’ve enriched my life immeasurably and immensely. ❤
I'm so glad you're part of this Master Class!
Great class, I appreciate being able to focus on Mormon as a person. He was a son, brother, father, and husband who lived in a really difficult time.
Yes, what a powerful example for us!
Bro Hilton
I used much of your lesson to teach Gospel Doctrine today. The Spirit was strong. Thank you for your work and preparation that helped me and inspired my class
I'm so glad that this was able to help you with your class!
I am going to share this video with my family as we study these chapters together. So many wonderful insights to these chapters. Thank you!!
I'm so glad you can share this with your family!
What a great lesson, Brother Hilton! Amazing insights, and I can't wait to dig deeper into Mormon's life. What a leader and prophet he was!
Thanks Jane!
Thank you, Bro. Hilton, for your wonderful lessons!
This is the best series of lectures and helps us teach our class of 13-year-olds!
I'm so glad you're using this in your gospel teaching...thanks for your efforts to teaching the rising generation!
Thank you so much for these classes.. I always gain so much insight and I’m so grateful to you and this class!♥️♥️
I'm glad you're a part of the master class!
Thank you for the comments on Cumorah, I have questioned that for years. It was nothing that was shaking my faith, I knew I would eventually find better clarification and thanks to this lesson I can put that question to rest.
Thank you for doing such a wonderful job, I love all the details.
thanks for your kind words Amelia!
I look forward weekly studies, I may not perfect yet thru these video I am able to learn small but many
I'm so glad these are helpful for you!
Mormon is my favorite character in the BoM! He’s incredible!
Amen!
Thank you I love your lessons and know what you teach is true
Thank you Susan
Just beautiful and happy to have your classes
Thank you for sharing this information and q and a
Fun to do any time with believers
I miss doing these things ❤
I'm now being challenged by my own family members
Daughter is living a life as a Witch 🧙♂️
Not happy with her choices 😕
But I'm still looking for the changes back
To faith and prayers 🙏
3:42
I understand that it might never happen
But I'm having to live with her because she is only one who is able to help me out since I am still Disabled since I am Disabled since age 29years old.
And she moved me in then tells me this news
I didn't receive it so well!
Still in not able to knife 😢 pains like 😫 screaming in my soul and I am praying for changing 🙏
But I might be able to get to be a light for the change for the family members for change 💯
Example....
Prayers ❤️ 📖 🙏 11:01
I'm sorry to hear of the challenges you and your family are facing. I'm confident you can reflect that light of Jesus Christ!
Thank you for another insightful class!
Enjoy the messaged daily, appreciate the effort please keep it coming, thank you
Thank you for your comments on Cumorah. Clearly those came from a very close reading.
Hi. I observed that in the home of a friend who raised eight children, she stacked the dishes and pots and pans and silverware nearly in the sink after dinner on Sunday. She waited till Monday to wash them because it helped her keep the Sabbath.
I love that you were able to observe this!
Thank you for this lesson. Repentance truly is the key to preventing ourselves from going down the same path as the Nephites and Jaredites. As I study, I periodically stop and say, not "is it I", but "how is it I"? The individuals did not get to that point overnight. It was a series of failing to course correct. If I keep close to the Spirit, He will keep me from going down thar path.
I wonder if Mormon thought his situation would be like that of Captain Moroni. If maybe he read those plates and it gave him hope. Then somewhere along the way the Spirit confirmed to him that this was not that situation. That really it was akin to the Jaredite civilization. How heartbreaking that must have been for him.
I love these insights, thank you!
Awesome lesson!! Thank you!!❤❤❤
You are so welcome!
Some of my childhood years I lived in Grand Junction COLORADO. We went to church in the morning and back again in the evening. My parents had us stay in our Sunday clothes between meetings. One Sunday I was allowed to go to my friends between meetings. She lived across from the Buffalo Reservation. I think I was Third Grade. I was fascinated but couldn't see any buffalo so I squeezed through the gate and wandered around, pretending I was a Nephite hunting for food. All of a sudden, I felt the ground shaking and heard 'thunder'...turned to see a stampede of buffalo charging towards me. I ran and hid under some boulders (that had been placed there for me, I'm certain lol) until they wandered away, after they had huffed at me.
I was quick to observe the buffalo but not quick to observe the Sabbath Day, even in my Sunday Best 😊
Wow, that is a crazy story!!!!
I grew up in Grand Junction!!
When I feel prompted to fast “off-Fast Sunday” I often begin them right away despite being quite difficult to step up and successfully do. , Fasting doesn’t come easily for me, and unexpected temptations to eat accompany many of my fasts. But I get through it with the Lord’s help when I fervently ask Him for assistance.♥️
Thanks for sharing this perspective!
@ it’s my pleasure John! Please keep inviting us to.👍🏽
Thank you❤️☀️
Thank you again! ❤🇨🇦
Absolutely!
When I was a new convert and the Holy Spirit had really quickened my intellect and I was absorbing everything about the church was very quick to observe the way all the other latter-day Saints around me did things all kinds of different things everything from the language to the ordinances to whatever And I was just like a sponge soaking that all up. As result, I was immediately called into the Elders Quorum presidency the bishopric and the high priest group leader so I guess the Lord found a way to use my abilities that have been quick to observe.
Love this experience!
Thanks so much for this video
Thank you Karen!
Whenever I think about slippery riches, I think of the stock market.
Great likening!
On Sunday I usually stay in my church clothes all day. Only a few times do I change outside of my church clothes.
When I watch your CFM video there is a replica of the gold plates on the shelf behind you
Those must be from the early videos. I'm not sure where those came from, I apologize!
Concerning the hill we refer to as Cumorah and your comment about Joseph never referring to the hill where he was led to the plates as Cumorah. You indicated that no where in the early history was the hill referred to as Cumorah. It came to my mind the story I have heard about Joseph, Oliver and David driving in a wagon and coming across an old fellow along the way with a knapsack, who when when asked, said he was "going to Cumorah and mysteriously disappeared. Joseph suppossly said with a smile to the brethren that it was Moroni. Is this story true in our early history or just unfounded folklore? If true, it seems to me that this hill was indeed mentioned as Cumorah whether it was the same Cumorah mentioned by Mormon or not. I would be interested in your take of this. Personally I have never been convinced that it was Mormon's Cumorah but just named after that Cumorah by Moroni and the early saints.
This interview with David Whitmer was done in 1878. You can find lots more information here: www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/The_Hill_Cumorah
I remember reading where Brigham Young stood before the Hill Cumorah in upstate NY and had a vision where the hill opened and he saw that it was filled with plates of gold. It has been many years since I read that so I don't remember the reference. Have you ever heard of this? Do you know where to find it? I'm going to Google it and see if it tells the experience.
I googled it and in a BYU studies there are many second- hand accounts of Joseph Smith and 3 others going into the hill Cumorah. I'd love to hear your understanding of this.
This article might be helpful: scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jbms/vol4/iss1/30/
AMEN,lord L INDIAN
A real person
Brother Hilton where can I get the golden plates like you have behind your desk
Sorry Nancy, I'm not sure what you mean by that!
Pioneer Playsets on Etsy has beautiful replicas. I bought the actual size ones, but they have other options.
Thank you
Why can't I find this as a podcast on TH-cam music?
Hmmm...not sure about that but it is on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Do you know of a map that outlines the 16 cities named in 3nephi chapter 9 that were destroyed?
I'm not familiar with that specific map, but there's a great map in the book "Mormon's Map" which you can find online for free.
If satin can move things
God can always make things longer and more
Satin doesn't know as much as Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and Holy Ghost
Even some other Heavenly Angels now this is my understanding and belife.
Hopefully it is what our Prophet is being told I don't know about the power of the Angels okay... 24:56
For shame!!! The Church does not put forth any location where the events of the Book of Mormon took place. If you are pushing one location then you owe it to your students to inform them that there's at least one other theory that is well thought of by substantial numbers of Saints.
You might appreciate this map from the Church's website: www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/manual/14419/book-mormon-land-map_1941052.pdf
I know you have good intentions trying to help people understand the Book of Mormon, but you are among the scholars who are deceiving people about Book of Mormon Geography. In 2012, Elder L. Tom Perry said, "The United States is the promised land foretold in the Book of Mormon-a place where divine guidance directed inspired men to create the conditions necessary for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was the birth of the United States of America that ushered out the Great Apostasy, when the earth was darkened by the absence of prophets and revealed light. It was no coincidence that the lovely morning of the First Vision occurred just a few decades after the establishment of the United States."
There is only one hill Cumorah! At about 18:15 you INCORRECTLY state, "I think it is interesting that Joseph Smith never referred to the hill where he found the plates as Cumorah." You obviously know nothing about real Church History or you are deliberately hiding the truth to promote the Mesoamerican model. Let me enlighten you. The following two events happened BEFORE Joseph got the plates in Sep 1823!
***Cumorah mentioned in 1823***
We have history of Lucy Mack Smith. During Joseph’s first encounter with Moroni in Sep 1823 [repeated at least 4 times], we have the following account from Lucy Mack Smith in the Joseph Smith Papers. Lucy Mack Smith was cited 128 times in Saints Vol 1, but key Cumorah quotes and early church history have been censored!
“…you must tell your father of this for he will believe every word you say the record is on a side hill on the Hill of Cumorah 3 miles from this place remove the Grass and moss and you will find a large flat stone pry that up and you will find the record under it laying on 4 pillars of cement- then the angel left him”
www.josephsmithpapers.org/.../lucy-mack-smith.../41
***Cumorah Mentioned in 1827***
Here is an account of Cumorah in Lucy Mack Smith’s History BEFORE Joseph got the plates. On pages 98 and 99 we learn that Joseph was sent to Manchester (6.7 miles south of Palmyra) on business by his father. He was expected back before dark, but did not return until after dark and his parents were very worried. They asked Joseph why he was delayed 3 hours in returning home.
“Presently he smiled, and said in a calm tone, “I have taken the severest chastisement that I have ever had in my life.”
My husband, supposing that it was from some of the neighbours, was quite angry and observed, "I would like to know what business anybody has to find fault with you!"
"Stop, father, stop," said Joseph, "it was the angel of the Lord: as I passed by the hill of Cumorah [not mentioned in Saints Vol 1, page 36], where the plates are, the angel met me, and said that I had not been engaged enough in the work of the Lord; that the time had come for the Record to be brought forth; and that I must be up and doing, and set myself about the things which God had commanded me to do.”
www.josephsmithpapers.org/.../lucy-mack-smith.../111
We also have Emma's 1835 Hymnbook which include Hymn #16, “An angel came down from the mansions of glory, And told that a record was hid in Cumorah.” This hymn was published in the Evening and Morning Star I.9:65 about 2 years before Emma’s 1835 Hymnbook.
In 1829 David Whitmer was transporting Joseph and Oliver from Harmony to Fayette and they encountered a heavenly messenger. This was the same messenger that Joseph had given the Harmony plates to just before they started the trip to Fayette. The heavenly messenger turns down a wagon ride and states, I'm on my way to Cumorah."
We also have the 8 Letters from Oliver Cowdery to W. W. Phelps in 1834-35 (7 references to Cumorah). Finally, we have the 1842, 128th Section of the D&C, "20 And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets-the book to be revealed."
Please stop lying.
Bruce I can tell you care about this issue! What I said in the video is that other than the reference to Cumorah (which is not specific about the geographic location) we do not have primary accounts of Joseph Smith identifying the hill near Palmyra as being the Hill Cumorah of the Nephites. Many such statements are secondary or later sources. That being said, my belief in the Book of Mormon has zero to do with where it took place. If it turns out that the Hill Cumorah was in Miami, I'll be surprised, but it won't lessen my belief. I hope that we can avoid contending over geography and focus on the core message of the Book of Mormon.
@@johnhiltoniii I guess you are too young to remember President Marion G, Romney's 1975 General Conference talk. He delivered an address titled “America’s Destiny” that reaffirms the teaching that the hill in New York is the Hill Cumorah of Mormon 6:6. Elder Mark E. Peterson made a similar statement in 1978.
@@brucelloyd7496 OK brother I saw your points and respectfully concede that you’re correct. Bro. Hilton is great but he’s out to lunch on this subject.
So help me understand - what do I do next?
I mean, I know I’m supposed to repent and come to our Savior for strength and forgiveness all the time (look unto Him in every thought), and maybe even sanctification someday for a crummy weasel sinner like me.
It’s just that He says to repent and come to Him over and over and over and over and over throughout the entire book. And I know I need to be really serious about this because it mentions repent/repenting/repentance over 350 times. That’s too many to let it get pushed off the table.
And Bro. Hilton did find out someone counted up over 7,000 Book of Mormon mentions or references to Christ. That’s like 20x more than repent so I know I need to focus on Him - all the time - and I feel like I stink at it, but besides the temple, studying the Book of Mormon every day helps me do better more than anything else I’ve tried since 2011. How does knowing the truth about the Hill Cumorah help me do this more or better.
@@duane9166 Satan wants to divide us. It's not about who is right or wrong. It is about truth. Truth Matters!
I was in the Mesoamerican camp most of my life. However, about 2015, I first heard of the heartland model. There are over 200 documented models. The only one that makes sense to me is heartland, but there are subtle differences in this model. Nobody should ever base their testimony on geography. It is based on the spirit after reading the Book of Mormon. I sincerely believe that the events described in the Book of Mormon after Lehi landed in the land of Promise, happened in ancient America, not Mesoamerica.
***What next?***
Yes, we must focus on the Savior and repent daily to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.
John 14:6 states, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
I believe that many approach Book of Mormon reading like skipping a rock across the water. You get to your destination quickly to say I have read the Book of Mormon, but there is no pondering, comprehension, understanding, insight, conversion, etc. without doing a deep dive on a variety of subjects. People have read the book horizontally for years and that is how new converts read it. You might get an instant testimony of its truthfulness like Parley P. Pratt when he read it in a day and he couldn’t be bothered with eating or sleeping. However, we have to keep nourishing our testimonies.
There is much to be learned if you read it vertically--take a deep dive on hundreds of subjects to illuminate your comprehension and increase your faith. D&C 84 says we as a church are under condemnation because we have treated the Book of Mormon lightly.
Many think they can sleep through Gospel Doctrine class every 4 years and think "All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well"-and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell (2 Nephi 28). I probably dozed off in some of those classes.
President Nelson said we struggle with faith. He said, "Your mountains may be loneliness, doubt, illness, or other personal problems. Your mountains will vary, and yet the answer to each of your challenges is to increase your faith. That takes work. Lazy learners and lax disciples will always struggle to muster even a particle of faith.
To do anything well requires effort. Becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ is no exception. Increasing your faith and trust in Him takes effort. May I offer five suggestions to help you develop that faith and trust."
Yes, the Book of Mormon is about Christ and his name or name-title is mentioned on average about every 1.7 verses. However, woven in this amazing book of scripture is the history, geography, politics, wars and prophecies of the human race from the Tower of Babel to present day Gadianton robbers. Nephite prophets saw our day and warned us, but the warnings are unknown to many because they are lazy learners and lax disciples.
I believe, we treat the Book of Mormon lightly because:
1. We don't read, ponder, pray and apply its teachings in our lives.
2. We allow scholars to teach a false Geography. Artists who were taught wrong keep making bogus artwork. That approach is NOT neutrality! It happened in ancient America, not Mesoamerica.
3. We allow scholars to teach a false translation method. The Urim and Thummim was the ONLY instrument of translation. The seer stone in a hat is a BIG Satanic lie.
The church claims neutrality on geography, but the 2020 and 2024 Come Follow Me Book of Mormon Manuals contains over 1/3 of the artwork promoting the false Mesoamerican model. Scholars are hijacking Church History. Look at all the lies and deceptions in Saints Vol 1 (covering a period from 1815 to 1846). Here are some examples.
1. No Cumorah
2. No Oliver Cowdery mission to the Lamanites per D&C 28, 30, and 32.
3. No Zelph.
4. No letter from Joseph to Emma on 4 June 1834 during Zion's Camp March about "wandering over the plains of the Nephites, recounting occasionally the history of the Book of Mormon, roving over the mounds of that once beloved people of the Lord, picking up their skulls & their bones, as a proof of its divine authenticity..." Why would the scholars want to hide Joseph Smith’s very powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon? Because it negates the Mesoamerican model and threatens their paycheck.
5. No Wentworth Letter or 13 Articles of Faith.
6. No cement and stone box
7. It promotes the false seer stone in a hat translation method and the plates were not even used.
We can do better.
@@duane9166 My Reply keeps getting deleted.
I think Jesus Words are the Important Words..Mormons like to teach you Their words. I am not dumb
Then why are you here? Go listen to your own preacher and stick to what you know. Unless you are an honest seeker of truth you don't really belong here.
@@TheRozylass
I am a Mormon by birth! Lol 😆 I know what they say..some Truth mixed with Lies. The Devil knows what he is doing.
I totally agree with you that Jesus's words are so important. What are your favorite words from the Savior. Some of my are found in John 14:6.
@@johnhiltoniii
My favorite words are the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount. They have given me the foundation for my life and the words God started teaching me at the age of six..my daddy taught me the Golden Rule when I was four and I understood. It helps me divide Real commandments from men commandments.
Love it! I love the Sermon on the Mount too♥️ Surprisingly, verse 44 has become my favorite even though it’s been so, so challenging for me to do. I have a lighting-quick temper complicated by impulse control difficulties from adult ADHD, but I KNOW the Lord still expects me to develop the communication tools - with His help - that’ll allow me to bless those that curse me. And I really am making progress! It feels great!
I always appreciate your commentary! Really gives me brilliant insights to His words!
I appreciate that!