Introduction to the Book of Mormon

Sunday School: Introduction to the Book of Mormon

http://lds.org/general-conference/1986/10/the-book-of-mormon-keystone-of-our-religion?lang=eng

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-_3CbLE9nk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wvl2HmTv_U&feature=related

These are links for an introduction to the Book of Mormon.  The first is a talk from President Benson.  The second is a movie and the third a song.  I want everyone to know that I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon.  It is a book of God and will bring us closer to Christ.  It is the keystone of our church.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_ac3tWeV3I 

I wanted to share this last link from Elder Holland.  This is his testimony of the Book of Mormon.  Again I testify that this is a true book.  I pray tat you take the time to study it, ponder what you read, and ask God if it is not a true book.  It will change your life.   There was a long scripture we didn't get to in class today, which is a vision Mormon had of our day.
Mormon 8

 25 And behold, their ^aprayers were also in behalf of him that the Lord should suffer to bring these things forth.

 26 And no one need say they shall not come, for they surely shall, for the Lord hath spoken it; for ^aout of the earth shall they come, by the hand of the Lord, and none can stay it; and it shall come in a day when it shall be said that ^bmiracles are done away; and it shall come even as if one should speak ^cfrom the dead.

 27 And it shall come in a day when the ^ablood of saints shall cry unto the Lord, because of secret ^bcombinations and the works of darkness.

 28 Yea, it shall come in a day when the power of God shall be ^adenied, and ^bchurches become defiled and be ^clifted up in the pride of their hearts; yea, even in a day when leaders of churches and teachers shall rise in the pride of their hearts, even to the envying of them who belong to their churches.

 29 Yea, it shall come in a day when ^athere shall be heard of fires, and tempests, and ^bvapors of smoke in foreign lands;

 30 And there shall also be heard of ^awars, rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places.

 31 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great ^apollutionsupon the face of the earth; there shall be ^bmurders, and robbing, and lying, and deceivings, and whoredoms, and all manner of abominations; when there shall be many who will say, Do this, or do that, and it ^cmattereth not, for the Lord will ^duphold such at the last day. But wo unto such, for they are in the ^egall of bitterness and in the ^fbonds of iniquity.

 32 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be ^achurches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins.

 33 O ye wicked and perverse and ^astiffnecked people, why have ye built up churches unto yourselves to get ^bgain? Why have ye ^ctransfiguredthe holy word of God, that ye might bring ^ddamnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the ^erevelations of God; for behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled.

 34 Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.

 35 Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.

 36 And I know that ye do ^awalk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not ^blift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of ^cvery fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.

 37 For behold, ye do love ^amoney, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.

 38 O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ^aashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that ^bmisery which never dies—because of the ^cpraise of the world?

 39 Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?

 40 Yea, why do ye build up your ^asecret abominations to get gain, and cause that widows should mourn before the Lord, and also orphans to mourn before the Lord, and also the blood of their fathers and their husbands to cry unto the Lord from the ground, for vengeance upon your heads?

  41 Behold, the sword of vengeance hangeth over you; and the time soon cometh that he avengeth the ^ablood of the saints upon you, for he will not suffer their cries any longer.

Elder Holland's Testimony: The Book of Mormon is the Word of God

Powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon.  I love Elder Holland talks.

Jeffery R. Holland - The Last Days

This short video is taken from a conference talk from October 2009.  It was titled Safety for the Soul.    What starts as a discourse on the last days, ends as a powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon.  Holland concludes his talk with:

Brothers and sisters, God always provides safety for the soul, and with the Book of Mormon, He has again done that in our time. Remember this declaration by Jesus Himself: “Whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived”15—and in the last days neither your heart nor your faith will fail you. Of this I earnestly testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

What Is the Book of Mormon?

This video includes links to learn more about the Book of Mormon.  If you have seen the musical "Book of Mormon" you have been given only the tip of the iceberg.  This book changes lives everyday, and it can change yours.  It is another testimony of Jesus Christ.  It is a true book, with true teachings.  If one is serious about being close to Jesus, study of the Book of Mormon is the best way.

2011 03 039 a seer will i raise up 360p eng

Here is a powerful testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  I though I would share as I am teaching this lesson to my primary class today.

A New Day for the Book of Mormon

The BYUTV documentary has me very excited to read the Book of Mormon, in a different light.  It
contains interviews with many different scholars, and many different aspects of the Book of Mormon. these aspects includes as literature, as theology, and as proof of its authenticity.    It includes the testimony of scholars, apostles, authors, theologians and many more.  It talks about when many people came to know that the book is a true book of revealed scripture from God, which adds its testimony of Jesus Christ to the testimony by the Bible.  It is a companion to the Bible, not a replacement.  I would encourage all to view this presentation, as I think it will strengthen testimony of those who already believe, and encourage all to investigate this book with real intent one more time.  I know it is a true book.  I am looking forward to a year of intense study.

Caleb's Homecoming Talk

Caleb delivered his homecoming speech in sacrament meeting this week.  It was very good.  He mostly told stories about the miracles people had with regards to the Book of Mormon and receiving testimony through it of the truthfulness of the church.  One story involved a man from Liberia, who could speak, but not read English.  The Book of Mormon has not been translated to his language, but he did say if he received a witness of the veracity of the book he would be baptized.  This testimony was born to him in a dream, when an angel came to him and told him the book was true.  He also talked of a couple he taught, where accepting the gospel made incredible changes in their lives, from being homeless with no car to having a car, three jobs, and a healthy baby.  He also talked of a young man who had received a testimony through the Book of Mormon, and wrote his family to tell them of his desire to attend BYU Idaho and go on a mission.  Caleb was there when his parents called back, and accused him of not loving them.  They were able to provide support in a sensitive situation.  This brother is at BYU Idaho, but has not yet been able to raise money for a mission. 

Mormon Book Review: Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites

Tennis Shoes among the Nephites by Chris Heimerdinger

This is an interesting book.  I am still not sure if I like it; but after it got going there was enough action to keep me interested.  However the concept of falling through a hole and a whirlpool and somehow ending up in Nephite territory many years earlier is very puzzling.  I’m not sure if I buy it; but sometimes letting go of reason can lead to an enjoyable time.  That is what I finally had to do.  

Our three friends from Cody, Wyoming, Jim, Garth, and Jim's sister Jenny, find themselves in the days of the evil Lamanite King Amalakiah.  The boys also meet Moroni, Helaman and Teancum.  These are all familiar Book of Mormon names.  They witness a great war between the Nephites and the Lamanites, and Teancum’s killing of the Lamanite King.  This leads to some very nice action scenes, which keeps the guys interested.  For the woman there is a romance of sorts between Jim and Teancum’s niece.  I see her as a beautiful young woman with long black hair.  If I were that age I would have fallen in love too.

Mormon Movie Review: The Tree of LIfe: Animated Stories from the Book of Mormon

This is a movie from Nest Entertainment and Rich Studios.  He portrays in animated fashion the dreams of Lehi and Nephi, and the pursuit of the tree of life.  It compares and portrays those who push forward and take of the fruit, those who get lost in the mist, those who reach the fruit, but turn away because of the mocking of those in the spacious building.
This isn't my favorite of the Book of Mormon series.  It is trying to dramatize a dream, which is hard to do, and subject to opinion as to what should be included or left out.

Mary the Mother of Jesus

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-027-mary-the-mother-of-jesus?category=topics/christmas

This is from, Bible videos.  It shows snippets of Mary's life, and her relationship with Jesus.  I like to think of Mary through the eyes of Nephi, and the vision he saw of her 600 years before the birth of Jesus.

13 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white.
14 And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou?

 15 And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.

 16 And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?

 17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

 18 And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

 19 And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!

 20 And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.

 21 And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!
I love those verses, and the image it paints of Mary, with the Lamb of God in her arms.

Member Missionary 8: Abish, Ammon, the Queen and King Lamoni

Abish, the queen and King Lamoni

Our Sister Missionaries visited this week, and expanded on the step of praying for missionary experiences.  They made it more specific:
Pray to hasten they work:
1. Pray for us as missionaries and our investigators.
2. Pray for your own missionary experiences.
3. Pray for courage to open your mouth.
4. Pray for the people you talk to to have have soft hearts.
5. Pray for the spirit to be there.

The sister presented their theme by telling the story of Abish, who when she saw Ammon, King Lamoni, his wife and many of his servants overcome by the spirit, she ran door to door telling everyone to come and see.  When they came there was much murmuring, but when the queen and Lamoni were restored, the heard the cause of their having collapsed, and some were converted to the gospel, and others were not.  But Abish ran telling everyone, because she didn't know whose heart would be touched.  Therefore we see the need to invite all to come and see, and some will accept and others will not be ready.

What the Book of Mormon Means to Me

http://bwardlehistory.blogspot.com/2013/10/mormon-historical-movie-parley-p-pratt.html
 http://bwardlehistory.blogspot.com/2013/10/mormon-history-movie-how-rare.html
I have watched a couple a movies with regards to people finding the Book of Mormon, and have been thinking of my own relationship with this book.  I grew up in the church, and so it was a scripture basically taken for granted.  However I think that over time, this book has done more to bring me close to Christ than any other book.  From the first chapter there are visions of Christ, which it it very clear who is the God of this world.  There are such clear passages about Christ, and the atonement.  Nephi talks of the condescension of God.  He was slain for the sins of the world.  1 Nephi 11: 32 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record.

 33 And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.

Christ has suffered for our iniquities and our happiness.  Alma 7:

 11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God 

suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

Alma 11:  40  And he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else.
As I read the Book of Mormon, the testimonies of Christ penetrate my heart.  I know this book is true.  I know Jesus has resurrected.  I know Jesus has atoned for my imperfections.

I invite you to read this book.  It is God's word for us.  If you have read it previously, make it a part of your daily study.  If you have never read it I invite you to get a copy and read it.  It will be delivered by Mormon missionaries, young people like my son who is serving in Iowa.  They can answer any questions you may have, and tell you about its origin.
http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon

The Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

I have been watching church history videos, and this week watched a couple about three witnesses to the Book of Mormon.  I have been very impressed by them, and even more impressed of the firmness of the witnesses, and of the position of the Book of Mormon if it wee to be tried in court.  These men, though at time disaffected with Joseph Smith, or disaffected with the body of the church, maintained there testimonies, and the veracity of what they witnessed until their last breathe.  All three left the church at one point, and two returned to the church.  This is fascinating, that they would always be witnesses to the Book of Mormon, even when it was uncomfortable, or would have been easier to deny their testimonies.
http://bwardlehistory.blogspot.com/2013/09/mormon-historical-movie-three-witnesses.html
The story from David Whitmer's perspective
http://bwardlehistory.blogspot.com/2013/09/mormon-video-work-and-designs-of-god.html
The witness of Martin Harris, which includes explaining the lost manuscript.
I have not been shown the golden plates by an angel, and been allowed to touch the plates.  However I too can witness that I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God.  I have read it, and continue to study it.  The spirit I feel when I read the book tells me it is true.  It brings me peace. 
I invite all to study the book, and test it for yourself.  Moroni 10: 3-5:
3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how meriful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

 4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Book of Mormon King Benjamin; my thoughts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIfSq2f5VuI

There were a couple of things about King Benjamin's discourse that caught my attention today.  Particularly in Mosiah two:

36 And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after ye have known and have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go ^acontrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do ^bwithdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom’s paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved—

I thought it interesting how he says we remove ourselves from the Spirit, rather than the Spirit leaving us. 

And then from chapter three we read:

 19 For the ^anatural ^bman is an ^cenemy to God, and has been from the ^dfall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he ^eyields to the enticings of the Holy ^fSpirit, and ^gputteth off the ^hnatural man and becometh a ⁱsaint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a ^jchild, ^ksubmissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

This gives further insight, telling us we have to let go of our carnal nature, become submissive as a child, and yield to the enticings of the Spirit.  Oh that we can make the atone effective in our lives.  Please watch the movie through to the end, which is the best part.

Sunday School: Introduction to the Book of Mormon

http://lds.org/general-conference/1986/10/the-book-of-mormon-keystone-of-our-religion?lang=eng

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-_3CbLE9nk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wvl2HmTv_U&feature=related

These are links for an introduction to the Book of Mormon.  The first is a talk from President Benson.  The second is a movie and the third a song.  I want everyone to know that I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon.  It is a book of God and will bring us closer to Christ.  It is the keystone of our church. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMWK20vZFwQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_ac3tWeV3I 

I wanted to share this last link from Elder Holland.  This is his testimony of the Book of Mormon.  Again I testify that this is a true book.  I pray tat you take the time to study it, ponder what you read, and ask God if it is not a true book.  It will change your life.   There was a long scripture we didn't get to in class today, which is a vision Mormon had of our day. 
Mormon 8

 25 And behold, their ^aprayers were also in behalf of him that the Lord should suffer to bring these things forth.

 26 And no one need say they shall not come, for they surely shall, for the Lord hath spoken it; for ^aout of the earth shall they come, by the hand of the Lord, and none can stay it; and it shall come in a day when it shall be said that ^bmiracles are done away; and it shall come even as if one should speak ^cfrom the dead.

 27 And it shall come in a day when the ^ablood of saints shall cry unto the Lord, because of secret ^bcombinations and the works of darkness.

 28 Yea, it shall come in a day when the power of God shall be ^adenied, and ^bchurches become defiled and be ^clifted up in the pride of their hearts; yea, even in a day when leaders of churches and teachers shall rise in the pride of their hearts, even to the envying of them who belong to their churches.

 29 Yea, it shall come in a day when ^athere shall be heard of fires, and tempests, and ^bvapors of smoke in foreign lands;

 30 And there shall also be heard of ^awars, rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places.

 31 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great ^apollutions upon the face of the earth; there shall be ^bmurders, and robbing, and lying, and deceivings, and whoredoms, and all manner of abominations; when there shall be many who will say, Do this, or do that, and it ^cmattereth not, for the Lord will ^duphold such at the last day. But wo unto such, for they are in the ^egall of bitterness and in the ^fbonds of iniquity.

 32 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be ^achurches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins.

 33 O ye wicked and perverse and ^astiffnecked people, why have ye built up churches unto yourselves to get ^bgain? Why have ye ^ctransfigured the holy word of God, that ye might bring ^ddamnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the ^erevelations of God; for behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled.

 34 Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.

 35 Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.

 36 And I know that ye do ^awalk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not ^blift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of ^cvery fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.

 37 For behold, ye do love ^amoney, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.

 38 O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ^aashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that ^bmisery which never dies—because of the ^cpraise of the world?

 39 Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?

 40 Yea, why do ye build up your ^asecret abominations to get gain, and cause that widows should mourn before the Lord, and also orphans to mourn before the Lord, and also the blood of their fathers and their husbands to cry unto the Lord from the ground, for vengeance upon your heads?

  41 Behold, the sword of vengeance hangeth over you; and the time soon cometh that he avengeth the ^ablood of the saints upon you, for he will not suffer their cries any longer.

Book Review: The Book of Mormon: A Family Discussion Guide

This book is written by a member of our ward, April McMurtrey.  It can be had through Amazon.com.  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=a9_sc_1?rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3Aapril+mcmurtrey&keywords=april+mcmurtrey&ie=UTF8&qid=1323640842
This is not a traditional book where you take it and read it from cover to cover.  However it is meant as a companion to reading the Book of Mormon.  It asks questions which will be conducive to fulfilling the requirement of Moroni, "...and ponder it in your hearts." (Moroni 10:3)

This book is geared to help direct family scripture reading.  It can also supplement reading for next year in Sunday School (which is gong to be focused on the Book of Mormon,)  family scripture study, and personal scripture study.  I am hoping that we can use this for Family Home Evening study over the next couple of years. 

I recommend this book to those who are seeking to enhance their study of the Book of Mormon--whether for family or personal study.

Coming to Christ: Book of Mormon Studies 3; Laman and Lemuel

One of the more intriguing stories of the  Book of Mormon, and one that is exposed to light in 1 Nephi chapter 8, is the relationship between Laman and Lemuel and their father.  This plays out in the dream Lehi has of the Tree of Life.  After he takes of the fruit of the tree, he asks his family to also come and partake.  We remember that the fruit represents God's love, and the atonement of Jesus Christ.

In contrast to the tree of life, was the large and spacious building.  While the tree of life represented Jesus Christ and His atonement, the large building represented the pride and vain imaginations of the world.  “The large and spacious building stands in opposition to the Savior, who is the tree of life.” (BOM student manual p 22)

To set the stage for Lehi’s concern for his sons, we must understand what was at stake.  Lehi saw four different types of people.  There were those who were desirous to reach to tree, but became lost in the dark mist. There were those who desired to reach the tree, held to the rod of iron, reach the tree and partake of the fruit, but then observed those in the large and spacious building mocking them, and became ashamed and fell away.  There were also those who had no desire to reach the tree, but instead head towards the large and spacious building.  Lastly there are those who pursue the tree, hold to the rod of iron, and partake of the fruit, and do not fall away.  Glen L. Pace made this comment on those who are headed towards this building:

To those of you who are inching your way closer and closer to that great and spacious building, let me make it completely clear that the people in that building have absolutely nothing to offer except instant, short-term gratification inescapably connected to long-term sorrow and suffering.  The commandments you observe were not given by a dispassionate God to prevent you from having fun, but by a loving Father in heaven who wants you to be happy while you are living on this earth as well as in the hereafter.  (Glen L. Pace quoted in BOM student manual p 23)

So Lehi, having partaken of the fruit of the tree of life desired his family to partake.  “…And I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted... And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceeding great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.”  (1 Nephi 8:11-12)

Lehi called to his wife and Sam and Nephi, and they all come and partook of the fruit and received the joy that Lehi had felt.  He looked for Laman and Lemuel, and upon seeing them, called them to the tree, but they would not heed him, and instead were amongst those heading to the large and spacious building. 

Lehi also observed a rod of iron which lead to the tree.  Through Nephi's own vision, and the interpretation he gives we know that the rod of iron represents the word of God.  And so we are given the key to reaching the tree of life, and being able to take of the fruit, of Christ's redemtion.  To study the word of God by reading the scriptures.  I have found Book of Mormon study is most important to overcome the mocking of  those world.  Scripture study, prayer and church attendance help us maintain our grip on the rod of iron.

Nephi concludes telling of his father’s dream in this fashion.  “…He exceedingly feared for Laman and Lemuel; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord.  And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent…”  (1 Nephi 8:36-37)

And so I am desirous to approach my children, with the same tenderness as Lehi, and encourage them to partake of this fruit.  Also quoted in the institute manual is Robert D. Hales.  “We too must have the faith to teach our children and bid them to keep the commandments.”  (Robert D. Hales as quoted in BOM student manual p 23)  And so I call to my children.  “Come take of the fruit; come take of the joy that is the atonement of Jesus Christ.”   

Coming to Christ: Book of Mormon Studies 2c Nephi and Laban

I decided not to move on with my comments, because there is something some people find disturbing in the first five chapters of Nephi, and I wanted to talk about it.  This is the story in 1 Nephi 4, of Nephi getting the Brass Plates.

To summarize the story, Lehi commands his sons to go and get the Brass Plates from Laban who lives in Jesusalem.  Laman and Lemuel complained and did not think it was possible.  Nephi responded saying, "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (1 Nephi 3:7)  Nephi and his brothers tried two times unsuccessfully to get the plates.  They tried asking for them, and purchasing them with their worldly possession which they had left behind.  Laban rutned them down, stole their possessions, and sent guards to kill them.  Finally, after being beaten by a rod by his brothers, and an angel compelling his brothers to stop, Nephi goes the third time alone, "And I was lead by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do. Nevertheless I went forth,..." (1 Nephi 4:6-7)

And now comes the part of the story that some people have trouble with.  Nephi finds Laban in a drunken stupor.  The Spirit tells Nephi to kill him.  Nephi hesitated to do so, and the Spirit says, "Behold the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands... Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands;  Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief.  (1 Nephi 4 11-13)

And so, at the beginning of the Book of Mormon, we have a test of faith.  While on my mission, an investigator concluded that the Book of Mormon was not true based on this story.   God would not tell someone to murder someone else.  But the history in the scriptures is much different.  Even though God said "Thou shalt not kill"  (Exodus 20:13)  But this is the same God, who would tell the Israelites to utterly destroy cities from time to time, for the God is Lord of the law.  "Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass."  (Samuel 15:3)

And so if God is a living God, which he is, then he has power to alter the basic commandments as seemeth Him good.  Consider also Jesus and the apostles picking corn on the sabbath.  The same standard applied.  

However in having this faith, that God guides and directs his church, it is important to check oneself and make sure the Spirit you are following is of God and not some other source.  I remember the case many years back in Logan, when a man had a delusion, thinking he was commanded by god to kill his baby, and ended up causing a serious stab wound to the baby with a scissors. 

For our day and age such instruction, to go against a commandment of God would only come through the  prophet. The Institute Manual talks of this.  "Some people have incorrectly felt that the Spirit of the Lord has prompted them to do something contrary to what the Lord has already commanded, such as was the case with Nephi.  Today we not not worry that the Lord might prompt us to do something that is contrary to current commandments."  The Manual then  quotes Harold B. Lee.  "When there is to be anything different from that which the Lord has told us already, He will reveal it to his prophet and no one else."  (SMR p 16 quoting Harold B. Lee; Stand Ye in Holy Places, 1974)

There is a pattern set.  God is Lord of all, including the commandments.  He speaks through His prophets.  We have a living prophet today, who guides and directs us.  For our part, we have the responsibility to seek out inspiration for our calling, families, and duties. 

It is interesting that such a story would appear at the first of the Book of Mormon.  The reason it appears, is because it is a true story, and relates what actually happened.  The Book of Mormon talks of the benefit of the Brass Plates.  Laban had two earlier opportunities to give the Plates, and had refused to do so.  So in this case, the Lord determined that Laban's death would be required, that Lehi and his family might have the scriptures, and thus preserve their language, their religion and their faith.

I know the Book of Mormon is God's words, and I am coming closer to Christ through this study.

Coming to Christ: Book of Mormon study 2b, The Tender Mercies of the Lord

I am studying the first five chapters of First Nephi.  The scripture that stood out to me this time reading the book is 1 Nephi: 20: And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had ^acast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also ^bsought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender ^cmercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of ^ddeliverance.

I asked this question for family home evening, "What are the tender mercies of God?"  The responses focused on the blessing we receive in our lives, help with finding money in the glove box when needed, help with a problem, help with financial burdens.  But then the conversation became deeper.  The ability to keep our faith, and being able to take advantage of God's atonement to heal our wounded hearts.  Also the ability of God's atonement to pay the price for our sins, our faults.

David Bednar talked of tender mercies in a conference address. Part of his talk is included in the blog before this one. He said:  Since last October I have reflected repeatedly upon the phrase “the tender mercies of the Lord.” Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, the Lord suits “his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men” (D&C 46:15).

Another scripture that talks of these tender mercies is Moroni 10:3: Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how ^amerciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ^bponder it in your ^chearts.

I find it interesting to note the difference between Nephi and his brothers Laman and Lemuel.  While Nephi was focused on the tender mercies of God, and pondering how merciful God had been to the children of men, Laman and Lemuel were focused on their "visionary father."  Laman and Lemuel became bitter, and Nephi kept his attitude and remained close to the Lord.

We see the same thing today--those who become bitter, often focusing on minor things. And those who maintain their faith through trials.  May we stay focused on our faith, and avoid the bitter in our lives, that we may partake of the Lord's tender mercies.

A Janice Kapp Perr song seems to summatize this topic.  It is copyrighted so I am enclosing the link:
http://lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Magazines/NewEra/English/2007/NE_2007_04_05___00644_000_005.pdf