2Ne Ch4

This is the chapter that Lehi actually dies :/ so he blesses his children. We also read the Psalms of Nephi where he praises The Lord for his goodness forever. 

First Nephi speaks about the prophecies of Joseph from Egypt that Lehi has just told Joseph, his son. Nephi just briefly reiterates that the prophesies were true and about himself and the future generations (latter days), and they are on the plates of brass (v1-2). Then Lehi gathers family's in his party to speak to them: Laman's (v3-7), Lemual's (v8-9), sons is Ismael (v10), and Sam's (v11). In his blessing to Laman's and Lemual's families, they are promised that The Lord will be merciful unto them in the end. We don't know what he spoke to the sons of Ishmael for some reason, but Sam is blessed to be numbered with Nephi and inherit the land. Then he does and is buried (v12).

Not many days pass before Laman, Lemual, and the sons of Ismael began to be angry with Nephi (v13). Now that Lehi, father and prophet, is dead, it is obvious who will be the next prophet because of his great faith that has been shown through this whole story. Nephi was constrained, as the new prophet, to speak to everyone just like his father, but his brothers barely tolerated that from Lehi and is more intolerant when Nephi speaks to them (v14).

The Psalms of Nephi are in v15-35 and contain what Nephi feels in his soul. His delight in the scriptures and in all things of The Lord, he sorrows because of his own temptations but trusts in The Lord (v15-19). The Lord supported him and filled him with love by confounding his enemies and answering his prays through visions to have a knowledge of the world (v20-25). There are some deep questions to be answered in v26-27, not just for Nephi but for anyone who has been blessed by The Lord to know of his truth. So do as Nephi says and awake! Rejoice and give no place to satan in your heart but cry unto The Lord in praise forever and rejoice in your salvation (v28-30).

I am reminded of the analogy of a frog in boiling water, when placed in boiling water it will jump out. To boil the frog you must gradually add heat to normal water so it doesn't notice. Nephi says "wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?" (v31), I would pray for that as well because of the sin that is all around me in the world today. I want to be desensitized to sin and cringe away from it when I see it. I want to be clean.

Nephi then pleads with The Lord to not shut the gates of righteousness to him because he will trust in Him forever (v32-34). Well all should ask to have our path clear of stumbling blocks while our enemy has many because it will lead us to our Father in heaven. "God will give liberally to him that asketh" so ask in faith and the everlasting God will grant thee what is righteous (v35).

2Ne Ch3

This chapter contains the words Lehi spoke to Joseph while on his 'death bed' and imparting wisdom to his children. He tells Joseph about others who have had his name and of a future Joseph who is important who will bring to the latter days the Book of Mormon.

First, Lehi says that Joseph can also inherit this land of promise if he is righteous (v1-2). Then he is told about his ancestor Joseph who was captive in Egypt but was blessed by The Lord and convenanted with (3-4). In his covenant, he was promised seed that is part of a righteous branch (Lehi's family) that will be remembered by The Lord and visited by the Messiah in the latter days (v5). The Lord showed Joseph of Egypt a seer of the latter days who will do a work of great worth for the decendents of Joseph of Egypt (v6-8). This seer will be raised up like Moses was to have power to bring forth the words of The Lord (v9-11). There will be two accounts, one from the decendents of Judah, and one from the decendents of Joseph that will be used to confound false doctrine and bring knowledge of The Lord's covenants to the people (v12). That seer will be made strong out of his weakness and those who seek to destroy him will be confounded (v13-14). In v15, we find out that the seer is named after the same name as his father and Joseph or Egypt (AKA Joseph Smith Jr.).

The Lord brings the words that are written to the latter days through Joseph Smith (v18). Although there shall be many generations that do not have the words found in the scriptures (the great apostasy) The Lord has provided a way from them to be known again because of the faith that was shown while they were written (v19-21). It is the weakness of the world that is made strong because of the covenants The Lord has made with our fathers (v21).

Lehi is now explaining to his son how the prophesies apply to him because he is a decendent, but he is still young and needs to harken unto his brother Nephi (v22-25). 

2Ne Ch2

Ah! Ok I love this chapter! It is so very important when trying to understand agency and the atonement! The context is of this chapter is Lehi talking to his son Jacob who was born in the wilderness.

Jacob has suffered afflictions and sorrow because of the rudeness of his brothers, nevertheless he knows God and His greatness (v1-2). Because of his righteousness, Jacob will be as his brother Nephi, that is serving The Lord (v3). Jacob has "beheld in thy youth His glory," and accepted it (v4). In v5, Lehi speaks of the temporal and spiritual law that is given unto men that prevents us from returning to Heavenly Father and makes us miserable (setting up for talking about the atonement). Redemption is spoken of slightly in v6-7, then the importance of sharing this knowledge with all the inhabitants of earth in v8. 

Because Christ made an intercession for all the children of men, we are judged of Him at the last day (v9-10). Read the second half of v10 very carefully and you'll see that there is an absolute need for the atonement in order to be happy. 

If you've ever heard of the three pillars of eternity you know that they are: the creation, the fall, and the atonement. 

 Here is a visual if you've never seen it.

I find it somewhat more accurate to display something like this

But still it's not the exact same because after the atonement we can be made better than during the creation, so imagine this

A little sloppy but they are my scriptures and I'm ok with that.

So now we can talk about each pillar. The creation is spoken about in v11-16 and explains the need for opposition in all things as well as proving the existence of God because this life has purpose. An important aspect of creating all things is the agency we have because there are "both things to act and things to be acted upon," we are the things to act and choose what we do each day (v14-16). The fall is described in v17-25 first talking of the fall of "an angel of God" (lucifer) to set up how miserable it is to be fallen. This fallen angel also wanted others to fall and told Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden which cause mankind to fall from the presence of God. Obviously Heavenly Father didn't like that so he allowed a prolonged probationary state for men to repent. Being now knowledgeable about good and evil, Adam and Eve were commanded to have children to give everyone a chance to live and be tested. If they had not partaken of that forbidden fruit they never would have known that and nothing would have changed. We wouldn't be here because there would be nothing changed. But "all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things" (aka God), he allowed the fall so we could know happiness.

The atonement is finally talked about in v26-29, although it's been talked about before too. This is the final overall statement of the atonement where it says the Messiah will come in the fullness of times and redeem men from the fall but men still have to choose that liberty. If we don't choose liberty, satan has power to make us miserable in captivity.

Lehi's last words in this chapter is to say 'I'm dying but telling you this good stuff for the "everlasting welfare of your souls" because it has been spoken by the prophets' (v30) or at least that's how I interpret it. Good stuff! Next we'll hear what he says to his last-born son in the wilderness, Joseph. It's a good history of the name sake he has and also a peak into the future (our past).

2Ne Ch1

Starting 2nd Nephi! The intro to the chapter gives a little background on what we will be reading. First thing that happens in ch1 is the Lehi's prophesying and preaching to his sons.

So after all of Nephi's testifying to his brothers, his father steps in to teach (v1). He spoke of their past transgressions, the land of promise, his visions, and The Lord and his mercies (v2-5). The promised land was convenanted to Lehi forever and any who come to this land come by the hand of God (v5-6). Anyone that The Lord brings to the promised land will be free as long as they are righteous (v7). For a long time, the promised land was kept from the knowledge of other nations because it would have been overrun (v8). But as long as the people who possess the land are righteous The Lord will not allow other nations to take away the land unless, of course, they become wicked and stupid (v9-11).

Lehi expresses warnings, feelings of gratefulness, and sorrow; most about the actions of his sons and some about The Lord love (v12-18). He goes into great detail to warn his sons about their future and the path they are headed down by referencing their past actions toward Nephi (v19-29). They have been wicked and Lehi urges them to follow Nephi's path and I notice Lehi talking Nephi up a little to his brothers, Laman and Lemual, and the sons of Ishmael (v25-26).

In v30-32, Lehi speaks to Zoram, Laban's former servant from Jerusalem. He is a true friend to Nephi and faithful to The Lord, therefore he is told his seed will be blessed if they stay righteous. He is considered part of Lehi's seed and included in the covenant of the promised land.

1Ne Ch22

Well I just love Nephi's brothers! (And Nephi of course) his brothers are brave enough to come to him and ask about the words of Isaiah because they don't understand them. I would of had to ask as well and I'm so glad they did because Nephi explains it to them and now I get to know! This chapter consists of Nephi's answers to the questions and explaination to the last two chapters where he read from Isaiah.

The questions that are asked are in v1, basically asking what the interpretation of the passage of Isaiah means and if it is only according to the spirit and not the flesh. Nephi begins his explanation by saying the passage is known by the Spirit but it pertains to both temporal and spiritual things (v2-3). He likens the scriptures and explains that some of the phrophesies have already been fulfilled because "there are many who are already lost from the knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem" (v4-5). The Gentiles will be set up as a standard and nurse the scattered tribes (v6). 

A "mighty nation" (USA) shall be raised and help The Lord in proceeding to spread his "marvelous work" (the restoration of the true gospel) that is of great worth to the Gentiles, Nephi's seed, and the house of Israel (v7-9). I don't know what "bare his arm in the eyes of all nations" means exactly but I know it's about spreading the gospel and doing The Lord's work (v10-11). By doing The Lord's work, we help him to gather Israel and free them from their captivity by letting them know that The Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer (v12).

The Lord will cause the great and abominable church to war against itself and "all that fight agains Zion shall be destroyed" (v13-14). I look forward to the day when "satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men" because The Lord will come and smite the wicked (I strive to not be counted with the wicked), and preserve the righteous (v15-17). 

Sometimes I think he is referencing when Christ first came to Earth because the prophets say the time soon cometh for all this but the footnotes reference the millennium when Christ comes again (v18-20). All those churches of the devil will be destroyed, the righteous shall be led up, Christ will reign in glory, and His children will be gathered during this time (v23-25). Also satan will have no power because we dwell and bask in righteousness at that day (v26).

Nephi then says this will happen temporally but he can't tell us anymore than that, he was shown more I suppose (v27-29). But what we do know we can study from the scriptures and teach others because it testifies of Christ and we can all preach it (v30-31).

1Ne Ch21

This is a continuation of Nephi quoting Isaiah from ch49

Nephi is telling his broken off branch to harken and listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah (v1). Isaiah is saying he has been preordained to preach to the peopl but it has been in vain because they are wicked (v2-4). Reading Nephi's version of v5 we see the - part that indicates what The Lord says, "though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of The Lord, and my God shall be my strength." The Lord is also quoted in v6-11 in a comforting way that encourages people to not despair.

Isaiah is happy about the words of The Lord and 'sings' (v12-13). Unfortunately, Zion (representing the people) believes The Lord has forgotten them (v14) but Isaiah proves he has not by basically telling them to wake up and pay attention (v14-17). More quoting what The Lord has told us begins in v18. I don't fully understand what Isaiah talks about in the rest of the chapter so here is some opportunity for anyone who reads this to help...

There is talk of children who has lost the first (v20), parents who have lost their children (v21), and The Lord setting up a standard (v22). This all leads up to, "kings shall be they nursing fathers and their queens thy nursing mothers" (v23). Then in conclusion it speaks of The Lord freeing the people from captivity. So ultimately, I understand the message to be 'God will save his people,' but that's probably only because I've heard that other places. V26 is a little graphic but it does imply that those he is talking to will be made free from those that oppress them. Looking back and using what I've learned before here The Lord is saying he will free Israel.

Hope that's not all too confusing :)

1Ne Ch20

If you look right above ch20 to the previous two lines in v24 in ch19, "after this manner has the prophet written." So this chapter is the words of Isaiah that Nephi is quoting because he is likening "all scripture unto us" (ch19v23).

Something I learned for a wonderful institute teacher (shout out to Sis McMullin), is to use the actual writings in Isaiah when reading when Nephi quotes. The footnotes used in the bible are sometimes more helpful! But Nephi is also helpful when he likens these scriptures as well. If you take time to look at each verse from this chapter compared to the verses in Isaiah it is so fascinating!

Notice that this is The Lord revealing his purposes to Israel, He is the one talking to us here. The content of the chapter starts with addressing those people who have been baptized but don't do all in truth and righteousness (v1-2). In v3 the "former thing" is the omniscience of God or the foreknowledge of Him. So we see Isaiah has explained those former things because those people from v1-2 are obstinate (stubborn) and have stiffneckedness (v4).

The Lord goes on to say that he has showed them new and hidden things but they have declared it not nor heard it (v5-8). Being honest here I don't fully understand v9 except he is expressing his anger or at least deferring it from the wicked. This life is a trial and a time for The Lord to refine us into better people, so when he says he has "chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" (v10) it is for His own sake (v11). 

The Lord is all powerful. That's what I got out of v12-13. Then I think Isaiah is speaking in v14 and is speaking to those in his days about the Chaldeans. He continues to speak the Lord's words in v15-19 when speaking of The Lord calling upon us to declare his words because they are not secret. It also says that if we follow the commandments our "peace been as a river, and [our] righteousness as the waves of the sea" which are never ending (v18).

Isaiah is talking to Babylon again in v20-22 about preaching the gospel as they flee from the Chaldeans. We are to say, "The Lord hath redeemed his servant Jacob....there is no peace...unto the wicked." 

1Ne Ch19

This chapter had a sort of history and prophesy to it. 

Nephi talks about his two different records that we know of as the small and large plates of Nephi. He was commanded of The Lord to write the record of his people for the instruction of his people and other wise purposes (v1-3). He explains the difference in importance in both plates where the other will have wars and contentions and these will have what he considers sacred (v4-6). 

Nephi flat out says that Christ will come 600 years from the time they all left Jerusalem. There's nothing hidden about that (v8). Nephi has seen his coming in vision and knows that the people "shall judge him to be a thing of naught," but He suffereth all their cruelty "because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men" (v7-9).

v10 seems long and confusing when you first read it, but let me tell you what it says without any of the extra: "The God of our fathers,...yieldeth himself,...into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up,...and to be cruicified,...and to be buried in a sepulcher." All that extra is Nephi citing his sources of where this knowledge came from. We also find out that there is a sign of three days of darkness given to those who won't be present to see Christ being crucified.

The Lord God will then visit all the house of Israel either with his natural voice, or with thundering a and lightnings (v11) Zenos is the prophet that Nephi has learned all this knowledge from and also about the future. The Jews will be scourged by all people because they rejected their God (v12-14). But they will get a second chance to turn their hearts to the Holy One of Israel. They will be gathered in to the covenant that The Lord will remember and promise to every nation (v15-17).

Nephi writes because he knows this to be true and wants his people to be persuaded to be righteous (v18-19). His joints are weak from working in the spirit so long, and he was shown the truth by The Lord (v20-21). Nephi teaches his brethren (and us from his records) of these things so we can liken them to us and know that Jesus Christ lives (v22-23). I also try to teach these words so everyone can know the goodness which is in the Book of Mormon, so "hear he the words of the prophet...and liken them unto yourselves, that ya may have hope" (v24). 

1Ne Ch18

Here we are going to read about the finishing of the ship, Nephi's baby brothers, and the journey across the sea to the promised land.

It's nice that this chapter starts with Nephi's brothers working with him in worshiping The Lord and building the ship (v1-2). Nephi often goes and asks for guidance on how to build this ship and was shown great things so he could finish the ship so they could pack up and leave (v3-6). Although they weren't mentioned before now, Jacob and Joseph were born or Lehi during their travels (v7).

As they journey by sea, all is well and everyone becomes happy, but some are more rude about it (v8-9). Nephi is worried because he knows they are guided by the faith and righteousness the group has. He tries to speak to them with soberness but the wicked ones were not having that. So they tie him up and treat him with harshness but "The Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power"(v10-11). The Lord is in pain because he has to watch his faithful servant, Nephi, in pain but it is necessary to fulfill his word.

When Nephi is bound, the Liahona stops working and storms arise to drive them about (v12-14). After FOUR DAYS, the storm gets so bad that the wicked finally understand that the judgements of God were upon them and they released Nephi (v15). It's amazing that Nephi went four days being tied up without the rest of his family that was righteous being able to free him and he is still grateful to The Lord and doesn't murmur against Him (v16-19). Only the power of God could help him and he was faithful and not angry at his discomfort. Immediately when he was released he praying for the storm to cease and for safe travels (v20-22).

We don't know how long they traveled hut they did eventually reach the promised land and began to work to make a life for themselves (v23-24). They were blessed with good crops and an abundance of wildlife and materials to begin their life and spread across the land (v25).

1Ne Ch17

This chapter contains the building of a ship so they can cross the water by Nephi when his brothers oppose him. It also has that cool story where he has the power of God and his brothers can't touch him.

In v1 we find out that they are traveling east and they had children during their journey. The women become stronger because they kept the commandments so the Lord nourished them so they stopped murmuring. The Lord provided for them while they traveled in righteousness (v2-3). 8 years they traveled, then they came to Bountiful, a place with "much fruit and also wild honey" (v4-5). It is located by the sea, and Nephi is commanded to construct a ship to cross the waters (v6-8).

Nephi asks where he can go to find materials to make tools to build the ship and is told (v9-10). In v12 I find in interesting that they have never needed fire before now, I wonder why The Lord wouldn't require then to cook their food. You could argue that the reason is in v13 when The Lord says, "after ye have arrived...ye shall know...that I, The Lord, did deliver you from destruction" (v14). Having to rely on The Lord in the wilderness was probably something that strengthens their faith.

Nephi is faithful still and begins to build the ship but his brothers doubt and mock him for thinking he can accomplish something so incredible (v15-17). They refuse to work and deny the power of The Lord which causes Nephi to be sorrowful, and this only encourages their thinking that they are right (v18). Their rant includes them wishing they had never left Jerusalem and saying those people were righteous (v19-23).

Nephi answers their rant by giving story examples from the brass plates such as Moses and his people getting out of Egypt (23-47). Also in there he chastises his brothers pretty harshly and explains he was only sad because they are so hard hearted. 

Like usual, they become angry because Nephi is right and called them out on it, so they want to hurt him. Nephi is filled with the power of God and commands they touch him not, nor murmur against Lehi, nor withhold their labor (v48-51). His brothers were wrought upon by the spirit to know what Nephi spake was true (v52). Then Nephi gets to shock his brothers! I mean, Nephi is commanded to show forth the power of God to his brothers by shocking them so they will know The Lord their God (v53-55). As they started to worship Nephi for the power of God within him, he refuses and shows his love for them and God (v55).

All praises for my goodness goes to my God. If I ever do anything of worth is will be because The Lord helped me. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ, for all they have already done for me.

1Ne Ch16

Are you ready for some weddings!? It's about time right? We don't know if this part of the record is chronological but retrieving Ismaels family wasn't for nothing. Lehi's sons marry their daughters. In this chapter, the family is also given the Liahona. Also there's the story of Nephi's bow breaking and him making a new one.

The first part is finishing the conversation from the previous chapters (v1-5), where the brothers are saying its hard to hear what Nephi has to say. Nephi then gives them this thought, "the guilty takers the truth to be hard, for it cutters them to the very center." If we are righteous and guilt free because we have repented it will be easy to talk about touchy subjects. I have my own past I had to come to grips and repent for, but because I have learned from my mistakes, I can give my 'wisdom' to others and also know how to not make those mistakes again.

In v7 everyone gets married (apparently all at the same time...jk!), and Nephi is summarizing them because he want to show that his father has "fulfilled all the commandments of The Lord" (v8). So put a check by that. It's done. What next? We see in v9, The Lord commands them to continue their journey into the wilderness. To do this task, they are given the Liahona (v10 - also tells you how it looks).

They pack up and head out in a south-southeast direction and travel 4 days (v11-13). I look at v14-17 as a set up of the story about Nephi's bow breaking. These are their day to day tasks and a glimpse into how they survived and traveled. Now I find it funny that they don't get any food when Nephi's bow breaks, apparently he's the only good hunter (or at least had the best shot). So they aren't eating and they get hungry which makes people crazy. Laman and Lemual murmurs like always and even Lehi murmurs! It must have been bad if the prophet is murmuring (v19-20).

So Nephi chastises them (we don't have the exact words) then goes and fixes the problem (v22-23). It's important to note that he approaches his father, the prophet and patriarch of the house, where to hunt. Nephi respects the authority Lehi has. 

Now Lehi was really sad because he realized what he had done wrong by murmuring against The Lord (v24-25). 

When they look at the Liahona now they see words written and the ones they read now were words to chasten them for their misdeeds. These words change from time to time just like the direction pointers, but only by the faith given when asking for help (v26-29).

Nephi gets guidance to hunt in some mountains and gets a bunch of food for his family (v30-32). Then they leave and travel for a bit again, during which time Ismael dies (v33-34). Of course his daughters are devastated and began to dispare and desire to return to Jerusalem (which I think would be way to far...). So they are murmuring (v35-36). Laman and Lemual encourage and take this farther wanting to slay Lehi and Nephi (v37-38). Like always, The Lord protects his servants and he actually speaks to them and chastens them (v39).

1Ne Ch15

In this chapter, Nephi is explaining some things he saw and his fathers vision to his brothers who weren't smart enough to ask the Lord for help.

When Nephi came back from his visions his brothers were disputing one with another about the vision Lehi had (v2). Sometimes we all have different interpretations about scripture so it's understandable that Nephi's brothers didn't all believe the same. It is also a hard concept if we don't have guidance from the Lord, luckily we have Nephi's answers when he went asked of the Lord.

Nephi's brothers actually were so hardhearted they refused to look to the Lord and he was sad about this, especially after all that he seen and been shown (v3-4). Nephi is so grieved it takes him a while to be able to talk to his brothers and settle the disputing (v5-6). Some conversation that Nephi and his brothers have is in v7-9 then Nephi explains about the olive tree until v20.

Concerning the olive tree branch and the house of Israel everyone is a part of that (v12). Nephi explains that in the latter days the remnant of his and his brothers Seed will get the gospel from the Gentiles and learn that they are the covenant people and know of their forefathers (v13-14). Grafting them back into the tree is a representation of bringing that branch (Nephi's seed) back into the true fold of God (v15-16). He continues to talk about and teach the restoration of the Jews and words of Isaiah (v17-19). 

Nephi's words comforted and pacified his brothers and they began to humble himself before the Lord because of all his teachings (v20).

While his brothers are questioning him about the vision of the tree of life, he throws in several teachings and applications. 

Topic (verses asked;answered)

The tree (21;22)

Rod of iron (23;24-25)

River of water (26;27-29)

Clarification of v30 (31;32-36)

The tree and iron rod are explained pretty simply but when Nephi comes to the river, there is more explanation. The river represents the separation of the wicked and righteous. Nephi goes beyond what they can understand when he talks about the justice of God that also separateds the wicked and righteous. This is "a representation of things both temporal and spiritual" (v32). We will all be judged after the days of our probation and of we die in wickedness we will be cast off. If we are found to be wicked in the very end, we are filthy and we are kept away from God but there is a "place of filthiness prepared for that which is filthy."

I want to be with my Heavenly Father forever so I will keep myself clean through my life. I am following the example of Nephi as he teaches his brothers by writing this blog. I don't profess to know much but what I do know I want to share and maybe someone can learn something they never realized before.

1Ne Ch14

Guess what? The visions continue! Nephi learns more about the church of God in the latter days and what will happen to the church of the devil.

First, we see that in our day, it is important to harken unto the Lamb of God because he will manifest himself unto us that we might have his blessing forever (v1-2). Sadly, some will be led into destruction because of the church of the devil. It is still our choice whether we choose to work wickedness because there is justice and we will answer for our mistakes (v3-4). 

The work that is a marvelous work talked about in v7 is forever; which I don't know for sure, but it is basically immortality because we will love after our resurrection. We are going to live forever according to the works we learn ourselves on Earth, whether they be good or bad.

The next section of verses (v8-10) talks about how there are essentially only two churches: the true church of God and the church of the devil which goes by many names and has many faces. If you don't belong to the church of God you belong to the church of the devil. This means you can say you don't belong to any church and technically you are apart of a church of the devil.

So it is interesting to decipher the vision that Nephi sees in v11-17. The church of the devil is depicted as the whore of all the Earth and is amount all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unfortunate but not surprising. But also there is the church of God everywhere even though they weren't as numerous. Being small in number didn't matter because they have the protection and power of God, "they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory" (v14). By the way, this is talking about our day. As members of the church we are armed with righteousness as we spread the gospel. **special shout out to my best friend serving a mission and my other best friend leaving this week! So proud**

Eventually (but as far as I know it has already happened), "the wrath of God will be poured out up on the mother of harlots," and it will make way for the work of the Father to commence (restoration of the gospel on earth).

Nephi does get to see the rest of the history of the Earth (lucky duck) but the angel tells him that is will be written also by one of the twelve apostles (John v27) of the Lamb (v18-22). Those writings will be written in that book Nephi saw among us in the last chapter, so he is commanded not to write them (v25). Because The Lord has them written in the bible, he will make a way for them to not be changed when things were corrupted.

Apparently others have seen and wrote it down somewhere that is sealed up and kept hidden until The Lord sees fit to share (v26). I suspect that most prophets get to see these visions or at least parts of them because The Lord has blessed them. I know that I love Thomas S. Monson because he is our prophet today and I would not be surprised if he has seen these visions because his faith is strong and inspiring.

The things that Nephi has written that he has seen are true and reading the them gives me an opportunity to "see" them myself through my scripture study. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to understand all that the scripture and Holy Ghost has taught me.

1Ne Ch13

In this continuation of the vision that Nephi is having, he sees events in his future and in our history and present. It's really neat to see the truths in this chapter. He is also shown the importance of his records to the Gentiles.

So first the angel shows him "the formation of a great church...which is most abominable above all other churches" (v4-5). The devil is the founder of this church and his purpose is to slay God's saints and bring them down be temptation and praise of the world (v5-9). In v10, we can learn that this church was started away from the seed of Nephi's brothers where Gentiles were at the current time (England).

V12 is really cool because Nephi sees Columbus being impressed by the Spirit of God to travel to the promised land and find the seen of his brothers. Then many Gentiles followed Columbus to the promised land and inflicted the wrath of God to smite who we know to be the Native Americans which are the seed of Nephi'a brothers (v14). Nephi notices how the Gentiles are white like his people were, and not marked for their unrighteousness by God (v15). These Gentiles had the power of The Lord with them and their "mother Gentiles" (or England) battled them (revolutionary war) but couldn't prevail because God was protecting them (v16-18). In the end, they were delivered out of captivity (v19), and I know this was done to bring about the freedom of this country where religion can be respected and the true gospel of Christ could be restored. 

Ok we are now going to examine v20-29 because it all talks about a book that Nephi sees being carried amount the Gentiles. The angel explains that this book is the record of the Jews, containing many prophecies and are similar to the plates of brass. "They are of great worth unto the Gentiles," but the angel also says that they have been corrupted through the great and abominable church. Having taken out the plain and most precious part of the records for the purpose of perverting the right ways of The Lord, it leads men to be blind and harden their hearts. Because those things were taken out, "an exceedingly great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them." It is our greatest blessing to know the fullness of the truth by a pure record that was kept hidden from the church of the devil because we can now share it with those that may stumble (v32)

Not to be prideful but America is better than all other nations...it says it v30. Better because we give the freedom to people to worship God and live like Christ. It is also true that this land is the promised land and was promised to the seed of Lehi as their inheritance. Thus, the Gentiles didn't completely destroy them (v30-31).

In v33-34, we see that our Savior is a merciful God and brings much of His gospel back to us. Nephi learns that his record will contain the truths that the Gentiles will eventually learn from (v35-36). The Lord says, "blessed are they who seek to bring forth my Zion at that day," who will be part of that? Who will work to spread the gospel to those who have stumbled? They are they who "shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb" (v37).

Nephi gets to see how his records come forth in v39 and then is explained the importance in v40-41. The Book of Mormon is given to us to establish the truth of the bible and make known that which was taken away. It is also to make known to everyone the Savior of yhe world and to come to Him. He will come and manifest himself unto us (v42) and I believe that with all my heart. I look forward to the day when he comes.

1Ne Ch12

A continuation of the visions from ch11. He sees the future of his people and the coming of Christ but also the destruction of his people.

Nephi sees the future of his people and the many wars they have (v2). He also gets to see the destruction of his people in v4 but the coming of Christ in v6. He sees the chosen twelve apostles that will minister unto his seed. 

Ok this is pretty cool! Pay attention and try not to get lost (because I'm not good at explaining). Read v8-10 then think about it. The twelve apostles (Peter, James, John, etc.) will judge the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve disciples (Nephites) will be the judges (or at least help Christ judge) the nephites of their time. Now what can we expect from the apostles in our day!? They lived in our day and know the trails we faced so they will probably help Christ during our judgment. Just food for thought from the doctrine of Lara :)

Now Nephi witnesses the three generations of righteous people after Christ's coming (v11). Then he sees the decline and contention that arises again (v12-15). The angel then explains the river, mists of darkness, and the large and spacious building to Nephi (v16-18). In the last few verses, Nephi sees his seed overtaken by the seed of his brothers and the generations that pass away where they dwindle in unbelief and "become a dark, and loathsome, and a filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations" (v19-23).

The nephites were destroyed because they became wicked and were prideful. More of the vision continues in ch13 so be ready!

1Ne Ch11

This chapter is full of a lot that Nephi asks of The Lord and is shown in a vision. Prepare for a huge load of awesome!

Starting in v1, Nephi asks The Lord and believes The Lord is able to make his questions known, he sits and ponders in his heart in the things that he has asked. That is probably the most important part of praying; listening for an answer afterwards! So he gets swept into a vision where he gets to have a conversation with the Spirit of The Lord. (HINT: It is easier to imagine the conversation if you read carefully put quotes around who said what then re-read it).

According to Nephi's faith Spirit (of The Lord) rejoices and says, "blessed art thou, Nephi, because thou believest in the Son of the most high God." Now personally I like to insert my own name in there because I know how happy I would be to hear Christ telling me that :)

So The Lord grants Nephi's desires because of his great faith and shows him the vision of the Tree of Life, and tells him to bare record of his visions. Nephi is more curious to know the interpretation of the vision so the Spirit of The Lord (in the form of a man (v11)) shows him another vision and teaches him. I like that He doesn't just give Nephi the answers.

He first shows him Mary, "the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh," (v13-18) then the Lamb of God as a new born. Nephi learns that the tree means the Love of God which is all encompassing and joyous to the soul (v21-23).

Nephi is then shown Christ going amount the people and being worshiped my man and learns that the Rod of Iron was the Word of God (v24-25). Nephi speaks of John the Baptist again and how he baptized the Lamb of God (v27), then how the ministering continues and Christ is cast out. Nephi witnesses the twelve apostles but didn't see their faces (v29) but he saw many miracles by the hands of angels and.Christ (v30-31).

Nephi then sees the people rejecting Christ and his crucifixion after being judged of the world. He sees all the people gathered to fight against the apostles and how they are in the large and spacious building (v32-35). The angel/Spirit of The Lord says, "Behold the world and the wisdom thereof," which I would say as, "Behold the world and the lack of wisdom thereof."

Nephi has now learned that the great and spacious building is the pride of the world. He bears record of the fall of the building with all the people in it who have taught against the apostles of God (v36). Let us all strive to be out of that building by keeping our pride in check. Be a humble follower of Christ and we will stand with him at the last day. 

1Ne Ch10

Nephi has given a short history of their lights from Jerusalem and now is started to accounts his proceedings, reign, and ministry. To do so he still references his father and brother (v1). Nephi writes about how his father (still the prophet), speaks about what is going to happen to Jerusalem now. They will be put into bondage by Babylon but 600 yrs later, a prophet would be raised up (v4). Lehi also spoke about the Messiah and the prophets that testified of him taught that we should rely in our Redeemer (v5-6). In v7, when he mentions, "a prophet who should come before the Messiah, to prepare the way of The Lord," it is referencing John the Baptists. Proof can be found in v8-10 when it describes what this prophet does during his life.

The verses about the gospel and the scattering, then gathering of the Gentiles are in v11-14. We then see that all this was a summary of Lehi's actual teachings which we don't have and Nephi left out a bunch (v15).

Nephi was desirous also to "see, and hear, and know" more about all these things that his father had taught. Nephi then bears an incredible testimony of our unchanging Lord, "He is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever" (v18). We can know the mysteries of God if we but simply ask. The power of the Holy Ghost reveals them to us just like he did in times of old and in times to come (v19). Seeking wickedness, in this day of our probation (our time on Earth), will cause us to be found unclean at our judgement and we will not be able to dwell with God for eternity. 

1Ne Ch9

This chapter is pretty short and clues us in on Nephi's reasoning for the two separate Plates of Nephi. Nephi names both plates after himself because he wants to confuse us, wait no because he started them both. The ones we are reading from now, if you'll remember, are the small plates which contain the ministry of the Nephi's people (v3). The larger plates have the reign of kings, wars and contentions, and, we know, a fee more important spiritual matters.

He was commanded to write these plates by The Lord for a special and wise purpose which The Lord knoweth. In v6, he says, "he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works around the children of men." I know The Lord's work is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (1 Moses 1:39). This helps us understand the purpose of Nephi writing this special record.

I hope everyone will understand that The Lord commanded these records to be written, preserved them for many years, and brought them back during this time for us. For the purpose of bringing to pass each of our immortality. And not only that, our eternal life that can be lived in happiness with our Heavenly Father. I cherish the messages in the Book of Mormon and strive to learn from them because they can help me learn how to live eternally and spread this knowledge to others.

1Ne Ch8

In this chapter, Lehi has a dream which is the vision of the chance life. Although I've learned this lesson many many times in my years in the church I found two new insights. I'll be referencing later chapters in the book of Nephi because he asks about the dream to get interpretations and the Lord helps him with the symbolism.

The first incident I learned is in v3 where Lehi says, "I have reason to suppose that they, and also many of their seed, will be safe," I suppose that this means this revelation is not just for his immediate family but also for generations to come. He is the prophet at this time and it is exactly the prophet's job to receive revelation for the future.

My second insight was about the first part of the vision where Lehi starts to follow a man into a dark and dreary waste and traveled. After many hours in darkness he asked the Lord to have mercy on him, and the Lord answers by showing him a large and spacious field (v5-9). I myself have been lost and traveled in darkness away from the light of the Lord, but as soon as I have the desire for the Lord to help me he answered my prayer. I again suppose that Lehi is referencing the darkness as his time not knowing the gospel but the Lord loved him and show him the light.

Lehi saw the tree of life and went and partook of the fruit which symbolizes the love of God. (1 Nephi 11:22,25).

Lehi then wishes to share this with his family so he looks around to see a river with his family on the opposite side. He beckons them and Sariah, Nephi, and Sam come but Laman and Lemual refuse (v13-18). The river represents the depths of hell (1 Nephi 12:16) that someone could fall into if they don't hold to the rod of iron along a "strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree" near the river. The iron rod is the word of god according to the song or 1 Nephi 11:25. And the straight and narrow path is referred to many times in the scripture but my interpretations according to the footnote in 2 Nephi 31:18, is that although in this vision it leads to the tree, or the love of God, it truly represents the path to follow to eternal life. 

The vision goes on to view the people eager to learn the gospel and taste the truth who started the path (v21-22). In v23, the mist of darkness that comes to confuse those who are desirous to partake of the fruit represents the temptations of the devil (1 Nephi 12:17).

I don't know why the people who tasted of the fruit were ashamed (v25) but it's a true symbolism of what can happen to the members of the church who know of God's love and look at the large and spacious building (v26-27), which represents pride and worldly vanity (1 Nephi 12:18), and fall away (v28).

So far the two types of people are generalized into those wanting the fruit and those who are not even interested in starting their journey to the tree of life (in the building mocking). Within the first group there are those that lost their way to the goal and those that achieved their goal but were ashamed and fell away. Then it talks about other multitudes (v30) and we find out in v33 that they did not heed the mockings but stayed strong. Lastly, the other multitudes talked about in v31 were just all together lost, they didn't know the truth but they were also not a part of the mocking. I suppose them to be a majority of people from the dark ages when the gospel was not on the Earth.

The chapter ends with a warning again about Laman and Lemual. Lehi "did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent" which I personally believed is not the proper patently style for these boys. Many times they have been chastened and visited by angels because of their....mistakes, but they still didn't listen. Maybe the need a little sterner approach!

Either way, I still gained about 4 new insights total to this vision :) thanks for reading!

1Ne Ch7

Is this chapter the family realizes they forgot something else at home! Wives!! A very important commodity :)

Now imagine how hard it would be for Ishmael! These sons of a friend of yours, who left the city, come to you and ask you to join then in the wilderness. Luckily is was meant to be and The Lord softened the whole family's hearts (v5). For some strange reason, a few of them rebel and want to go back to the city, here are the sides:

Laman, Lemual, two sons (and their families)of Ishmael, and two daughters of Ishmael vs Nephi, Sam, Ismael, and his wife, and three of his daughters.

I would have said let them go! Unfortunately, Nephi loves his brother despite their problems and tries to reason with them (v8-15). He basically explains the obvious that The Lord is going to destroy Jerusalem but you have the agency to choose to go back.

I'm guessing they knew his words to be true because they got super mad and tied him up (v16). Nephi breaks free with faith and scolds his elder brothers...that only makes them more angry! They are pacified by some of the family of Ishmael and become sorrowful for their wickedness (v18-20).

Nephi's ability to forgive his brother so simply in v21 is a true testament of his pure heart. Not only does he "frankly forgive them" but he also "exhort then that they would pray unto The Lord their God for forgiveness." Surprisingly enough they actually do! I know that The Lord forgave them just as Nephi did because Heavenly Father loves us and will forgive us for our mistakes. No matter how small.

1Ne Ch6

This is a rather short chapter but we learn about the purpose of nephi'a writings and what he thinks is important. Because his father is writing the genealogy in his journal, Nephi thinks it's good enough to say 'I'm a descendent of Joseph' and be done. It makes me feel alright about not having done any family history myself...

In v3 we see that Lehi has his own account of the event and Nephi wants to focus in writing the things of God on his small plates. His purpose is to "persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham...and be saved" (v4).

Nephi already knows there is a huge difference between the things of the world and the things that are pleasing to God. (V5)

Although he doesn't have a family, he is thinking of how his record will be passed to his seed and they will be commanded to write things of worth that will help the children of men (v6). I consider Nephi's words to be of great importance because he wrote them wanting them to influence the lives of those who read them for the better. 

1Ne Ch5

This chapter is the glorious return of the sons to Lehi's camp. Unfortunately, we see that the very first part of this chapter is "Sarah complains against Lehi" and this makes me sad...but wait. I actually had the though in my head "would I be that kind of wife when I am married and hear guidance from The Lord through my husband?" I sure hope not! I have faith that is I keep close to my God that I will not have that doubt. I will love my children and be saddened to see them in danger but they are Heavenly Fathers children and he will protect them.

I so love Lehi's reply in v4 when he says 'I know I'm visionary but I found out the goodness of God from it!' He then uses his testimony to comfort Sariah in her grief (v5) and the experience have her the testimony of God! So it turns out that this might be her conversion story! How exciting!

So now we see Lehi starting to study the brass plates (v10-16). He learns that he is of the righteous line if Joseph and technically if the plates had been handed down to one son over another, they might have been handed down to him...interesting!

He was so filled with the spirit that he started prophesying that the "plates of brass should go forth unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people who were of his seed" (v18). He had searched the scriptures and found them to be desirable and of great worth to them. They were no longer going to be polluted or dimmed by wicked kings or men.

I know that The Lord has provided the bible and Book of Mormon to be desirable and of great worth to me and all who decide to believe the words given by the Holy Ghost. They are precious to me because I know they have been provided by God for our success in life.

1Ne Ch4

Here we are gonna see that brains are better than brawn (we see it a lot in the wars too). Nephi isn't as powerful, strong, or cunning as King Laban but The Lord helps him secure the plates.

So third times a charm here and Nephi convinces his bros to come to Jerusalem once more. They hide outside while Nephi sneeks in the city being led by the spirit. (v5-6)

Of course, now that they are doing it right by following spiritual promptings, he succeeds in getting the plates. Laban was drunk when Nephi finds him and has an internal struggle when he was told to slay him (v7-10,14-18). The Lord teaches a valuable lesson to Nephi here and this is what I learned: if The Lord commands something that is against the Ten Commandments, it is for the betterment of his people; Laban was wicked and had had many opportunities to repent and turn to The Lord, but he chose to continue to lead his people to wickedness.

Nephi then tricks the servant of Laban into opening the treasury and walking out of the city with them (v20-27). No doubt The Lord helped with this deception as well, it worked well enough to scare the daylights out of his brothers! As we find out, the servant is Zoram and when he realized that Nephi isn't his master Laban. He is convinced to leave the city and be free in the wilderness, and in my opinion that is either common sense after having aided a thief or great faith to leave his comfy job as servant to a king (v30-38) I'm gonna say it's both :) We are gonna hear a little more about Zoram and some promises made, also we hear about the Zoramites! Look forward to that.

1Ne Ch3

Who else has left home and realized they forgot something as soon as they turn corner!? I'm guilty. This chapter is about the sons of Lehi (which are probably a little less infamous from preaching and prophesying the peoples destruction) returning to retrieve the plates of brass from king Laban. The story actually lasts through ch4.

Lehi is told of the importance of the plates of brass in Laban's possession and commanded to seek them (v2-4). We see more murmuring from Lam and Lem (nicknames!) because it's going to be hard. They are three days away...and I wonder why they didn't refuse and let Nephi go alone. But I guess it wouldn't have been such a great story and lesson if he did go alone.

Scripture mastery v3: go and do as The Lord commands because he has insured our success in accomplishing them.

The boys first attempt was to ask politely (v11-13) which didn't work. In v19 Nephi says while convincing his bros not to give up, "it is wisdom in God that we should obtain these records, that we may preserve unto our children the language of our fathers." We can apply this to our day with both the Book of Mormon and bible. We may think of the scriptures as having weird language but it is their language :) heritage is great!

The second attempt, they tried to bribe Laban to give up the records (v23-26) but he stole it from them! Laman has a little of a temper tantrum and starts to be physically aggressive (v28). An angel comes to break up the fight and chastise Laman and Lemual for being bullies (v29). They don't learn their lesson because the murmur but at least the physical violence stopped  (v31).

1Ne Ch2

In v2 we see the importance of our dreams. We can gain revelation from The Lord, but will we follow it? Or just play it off as our subconscious? Lehi leaves Jerusalem which is his home with only his family and necessary provisions (v4).

He travels for three days then settles and builds an altar for their worship (v6-7). Because he named the place, it suggests no one has been there and given a map to the people of Jerusalem. But he names it after his son Laman, to encourage him to be righteous because him and Lemuel were already being buttheads about moving. We see the begging of their repetitive murmurings.

I'm not a parent yet, but I've heard the stories and seen them too. Children are wonderful but they can also be a trial. I can say I both look forward to the day when I have my own kids and dread that day. Lehi has a good way of getting his to behave in v14 "he did confound them, that they first not utter against him; wherefore, they did as he commanded them." Pretty powerful!

I am really curious how old Nephi is when he goes to The Lord in prayer and asks to know the mysteries of God (v16). He then worries about the welfare of his older brothers (v18). And is answered with a sort of Patriarchical blessing in v20-22 where if Nephi is righteous he will be blessed and promised certain things. 

1 Nephi Ch1

Read the headings! They give you a overview of what you're about to read. Very helpful! I will refer to certain verses with a v# and give insights as I feel desired.

The 1st book of Nephi is written by the 3rd son of Lehi and Sariah. Makes this record according to his knowledge of what happened.

v4- The Lord has sent many prophets for the purpose of saving Jerusalem. In v5 we see that Lehi went to pray to The Lord which makes me think he was taught by one of the prophets and was one of few who did something about it. He was given great knowledge (v6-15) because of the faith he exhibits.

In the vision it talks about Lehi reading from a book (v11-13). I believe this book is the book that is sometimes referred to as the book of life. When we are told what is sealed on Earth is also sealed in heaven, it is recorded in the book of life.

I had a religion class in my community college a few years ago and my teacher shared his opinion on the book of life. I've always remembered it because it was so interesting. Imagine Heavenly Father has this book that tells the history of the entire Earth, things before our time and after. He can turn to any point in history like it is the present and edit this book. To us nothing changed because it is the past we already know. Interesting stuff right? I don't know if that's how it works but it's a cool thought.

Anyway, in v17 we see that in the beginning of 1st Nephi we have an abridgment of Lehi's records. 

v20 says "I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of The Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." You have been chosen. His tender mercies will be stretched forth unto you because you are faithful. Nephi and the scriptures will help you too!

 

Brief explanation

The analysis, as I have written in, is a very good summary of what is to be found in the Book of Mormon. The explanation describes where each part of the book came from.

1. Notice Nephi kept two separate records: one for spiritual matters and another for facts with only the major spiritual stuff included. I do this too! I have a church journal and a regular journal (and then there's this blog out in limbo) mine might not be as good or as important as Nephi's but I would probably try a little harder to be more professional if I knew so many people would read it...

2. So it is my understanding that the Book of Mormon contains the small plates of Nephi, the abridgment of the larger plates of Nephi by Mormon, *and plates of Ether*. That's what I understood at least.

3. Correction^ *and an abridgment of the plates of Ether by Moroni*

4. So here's something I don't understand. The bible was handed down and eventually became what it is today through royalty in England, right? The Nephites had the same record or at least a similar record because they quote Isaiah and talk about the records they acquired from Laban a lot and buried it with their records...so how...? It'll be something to research :) or have my very very few readers answer!

So, 1st six books are small plates, then there's a commentary: words of Mormon, the abridgment of the large plates is from Mosiah until Mormon ch7, then Moroni finishes the record and abridges the book of either, lastly, Moroni gives some awesome sermons, guidance, and promises.

The last section on the page has an explanation for corrections made from Book of Mormon edition to edition. Meaning: humans aren't perfect! There were some mistakes but the corrections "seem appropriate to bring the material into conformity with prepublication manuscripts."

Here's how my index is marked so I'll always know from which plates I'm reading.

Origin of the Book of Mormon

In the testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith in the beginning of the Book of Mormon, an account if the coming forth of the Book of Mormon is given (it can also be found in the Joseph Smith History verses 29-35, 42-54, 59-60). Weirdly enough the first thing I notice is that Joe tells us about how his visitor is dressed and that his hands, wrists, feet, ankles, head, and neck were naked. He was covered with only a robe. I ask myself why this is important and the only thing I can think of is to show that when we are resurrected we will need only simple clothing like Moroni. His whole person was glorious and we will be to when we are perfected in Christ.

At first Joseph was scared but that soon left him, for how can one be afraid of someone so pure? Joseph was told that his name "should be had for good and evil amount all nations" and we see the truth if that when we look at our church and also people who slander Joseph's name. 

Joseph is then given the instruction that will begin him on his responsibility to bring to this dispensation the Book of Mormon. He is told the most important part in the first visit (keep in mind there are 4). In each visit from Moroni through the night, he is told exactly what he was told the time before and a little more.

1st- told about the book written on gold plates and to show them to no one unless commanded.

2nd- there is judgement coming upon the Earth accompanied by great desolations.

3rd- satan would tempt him but he is to "have no other object in view in getting the plates but to glorify God, and must not be influenced by any other notice than that of building His kingdom" [we should all take this upon ourselves in the aspects of serving The Lord]

4th- commanded to tell his father everything. 

Now imagine staying up all night being visited 3 times by Moroni, not sleeping because you are thinking on all that has been told to you by a heavenly messenger. When I stay up all night I barely function the next day and Joseph goes and finds the plates, Urim and Thummim, and the breastplate that were in the box in the hill.

Joseph still needed several years to prepare to actually be able to start translating the Book of Mormon. I also believe he was given great spiritual strength hand endurance to withstand the temptation that would be all around him. He was taught once a year for four years and he "received instruction and intelligence" which allowed him to understand and respect what The Lord wa going to do for him and for us in the latter days.

It was wise for Moroni and The Lord to take that time to prepare Joseph because he was tested: "Every stratagem that could be invented was resorted to...get them from me...but by the wisdom of God, they remained safe in [Joseph's] hands." Joseph had the plates then have then back to Moroni where they are safe today but we are now blessed with the Book of Mormon in so many languages because of his strength in keeping them away from the evil in the world.

Witness and testimony

As I read the witness of the three I am comforted and know that the hand of God is key to the bringing of the plates to this time. On the contrary, the witness of the eight only mentions God once! The eight seem more reluctant to admit it is of God and say that the plates have "the appearance of ancient work." Wow really guys? Obviously they didn't have a testimony of the importance of the book at this time.

I do remember from seminary and institute that some of these key members of the church fell away and this makes me curious as to which if these left the church. The title of each is "The Testimony of [3 or 8] Witnesses" which implies they should be bearing their testimony. If these are the testimonies I notice the three do a better job at baring it. They "know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of men."

Now we compare these to the testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith. The difference in length is impressive for sure. Joseph tells in great detail his account of receiving the plates which is can also be found amount his history. Roughly verses 29-54,59-60. Although this is an account of what has happened in Joseph's life, it is also his testimony that this book was brought to his knowledge by the hand of God and it is worth protecting.

I'll share more specific insights about Joseph Smith's testimony tomorrow when I read through it for real. This time through the Book of Mormon I'm going to take it slow and really dive deep into the knowledge and insights I gain.

Title and intro

Something I realize as I read through the title page is that the Book of Mormon was written for all people from the time it was written until the end. It was preserved for our time by The Lord because it would probably have been melted down and used as a crown or jewelry during the Great Apostacy. The Lord knew when it was safe for this information to come back to knowledge and provided the means of doing so. 

The Book of Mormon has a purpose and it "is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things The Lord hath done for their fathers; and that [we] may know the covenants of The Lord, that [we] are not cast off forever." It is also a testiment that Jesus is the Christ which means he is the savior of man kind. 

Most important to realize about the introduction is that it is basically a summary and tells what you are about to read. If you get lost in all the wording, remember, the crowning event is in 3rd Nephi! Make it there and you'll get to read about Christ's ministry to the Nephites. Three main things he addresses is (1) doctrine of the gospel, (2) plan of salvation, and (3) how to gain peace in life and eternal salvation. So pay attention :)

Joseph Smith was right when he said "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by [the Book of Mormons] precepts." I have experienced this and know others have too. There is the promise in the last two paragraphs that can strengthen or start a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon.