Conducted after the workings of the spirit

Conducted After the Workings of the Spirit.

In Moroni Chapter 6, Moroni looks back at the Church of Christ that led to hundreds of years of peace on the American Continent. He gives us advice that is very relevant to the Church in our days and filled with insight that would strengthen our words and branches. I see his counsel echoing the wise instruction of the Apostles and Prophets urging us to baptize converts that are truly converted, fellowship those that enter the fold, and to have the spirit present in our meetings.

True Conversion

 1 And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it.

2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.3 And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.

In my mission and missions across the world, converts are baptized well before they are ready to take that sacred step. Perhaps they came to church and ‘felt something’ that they liked, perhaps they fell in love with a particular missionary or felt good around him or her. People make the choice to be baptized for many different reasons. However, only a true conversion to the gospel evidenced by a broken heart and a contrite spirit as well as fruits of repentance and a determination to serve God to the end can lead to abiding fellowship and membership in the church and the covenant.

Elder Hales exhorted each of us to ensure that those that we help prepare for baptism ( be it our children, or friends and neighbors) truly understand the commitment they are making (The Covenant of Baptism: To Be in the Kingdom and Of the Kingdom, October 2000 General Conference)

“We cannot take lightly the law given to us to teach our children the doctrine of repentance; faith in Christ, the Son of the living God; and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands when eight years old, which is the age of accountability appointed by God. We need to do a better job of teaching our children and our grandchildren to understand what it means to enter the kingdom of God, for we will be held accountable. Many members of the Church do not fully understand what happened when they went into the waters of baptism. It is very important for us to understand the marvelous gift of the remission of sins, but there is much more. Do you understand and do your children understand that when they are baptized they are changed forever? Adult converts to the Church often have a better understanding of this transformation because they feel the contrast as they come out of the world into the kingdom of God.

When we are baptized, we take upon ourselves the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Taking upon us His name is one of the most significant experiences we have in life. Yet sometimes we pass through that experience without having a full understanding…..

How many of our children—how many of us—really understand that when we were baptized we took upon us not only the name of Christ but also the law of obedience?I urge all parents to prepare your children, and missionaries to prepare your converts, for the sacred baptismal ordinance. Teach of its significance so that their baptism will be impressed upon their spiritual memory for the rest of their lives. Take them to sacrament meeting weekly to renew their baptismal covenants through the ordinance of the sacrament. Be a good example for them to follow. Teach them that because of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, the way they look at the things of the world should change. A mighty change must take place in their hearts and in their minds so they will be able to turn from temptations of the world and from that time forward put their “heart, might, mind and strength” (D&C 4:2) into being citizens in the kingdom of God.”

Nourishment by the good word of God

4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.

Everyone of course remembers President Hinckley’s plea that every recent convert be given: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with “the good word of God.” In my mission we were woefully inadequate at doing so. New Converts went for months without a calling and without friendship outside of the full time missionaries. Bishops/branch presidents would regard callings as a gift that needed to be reserved for those that ‘earned’ their trust rather than an opportunity to help strengthen a new members testimony. So many wonderful people fell away due to the return of old habits and the pressures of family and friends.  Sadly, when a new convert would make a mistake members would be judgmental rather than loving.  How dramatic would be the growth in the church if we took to heart Moroni and President Hinckley’s plea and truly strove to accept, love and integrate these new coverts.

Moroni suggests that we can do better if we truly love these new converts and exhort them to remember the savior and rely on him. We can help people be truly anchored in the gospel and in the church. Moroni’s words of forgiveness are also very critical in our ever diversifying and growing Church.

7 And they were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity among them; and whoso was found to commit iniquity, and three witnesses of the church did condemn them before the elders, and if they repented not, and confessed not, their names were blotted out, and they were not numbered among the people of Christ.8 But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.

I am reminded of President Uchtdorf’s eloquent evocation

“I am deeply impressed by the way our Church members extend themselves to others. As we hear of your selfless sacrifice and overwhelming compassion, our hearts swell with gratitude and happiness. You are a shining light to the world, and you are known for your goodness and compassion all around the globe.

Unfortunately, from time to time we also hear of Church members who become discouraged and subsequently quit coming to and participating in our Church meetings because they think they don’t fit in….

I hope that we welcome and love all of God’s children, including those who might dress, look, speak, or just do things differently. It is not good to make others feel as though they are deficient. Let us lift those around us. Let us extend a welcoming hand. Let us bestow upon our brothers and sisters in the Church a special measure of humanity, compassion, and charity so that they feel, at long last, they have finally found home….

I am not suggesting that we accept sin or overlook evil, in our personal life or in the world. Nevertheless, in our zeal, we sometimes confuse sin with sinner, and we condemn too quickly and with too little compassion. We know from modern revelation that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” 4 We cannot gauge the worth of another soul any more than we can measure the span of the universe. Every person we meet is a VIP to our Heavenly Father. Once we understand that, we can begin to understand how we should treat our fellowmen. ” (You are my Hands, April 2010 General Conference)

After the manner of the workings of the spirit

5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.6 And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.9 And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done.

It’s no secret that at times our church meetings can be dull, dry, formulaic and predictable.  I firmly believe that what Spencer W. Kimball was right when he said that he had never been to a boring sacrament meeting. So much of what we can get from our church meetings is based on what we bring. We can receive personal revelation in even a very dull and poorly prepared lesson as illustrated by this story told by Elder Scott

“Subsequently, I visited the Sunday School class in our ward, where a very well-educated teacher presented his lesson. That experience was in striking contrast to the one enjoyed in the priesthood meeting. It seemed to me that the instructor had purposely chosen obscure references and unusual examples to illustrate the principles of the lesson. I had the distinct impression that this instructor was using the teaching opportunity to impress the class with his vast store of knowledge. At any rate, he certainly did not seem as intent on communicating principles as had the humble priesthood leader.

In that environment, strong impressions began to flow to me again. I wrote them down. The message included specific counsel on how to become more effective as an instrument in the hands of the Lord. I received such an outpouring of impressions that were so personal that I felt it was not appropriate to record them in the midst of a Sunday School class. I sought a more private location, where I continued to write the feelings that flooded into my mind and heart as faithfully as possible. After each powerful impression was recorded, I pondered the feelings I had received to determine if I had accurately expressed them in writing. As a result, I made a few minor changes to what had been written. Then I studied their meaning and application in my own life.

Subsequently I prayed, reviewing with the Lord what I thought I had been taught by the Spirit. When a feeling of peace came, I thanked Him for the guidance given. I was then impressed to ask, “Was there yet more to be given?” I received further impressions, and the process of writing down the impressions, pondering, and praying for confirmation was repeated. Again I was prompted to ask, “Is there more I should know?” And there was. When that last, most sacred experience was concluded, I had received some of the most precious, specific, personal direction one could hope to obtain in this life. Had I not responded to the first impressions and recorded them, I would not have received the last, most precious guidance.” ( To Acquire Spiritual Guidance; October 2009)

This is true, and I bear testimony that we can always seek revelation if we are seeking it. HOWEVER, it is also equally true that our church meetings would be even more uplifiting, revelatory and inspiring if we more frequently followed the admonition of Moroni and conducted our meetings after the workings of the spirit.

I recently had two really great experiences that illustrated this principle and showed me once again that those men called of God to lead this Church truly understand the Gospel and are urging us to emulate them and the savior more fully.

In October, I went to New York and Boston for a couple of days. I had the opportunity to attend the University Ward in Cambridge and that evening attend a fireside hosted by Elder Neil L. Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve. Elder Anderson spoke about receiving the promptings of the spirit and following his guidance. However, what impressed me was how he illustrated this principle in his talk. On the stand sat his wife as well as several bishops and stake presidents from the area. Elder Anderson got up to talk and said that he felt prompted to try something a bit different. He called upon those that he knew in the audience ( including my bishop Roger Porter who was sitting in the back of the audience and had not been told in advance that he would speak- indeed none of them had been told in advance) to come up and share an experience or teach about a particular principle relating to revelation. What amazed me was how beautifully the spirit led the meeting and how the various short talks from about 10 different people came together like a symphony to illustrate gospel principles. It was actually similar to the experience at general conference when dozens of talks are not coordinated in advance but yet are able to compliment each other so beautifully.

A few weeks ago, we had a stake conference here in Provo and Bishop Dean M. Davies of the President Bishopric presided over the meeting. As I came in to the sacrament hall, Bishop Davies was walking around and shaking hands with members and find out where they were from and about them. This seemed like a pretty standard practice and I didn’t think much of it until halfway through the meeting Bishop Davies said that he would call on some people that he had met earlier to get up and bear their testimony of the savior.  He chose a few of those with whom he had spoken and invited them to bear a short testimony of the savior. These were very sweet and powerful testimonies and it brought the spirit quite powerfully. Again, these short testimonies really complimented his overall message and left a deep impression.

I love how these two general authorities are leading by example by following the promptings of the spirit and conducting after the manner of the spirit. I hope that Bishops and Stake Presidents will continue to take inspiration from these men and learn how to conduct with spontaneity and spiritual power. I know that as we strive to have the spirit more ever present in our meetings, our communities will improve as we are more fully led by the spirit of God.

Scripture Study- Enlarging our Memory (1 Ne 4)- Book of Mormon Study Journal

As a missionary, I often taught people about the importance of reading and studying the scriptures. As such, I often reflected on why exactly this is so important. Whenever I read 1 Ne 3-4 I continue to be drawn back to this question: Why were the scriptures so valuable to Lehi and Nephi that they were willing to risk their lives, fortunes and everything else to retrieve them.

Elder Christofferson in a great talk in April 2010 entitled The Blessing of Scriptures enumerated three primary blessings of the scriptures

1)    The Scriptures Enlarge Our Memory

2)    The Scriptures Are the Standard for Distinguishing Truth and Error

3)    The Scriptures Bring Us to Christ, Our Redeemer

The Book of Mormon provides a couple of great examples of each of these points. I want to focus on the first point. Indeed, Nephi seems to explicitly focus on this point as he contemplates whether or not he is justified in killing Laban.

“14 And now, when I, Nephi, had heard these words, I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness, saying that: Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise.

15 Yea, and I also thought that they could not keep the commandments of the Lord according to the law of Moses, save they should have the law.

16 And I also knew that the law was engraven upon the plates of brass.

17 And again, I knew that the Lord had delivered Laban into my hands for this cause—that I might obtain the records according to his commandments.”

Thus, Nephi realizes that the text of the Book of Mormon is so vital in allowing past generations to learn the collective wisdom that the lord has revealed in all generations of time.

Indeed, the later events of the Book of Mormon confirm this importance as the contrast between the people of Nephi and the Mulekites is revealed

The Nephites had a love  of pondering and analyzing the scriptures and as such remained faithful to the lord for an extended period:

2 Ne 4:15 And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.

In contrast, the Mulekites did not have sciptures and quickly fell away from the true worship of God

Omni 1:  17 And at the time that Mosiah discovered them, they had become exceedingly numerous. Nevertheless, they had had many wars and serious contentions, and had fallen by the sword from time to time; and their language had become corrupted; and they had brought no records with them; and they denied the being of their Creator; and Mosiah, nor the people of Mosiah, could understand them.

Elder Christofferson powerfully explains this principle

“The scriptures also enlarge our memory by helping us not forget what we and earlier generations have learned. Those who either don’t have or ignore the recorded word of God eventually cease to believe in Him and forget the purpose of their existence. You will remember how important it was for Lehi’s people to take the brass plates with them when they left Jerusalem. These scriptures were key to their knowledge of God and the coming Redemption of Christ. The other group that “came out from Jerusalem” shortly after Lehi had no scriptures, and when Lehi’s descendants encountered them some 300 or 400 years later, it is recorded that “their language had become corrupted; … and they denied the being of their Creator” ( Omni 1:15, 17).”

I have found that 1 Ne 4 also contains a very powerful example and much more personal example of the blessings of scripture study.

At the close of the last chapter, Nephi’s brothers have just complained about the impossibility of retrieving the plates. They are terrified of Laban and the vast power he appears to possess.

In response, Nephi makes a direct appeal to the scriptures.

“ 2 Therefore let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses; for he truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea and they divided hither and thither, and our fathers came through, out of captivity, on dry ground, and the armies of Pharaoh did follow and were drowned in the waters of the Red Sea.

3 Now behold ye know that this is true; and ye also know that an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt? Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as the Egyptians.”

He takes course by the examples of the prophets of old. He knows that God has saved his people in the past and so he has faith that such will happen again. Even though he wasn’t there when Moses crossed the Red Sea, he is strengthened and encouraged by Moses’s example. His memory has been enlarged through the study of the word of God.

Having been so empowered, Nephi therefore has the faith and courage to do the near impossible. He has the faith to stand up to his brothers and to be led by the Lord

“ 1 And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands?”

Because Nephi has studied the scripture he is then endowed with the power needed to act and to become part of future scriptural history. In turn, his words and actions have been the inspiration for generations of readers in our days. A quick look at the LDS scripture Citation Index Shows that Nephi’s words and deeds have become the motivation for members to overcome their hardships and to rise above life’s challenges

Elder Eyring for instance in October 2010 referenced this story very powerfully

“The young Nephi in the Book of Mormon stirs in us a desire to develop trust in the Lord to obey His commandments, however hard they appear to us. Nephi faced danger and possible death when he said these words of trust that we can and must feel steadily in our hearts: “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”

As did President Monson more recently in April 2012

“The call of duty came to the boy Nephi when he was instructed by the Lord, through his father Lehi, to return to Jerusalem with his brothers to obtain the brass plates from Laban. Nephi’s brothers murmured, saying it was a hard thing which had been asked of them. What was Nephi’s response? Said he, “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.”

Nephi of course was a man of great faith and courage. However, had he not had the scriptures before his eyes to enlarge his memory he may have feared and been hesitant to act. Indeed, I have seen so many people loose sight of the great scriptural truths and begin to doubt and fall away. Laman and Lemuel for instance clearly did not have this scriptural vision and as such they were terrified by the challenges they faced!

Elder Maxwell spoke of this

“Dulled and desensitized, Laman and Lemuel simply didn’t share Nephi’s confidence that the Lord would never command His children to do difficult things, except the Lord first prepares the way (see 1 Ne. 3:7).

Their enormous errors led to almost comical inconsistencies, such as Laman and Lemuel’s believing that God could handle mighty Pharaoh and great Egypt’s army at the Red Sea all right, but not a local Laban! How many in our time inconsistently subordinate themselves to, and curry favor with, mortal intimidators?”

If we want to keep our spiritual sight and memory, then we need to constantly keep refreshed by immersing ourselves in the scriptures!

Book of Mormon study journal#8- I will go and do (1 nephi 3 part one)

Book of Mormon Scripture Study Journal : 1 Nephi 3

Immediately after the spiritual manifestation recalled in Chapter two, Nephi faces a real and concrete trial of his faith. I love how the chapter mentions that (as soon as) Nephi had returned from speaking with the Lord, his father tells him about his dream and asks him to go to Jerusalem in order to secure the plates.

This is so often the case. We receive a call to serve or a prompting to act well before we may fully feel ready to do so. Perhaps, Nephi felt unprepared. After all, he had just recently had his incredible conversion experience. Perhaps all those recent converts ( and not just recent converts, but all members really) can relate to what Nephi must have felt here. Days or weeks after baptism, being called in and given a really difficult, seemingly impossible task or calling. Nephi was put in the position to lead his older and supposedly ‘more mature’ brothers and was asked to show a remarkable amount of leadership and courage.

I remember at times before I served a mission being overwhelmed with the fact that the Lord wanted me to serve. Here I was, so young in the church and only having so recently overcome familial and personal challenges in order to be baptized, and I was being asked to prepare for what seemed impossible. I knew that going would create many difficulties and I wasn’t quite sure if I was ready for it. At times I considered waiting a few more months or years until my faith had become more solidified and the opposition lessened before I put in my papers.

For me, Nephi’s example was and is a truly inspiring one. His brothers murmured and complained, but Nephi knew as his father points out that this was not a commandment of men, but of the Lord. He had a burgeoning testimony of God’s power and majesty. He knew that God had spoken to him and so did not doubt that these words of his father were inspired of God.

I cannot say that I was always as free of murmuring or doubts as Nephi, but I am eternally grateful that as Nephi I was able to respond “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 commanded them.” (1 Nephi 3:7)

On the tail end of my mission, and as I look at various challenges that lie ahead ( Courtship and marriage, Law School etc.), my faith is reinforced both by my own experiences and by the experiences of Nephi. His courage and his trust in the Lord are ultimately so incredibly inspiring to us all.

Let us follow his example and ‘not murmur’ when faced with a difficult task. Let us go and do the things of the lord with all of our heart, might and soul!

Book of Mormon study journal # 7- 1 nephi 2 part two

This chapter is one of the most revealing as to why some people soften their hearts and are able to understand the things of the lord while others harden themselves and are closed of from the things of God

Laman and Lemuel are often sterotyped or dismissed, by the truth is that they are incredibly real people and their struggles are very much like many of those is our day

Elder Neal A. Maxwell gave a masterful talk on this subject many years ago.

Laman and Lemuel became rebels instead of leaders, resentful instead of righteous—all because of their failure to understand either the character or the purposes of God.

Elder Maxwell asserts and I fully agree that the key is found in verse 12

Failing to understand the “dealings” of the Lord with His children—meaning His relations with and treatment of His children—is very fundamental. Murmuring is but one of the symptoms, and not the only consequence either; in fact, brothers and sisters, this failure affects everything else!

To misread something so crucial constitutes a failure to know God, who then ends up being wrongly seen as unreachable, uninvolved, uncaring, and unable—a disabled and diminished Deity, really—about whose seeming limitations, ironically, some then quickly complain.

The truth is that from a wordless perspective father Lehi’s actions were completely unacceptable. He left behind everything that had ever mattered to his sons in response to a dream. He likely left behind many friends and relatives with whom he had previously enjoyed a wonderful relationship. Furthermore, to leave behind the temple and Jerusalem seemed to go against the ritualistic religion of Laman and Lemuel. Without a proper understanding of God it is no wonder that they murmured and fault every step of the way. Indeed, it may be more surprising that despite their lack of understanding they dutifully obeyed for so long!

The problem with Laman and Lemuel was that they were unwilling to consider that their conventional way of thinking was wrong. They were unwilling to know the will of the lord and not prepared to take the necessary steps.

Nephi on the other hand likely heard his fathers words with the same bit of skepticism at first. What set him apart from his brethren was that he was willing to go against the conventional wisdom and turn to the lord. He was willing to suspend his disbelief long enough to receive a confirmation from God and come to know that his father’s words were true

Michael T. Ringwood spoke about nephi’s easiness and willingness to believe:

We are blessed with others in the scriptures who teach us how we can obtain an easiness and willingness to believe. Nephi, son of Lehi, is one example. His first act when he heard his father teach about the destruction of Jerusalem was to cry unto the Lord till his heart was soft and he believed all the words spoken by his father

I love the words of Nephi

16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers. (Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Chapter 2)

This is a pattern of revelation for all of us:

First, Nephi had a desire to know the truth and to understand God

Second he cried into the lord to help soften his heart and help him understand

Third, he shared his spiritual promptings and feelings with his brother Sam

Finally, Nephi is commended for his diligence and loveliness of heart in seeking the Lord

Nephi here gains a preliminary testimony…He has a witnesses of the truth of the revelation of his father. His knowledge is far from perfect, yet Nephi has learned enough to cast away his doubts and act in faith!

Yet, what is admirable is that Nephi continues to grow his testimony and seek greater light and knowledge… ( we will get to that in chapters 10 an 11)

May we always follow the example of Nephi and not his brothers so that we grow each day in our knowledge of the mysterious of that being who created us!

Book of Mormon Study journal #6- 1 nephi 2 part one

This chapter begins with the lords word of comfort and warning to lehi.

1 For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life. (Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Chapter 2)

One thing that I have noticed in reading the Book of Mormon is how often the first thing the lord or one of his messages speaks are words of comfort or blessing

Here are some other great examples:

15 Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first message from him. Behold, I am he that delivered it unto you. (Book of Mormon, Alma, Chapter 8)

4 Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. (Book of Mormon, Helaman, Chapter 10)

27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success. (Book of Mormon, Alma, Chapter 26)

So often, when the lord speaks it is to heal our wounds and bring us peace. Satan is the one that speaks through criticism, denigration and guilt.

Another great example is the account in the Book of Moses of Cain being led to evil by Satan. I love the lords tender response to Cain. He is not chastising him for past mistakes but revealing to him that repentance and forgiveness is still within his grasp.

22 And the Lord said unto Cain: Why art thou wroth? Why is thy countenance fallen?
23 If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted. And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to have thee; (Pearl of Great Price, Moses, Chapter 5)

Lehi’s faith in responding to the call of the lord is inspiring. He leaves behind his land of inheritance and all of his precious things. Like Abraham before him, he has been called to leave the land of his forefathers and to be a stranger and a wanderer searching for a promised land.

Indeed, lehi is promised the same great blessings of Abraham, that he will be a father of a might people, that they will inherit a promised land and that in so much as they are faithful they will be a blessed and chosen people:

Compare

5 But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.
6 Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.
7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever. (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi, Chapter 1)

1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (Old Testament, Genesis, Chapter 12)

Book of Mormon study journal # 5- 1 Nephi 1

1 Nephi 1 Begins with the famous declaration of Nephi that he was born of goodly parents. Even more interesting to me is the next portion of this verse which speaks about how Nephi saw many afflictions over the course of his life and yet was still highly favored of the lord in all my days

I have a great affinity to Nephi. Here at the latter end of his life, he is looking back on a life filled with much complexity. Certainly he had suffered much pain and heartbreak and also triumph and joy. He had seen, at least once, even his righteous parents complain and doubt and had seen his brothers plot to take his life. What is so admirable here is that despite all of that, Nephi is able to look at the good in his life and to declare that he was

favored of the lord in all my days

.

Serving the Lord truly has that effect on you! I found on my mission that hundreds of rejections and days of sorrow and discouragement were literally swept away by the positive feelings that came when people responded to the spirit. Darkness was turned to day as the spirit whispered peace and comfort to my soul and gave me confidence.

I remember one particular point on my mission where my companion and I had faced weeks of grueling rejections and investigators that kept ignoring us or just wanting to argue. One day we had three meetings in a row cancel. We were feeling really down. Yet, we prayed and decided to go out on the street and give finding a good shot. On that day we found one really wonderful investigator And in the subsequent days and weeks we found 3 investors who made great progress ( two of whom were baptized). The dejection of those weeks was swelled up by the joy we felt as these incredible sons and daughters of God drew closer to the lord !

1 Ne 1: 5

I love the process of revelation described here. Lehi heard the prophecies of his contemporaries and therefore he turns unto the lord desiring to truly know for himself…moreover, Lehi is described as praying with all of his heart on behalf of his people.

David A. Bednar had some great insights on this passage

We learn a vital lesson from the example of Lehi in the Book of Mormon. Lehi responded in faith to prophetic instruction and warnings concerning the destruction of Jerusalem. He then prayed unto the Lord “with all his heart, in behalf of his people” ( 1 Nephi 1:5; emphasis added). In answer to this fervent prayer, Lehi was blessed with a glorious vision of God and His Son and of the impending destruction of Jerusalem (see 1 Nephi 1:6–9, 13, 18). Consequently, Lehi rejoiced, and his whole heart was filled because of the things which the Lord had shown him (see 1 Nephi 1:15). Please note that the vision came in response to a prayer for others and not as a result of a request for personal edification or guidance.

Similarly President Uchtdorf has observed

It has been my experience that some of the most powerful promptings we receive are not only for our own benefit but also for the benefit of others. If we are thinking only of ourselves, we may miss some of the most powerful spiritual experiences and profound revelations of our lives.

On my mission I really found these statements to be true. As I lost myself in the service of others I gained incredible revelation for those that I taught and served and also for myself. Some of the deepest changes in perspective, testimony and understanding came almost imperceptibly as a result of passionate seeking and prayer on behalf of others.

The result of the prayer of Lehi was the salvation of his family… Yet this came about as Lehi was turned outward and trying to serve his people.

Lehi is shown the destruction of his people and the sorrow that is to come, but his response is typical of a true man of God.

14And it came to pass that when my father had read and seen many great and marvelous things, he did exclaim many things unto the Lord; such as: Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!
15And after this manner was the language of my father in the praising of his God; for his soul did rejoice, and his whole heart was filled, because of the things which he had seen, yea, which the Lord had shown unto him.

May we too also praise the goodness of the lord even when we do not get exactly what we want. May we also have our soul rejoice and our whole heard be filled! And may we like Lehi go out and testify of what we feel and hear without fear!

Book of Mormon study journal#4 – testimony of the Prophet

The testimony of Joseph Smith at the start of the Book of Mormon seems to me one of the under read treasures of the Book. It is a powerful account of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon that shows the divinity of the process and also highlights the humanity of Joseph Smith.

Once while home teaching with a member in Novosibirsk he led a spiritual thought focused on this section of the Book of Mormon, and I was struck by his observation that if we want to get answers to many questions we can look here. For instance, here we have a detailed description of the appearance of an angel:

a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor.
“He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant. His hands were naked, and his arms also, a little above the wrists; so, also, were his feet naked, as were his legs, a little above the ankles. His head and neck were also bare. I could discover that he had no other clothing on but this robe, as it was open, so that I could see into his bosom.
“Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person. (Book of Mormon, Introduction)

This description is so incredible and yet so realistic. Joseph leaves no room for the possibility of this vision being simply dream or anything less than an angelic visitation.

I like the little touches of humanity that appear throughout this account. First pf all Joseph describes the fear that he first experienced. Despite having already seen a vision of the father and the son, this sudden appearance of a divine messenger filled the young prophet with fear. Secondly the exhaustion that the Prophet experiences while in the field after his night visitations, and his reluctance to at first share the account with his father until commanded help build Joseph’s character in the eyes of the reader. Moroni also warns Joseph that he will be tempted by Satan to seek for wealth through the plates showing that even this mighty prophet was still young and could be tempted by the things of this world. Joseph in these accounts comes across as a prophet in tutelage, still untrained and untested but beginning the long process of divine tutorial that would last the duration of his life. Finally, the account emphasizes Joseph’s obedience to the lord. When Moroni tells Joseph to inform his father of his visions he does not hesitate but says

“I obeyed; I returned to my father in the field, and rehearsed the whole matter to him. (Book of Mormon, Introduction)

Again, after his conversation with his father Joseph immediately goes to the hill Cummorah.

This reminds me of the great Book of Mormon prophet Nephi who despite his dejected and downcast feelings immediately goes back out to do the will of the lord without even returning home.

2 And it came to pass that Nephi went his way towards his own house, pondering upon the things which the Lord had shown unto him.
3 And it came to pass as he was thus pondering—being much cast down because of the wickedness of the people of the Nephites, their secret works of darkness, and their murderings, and their plunderings, and all manner of iniquities—and it came to pass as he was thus pondering in his heart, behold, a voice came unto him saying: (Book of Mormon, Helaman, Chapter 10)

12 And behold, now it came to pass that when the Lord had spoken these words unto Nephi, he did stop and did not go unto his own house, but did return unto the multitudes who were scattered about upon the face of the land, and began to declare unto them the word of the Lord which had been spoken unto him, concerning their destruction if they did not repent. (Book of Mormon, Helaman, Chapter 10)

Joseph also is not disappointed by the required waiting period, but dutifully returns each year to the hill

Accordingly as I had been commanded

In his testimony the prophet comes off as an real person caught up in extraordinary circumstances. Clearly the most extraordinary prophecy of Moroni that must have caught this young boy by surprise is his declaration that

“He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people. (Book of Mormon, Introduction)

Joseph the young unlearned farm-boy was called of God and nothing in his life would ever be the same!

Book of Mormon study journal #3 – Witnesses

I love the testimony of the witnesses as they powerfully declare an additional witness of the truth of this work. Again, those reading the book have to grapple with the powerful testimony that these men held even unto death. Were they collectively deceived or just after their own interests? The historical record does not reflect that

Again, from the start this book is a loaded gun and demands a serious readers attention. Unfortunately most non-members have not truly read the book and have not begun to grapple with these witnesses. These were men of respect in society and they swore upon their honor that the book was true.

As Elder Holland powerfully witnessed

Witnesses, even witnesses who were for a time hostile to Joseph, testified to their death that they had seen an angel and had handled the plates. “They have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man,” they declared. “Wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true.” (2009 October General Conference, Safety for the Soul, Sat. Afternoon Session – Jeffrey R. Holland)

Especially powerful is the witness of the three who not only saw the plates and an angel but heard the voice of the father!

And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. (Book of Mormon, Introduction)

This is a remarkable declaration since few men have been privileged in the history of the world to hear the voice of the father. Usually the father bears witness of the son, and this incident shows how important the Book of Mormon is as a witness of his only begotten. As shown in the first vision and this account the father himself is intimately involved in the process of restoration as he was in the meridian of time when his voice was heard on several dramatic occasions. The restoration is THAT important!

The coming forth of witnesses was prophecies in the text itself and it seems clear that these men knew that they were fulfilling a divinely mandated role.

12 Wherefore, at that day when the book shall be delivered unto the man of whom I have spoken, the book shall be hid from the eyes of the world, that the eyes of none shall behold it save it be that three witnesses shall behold it, by the power of God, besides him to whom the book shall be delivered; and they shall testify to the truth of the book and the things therein. (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi, Chapter 27)

These men knew that they were under command of god to bear witness of this work and their lord

And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. (Book of Mormon, Introduction)

From this they did not shirk but were true to the end!

May we also be as strong in our defense of truth. May we be bold in our declaration that this work is true and fearless in inviting others to come and gain a personal witness for themselves.

Book of Mormon study journal #2-introduction

The introduction of the book of Mormon is a favorite section of mine and one That I used so many times while on my
Mission. It is a powerful statement that clearly explains why the book demands reader attention.

The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel.

As I wrote in my last post, right out of the bat this book makes a very bold claim. It is not merely a theological tract or philosophical essay, but is in very fact holy scripture comparable to the bible. Not only that, but it contains the fullness of the gospel along with the Bible.

I often wondered what it means that the book of Mormon and the bible contain the fullness of the gospel. Certainly, not all doctrines are clearly taught in these works and some were withheld until our days, so what exactly does this mean. I had a lot of insights on this while on my mission. First of all, I think christs definition of his gospel in 3 Nephi 27 is really key.

13 Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you-that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.
14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil-
15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.
16 And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.
17 And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father.

The third paragraph of the introduction here is also very illustrative

The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.

The gospel here is defined very clearly as the core teachings that Christ came to the earth, was crucified and rose on the third day and that thanks to him all men may have eternal life. The book of Mormon and the bible lay bare the fact that Jesus is the only source and provider of salvation. It can be said that the fullness of the gospel can be found when the doctrine is clearly expounded so as to give us confidence in his saving grace and turn us towards him. Christ is the living Christ and in that sense no text or doctrine can be full if it is limited. Instead, the purpose of the scripture must be to turn us towards the Christ!

9 Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.

This theme of looking to Christ in order to live us so clearly stated throughout the book of Mormon as to become almost it’s credo.

The introduction continues to again state that the book of Mormon was written by prophecy and revelation and through prophets. Thus, this book truly
can he said to have a divine pedigree. The 5th paragraph again emphasizes this when declaring that Joseph Smith translated them by the gift and power of god. Clearly no other explanation for the origin of the book of Mormon can be defended by members of the church.

Joseph smiths statement about the book of Mormon is one of the more controversial things in the book of Mormon, but I have a testimony that this is true and that a person will draw closer to god through consistent study of the book of Mormon. I saw this on my mission as investigators that studied the book of Mormon grew so much closer to god in remarkable ways!

Concerning this record the Prophet Joseph Smith said: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

The last two paragraphs are of course along with Moroni 10:3-5 the most common things used when introducing the Book of Mormon to an investigator this is a powerful and bold invitation to all men everywhere to read the book and not merely flip through it but to truly ponder it and then turn to
God in sincere prayer. Sadly, I saw that even though the way to know of the books truth is so simple many reject it precisely for that reason hardening their hearts and lacking confidence in god and his power.

Those that do gain a witness of the book of Mormon will know a few very key things as already mentioned. They will know that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the true church of Christ is on the earth today. When someone has that witness and keeps it through continued reading, prayer and sacrament attendance, trials
can and will come, but they will not be able to shake the convictions firmly planted in the soul by the Holy Ghost.

Book of Mormon study journal #1 Title Page

Book of Mormon study journal

I decided today that I want to start a new study journal that I hope will help me to focus my Book of Mormon study in post mission life. As a missionary it was so easy to cultivate good study habits and to truly feast on the word of god daily, but I have found even in the few weeks since how much more difficult that is if there is no sense of daily accountability. I think that starting a blog for my reading will really help and I hope that my insights might be helpful to someone else as well.

Title page-

I really like how the very beginning of the book of Mormon really shows that this book is a divine work. In the title page it mentions twice that this book comes forth by the gift and power of god and makes it clear that it was written by commandment, prophecy and revelation. No one reading this book should be confused. As elder callister said in conference not long ago, either this is a book from god as it claims, or a forgery and heinous fraud. The title page sets the stakes up for the book.

The purposes of this book are also well laid out here: to show israel that god is a god of miracles and that they are still his chosen people and to convince all people that Jesus is the son of god and that he manifested himself into all nations. If we believe this book to be true we can be certain of those things. God is a god of power and miracles and Jesus is the savior of the whole world.