A Study of the Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 32 In plain terms, Nephi now explains the "now what?" part of discipleship. There is no law of Moses, no rules and regulations, no measured or calculated formula for success. Instead, Nephi says this: Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye shall do.  ...And receive the Holy Ghost, it will show you all things what ye shall do.  In other words, go to God himself for your instruction. Develop with Him a relationship of friendship and trust. He will lead us safely home, if we listen to His voice ( see "Let the Holy Spirit Guide", hymn no. 143 ).

2 Nephi 31 And now at the end of his record, Nephi takes opportunity to write just a few more concerning the doctrine of Christ. Specifically, Nephi is addressing baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Verse 12 is an interesting argument given by the Lord himself. It reads, "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." (italics added) In other words, what Christ is saying is that when we are baptized we are given the Holy Ghost, which is the same thing that happened to the Lord when he was baptized. Having the companionship of the Holy Ghost is the qualifier to being able to do the things which Christ was able to do. What strikes me is that following the influence of the Holy Ghost is the what enables us to be able to do what Christ did. These ramification are deep, for if God is willing to give us the very sam...

2 Nephi 30 Obedience and sin: these are the two principles upon which all men are measured equally. No amount of worldly wealth, no inheritance, no privileged station or social class can exclude us from the effects of sin or obedience. If a wealthy man sins, is it the same as if a poor man sins? This is not for me to decide. If a poor man is obedient, does he receive any greater reward than if a rich man is obedient? I can not say. These things are for God to decide, but the scriptures are clear that repentance and obedience, regardless of who you are in the eyes of the world, are the only way back into God's presence. Perhaps for some, poverty is their appointed and perfect test. Then for others, perhaps it is prosperity that will be the greatest proving ground for their souls. This chapter accomplishes two end for me this morning: 1) a reminder of the equality of Christ's doctrine (all that repent and believe in Christ shall be numbered among his people, and 2) all the righte...