1. The Death of a Nation 3 Nephi 1-7

3. 3 Nephi 1 4 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the ninety and second year, behold, the prophecies of the prophets began to be fulfilled more fully; … 5 But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite. 6 And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain. 7 And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass

4. Question… How important is Hope?

5. The Holy Spirit of Promise D&C 132 Verse 7 : …all covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations

6. The REAL Stairway to Heaven Faith Hope Charity Love Greater Faith More Effective Charity Increased Hope More God-like Love

7. Nephi’s Prayer is answered 13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets

8. What effect did the miracle have on the people? 3 Ne 1:26 And thus the ninety and second year did pass away, bringing glad tidings unto the people because of the signs which did come to pass, according to the words of the prophecy of all the holy prophets. 3 Ne 2:1 … ninety and fifth year…, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen—

9. How is our faith three years later?

10. Readers Digest Version “How to destroy a nation” People become wicked Gadiaton Robbers become stronger Nations combined together to fight the “robbers” Robbers starved out People become righteous People divide again Cities rebuilt

11. Then it went downhill from there… 10 …there began to be some disputings among the people; and some were lifted up unto pride and boastings because of their exceedingly great riches, 11 For there were many merchants in the land, and also many lawyers, and many officers. 12 And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty, and others did receive great learning because of their riches. 13 Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, … 14 And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up;

12. Fatal Step 23 Now there were many of those who testified of the things pertaining to Christ who testified boldly, who were taken and put to death secretly by the judges

13. The Final Step 3 Ne 6: 28 And they did enter into a covenant one with another, 29 Therefore they did combine against the people of the Lord, and enter into a covenant to destroy them… 30 And they did set at defiance the law and the rights of their country; … 3 Ne 7:1 they did destroy upon the judgment-seat, yea, did murder the chief judge of the land. 2 And the people were divided one against another; and they did separate one from another into tribes,

14. How divided are we today as a country? Is there any danger in becoming a nation of hyphens?

15. Joseph Smith, 1839 The time is soon coming, when no man will have any peace but in Zion and her stakes

16. Question… Can you read the news- and go to sleep?

17. Elder Holland, CES Fireside The Prophet Joseph Smith faced immense difficulties in his life and paid the ultimate price for his victory. But he was victorious, and he was a happy, robust, optimistic man. Those who knew him felt his strength and courage, even in the darkest of time. He did not sag in spirits or long remain in any despondency. He said about our time—yours and mine—that ours is the moment “upon which prophets, priests and kings [in ages past] have dwelt with peculiar delight; [all these ancient witnesses for God] have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and prophesied of this our day. … we are the favored people that God has [chosen] to bring about the Latter-day glory” (History of the Church, 4:609-10). The ancient prophets saw us as “favored people” upon whom God would shower his full and complete latter-day glory, and I testify that is our destiny. What a privilege! What an honor! What a responsibility! And what joy! We have every reason to give thanks for the quality of our lives and the promises we have been given.