A Study of the Book of Mormon

Alma 21:18-23 Now there is a curious thing that transpires in these verses. In returning to the affairs of his own kingdom, Lamoni subsequently establishes the rule of a free people through his land. It is an interesting sequence of events: The king Lamoni and his household is converted to the gospel of Christ. (chapters 18-19) Ammon and Lamoni are confronted by Lamoni's father, king over all the land, which results in Lamoni obtaining full freedom and autonomy to govern over his own kingdom as he pleased. (chapter 20) Lamoni subsequently (in these verses) returns to his own land, and declares freedom for all in his kingdom.  In considering this freedom, a footnote has brought me over to Doctrine and Covenants 134:1-4 , which reads in part: We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience , the right and control of property , and the protection of life ... We believe th...

Mosiah 22:10-16 I was just reviewing the tags I had placed on the last post. I find it extremely intriguing that we can talk about integrity of character, service, and strategy all in the same breath. There are many stories along these lines then that have not yet been explored. Again a couple of interesting points of observation in these simple passages. Once the people of Limhi set out on their course, the scriptures say "they pursued their journey." ( vs. 12 ) Though they were many days on this exodus from the land that they had labored diligently to establish, they pushed forward fixed on the course of their freedom.  Upon arrival in the land of Zarahemla, the people of Limhi became subjects to King Mosiah. ( vs. 13 ) This is particularly notable because Limhi's role and position as monarch of his people is dissolved. Truly, Limhi's great concern was for his people, not for his power.

Mosiah 4:24-30 In these verse, King Benjamin has a few more words to say in regards to caring for the poor. These words however are curious in that he is addressing those who are poor (in material goods) and how they ought to approach charitable giving. He concludes that group of verses by say that "all things should be done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man run faster than he has strength." He goes on to say that diligence is required, concluding that "all things must be done in order." ( verse 27 ) At the end of the chapter, King Benjamin makes an impassioned plea to avoid sin in all its forms. The responsibility is ultimately individual. "Watch yourselves." The footnote leads to Deuteronomy 4:9(6-9) , wherein Moses is reminding the children of Israel the distinct advantage that they have over all other nations. He asks them, "For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all thin...

Enos 1:9-21 Enos's subsequent comment in verse 9 is evidence of his repentance being complete. Afterward, he felt a desire toward his brethren to receive of the same blessing. Christ taught Peter, "And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." ( Luke 22:32 ) What strikes me as interesting is that I never had considered that "natural" fruit of repentance and conversion to be a desire to share it with others. This must have been then what Elder Ballard meant back in 2006 when he said: Our love for the Lord and appreciation for the Restoration of the gospel are all the motivation we need to share what gives us much joy and happiness. It is the most natural thing in the world for us to do, and yet far too many of us are hesitant to share our testimonies with others. ( "Creating a Gospel Sharing Home," Elder M. Russell Ballard, General Conference, April 2006, emphasis added) Enos had learned the power and effectiveness of prayer in being able...

Jacob 1 Jacob paints an interesting picture of the state of the Chruch of Christ in his day, some 540 years before the coming of the Messiah. In verse 5 , Jacob observes that because of great faith and much anxiety for the welfare of their own people, they had been shown what would come of their own people. Christ does that for those who sincerely desire to know of and seek after the welfare of their fellowmen. Then in verse 6 , Jacob makes an even more interesting observation: "And we also had many revelations and the spirit of much prophecy; wherefore, we knew of Christ and his kingdom, which should come." I feel that as I read these verses that, because of their diligence and faith, they were lacking in nothing in regards to the spiritual knowledge required to establish the kingdom of God among their own people. This strikes me as being very important for the very fact that time and location are irrelevant in regards to establishing the kingdom of God among a people. Under...

2 Nephi 26:1-13 After going to considerable lengths to explain why it is that they observe the law of Moses, even though they regarded it as a "dead law," Nephi begins this chapter with a prophecy of a future law which Christ himself will bring: "and the words which he shall speak unto you shall be the law which ye shall do." ( vs. 1 ) There must be an opposition in all things. The verses that follow this introduction at the beginning of the chapter delve into the fate of the wicked at the time of Christ's coming. Then in verse 8 , Nephi returns briefly to those that will "look forward unto Christ with steadfastness." There are promises given to those that will believe in Him: He shall appear unto them, He shall heal them, and they shall have peace with Him. (The Spirit testifies to me that such are the blessings extended to all those who diligently look to Christ the Lord for their deliverance.) Verses 10 and 11 are explanation of what happens when ...

1 Nephi 3:9-27 Nephi's response to his brothers upon Laman's failure to obtain the Brass Plates demonstrates an understanding of the purpose of their mission, even if he didn't know how he was to accomplish it. He is echoing his conviction, clearly stated at the front of the chapter ("I will go and do...[for]the Lord giveth no commandment... save he shall prepare a way"). Now in the heat of the moment when they were about turn back, his simple reminder ("...we will not go... until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us.") gives them the strength to continue on their original course of action. (see 1 Nephi 3:7, 15 ) Nephi was also wise to have a plan of action to support his determination to keep the Lord's commandments. Surely he was not trying to obtain marks in persuasive speaking techniques, but his matter-of-fact stance in reminding them why they were about this particular errand demonstrates Nephi's perspective of th...

Ether 1 Vs. 34 - We learn that Jared's brother was highly favored of the Lord, so he would pray unto the Lord and his prayers were answered. How was he able to do that? Was it a big secret? No, Jared's brother was righteous. He was diligent in prayer. Vs. 43 - The Lord says that He blessed the seed of the Brother of Jared because of his continual, long faithfulness in prayer.