Week 3: 1 Nephi 12-14 “The Things Which I Saw While I Was Carried Away in the Spirit”

"I testify that one cannot come to full faith in this latter-day work—and thereby find the fullest measure of peace and comfort in these, our times—until he or she embraces the divinity of the Book of Mormon and the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it testifies." ~ Elder Holland, October General Conference


Michelle  It’s interesting to see how Nephi’s vision of his people parallels with our day.

Cara In my Book of Mormon class, we were talking about Nephi's vision. A girl brought up a really interesting point. She said that it was "mists" and "vapors of darkness" that fall upon the land. That is the same words used in the vision of the Tree of Life. People were not being led away by a thick fog that they could not see through, but rather by giving in to small and fleeting temptations

Things as They Really Are

We live in a time when we must very carefully and deliberately choose what we will do each and every day. We want to immerse ourselves in the Gospel as much as we can. I love Elder Bednar’s questions at the end of the message. Studying the Book of Mormon definitely qualifies as: 1-inviting the Holy Ghost 2-enlarging our capacity to live, love and serve. What a great blessing in our lives.

Garret BassettJan 10, 2012 11:58 AM

I remember hearing that talk when it was first given at a young adult fireside. We should always remember that the most important things in life are real, like our families. I love you guys!

"...to be encircled about eternally in the arms of His love will be a real, and not a virtual, experience."

Week 2: 1 Nephi 8-11; 12:16-18; 15 “The Vision of the Tree of Life"

"In 1829, the Lord warned the Saints that they are not to trifle with sacred things (See D&C 6:12). Surely the Book of Mormon is a sacred thing, and yet many trifle with it, or in other words, take it lightly, treat it as though it is of little importance." ~Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon - Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 4


StanJan 14, 2012 02:13 PM

I love Nephi's example of personal revelation. He goes to the Lord in faith and asks to see the same vision that his Father saw. Because he acted on faith and has a track record of acting on faith he is given the vision and the interpretation thereof. Right now I am struggling with getting the revelation I need in my personal life to know the right way to go. I am balancing between not being commanded in all things and asking for a little direction. Each of us, in a similar way, is looking for similar discernment: buying a home, getting a job, deciding on a major, going to Ecuador, which college, where to serve, making a team... The part I am trying to figure out is not waiting for a clear cut answer but just moving and getting course corrections along the way.

AllyJan 15, 2012 09:39 AM

I have read this chapter many times, and what stood out to me this time was the great and spacious building, representing the pride of the world. In 11:36, it reads that "it fell, and the fall thereof was exceedingly great... Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”

Alan often calls our family "team win." No matter how much oppression or discrimination we, and the church face, we all know who will ultimately win. We just need to be faithful and choose that willing team.

Alan Jan 15, 2012 10:16 AM

I thought this week about how important it was for Lehi to receive this revelation. I'm sure even as a prophet it was hard to leave everything behind and go forward knowing everything would be alright. This vision shows Lehi the joy that him and his posterity can enjoy as they seek after the fruit.

Landon Jan 15, 2012 12:49 PM

This was a cool chapter and i thought it was very cool how when lehi prayed to the lord, the lord showed him the way and he partook of the fruit, we can all help each other partake of the fruit like lehi helps sariah, sam and nephi

Michelle
I love studying the “Tree of Life” chapters. I must smile & agree with Neal A Mawell’s quote about the great and spacious building. He was speaking of those who criticize the church and said, “Like the throng on the ramparts of the “great and spacious building,” they are intensely and busily preoccupied, pointing fingers of scorn at the steadfast iron-rodders. Considering their ceaseless preoccupation, one wonders, ‘Is there no diversionary activity available to them, especially in such a large building - like a bowling alley?' …Brigham Young advised that this ‘people (church members) must be kept where the finger of scorn can be pointed at them.”


-Let them laugh and point…righteousness WILL increase! :)

Week 1: 1 Nephi 1-7 “All Things According to His Will"

This is our first assignment this week. I pray you will all be faithful and feel the Spirit as you search, ponder and pray over this wonderful book.

“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.” (Joseph Smith-History of the Church, 4:461.)

MichelleJan 6, 2012 09:09 AM

I have already had some great inspiration as I’ve read the first few chapters. 

1. In the very first verse, Nephi acknowledges that he has “seen many afflictions” YET he immediately says, “nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord”. We ALL have afflictions, tests and trials to be of benefit if we let them. What a blessing.

2. I love verse 5 where Lehi prays “with all his heart, in behalf of HIS people.” He loves them, they are HIS people and he is willing to do all he can to help them.

alsquaredJan 8, 2012 08:09 AM

Elsie looks at the pictures in her book while I read. She likes the picture of Nephi with the sheep, and she thinks the picture of Jerusalem looks like the temple. _ Ally