Karen's Book of Mormon Blog

1 Nephi 6   Nephi writes of the things of God, Nephi's purpose is to persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham and be saved. About 600-592 B.C. Nephi writes to persuade all to come unto Jesus Christ, and be saved. ONE PURPOSE OF THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TO PERSUADE ALL PEOPLE TO COME UNTO JESUS CHRIST. President Ezra Taft Benson: The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ....It tells in a plain manner of Christ and His gospel. It testifies of His divinity and of the necessity for a Redeemer and the need of our putting trust in Him. It bears witness of the Fal and the Atonement and the first principles of the gospel, including our need of a broken heart and a contrite spirit and a spiritual rebirth. It proclaims we must endure to the end in righteousness and live the moral life of a Saint" ("We Add Our Witness," Ensign, Mar. 1989, 5). President Benson explained that the phrase "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob," refers to the Savior: &

  1 Nephi 5 Sariah complains against Lehi - Both rejoice over the return of their sons - They offer sacrifices - The plates of brass contain writings of Moses and the prophets - The plates identify Lehi as a descendant of Joseph - Lehi prophesies concerning his seed and the preservation of the plates. About 600-592 B.C. 1 Nephi 5:1-9  Lehi's sons return safely to their family in the wilderness ? What did Sariah gain from this experience?  A: She knew her husband was a prophet of God 1 Nephi 5:10-22 Lehi searches the plates of brass ? What is the difference between searching the scriptures and just reading them?  A: When you search them you are looking for answers to problems in your own life.    Elder D. Todd Christofferson: "When I say 'study,' I mean something more than reading. It is a good thing sometimes to read a book of scripture within a set period of time to get an overall sense of its message, but for conversion, you should care more about the amount of time

  1 Nephi 4 Nephi slays Laban at the Lord's command and then secures the plates of brass by stratagem, Zoram chooses to join Lehi's family in the wilderness. About 600-592 B.C.   1-38 Nephi obtains the brass plates. I've had a difficult time with this chapter all of my life. I studied it all week and talked to James about it and I have finally come to the conclusion that it was necessary for Nephi to kill Laban. Nephi objected at first but when he realized it was necessary so his family could have the scriptures and that it was the Lord's will, he was able to do it. Here are some key verses: 1 Nephi 4:6 - And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.  *The Lord may inspire us to do something without immediately revealing how, when, or why we should do it. Nephi learned how, when, and why the Lord would help him only after he allowed the Holy Ghost to direct him and after he decided to go forth in faith.  President Harold B. Lee We oft

  1 Nephi 3 Lehi's sons return to Jerusalem to obtain the plates of brass, Laban refuses to give the plates up, Nephi exhorts and encourages his brethren, Laban steals their property and attempts to slay them, Laman and Lemuel smite Nephi and Sam and are reproved by an angel. About 600-592 B.C. 1 Nephi 3:1-9, 19-20 Lehi's sons return to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates. When I strive to fulfill a command or difficult task from the Lord, He will bless my efforts by providing a way for me to fulfill the command, even though it may still be difficult. ? Why do you think Nephi was willing to do what his father asked without murmuring? A - Because he had received a witness that his father was a prophet of God. He prayed and found out for himself. If/Then: IF WE SEEK TO DO WHAT THE LORD COMMANDS, THEN HE WILL PREPARE A WAY FOR US TO ACCOMPLISH IT. 1 Nephi 3:7 "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth   no commandments unto th

1 Nephi 2:1-7    God commands Lehi to depart into the wilderness. TRUTH: WHEN WE ARE FAITHFUL AND OBEDIENT, THE LORD WILL HELP US IN TIMES OF TRIAL. 1 Nephi 2:8-15 Laman and Lemuel murmur against their father.  ? Why do you think murmuring sometimes results when people do not understand the dealings of God? Quote: Elder H. Ross Workman, Oct 2001 General Conference:"Beware of Murmuring" "Murmuring consists of three steps, each leading to the next in a descending path to disobedience." First, people begin to question. They question "first in their own minds," and then they plant questions "in the minds of others." Second, those who murmur begin to "rationalize and excuse themselves from doing what they have been instructed to do. ...Thus, the make an excuse for disobedience." Their excuses lead to the third step: "Slothfulness in following the commandment of the Master.... "I invite you to focus on the commandment from living pr

 1 Nephi 1:1-3 Nephi begins his record ? Why did Nephi keep a record?  * Having had a great knowledge of the goodness and mysteries of God. ? Why did Nephi feel he was "highly favored of the Lord"?  * Because of his experiences with the Lord. He made himself highly favored because of his obedience.  1 Nephi 1:4-18  Lehi receives a vision and warns the people that Jerusalem will be destroyed.  Vs. 4 - The prophets say repent or Jerusalem will be destroyed.  Vs. 5-13 What Lehi saw in vision     - A pillar of fire on a rock       - The Heavens open and God sitting upon His throne with numberless concourses of angels singing and praising God.     - One descending out of the midst of heaven whose luster was above the sun at noonday.     - 12 others following Him and their brightness did exceed that of the stars.     - The First gave my father a book and bade him to read it.     - As he read he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord.     - Jerusalem destroyed and inhabitants by the