A Study of the Book of Mormon

Mosiah 27:18-31 An interesting exercise in these verses is take the phrase "power of God" and substitute it with the word "priesthood." Not so much to change the meaning of the passage, but to give further understanding to the nature of the priesthood. I keep doing it, almost compulsively. Presently, I am left to consider how "nothing save the power of God that could... cause it to tremble." ( verse 18 ) That thought that keeps impressing me is that the priesthood has the power to do this. Then there is the question of signs and how it is an "adulterous generation" ( Matt. 12:39 ) that seeks after signs. If we are not to seek after signs and miracles, then what part do these things play in the work of the Lord? That the priesthood has power over earthly elements has been illustrated time and time again in the scriptures, especially in the Old Testament. Their purpose is not to give signs to the wicked but rather to facilitate the work of the righ...

Jacob 4:1-6 I am reminded as I read through Jacob's account of their spiritual powers and blessings that they enjoyed in during his ministry though their access to the holy scriptures was severely limited because of their circumstances-- much more so than what we enjoy today. The reality of an over-abundance of access to spiritual light in our lives today really makes it seem strange that faith is yet still so hard to come by. Perhaps this is brought to my mind as a result of viewing a recent documentary that discussed the miracle of the modern day scriptures and how so many people have access to the Bible and all scripture, which in the history of the world has never been any other civilization's privilege to enjoy. So it makes it even more impressive that given his people's limited access to holy writ, Jacob says in verse 6 that they searched the prophets and did themselves enjoy many revelations and the spirit of prophecy. Their witness of Christ that they had obtained ...

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.

Mormon 9 Vs. 6 - Cry for mercy and forgiveness. Here is a good description of a penitent soul: spotless, fair, and white. Vs. 7 - And to those that deny the gift of the Spirit: Knoweth not the gospel of Christ. He has not read the Scriptures (Even worse) If he has, he does not understand them.  God  does not change, never.  If God did change, He would not be a God of Miracles.  -Moroni then briefly describes the plan of God and then asks: "Has all this come to passs?" (The judgment obviously hasn't.) Vs. 22 - Another scripture about the role of the three disciples who should tarry. -Their commandment and commission is to preach the word of God/the Gospel unto every creature. It is a requirement of boldness. Vs. 23 - The importance of baptism; the requirement of belief for salvation.  Though the chapter is hard for me to understand (maybe because it is just that simple), this one thing I caught: that God doesn't work miracles among the children of men because...

Mormon 8 Starting in vs. 21 . As I got to this point and continued on through this chapter, I am impressed by the absoluteness of how things are, namely the ways of the Lord. What the Lord does is eternal. His work is eternal, and it shall be accomplished. Moroni understood this clearly. This was a knowledge and not only a hope. Vs. 23 - Moroni reinstates the commandment given by the Christ when he visited the Nephites. They both seem to want to tell us more by giving us this lead. Vs. 26 - The Book of Mormon shall come forth as a great miracle in a day when it will be said that miracles have ceased. Vs. 26-32 - Signs of the times that will be when the Book of Mormon will come forth. Shall be said that miracles are done away with Blood of the saints will cry unto their God, because of the works of darkness. Power of God shall be denied. Chuches become defiled and filled with pride. Leaders or churches will envy their followers. It shall be heard of fires, tempests, and vapors of smo...