A Study of the Book of Mormon

Alma 33:1-2 I appreciate this chapter in the Book of Mormon. Alma is a master teacher and the way that he sets the stage in chapter 32 for what happens here in chapter 33 impresses me. This chapter is also fun (to me) because Alma pulls two prophetic references of which there is no record found anywhere else in our modern verse of the scriptures which so perfectly address their present circumstances. (This reminds me of missionaries I knew when I served many years ago who could do the same thing.) The question is put to Alma at the beginning of this chapter of whether they should believe in one God or how the people should begin to exercise their faith. Alma then sets the stage in verse 2 to use the scriptures to support his teaching. ...Behold, ye have said that ye could not worship your God because ye are cast out of your synagogues. But behold, I say unto you, if ye suppose that ye cannot worship God, ye do greatly err, and ye ought to search the scriptures ; if ye suppose...

Mosiah 1 The value of education, as being requisite to exercising faith in Christ, is reinforced in these opening verses. Typically, in the eyes of the world, those with education are regarded as less spiritually inclined. However, one of the unique characteristics of the Church of Jesus Christ is that this is just the opposite, the more educated the more inclined the individual is to be spiritual. The first half of this chapter discusses Benjamin's efforts to educate his three sons. The second half deals with the transfer of the kingdom to his oldest son, Mosiah.  In both settings, Benjamin puts greatest emphasis in the simple principles of faithfulness and obedience. This explains how this leader was able to obtain peace in his lifetime, for he knew 1) from what he had studied in the scriptures of civilizations past and 2) his own experience in a leadership capacity that those who kept the commandments of God should prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord h...

The Words of Mormon This morning I find myself thinking about the gentle Lord, Christ Jesus, and even as I read these words of commentary by the prophet historian Mormon, I find that his primary motivation for the decisions that he made as he was compiling this collection of records was whether or not the accounts would increase faith in Christ. And so he explains that while creating an abridged account of the plates of Nephi (this was from the record of the kings, containing a full account of the history of his people), that he had discovered a record containing prophecies concerning the coming of Christ from Nephi and other prophets. It ended with the Amaleki's account of King Benjamin. In verse 5 , Mormon states that he will finish making his abridgment from the plates of Nephi (the record of the kings). Mormon's singular motivation is conveyed in verse 8 : And my prayer to God is concerning my brethren, that they may once again come to the knowledge of God, yea, the rede...

Omni 1:1-13 It impresses me the sense of obligation, and honor that these men felt towards the instruction given them from their fathers, at least in this regard. Perhaps this is evidence of the Lord's preserving hand upon this record. The record goes from Omni (son of Jarom) to his son, Amaron. Amaron points out that the word of the Lord had been verified in the destruction of the more wicked part of the Nephites, while the righteous had been preserved.  Then Amaron give the record to his brother, Chemish. Chemish's only contribution is to point out that Amaron made his record on the day that he gave the records  to Chemish. Abinadom, the son of Chemish, following his fathers, makes only a few remarks, one being evident of the spiritual decay that had transpired: "I know of no revelation save that which has been written, neither prophecy;"( verse 11 ). But then Abindom's son, Amaleki, tells of quite a different change of events when he begins by saying that their...

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 ...

2 Nephi 32 In plain terms, Nephi now explains the "now what?" part of discipleship. There is no law of Moses, no rules and regulations, no measured or calculated formula for success. Instead, Nephi says this: Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye shall do.  ...And receive the Holy Ghost, it will show you all things what ye shall do.  In other words, go to God himself for your instruction. Develop with Him a relationship of friendship and trust. He will lead us safely home, if we listen to His voice ( see "Let the Holy Spirit Guide", hymn no. 143 ).

2 Nephi 29 This is a particularly curious chapter that was given directly as a revelation of the Lord to Nephi in very strong an clear terms. It deals with the general rejection of the Book of Mormon as scripture in our time. Upon understanding the scope of the Lord's work, that it has extended and will continue unto all nations of the earth, the argument for additional scriptures becomes much more plausible. A broader view, and the possibility that Christianity was preached elsewhere besides Judea in antiquity, lead to the natural conclusion that there must have been records kept elsewhere. Verses 12 and 13 are of particularly curious note in that they state that there are yet other records which have been kept by nations other than the Jews and the Nephites that we have not yet received, but will at some future date and time.

2 Nephi 25:1-8 The thought impresses me that this chapter serves as plain-spoken guide to understanding the previous chapters of scripture written by Isaiah. Perhaps even as a starting point to understanding the prophecies of Isaiah, one would do good to review this chapter first. It is given by prophecy, so as to make its explanations more effective than any other sources. The writings of Isaiah are notorious for being hard to understand. Difficulty in understanding the scriptures is addressed in these verse. Nephi's people had a hard timing understanding the words of Isaiah. Nephi attributes this to their not being exposed to the ways of the Jews. Yet he explains that he has included these writings that we "may know the judgments of God, that they come upon all nations, according to the word which he hath spoken," ( vs. 3 ). Nephi also observes that those who are filled with a spirit of prophecy are able to understand the writing of Isaiah. (see vs. 4 ) Later, he adds ...

One of the readers of this blog has inquired of me how I approach my scripture studies. I offered the following as a response. -------------------------------- This is what works for me. Let me emphasize the "for me" part. Right now, I do all my studying online, using the online version of the scriptures. I take at least a half hour every day. I alternate days between English and Spanish (my mission language). Then I'll take notes once I've felt that I've learned what the Lord would show me for the day, some times it takes more than one day (this is why I don't have any entry for every day). I have a tendency to jump to conclusions, but as I open and close every study with prayer, I do well to try to keep myself like a blank slate ready for the Lord to write on it. There is a rare occasion where I'll completely deviate from the sequential order of study, because I feel that's where I should be for the day. Elder Maxwell once said that faith has a short...

2 Nephi 3:12-16 In verse 12, the Bible and the Book of Mormon are described as growing together into one unifying voice. Its purposes are to confound false doctrines and stop contentions, establish peace among the descendants of Jospeh, and allow them to know of their ancestry and the Lord's covenants with them. Not directly related with today's passage of scripture, but it has been weighing on my mind the significance of sobriety. There seems to be a strong connection between soberness and conviction and righteousness. Twice in this passage of scriptures, Joseph of Egypt is quoted as saying in effect, "I am sure of this thing," (see vs 14, 16). This chapter is replete with prophecy in certain terms of the conditions of salvation that will be extended to the descendants of Joseph in the latter-days. This type of conviction is the result of a sober countenance. This is a weakness of mine. It is hard not to become overly excited when a blessing is received from God. On...

Footnote B for 1 Nephi 19:5 Nephi, in this verse, is explaining that this record (remember his comparing the two sets of plates that the Lord had commanded him to make) was kept so that his people would have a knowledge of the sacred. I've followed the footnote that leads to a discussion on how the Lord has preserved the scriptures over time. Here are some references from that list: Doctrine and Covenants 3:19 - These verses have particular reference to the promises extended to the children of Lehi through the preservation of the Book of Mormon. 3 Nephi 16:4 - Here the Savior commands the Nephites to make account of His visit and teachings to them that the remnant of the house of Israel may be brought to a knowledge of their Redeemer.

1 Nephi 19:1-5 The last verse in chapter 18 tells us how Nephi had found ore in the land. In verse 1 of this chapter, Nephi explains that he made records with the ore that he had found. This gives me pause to think that precious ores have other much more significant purposes than for the vain gratification of man. Nephi again addresses the two sets of records that were made. The first record being a much more comprehensive history of his people, including a geneology of Lehi's ancestors, many of Lehi's prophecies, more thorough accounts of their time in the wilderness and records of there wars and destructions. Nephi kept this record by way of commandment from God. In the second commandment from God to create another record, the mysteries of God are more fully understood. In this record, Nephi is commanded to make more particular mention of this prophecies and ministry (or his teachings). And what a dynamic ministry it has been up until this point! It is interesting that in th...

1 Nephi 15:20-25 In verse 20 , Nephi says that he rehearsed the words of Isaiah to his brothers. He used Isaiah (scripture) to reinforce what he had already explained to them. This was wise because it validated his words and his father's words. What followed, after Nephi's brothers clearly saw that Nephi understood the things that their father had said, is a question and answer session. In the midst of this, Nephi yet takes opportunity to teach his brothers. Verses 24 and 25 are extremely important. Nephi is using several absolutes in these verses. Those who hearken to the word of God will never perish. In explaining the importance of the word of God, Nephi exhorts them with all the energy of his soul to give heed to the word of God and keep the commandments of God in all things. This complete effort, extending himself as far as he possibly could go is what compels me. What Nephi is saying is important and how he is saying it is important.

1 Nephi 13:20-28 The title has reference to the Holy Bible. In Nephi's time, it wouldn't have been know as the Holy Bible, however. The angel points out to Nephi that this record is similar to the record that he has upon the Plates of Brass. He also describes it as a record of the Jews containing the covenants of the Lord to the house of Israel and the prophecies of the holy prophets. It also contained at one point the fullness of the the Gospel of the Lamb. These verses of scripture are where Latter-day Saints gain our understanding that from its original version, there have been malicious revisions to the sacred text by those with dark motives. (This is offensive to some, that we believe the Holy Bible to have been modified from its original state.) Much of the Gospel of Christ was rewritten, or mystified. Many of the covenants were removed ( see vs. 26 ). However, there is no mention of prophecies being altered. Indeed, this makes sense that the prophecies would be left alo...

Today I am following the footnotes under "Pondering", which actually are a listing a scriptures under the heading of " Meditation " in the Topical Guide. Joshua 1:8 is a jewel in that it has a promise attached to the principle. Here the Lord gives Joshua a commandment to meditate on the scriptures day and night that our actions may be in conformance with what is written. Then the promise is this: "for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Prosperity and success are the promises (and I rather suspect that it is in matters of eternal weight and importance). Doctrine and Covenants 84:85 addresses meditation as treasuring in my mind the words of life. This is the value of the Word of God, that it merits my attention as a treasure.

1 Nephi 8 The journey is the same for everyone, though we each come into the world in vastly different circumstances, every man must, when brought up to the wall of faith decide to scale it or walk away from it. When Lehi found himself lost in that dark and dreary waste, he called upon the Lord, because (I think I've already made note of this) Lehi was familiar with "the multitude of his tender mercies"( vs. 8 ). This is the same thing that Alma conveys when he quotes the prophet Zenos, "And thou didst hear me... and it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me... for thou hast turned thy judgments away from me, because of thy Son." ( Alma 33:11 ) How did the Lord mercifully respond to Lehi? He is immediately brought to taste of the fruit of the tree, which "filled [his] soul with exceedingly great joy"( vs 12 ). Lehi saw many others in similar straits, that caught a glimpse of where they were going and held fast to the rod of iro...

1 Nephi 5:10-22 Lehi, upon obtaining the Plates of Brass, searched them to gain a greater appreciation for what was contained therein. The record had the following information: The five books of Moses, presumably the same as we have in the Old Testament. An account of the creation and also Adam and Eve. A history of the Jews from the beginning up until the reign of Zedekiah. Prophecies of the holy prophets from the beginning (presumably Adam) down to the present time, including many of the word of Jeremiah (Lehi's contemporary). A genealogy of Lehi's paternal line which linked him directly to Joseph of Egypt. This last point is interesting, for it seems that he was not fully aware of this connection until he read these plates. Nephi states, "And thus my father, Lehi, did discover the genealogy of his fathers."(vs. 16) For Lehi and Nephi, this then becomes more than the sacred texts that are to preserver their posterity, it is a record and a reminder of their ancestr...