A Study of the Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 16: 1-6 This conversation between Nephi and his brothers, Laman, Lemuel, and Sam, is very genuine. It paints a view of Laman and Lemuel that is not typically understood. They tell Nephi that what he had spoken to them was hard to understand. Nephi said that he knew that he had spoken against wickedness but it seems that it was never his intention to elevate himself above his brothers. In fact, there is such a brotherly bond of love conveyed from these simple verses of communication that I am inclined to be much more sympathetic towards Laman and Lemuel, and even sense something of love that Nephi must have had for his older brothers. Here for one brief moment brothers are talking civilly to each other, and it is beautiful! Yes, Laman and Lemuel made bad choices throughout the accounts of Nephi. They simply could not understand the will of God in all that was happening to them. Clearly, their cursing was passed on to their children, but beyond that I think this is where their co...

introduction: In my conversations with others as of late, we've been discussing how to share a point or two of doctrine before making an invitation to have a formal, sit down visit with them to share a gospel message. This is inspired from a "Preach my Gospel" manual activity about teaching when finding. As a means of translating my studies into a practical application, I'm creating these mini-lessons with invites. It's when we share simple Gospel principles that the Holy Spirit has room to work in the hearts of people that we visit. --------------------------------------------------------- lesson: Nephi, a Book of Mormon prophet, tells about a vision that he had where he saw the history of the world. Towards the end of that history, he saw that in our time there were only two churches -- one was the church of Christ, the other was the church of the devil. reference: 1 Nephi 14:10(10-17) invite: We would like to share with you what we can do to insure that we...

1 Nephi 4:1-3 Nephi responds to his brothers' murmurings with faith. "He is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban..."(vs.1) . I don't know how this would be formulating in young Nephi's mind. Up until now, Nephi had experienced the power of God with the Lord touching his heart. He was very familiar with the inner workings of the Spirit. But now angels were getting involved and suddenly a whole new playing field is being opened to Nephi's view. Nephi is now beginning to understand the outer workings of the Lord, or in other words, the miraculous power of God. He is now starting to associate himself with Moses and uses these terms as a premise for the potential for their deliverance.

1 Nephi 2:17-19 The next step for Nephi, after having obtain a personal knowledge of the things that Nephi's father taught, was to share that with his brothers. Sam believed his words. Laman and Lemuel did not. This prompted Nephi to his next action -- to pray for his brothers who didn't believe. Upon praying to the Lord, Nephi then received even greater light and knowledge than what he had already received. The profoundness of the simplicity of Nephi speaking to his brothers cannot be understated. He opened his mouth and shared his personal witness to validate his father's claims. Now with Nephi, there were two witnesses to validate the journey that they had undertaken--that it was a commandment of God, not the vain imagination of their father. If Nephi had been unable to open his mouth, the remainder of their party may have been persuaded by Laman and Lemuel. Tomorrow, more on the pattern of revelation employed by the Lord with both Lehi and Nephi.

1 Nephi 2: 14-16 Yesterday I had mentioned characteristics that Lehi prized in his own life. There is nowhere in the record that gives us any insight into Lehi before this time. Yet I am assuming that Lehi prized these characteristics because they where a part of his own personal character. Thus demonstrating his own integrity and virtue. Verse 14, however, is the best evidence so far of his personal discipline. Now his faith was being taxed by his own sons. That he was able to harness spiritual power to chastise them is proof of his worthiness, proof of his integrity, proof that God trusted him enough to know that Lehi would not break out in a fit of rage and abuse his position as a father and spiritual leader to his sons. The juxtaposition (or contrast) of this verse where Lehi exerts such spiritual power to the next verse is beautifully simple. This is a reminder that in all things, Lehi was willing to submit himself to the will of the Lord, even to the point of living in a tent. N...

These first verses Nephi endeavors to establish his credentials that qualify him to make the record that he is about to make. Good upbringing under his parents' mentorship Experienced in many afflictions Highly favored (or blessed) of the Lord Possessing a knowledge of the mysteries of God I'm looking at this from another perspective this evening though. Instead of listing his credentials, I feel that this is a recognition of his blessings, a thankful acknowledgment at the front this record which sets the tone and position of the author of this text -- gratefully humble and divinely inspired. Doctrine & Covenants 78:19 expresses well the principle that Nephi embodies here at the beginning of this book. "And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more." Gratitude is a precursor to receiving blessings. Where then does obedience fit in to this equation?

This is one of the few books in the Book of Mormon that features an introduction by the author of the text. Curious enough, he focuses exclusively on an overview of the historical events of this first book. It really only constitutes half the record and is arguably the lesser part of the account. Though these personal life lessons that Nephi highlights in his account are extremely beneficial to the entire record, so I won't discount them.