A Study of the Book of Mormon

Alma 37:38-47 In these verses we learn that the Lord has the capacity to create instruments of curious workmanship beyond what men could create. With our modern technology, this seems hard to fathom. However, to create an instrument that works according to their faith in God, this, indeed, no man could do regardless of how intricate or detail it may become. I feel a slight rebuke in subsequent verses. Footnote on "shadow" has me considering Hebrews 8:5 and Mosiah 3:15 "...the words of Christ, if we follow their course, [shall] lead us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise." ( vs.46 ) ---- I've been in this particular set of scripture too long now. I will note though at the end of this study, that feeling that I have from these admonitions of Alma are along the lines of watch always, don't lose sight of the little things, don't give up, "look to God and live." The way is easy, but that doesn't give us licen...

Alma 7:22-27 This is a powerful conclusion to a discourse given to a righteous people. In verse 22 , Alma expresses his desire for the people is that "ye may walk blameless before him, that ye may walk after the holy order of God, after which ye have been received." This is a fascinating observation and desire, that one may walk blameless before God. With such desires, we see that we are not set up to fail, but to succeed. Verses 23 and 24 contain the outline of discipleship: Humility Submissiveness Gentle Easily entreated Patient Long-suffering Temperate  Diligent in obedience to God's commandments Praying for all needs both temporal and spiritual Always giving thanks Faith Hope Charity Each of these topics is worthy of extended personal study, so that I might better understand and cultivate these principles in my life. The final three verses of this chapter seem to be about as close to "happily ever after" as you might find in the scriptures. Alma is hopeful...

Mosiah 13:27-35 This is to me a very striking revelation, and leaves me appreciating the purpose for the law of Moses: to keep the people in remembrance of their God and their duty towards Him. So striking to me is this at this moment in time where I'm considering Priesthood duties and responsibilities, that it almost causes me to wonder why it was ever taken away. The remembrance of our God and our duties towards Him are of paramount importance in matters of salvation and enduring to the end. However, without a knowledge and proper understanding of the atonement of Christ, these reminders and the whole law has no significance. Moses understood this though when he gave the law. For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things? ( vs. 33 )   Now perhaps I've come across as...