Come, Follow Me - Genesis 6-11 and Moses 8

 Come, Follow Me

Resource Material

Genesis 6-11 and Moses 8

 

A    Elder Quinton L Cook (Adjusted Sunday Schedule)

“the Sunday meeting schedule. . . . will consist of a 60-minute sacrament meeting each Sunday, focused on the Savior, the ordinance of the sacrament, and spiritual messages. After time for transition to classes, Church members will attend a 50-minute class that will alternate each Sunday. . .

“The purposes and blessings associated with this adjustment and other recent changes include the following:

·         Deepening conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthening faith in Them.

·         Strengthening individuals and families through home-centered, Church-supported curriculum that contributes to joyful gospel living.

·         Honoring the Sabbath day, with a focus on the ordinance of the sacrament.

·         Helping all of Heavenly Father’s children on both sides of the veil through missionary work and receiving ordinances and covenants and blessings of the temple.”

B   Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (Covenants)

“A covenant is a binding spiritual contract, a solemn promise to God our Father that we will live and think and act in a certain way—the way of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In return, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost promise us the full splendor of eternal life. The better we understand the two-way promises of covenants between us and God, the better we will be able to honor the covenants we have made.” (“Keeping Covenants: A Message for Those Who Will Serve a Mission,” New Era, Jan. 2012, 3)

C   (Hebrews 11:7 Faith of Noah)

       Elder Spencer W. Kimball:

“As yet there was no evidence of rain and flood. His people mocked and called him a fool. His preaching fell on deaf ears. His warnings were considered irrational. There was no precedent; never had it been know that a deluge could cover the earth. How foolish to build an ark on dry ground with the sun shining and life moving forward as usual! But time ran out. The ark was finished. The floods came. The disobedient and rebellious were drowned. The miracle of the ark followed the faith manifested in its building.” (Faith Precedes the Miracle, 5)

D   (Genesis 6:1–2, Moses 8:14-15  Marriage outside the Covenant.)

President Spencer W. Kimball:

“Paul told the Corinthians, ‘Be ye not unequally yoked together. … ’ Perhaps Paul wanted them to see that religious differences are fundamental differences. Religious differences imply wider areas of conflict. Church loyalties and family loyalties clash. Children’s lives are often frustrated. The nonmember may be equally brilliant, well trained and attractive, and he or she may have the most pleasing personality, but without a common faith, trouble lies ahead for the marriage. There are some exceptions but the rule is a harsh and unhappy one.

“There is no bias nor prejudice in this doctrine. It is a matter of following a certain program to reach a definite goal.” (Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 240.)

E   (Genesis 6:6 It repented the Lord)

Moses 8:25 and the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 6:6 revise this verse to say, “And it repented Noah, and his heart was pained that the Lord had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.”

The Hebrew word translated as “repent” in Genesis 6:6 can indicate regret, sorrow, compassion, or “a decision to change a course of action.” A different Hebrew word is used when indicating remorse for sin and is the one more often translated as “repent” in the Old Testament.

F  (Moses 8:16. Noah Taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ)

       President Ezra Taft Benson:

“From the days of Father Adam to the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his successors, whenever the priesthood has been on the earth, a major responsibility has been the preaching of the saving, eternal principles of the gospel—the plan of salvation. Father Adam taught these things to his own children. (Moses 5:12.) Consider Noah’s long years of missionary effort and the preachings of all the ancient prophets. (Moses 8:16–20.) Each in his day was commanded to carry the gospel message to the children of men and call them to repentance as the only means of escaping the pending judgments” (“Missionary Work: A Major Responsibility,” Ensign, May 1974)

G   (Genesis 6:9. The Man Noah)

       Elder Mark E. Peterson of the Twelve:

“Noah, who built the ark, was one of God’s greatest servants, chosen before he was born as were others of the prophets. He was no eccentric, as many have supposed. Neither was he a mythical figure created only in legend. Noah was real. …

“Let no one downgrade the life and mission of this great prophet. Noah was so near perfect in his day that he literally walked and talked with God. …

“Few men in any age were as great as Noah. In many respects he was like Adam, the first man. Both had served as ministering angels in the presence of God even after their mortal experience. Adam was Michael, the archangel, but Noah was Gabriel, one of those nearest to God. Of all the hosts of heaven, he was chosen to open the Christian era by announcing to Mary that she would become the mother of the Savior, Jesus Christ. He even designated the name by which the Redeemer should be known here on earth, saying He would be the Son of God. …

“… The Lord decreed that [the earth would be cleansed] by water, a worldwide deluge. Therefore, from among his premortal spirit children, God chose another great individual—His third in line, Gabriel—to resume the propagation of mankind following the flood.” (Mark E. Petersen, Noah and the Flood [1982], 1–4.)

H    (Genesis 6:9; Moses 8:27  Was Noah perfect?)

        President Russell M. Nelson:

“Scriptures have described Noah, Seth, and Job as perfect men. …

“This does not mean that these people never made mistakes or never had need of correction. The process of perfection includes challenges to overcome and steps to repentance that may be very painful. …

“Mortal perfection can be achieved as we try to perform every duty, keep every law, and strive to be as perfect in our sphere as our Heavenly Father is in his. If we do the best we can, the Lord will bless us according to our deeds and the desires of our hearts.” (“Perfection Pending,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 86)

I   (Genesis 6:7, 11-13; Moses 8:17, 22, 26  Possible reasons God sent the Flood?)

      President John Taylor

“God destroyed the wicked of that generation with a flood. Why did He destroy them? He destroyed them for their benefit, if you can comprehend it. . . . by taking away [the wicked’s] earthly existence [God] prevented them from entailing their sins upon their posterity and degenerating [or corrupting] them.” (“Discourse,” Deseret News, Jan. 16, 1878, 787)

And

Elder Neal A. Maxwell

“corruption had reached [such] an agency-destroying point that spirits could not, in justice, be sent here.” (We Will Prove Them Herewith (1982), 58.)

J    (Genesis 7:19. How Could the Flood Cover the Entire Earth?)

      President John Taylor:

“The windows of heaven were opened, that is, the waters that exist throughout the space surrounding the earth from whence come these clouds from which the rain descends. That was one cause. Another cause was ‘the fountains of the great deep were broken up’—that is something beyond the oceans, something outside of the seas, some reservoirs of which we have no knowledge, were made to contribute to this event, and the waters were let loose by the hand and by the power of God; (John Taylor, in Journal of Discourses, 26:74–75.)

K   (Genesis 9:4–7 Shedding of blood)

     Prophet Joseph Smith:

The Prophet Joseph Smith’s inspired translation clarifies these verses, emphasizing that God would hold Noah and his posterity accountable for how they treated the life of animals. (See Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 9:10–15 (in Genesis 9:4, footnote a).

He commanded that animals be killed only for food to sustain human life: “And surely, blood shall not be shed, only for meat, to save your lives; and the blood of every beast will I require at your hands.” (Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 9:11 (in Genesis 9:4, footnote a);

The Lord also commanded Noah’s family to preserve the life of other human beings, declaring, “Man shall not shed the blood of man.” (Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 9:12 (in Genesis 9:4, footnote a)

And

In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord reiterated that He has provided the animals of the earth “for the use of man for food and for raiment.” (Doctrine and Covenants 49:19.) He also explained that He is not pleased when we kill animals needlessly, stating: “Wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need.” (Doctrine and Covenants 49:21)

L   (Genesis 9:15-17;  we will use JST Genesis 9:21-25 Rainbow and Covenants)

      Prophet Joseph Smith

“The Lord hath set the bow in the cloud for a sign that while it shall be seen, seed time and harvest, summer and winter shall not fail; but when it shall disappear, woe to that generation, for behold the end cometh quickly” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 305).

 

M  (Genesis 11:5-8 The Lords response to the Tower)

 “Early Jewish and Christian traditions suggest that the Tower of Babel was a counterfeit temple.” (See “I Have a Question,” Ensign, Feb. 1994, 61; “The Tower of Babel,” Ensign, Feb. 2018, 66.)

“True temples are built to gather people to God’s presence through covenants. In contrast, the people of Babel built a tower to reach God’s presence, but their actions did not align with His will.

“The city of Enoch had been translated before the Flood, but at the time of Abraham (the general time of the tower of Babel), Melchizedek also created a society that produced a Zion people who “sought for the city of Enoch” and “obtained heaven.” Considering the trauma of the Flood, the aspiration to build a tower to heaven, . . . may also have been an attempt to survive a flood should God attempt to destroy men again. Thus, their temple-tower was likely designed for a multitude of purposes, making it that much more meaningful in their eyes. Also, note that their attempt to dodge the judgment of God was based on their human ingenuity rather than on repentance. The Lord’s response was to humble these people.” (See “I Have a Question,” Ensign, Feb. 1994, 61; “The Tower of Babel,” Ensign, Feb. 2018, 66.)

 

Additional Information Relative To Our Discussion

From Church Web Site: Scripture Helps; Old Testament

Why did Noah curse Canaan?

“The scriptures don’t clearly explain why Ham’s son Canaan was cursed for his father’s offense against Noah. It’s also not clear what Ham’s offense was, but it appears that he may have dishonored his father or perhaps disrespected something sacred. Because we do not have all of the relevant details of the story, we do not know exactly what happened or its meaning.

“In cursing Canaan, Noah proclaimed that Canaan would be a servant to Shem and Japheth. Joseph Smith’s inspired translation of the Bible adds that “a veil of darkness” would cover Canaan “that he shall be known among all men.” The meaning of this “veil of darkness” is unclear.

“Some have incorrectly used the cursing of Canaan to justify slavery and discrimination—particularly toward people of Black African descent. The Lord has taught, “It is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.” Additionally, the Book of Mormon teaches that the Lord invites all to come unto him and “partake of his goodness,” for “all are alike unto God.” 

 

From Old Testament Institute Student Manual

Patterns

“In these eleven chapters of Genesis, which cover the lives of the ancient patriarchs, almost one-third of the total history of mankind is summarized in a brief manner. Obviously, such a limited treatment must omit many details that would be of great benefit to us. When Moses wrote this history, however, he shared with us one of the most remarkable contrasts in the history of the world. From the time of the Fall the people of the world began moving in two opposite directions. One group followed the teachings of Adam and Eve and continually strived for increasing righteousness and perfection. The other group yielded to the deceitful enticings of Satan and his servants and moved deeper and deeper into depravity and wickedness. Both these divergent paths were followed to their ultimate ends. Under Enoch’s direction, a whole society became so perfect that God took it to Himself, and for the next seven hundred years those who qualified themselves were likewise translated into that remarkable city of Enoch. The other group moved downward as surely as Enoch’s city moved upward.

“Finally they reached such depths of wickedness that it was a blessing for them to be destroyed.

“Why is this pattern of significance to you? Because we are in a period of history when the same dramatic contrast and division is taking place.

“The world is again rushing headlong toward destruction, just as it was in the days before the Flood. Once again the avenue of deliverance for the righteous is being provided, and Zion itself will once more be established. After reading the following statements, list on a separate sheet of paper specific steps you can take today to prepare yourself and the kingdom for the establishment of Zion.”

President Joseph F Smith:

“I prophesy to you, in the name of the Lord, that when the Latter-day Saints have prepared themselves through righteousness to redeem Zion, they will accomplish that work, and God will go with them. No power will then be able to prevent them from accomplishing that work; for the Lord has said it shall be done, and it will be done in the due time of the Lord, when the people are prepared for it. But when shall I be prepared to go there? Not while I have in my heart the love of this world more than the love of God. Not while I am possessed of that selfishness and greed that would induce me to cling to the world or my possessions in it, at the sacrifice of principle or truth. But when I am ready to say, ‘Father, all that I have, myself included, is Thine; my time, my substance, everything that I possess is on the altar, to be used freely, agreeable to Thy holy will, and not my will, but Thine, be done,’ then perhaps I will be prepared to go and help to redeem Zion.” (In Millennial Star, 18 June 1894, pp. 385–86.)

President Brigham Young:

“When we conclude to make a Zion we will make it, and this work commences in the heart of each person. When the father of a family wishes to make a Zion in his own house, he must take the lead in this good work, which it is impossible for him to do unless he himself possesses the spirit of Zion. Before he can produce the work of sanctification in his family, he must sanctify himself, and by this means God can help him to sanctify his family. …

“My spiritual enjoyment must be obtained by my own life, but it would add much to the comfort of the community, and to my happiness, as one with them, if every man and woman would live their religion, and enjoy the light and glory of the Gospel for themselves, be passive, humble and faithful; rejoice continually before the Lord, attend to the business they are called to do, and be sure never to do anything wrong.

“All would then be peace, joy, and tranquility, in our streets and in our houses. Litigation would cease, there would be no difficulties before the High Council and Bishops’ Courts, and courts, turmoil, and strife would not be known.

“Then we would have Zion, for all would be pure in heart.” (Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 118–19.)

President Marion G. Romney:

“We’re living in the latter days. We’re living in the days the prophets have told about from the time of Enoch to the present day. We are living in the era just preceding the second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are told to so prepare and live that we can be … independent of every other creature beneath the celestial kingdom. That is what we are to do. …

“… the final thing that we are to do is to be able and willing to consecrate all that we have to the building up of the kingdom of God, to care for our fellow men. When we do this we’ll be ready for the coming of the Messiah.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1975, pp. 165–66.)

Genesis 6:3. What Is the Significance of the Promise of 120 Years?

“Many scholars, who have only Genesis to study, believe that this statement prophesied the shortened life expectancy that would take place after the Flood. In the book of Moses, however, it is clear that the 120 years referred to the time when Noah would preach repentance and try to save the world before the Flood was sent (see Moses 8:17). This period would be the time referred to by Peter as the time when “the longsuffering of God waited” (1 Peter 3:20). Because the people rejected the principles and ordinances of the gospel, preached to them by Noah, they were destroyed in the Flood. The Lord gave them more than adequate time to repent.”

Genesis 7:7. Were Any Saved by Means Other Than the Ark?

Elder Bruce R McConkie:

“During the first 2200 or so years of the earth’s history—that is, from the fall of Adam to the ministry of Melchizedek—it was a not uncommon occurrence for faithful members of the Church to be translated and taken into the heavenly realms without tasting death. Since that time there have been occasional special instances of translation, instances in which a special work of the ministry required it.

“… Methuselah, the son of Enoch, was not translated [with Enoch’s city], ‘that the covenants of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to Enoch; for he truly covenanted with Enoch that Noah should be of the fruit of his loins.’ (Moses 8:2.) But during the nearly 700 years from the translation of Enoch to the flood of Noah, it would appear that nearly all of the faithful members of the Church were translated, for ‘the Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up by the powers of heaven into Zion.’ (Moses 7:27.)” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 804.)

The Flood Was an Act of Love

President John Taylor:

“Now I will go back to show you how the Lord operates. He destroyed a whole world at one time save a few, whom he preserved for his own special purpose. And why? He had more than one reason for doing so. This antediluvian people were not only very wicked themselves, but having the power to propagate their species, they transmitted their unrighteous natures and desires to their children, and brought them up to indulge in their own wicked practices. And the spirits that dwelt in the eternal worlds knew this, and they knew very well that to be born of such parentage would entail upon themselves an infinite amount of trouble, misery and sin. And supposing ourselves to be of the number of unborn spirits, would it not be fair to presume that we would appeal to the Lord, crying, ‘Father, do you not behold the condition of this people, how corrupt and wicked they are?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Is it then just that we who are now pure should take of such bodies and thus subject ourselves to most bitter experiences before we can be redeemed, according to the plan of salvation?’ ‘No,’ the Father would say, ‘it is not in keeping with my justice.’ ‘Well, what will you do in the matter; man has his free agency and cannot be coerced, and while he lives he has the power of perpetuating his species?’ ‘I will first send them my word, offering them deliverance from sin, and warning them of my justice, which shall certainly overtake them if they reject it, and I will destroy them from off the face of the earth, thus preventing their increase, and I will raise up another seed.’ Well, they did reject the preaching of Noah, the servant of God, who was sent to them, and consequently the Lord caused the rains of heaven to descend incessantly for forty days and nights, which flooded the land, and there being no means of escape, save for the eight souls who were obedient to the message, all the others were drowned. But, says the caviller, is it right that a just God should sweep off so many people? Is that in accordance with mercy? Yes, it was just to those spirits that had not received their bodies, and it was just and merciful too to those people guilty of the iniquity. Why? Because by taking away their earthly existence he prevented them from entailing their sins upon their posterity and degenerating them, and also prevented them from committing further acts of wickedness.” (In Journal of Discourses, 19:158–59.)