A Study of the Book of Mormon

Alma 37:33-37 I love how in five verses Alma preaches the Gospel of Christ and the Plan of Salvation to his son, Helaman. I also love the connection between obedience to commandments and personal revelation through prayer.  Then at the end is the assurance that "if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day." Verses 36 and 37 are were my heart has stayed this morning. It is a reminder at a time when I am really struggling with this very pattern, but I also know that there is no other way. So with a new day, my soul is a little more humble and calm, and I move forward, trusting that He will not lead me astray. --- So it's been a few morning since I started this study. This is the second morning now that I've come to the topic of Israel, its gathering and other related scriptures. This morning, however, the Lord wanted me to know specifically that the Gathering of Israel was long and abundantly prophesied of among the ancient prophets, especially ...

Mosiah 17:5-20 See also Jeremiah 26 (vs. 11)  These verses have helped me to recall the mission of prophets in the plan of God. The chapter from Jeremiah is particularly useful in this regard. In the March 2012 Ensign, the First Presidency message also focuses on the topic of prophets. To fully appreciate what is given to us in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one must comprehend what the purpose and mission of a prophet is. Here is an individual who has found the way back to God, whom God then in turn uses to direct and point others in the direction that they should go.The reason for prophets is because God is a loving Heavenly Father, who has provided as many ways as he could to show us how to return home to Him without destroying this perfect test of faith. Prophets are yet another evidence of a loving, caring Heavenly Father. Abinadi knew that he needed to what he had spoken was true and that he could not deny his words. He knew that even with the fate of dea...

2 Nephi 33 Persuasive concluding arguments-- these final words of Nephi's are an irrefutable testimony of truth, and the reality of things as they really are ( see Jacob 4:13 ). I am reminded of the universality of the doctrine as I review Nephi's remarks. Verses 7 and 12 both express Nephi's hope that he expects to see many if not all saved in the kingdom of God. This reminds me of the dialog between Joseph Smith, Sr. and his son, Joseph Smith, Jr. from the video about the First Vision.  The father, who is depicted as being aloof from the churches of their day, says to his son, "I don't expect God intends to save just a few of his children." This seems like such an important part of our doctrine, yet I can't find a word that describes it succinctly. Equality, maybe. But it's more than just the thought that all men are created equal. It's the reality that salvation is obtainable for all. The plan is setup so that we can expect salvation by being ...

2 Nephi 10:17-25 (I am still basking in the light of a glorious day of conference sessions. Here we are, the people of God ready to take action in a worldwide organization. There is no gathering like this anywhere on the earth. ) As I read through the final part of this chapter, I can't help but think of how optimistic and hopeful Jacob sounds as he concludes these remarks. This is a true mark of a Christian prophet. Jacob tells how the Gentiles will be raised up as a mighty people upon the land of promise, and that they will afflict their seed. Ultimately, however, they shall be the means of bringing the Gospel to their posterity. The outcome is optimistic. ( see vs. 17-18 ) Jacob tells about how they have been taken out of Jerusalem and the land of their inheretance. However, the Lord's will was done in this thing and as a result they had received an even greater land of promise. Additionally, Jacob references scriptural promises made to those that are found upon the isles o...

2 Nephi 3:17-25 The crux of the covenants that were made to Joseph and his fathers was that their posterity would have the opportunity in exercise faith in Christ unto repentance. That seems trivial in one sense. But the reality is that these are the terms of salvation, and after one has secured these promises for one's self, the next greatest thing unto it is the salvation of one's family. And salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ unto repentance, that we may become like He is, through Him, and because of Him. Then will our praise of Him be so much more, because we will appear as He does now appear. Yet we will still bow in humble adoration of our God, our Redeemer, our All.

2 Nephi 2: 14-25 I had at first thought to entitle this entry: Creation and the Fall, but then I kept going. Lehi's purpose in offering this brief review of these two hallmarks of the Plan of Salvation is that it leads to a discussion on repentance and ultimately, joy. It is valid to remember that in a state of innocence there is neither misery nor joy--for the one cannot exist without the other. The more salient point is that God want us to in our physical bodies to experience a fullness of joy. Or in so many words, it is better to experience joy, though the process to get there may be painful, than to remain in innocence and utterly devoid of experience.