Friday, October 14, 2011

Book of Mormon Month - Day 14: The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion

The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion


President Ezra Taft Benson
"The gift I am thinking of is more important than any of the inventions that have come out of the industrial and technological revolutions. This is a gift of greater value to mankind than even the many wonderful advances we have seen in modern medicine. It is of greater worth to mankind than the development of flight or space travel. I speak of the gift of the Book of Mormon, given to mankind 156 years ago."






Photograph of President Benson by
Busath Photography

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Book of Mormon Month - Day 13: Teachings for Our Day

The Book of Mormon is full of teachings for our day. Moroni saw our time in prophetic vision and wrote directly to us about what would happen. On Day 13, look around you as you read and notice how many of those prophecies are actually coming true.

Teachings for Our Day

We learn from ancient prophets that the Book of Mormon contains many “plain and precious things” that were preserved to instruct us in our day (see 1 Nephi 13:40; 19:3). These truths provide clarity and increased understanding of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and help students of the Book of Mormon navigate through life’s challenges with hope and strength. In the following quotes, modern prophets and apostles testify of these important teachings.
Read More or Listen

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Book of Mormon Month - Day 12: If We Do Not Doubt

On Day 12, take a moment to read the exceptional account of a band of 2,000 young men which the Book of Mormon calls stripling warriors.

They're the original momma's boys!

If We Do Not Doubt

In the Book of Mormon we read about exemplary young men who were exceedingly valiant, courageous, and strong. “Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him” (Alma 53:21). These faithful young men paid tribute to their mothers—their examples and teachers.

Read More or Listen

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Book of Mormon Month - Day 11: Columbus Prophesied in the Book of Mormon

On Day 11, we look back on the Day 10 celebration of Columbus Day in the United States of America.

Did you know that the voyage and work of Christopher Columbus was shown to the prophet Nephi in the Book of Mormon approximately 2,000 years before Columbus made his voyage?

10 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld many waters; and they divided the Gentiles from the seed of my brethren.
11 And it came to pass that the angel said unto me: Behold the wrath of God is upon the seed of thy brethren.
12 And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.

Today, Columbus is revered by some, yet reviled by others. Is criticism of the man warranted? I guess that depends on one's point of view, cultural history, and/or ethnic background. You can read more about how we might see a wider perspective of the interpretation of those events and their significance in our day.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Book of Mormon Month - Day 10: The Book of Mormon: Strengthening Our Faith in Jesus Christ

Day 10 and we're 1/3 of the way through our 30 day reading challenge. Again, don't worry if you're not matching the 17.1 pages per day to actually finish. Stop and smell the flowers in this great book of scripture. Today's topic is using the Book of Mormon to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ.

The Book of Mormon: Strengthening Our Faith in Jesus Christ

Compiled from the teachings of prophets through several centuries, the Book of Mormon was written for a future time when a restoration of priesthood keys, along with a great gathering of the house of Israel, would prepare the world for the Savior’s return to the earth (see 2 Nephi 25; 27; 3 Nephi 21). Nephi described the sacred text as “the voice of one crying from the dust” (2 Nephi 33:13). Moroni declared: “Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me” (Mormon 8:35). Read more or Listen

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Book of Mormon Month - Days 8 and 9: How to Study the Book of Mormon

Day 8 came a bit late.
The sidebars were absent, you see.
Day 9 is now here,
we combine them in cheer
so you and I, caught up can be. :)

Day 8 - How to Study the Book of Mormon 

D. Todd Christofferson Twenty-five years ago, President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) detailed “three great reasons why Latter-day Saints should make the study of the Book of Mormon a lifetime pursuit.”1 The reasons were these:
  • First, the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion—the keystone of our witness of Jesus Christ, of our doctrine, and of our testimony.
  • Second, the Book of Mormon was written for our day.
  • Third, the Book of Mormon helps us draw nearer to God.
These reasons for studying the Book of Mormon also suggest some ways we might go about studying this unique scripture. Read More or Listen

Day 9 - Lehi’s Dream: Holding Fast to the Rod

The central feature in Lehi’s dream is the tree of life—a representation of “the love of God” (see 1 Nephi 11:21–22). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Thus, the birth, life, and atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ are the greatest manifestations of God’s love for His children. As Nephi testified, this love is “most desirable above all things” and, as the angel in his vision declared, “most joyous to the soul” (1 Nephi 11:22–23; see also 1 Nephi 8:12, 15). Chapter 11 of 1 Nephi presents a detailed description of the tree of life as a symbol for the life, ministry, and sacrifice of the Savior—“the condescension of God” (1 Nephi 11:16).

Read More or Listen

Friday, October 7, 2011

Book of Mormon Month - Day 7: The Book of Mormon: A Witness with the Bible #bookofmormon

On Day 7, we will not rest from reading the scriptures. Nor will we wrest them to take only what we want to hear from them. We'll read by the light of God's knowledge.

The Book of Mormon: A Witness with the Bible

In harmony with the biblical law that “in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Corinthians 13:1), both the Book of Mormon and the Bible testify of Jesus Christ and teach the principles of His gospel. Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that “scriptural witnesses authenticate each other. This concept was explained long ago when a prophet wrote that the Book of Mormon was ‘written for the intent that ye may believe [the Bible]; and if ye believe [the Bible] ye will believe [the Book of Mormon] also’ [Mormon 7:9]. Each book refers to the other. Each book stands as evidence that God lives and speaks to His children by revelation to His prophets.”1
Here is a list of fundamental doctrines taught in the Bible for which the Book of Mormon adds an additional witness. Read More or Listen

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Book of Mormon Month - Day 6: Who Wrote the Book of Mormon? #bookofmormon

You're now 6 Days into the challenge. Almost a whole week! Don't give up now!

Who Wrote the Book of Mormon?

Ancient prophets, historians, and leaders engraved their testimonies and history on golden plates. Later, the Prophet Joseph Smith, by the gift and power of God, translated an abridgment of those original plates. See how it all came together over centuries of pre-Columbian American civilization.


Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Book of Mormon Month - Day 5: Book of Mormon Time Line #bookofmormon

Hi there. It's now Day 5. If you're just finding out about Book of Mormon Month, where we challenge ourselves to read the Book of Mormon front to back in 30 days, but feel like you're too far behind, not to worry. Simply jump in and start reading.

Book of Mormon Time Line

Need more help piecing all the time elements of the Book of Mormon together? Here's a handy reference for that. Print it out and keep it near you when you read.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Book of Mormon Month - Day 4: The Story of the Book of Mormon #bookofmormon

So, now it's Day 4! Lots to learn today. Be sure to say a prayer before and after reading and ask Heavenly Father to help you understand and apply the scriptures in your life.

The Story of the Book of Mormon

What happens in the Book of Mormon? Use these pictures to learn about the prophets and stories in this marvelous book of scripture.