389: A Broken Heart and Contrite Spirit (BoM Gospel Doctrine Lesson 38)

Engaging Gospel Doctrine

Nephi 11 is one of the most familiar chapters in Mormon scripture, shared by missionaries daily in countless languages. 3 Nephi 11-28 recount the personal ministry of Christ to the Lehites. Some of the most touching and powerful chapters in the Book of Mormon are found in this section.

But before that ministry, there is destruction. Lots of cataclysmic destruction. The combination of devastation, divine pleading, and then personal visitation provide rich material for discussion on the nature of God. Who is the God of the Book of Mormon? What do we make of these passages? Is Jesus the vengeful God paralleling the activity in the Old Testament? Is Jesus the entreating, loving God (in striking imagery of Jesus as mother!). Is the the God who appears personally to each of us one by one? All of these?

This discussion will take center stage, as well as the following additional points.

• The life changing power of cataclysmic events
• Having a “broken heart and contrite spirit”
• Biblical parallels (this will go into high gear next lesson)
• Avoiding contention
• the “doctrine of Christ”

Reading: 3 Nephi 8-11

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Listen with an open heart and thoughtful mind to the engaging discussion with Amanda, Meredith, and Les

You can access my Lesson Notes here.

Art: Grief, by Jack Yeats