A Study of the Book of Mormon

Alma 26:8-16 Verse 9 is a statement that stands opposite to the "if-only" sentiment. And it starts with this phrase: "if we had not". It is a phrase and a statement that is encased in gratitude and recognizes the inherent value of hard work. But the thought that is engendered here is a sober one:  For if we had not come up out of the land of Zarahemla, these our dearly beloved brethren, who have so dearly beloved us, would still have been racked with hatred against us, yea, and they would also have been strangers to God. ( vs. 9 , emphasis added) What is so miraculous about this particular account was that thousands of Lamanites were brought to the light. Without such unprecedented faith in God, this would have never been realized. They sought to do something that had never been done before, and succeeded. --- The Book of Mormon is an exceptional text for illustrating the challenges that arise from success or prosperity. In verse 10 , as Ammon is making note of...

2 Nephi 3:12-16 In verse 12, the Bible and the Book of Mormon are described as growing together into one unifying voice. Its purposes are to confound false doctrines and stop contentions, establish peace among the descendants of Jospeh, and allow them to know of their ancestry and the Lord's covenants with them. Not directly related with today's passage of scripture, but it has been weighing on my mind the significance of sobriety. There seems to be a strong connection between soberness and conviction and righteousness. Twice in this passage of scriptures, Joseph of Egypt is quoted as saying in effect, "I am sure of this thing," (see vs 14, 16). This chapter is replete with prophecy in certain terms of the conditions of salvation that will be extended to the descendants of Joseph in the latter-days. This type of conviction is the result of a sober countenance. This is a weakness of mine. It is hard not to become overly excited when a blessing is received from God. On...