The Words of Mormon: The Book of Mormon up to this point has been taken/translated from the small plates of Nephi. Only after Mormon had made his abridgement and had completed it did he discover these "small" plates of Nephi which he then translated in their entirety and preserved along with his abridgement of all the other records. He did so because the Lord commanded him specifically to include this record. They became the FIRST 143 pages of the Book of Mormon because after Joseph Smith had translated the first portion of Momon's abridgement, Martin Harris begged/insisted/badgered Joseph Smith to let him take the translation to show to his wife. Joseph Smith after being told no by the Lord a couple of times goes again to the Lord and gets qualified permission. Joseph lets Martin take the pages and subsequently the portion of the manuscript that Martin Harris takes is either lost or stolen. The Lord commands that the original translation NOT be retranslated because of the evil designs of men to alter/corrupt and challenge the authenticity of the manuscript if republished. The small plates give a parallel account of those same years and are focused on the more spiritual part of their journey and are substituted for the lost record.
Application: Sometimes we must obey the Lord even when his purposes are not clear. Do I seek, listen and then obey??? Or do I rationalize, weigh, balance and then proceed only if I think it is right? It is OK to study it out etc. but then one must return to the Lord for the confirmation that their decision is right BEFORE one acts upon it.
Mosiah 1: King Benjamin was a righteous king and he labored tirelessly until he established peace in all of his land. He educates his sons in the language of their fathers, their history and the prophesies regarding their people. He teaches them of this that they may be "men of understanding". It is the written record that keeps men civilized. He tells them (and us) to search the scriptures diligently and to keep the commandments of God. Benjamin is nearing the end of his life so he desires to speak to his people one last time. He calls his people together to give them a name and a blessing. He passes the records and sacred artifacts to his son Mosiah.
Application: Do I honor the name I have been given> Do I honor my parents? Do I honor the name of Christ which I took upon me at baptism. Do I honor the new name given me in the temple> Remember the George A Smith story where he sees his granfather in a vision/dream and his (namesake) grandfather asks him what he has done with his name. Elder Smith relates he was relieved and glad that he was able to report that he had never did anything to dishonor it. Will I endure to the end like King Benjamin living a righteous life of service?
Monday, August 13, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Jarom, Omni
Jarom is the son of Enos, he passes the plates on without adding his spiritual experiences because he feels they are so similar to what has already been written and the plates are small and he states "what more could I write than my fathers have written?" But he does give a synopsis of Nephi's story up to his present day (238 years) He states much of it has been spent in wars, contentions and dissensions. Jarom states the intent of the law of Moses was to persuade the people "to look forward unto the Messiah and believe in him to come as though he already was"
Application: How do I imagine l'lI live my life differently during the millenium--ie doing genealogy, attending the temple, increased sisterhood, increased service, enjoying nature.--can I live this way now?
Omni is the son of Jarom. He is a soldier who adds his name to the plates for the sole purpose of fulfilingl his father's comandment to keep the plates. He then passes the plates to his son Amaron. Amaron states that the more wicked Nephites have been killed or taken captive by their enemies fulfilling the prophecy that warns "Inasmuch as you will not keep my commandments, ye shall not prosper in the land. This warning--that this is a promised land, preserved and blessed by the Lord for the use of the righteous--is frequently emphasized in the Book of Mormon. Amaron passes the plates to his brother Chemish. Chemish adds his testimony of his brother and passes the plates to Abinadom his son. Abinadom is a soldier who records his name and passes it onto his son Amaleki. Amaleki records the story of one King Mosiah who being warned to flee out of the land, takes those people who will join him and leaves the land of Nephi. They are led by the Lord to the land of Zarahemla where they meet a another group of people who had been led out of Jerusalem by the Lord as Lehi had. However, they had brought no records with them and their language had become corrupted. They rejoiced when they learned of the records that King Mosiah had. Mosiah unites with this people and becomes their king. A large stone with engravings is brought to Mosiah for him to translate. It is the record of Coriantumr and his fathers who came out of Jerusalem at the time of the tower of Babel. Amaleki lived during the days of Mosiah and knows and admires King Mosiah and his son Benjamin. Since he himself has no son to pass the plates to he gives them to King Benjamin. He closes his writings by asking all to believe in prophesy, revelations and the ministering of angels. the gift of tougues the the interpretation of languages and in all things that are good. We should continue in fasting and prayer and endure to the end so we can be saved. He recounts how several groups have gone into the wilderness to try and find and reclaim the Land of Nephi. One who left was his brother who he has not seen since.
Application: When the history/genealogy of my line is written will I just be a name added or will I have my righteousness or counsel etc recorded for the benefit of my posterity.? Am I keeping a journal, recording the goodness and blessings of the Lord?
Application: How do I imagine l'lI live my life differently during the millenium--ie doing genealogy, attending the temple, increased sisterhood, increased service, enjoying nature.--can I live this way now?
Omni is the son of Jarom. He is a soldier who adds his name to the plates for the sole purpose of fulfilingl his father's comandment to keep the plates. He then passes the plates to his son Amaron. Amaron states that the more wicked Nephites have been killed or taken captive by their enemies fulfilling the prophecy that warns "Inasmuch as you will not keep my commandments, ye shall not prosper in the land. This warning--that this is a promised land, preserved and blessed by the Lord for the use of the righteous--is frequently emphasized in the Book of Mormon. Amaron passes the plates to his brother Chemish. Chemish adds his testimony of his brother and passes the plates to Abinadom his son. Abinadom is a soldier who records his name and passes it onto his son Amaleki. Amaleki records the story of one King Mosiah who being warned to flee out of the land, takes those people who will join him and leaves the land of Nephi. They are led by the Lord to the land of Zarahemla where they meet a another group of people who had been led out of Jerusalem by the Lord as Lehi had. However, they had brought no records with them and their language had become corrupted. They rejoiced when they learned of the records that King Mosiah had. Mosiah unites with this people and becomes their king. A large stone with engravings is brought to Mosiah for him to translate. It is the record of Coriantumr and his fathers who came out of Jerusalem at the time of the tower of Babel. Amaleki lived during the days of Mosiah and knows and admires King Mosiah and his son Benjamin. Since he himself has no son to pass the plates to he gives them to King Benjamin. He closes his writings by asking all to believe in prophesy, revelations and the ministering of angels. the gift of tougues the the interpretation of languages and in all things that are good. We should continue in fasting and prayer and endure to the end so we can be saved. He recounts how several groups have gone into the wilderness to try and find and reclaim the Land of Nephi. One who left was his brother who he has not seen since.
Application: When the history/genealogy of my line is written will I just be a name added or will I have my righteousness or counsel etc recorded for the benefit of my posterity.? Am I keeping a journal, recording the goodness and blessings of the Lord?
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Enos 1
Enos writes of his "wrestle" before God to have his calling and election made sure
Application: How sweet to gain a truly personal relationship with the Lord. Am I willing to do what I need to do to secure my own calling and election?
- He remembered (pondered) all the words and testimonies he had read and heard
- He desired (hungered) to know for himself about eternal life
- He went to the Lord in mighty prayer-continuing all day.
- He recieved a remission of his sins through Christ.
- He recieved a great love and desire towards his brethern and then even his enemies the Lamanites.
- Because of all he recieved in this experience, he had a perfect faith in the Lord and His power to answer prayer
- Enos continues righteously and becomes a prophet--teaching and testifying
- He endured to the end
Application: How sweet to gain a truly personal relationship with the Lord. Am I willing to do what I need to do to secure my own calling and election?
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Jacob 7
Jacob 7
An antichrist named Sherem seeks to destroy the Nephites belief in Christ. He is educated, charismatic and quite a talker! He is having significant success and his pride and ambition lead him to frequently and consistently try to obtain a meeting with Jacob. He believes in Satan's support and power and believes he can shake Jacob's testimony and feels if he "converts" Jacob he will then have power over all the people. Finally they meet and Sherem greets Jacob as "Brother Jacob" but despite his smooth talking, Jacob is able to confound Sherem in all of his words and arguments. Sherem finally insists that Jacob "PROVE IT!" by giving him a sign. Jacob refuses but when presses tell him the if you want to continue to seek a sign and if God smites you then so be it. Sherem is struck down and falls to the ground, and after being cared for for many days, he knows he is about to die and he recants his previous teachings and further he testifies of Christ. All who hear him are very moved and the Spirit of God moves upon them and they all repent. The Lamanites reject any attempts to reconcile and accept the gospel. So preparations to protect the people against a war are made. Enos is given the plates by his father Jacob, and Jacob, who is nearing the end of his life, bids farewell.
Application: We must hold to the rod and to the prophets that "ye be not decieved". (verse 25) Do all you can and trust God and you will come out conquerors in the end.
An antichrist named Sherem seeks to destroy the Nephites belief in Christ. He is educated, charismatic and quite a talker! He is having significant success and his pride and ambition lead him to frequently and consistently try to obtain a meeting with Jacob. He believes in Satan's support and power and believes he can shake Jacob's testimony and feels if he "converts" Jacob he will then have power over all the people. Finally they meet and Sherem greets Jacob as "Brother Jacob" but despite his smooth talking, Jacob is able to confound Sherem in all of his words and arguments. Sherem finally insists that Jacob "PROVE IT!" by giving him a sign. Jacob refuses but when presses tell him the if you want to continue to seek a sign and if God smites you then so be it. Sherem is struck down and falls to the ground, and after being cared for for many days, he knows he is about to die and he recants his previous teachings and further he testifies of Christ. All who hear him are very moved and the Spirit of God moves upon them and they all repent. The Lamanites reject any attempts to reconcile and accept the gospel. So preparations to protect the people against a war are made. Enos is given the plates by his father Jacob, and Jacob, who is nearing the end of his life, bids farewell.
Application: We must hold to the rod and to the prophets that "ye be not decieved". (verse 25) Do all you can and trust God and you will come out conquerors in the end.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Jacob 4-6
Jacob 4: Jacob writes upon the plates so that his posterity may know that; he knew of Christ, that the law of Moses points to Christ,that through the atonement of Christ, the only Begotten son we may obtain a resurrection and with faint ontain a glory and the prophets testify of Christ. We have weaknesses so that God can show His grace. Verse 10 is one of my favorites: "Seek not to counsel the Lord but to accept counse from his hand. For ye yourselves know that He counseleth in wisdom and in justice, and in great mercy, over all His works." Jacob teaches of Christ's Atonement and resurrection. The Spirit always speaks the truth. We are warned agaist "looking beyound the mark" (seeking things we can not understand).
Application: Do I keep my heart and mind open the the Lord's will or do I want/insist on things being "my" way? Also, I should always focus on perfecting the basics and gaining knowledge of Jesus Christ rather than seeking to know the mysteries of God.
Jacob 5: Jacob quotes from the prophet Zenos' writings (brass plates). He tells the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees (Israel and the Gentiles) This chapter is a great overview of the Lord's dealings with Israel and his chosen people. He reveals the falling away, the restoration of the Gospel, the final gathering of Israel in the last days, and the end/burning of the vineyard(earth).
Application: Am I diligent in "digging, pruning,and dunging" my small portion of the vineyard? Do I nourish and instruct my family? Do I try to bring my neighbors to a knowledge of Christ that they may become "tame" and that the fruits of their lives be sweet?
Jacob 6: Jacob adds his testimony to Zenos' He testifies of the truthfulness of the prophesies concerning the House of Israel. He implores his peopleto soften their hearts and come unto Christ. He speaks of the Lof of Christ's mercy but the reality of the law of justice. Choose life and Christ or choose shame, guilt and death!
Application: "O be wise; what more can I say?"
Application: Do I keep my heart and mind open the the Lord's will or do I want/insist on things being "my" way? Also, I should always focus on perfecting the basics and gaining knowledge of Jesus Christ rather than seeking to know the mysteries of God.
Jacob 5: Jacob quotes from the prophet Zenos' writings (brass plates). He tells the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees (Israel and the Gentiles) This chapter is a great overview of the Lord's dealings with Israel and his chosen people. He reveals the falling away, the restoration of the Gospel, the final gathering of Israel in the last days, and the end/burning of the vineyard(earth).
Application: Am I diligent in "digging, pruning,and dunging" my small portion of the vineyard? Do I nourish and instruct my family? Do I try to bring my neighbors to a knowledge of Christ that they may become "tame" and that the fruits of their lives be sweet?
Jacob 6: Jacob adds his testimony to Zenos' He testifies of the truthfulness of the prophesies concerning the House of Israel. He implores his peopleto soften their hearts and come unto Christ. He speaks of the Lof of Christ's mercy but the reality of the law of justice. Choose life and Christ or choose shame, guilt and death!
Application: "O be wise; what more can I say?"
Monday, July 6, 2009
Jacob 1-3
Jacob 1: (Jacob is the brother of Nephi) Jacob reveals his mandate to keep and engrave upon the plates. He says that his visions and prophesizing comes because of great anxiety and of faith. After Nephi’s death the people began to stray from the gospel, seeking silver and gold, and desiring to have many wives. Jacob took upon him an oath that if he did not teach the people than their sins would be upon him.
Application: Have I taught my children sufficiently that they will answer for their own sins, or will their sins and failings fall upon my head? Do I seek answers and guidance with great faith and anxiety as Jacob did?
Jacob 2: Jacob speaks to the people at the temple to convey the word of the Lord against their sins. The first topic was the sin of Pride and seeking riches which leads to selfishness, not sharing and looking down on those who are not as rich as they. Seek God first then riches will be added if you seek them for the purpose of assisting the poor and needy. The second sin was that of men justifying their infidelities because David and Solomon had many wives and concubines. The Lord condemns such conduct. A man should have only one wife unless the Lord commands otherwise--which he might do to “raise up a people” and in any case, the Lord never approves of concubines.
Applications: Do I fix my eyes on the things of the world—seeking riches and being full of pride? Do I need to be brought to repentance for selfishness? Do I use justification to allow myself to continue committing some of my (favorite) sins?
Jacob 3: Jacob gives a beautiful blessing to the “pure in heart” But outlines the cursings that will come upon the wicked. He tells the Nephites that the Lamanites are more righteous than they because they keep their marriage vows and they will one day be a blessed people. The Nephites should cease judging them for the darkness of their skins but to worry about their own sins.
Application: Some sins are more visible than others and some that are not so visible are more serious than the visible ones. I need to be concerned with my own salvation and not worried about the sins of my neighbor. I had to shake my head recently in Primary because all of the kids gasp at the mention of someone smoking. My husband has had that same reaction from his children or grandchildren when of course his smoking pales in comparison to some of the sins that others can keep hidden.
Application: Have I taught my children sufficiently that they will answer for their own sins, or will their sins and failings fall upon my head? Do I seek answers and guidance with great faith and anxiety as Jacob did?
Jacob 2: Jacob speaks to the people at the temple to convey the word of the Lord against their sins. The first topic was the sin of Pride and seeking riches which leads to selfishness, not sharing and looking down on those who are not as rich as they. Seek God first then riches will be added if you seek them for the purpose of assisting the poor and needy. The second sin was that of men justifying their infidelities because David and Solomon had many wives and concubines. The Lord condemns such conduct. A man should have only one wife unless the Lord commands otherwise--which he might do to “raise up a people” and in any case, the Lord never approves of concubines.
Applications: Do I fix my eyes on the things of the world—seeking riches and being full of pride? Do I need to be brought to repentance for selfishness? Do I use justification to allow myself to continue committing some of my (favorite) sins?
Jacob 3: Jacob gives a beautiful blessing to the “pure in heart” But outlines the cursings that will come upon the wicked. He tells the Nephites that the Lamanites are more righteous than they because they keep their marriage vows and they will one day be a blessed people. The Nephites should cease judging them for the darkness of their skins but to worry about their own sins.
Application: Some sins are more visible than others and some that are not so visible are more serious than the visible ones. I need to be concerned with my own salvation and not worried about the sins of my neighbor. I had to shake my head recently in Primary because all of the kids gasp at the mention of someone smoking. My husband has had that same reaction from his children or grandchildren when of course his smoking pales in comparison to some of the sins that others can keep hidden.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
II Nephi 30-33
II Nephi 30: Nephi admonishes us against the pride of believing that just because we were born into the gospel we are automatically saved or conversely that a person without the gospel is condemned. Only those who repent and believe in Christ are saved regardless of how we started. Nephi prophesizes of conditions during the millennium.-- God’s power will be over all the earth, all creatures will live in peace, Satan will have no power during the millennium, and all things will be made known.
Application: Remember that being pure in heart and righteous is what will bind Satan. And he can be bound in my own life today!--if I have faith, and am righteous and pure in heart. I don’t have to wait for the millennium for Satan to be bound in my life.
II Nephi 31: “Repent” “Follow the Son with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ by baptism-…. Then ye shall receive the Holy Ghost-the baptism by fire… He that endureth to the end the same shall be saved…. Wherefore press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all mankind….There is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby a man can be saved in the kingdom of God.”
Application: As listed above—Repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost and endure to the end.
II Nephi 32: Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Remember that after we receive the Holy Ghost we can also speak with the tongue of angels. The words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. So study the scriptures and hearken unto the spirit which teacheth a man to pray---for a man MUST pray (but Satan teaches us not to pray). Pray about all your actions and the Lord will consecrate them to your benefit.
Application: Study the scriptures and pray always, remember your baptisimal covenants and the bestowal of gift of the Holy Ghost and let it guide you
II Nephi 33: A beautiful testimony born by Nephi as he closes his record and bids us goodbye. He testifies that it is only by the power of the Holy Ghost that anyone’s words can be carried into the heart. He mourns that many men harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit. He prays that we will hear and hearken unto these words and if we believe in Christ we can judge and also believe his words for they ARE the words of Christ as He has given them to Nephi.
Application: I must live worthily so that one day when I kneel at the bar of God I may meet and greet Nephi face to face; and thank him for his faithfulness, his prayers, his sacrifice and efforts on my behalf to bring me and my family the gospel and into the family of Christ.
Application: Remember that being pure in heart and righteous is what will bind Satan. And he can be bound in my own life today!--if I have faith, and am righteous and pure in heart. I don’t have to wait for the millennium for Satan to be bound in my life.
II Nephi 31: “Repent” “Follow the Son with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ by baptism-…. Then ye shall receive the Holy Ghost-the baptism by fire… He that endureth to the end the same shall be saved…. Wherefore press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all mankind….There is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby a man can be saved in the kingdom of God.”
Application: As listed above—Repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost and endure to the end.
II Nephi 32: Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Remember that after we receive the Holy Ghost we can also speak with the tongue of angels. The words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. So study the scriptures and hearken unto the spirit which teacheth a man to pray---for a man MUST pray (but Satan teaches us not to pray). Pray about all your actions and the Lord will consecrate them to your benefit.
Application: Study the scriptures and pray always, remember your baptisimal covenants and the bestowal of gift of the Holy Ghost and let it guide you
II Nephi 33: A beautiful testimony born by Nephi as he closes his record and bids us goodbye. He testifies that it is only by the power of the Holy Ghost that anyone’s words can be carried into the heart. He mourns that many men harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit. He prays that we will hear and hearken unto these words and if we believe in Christ we can judge and also believe his words for they ARE the words of Christ as He has given them to Nephi.
Application: I must live worthily so that one day when I kneel at the bar of God I may meet and greet Nephi face to face; and thank him for his faithfulness, his prayers, his sacrifice and efforts on my behalf to bring me and my family the gospel and into the family of Christ.
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