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Post by hockeydude on Jan 8, 2009 18:50:30 GMT -5
Yep. I'm reading the Book of Mormon, cover-to-cover. Just not in that order, if that makes any sense. I've read first Nephi about 9 times through right now, and have started parts of other books in the past, but I'd never really read through the entire Book of Mormon. That's changing though. I've realized that with only First Nephi to get my wheels churning (not saying it's not an amazing record), I didn't have enough momentum to make it through the Isaiah parts of Second Nephi. Not only that, but it seems like I would only really read on Wednesday and Sunday. Well, for three weeks now, I've been on task, reading every night, starting in Jacob to gain extra momentum, and what's making the most difference: taking notes. I never forget where I am and if I slip up or forget something, I just read my notes. I started in Jacob. Read through that, Enos, Jarom, Omni, and Words of Mormon to get to Mosiah. Read all of Mosiah. Went back to First Nephi. Just finished first Nephi. Now a nice distance through Second Nephi. From there I'll continue to Alma and then follow the set order. If you haven't read it, I encourage you to. But don't read unless you pray beforehand, I can't tell you the difference it makes. I'm picking up things I'd never noticed before, things that it seems like even people who have read the Book of Mormon a couple of times over may have missed. It's amazing to me, some of the things I've come to discover or understand more deeply, and I'm beginning to find this hunger that many people talk about for the scriptures. The way I've been reading it takes me about 30-35 minutes to lock down two chapters, but the extra effort is worth it. I'll post some samples of what my notes look like. I can actually post them on here if anyone wants to read them. I might scan what my scriptures look like after devouring them lol. I'm surprised there's so much I never saw before. Original notebook ("Things of my Soul") page. Excuse the messy handwriting. Pencil is light in a scanner. What a page in my scriptures looks like after I'm done with it (you can't really see the purple or the small notes on the other side of the page, unfortuantely).
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Post by hockeydude on Jan 8, 2009 18:52:35 GMT -5
Just going to post these here every once in awhile, incase anyone actually wants to read them or just to show my progress. I'll probably post them one book at a time though, so I'll only update after I finish Second Nephi or after I finish Alma or something. These were all originally written by hand, I just copied them out of my notebook onto my computer for management purposes. "Small Books" Jacob: I did not take many notes for Jacob. A prompting or two, but I'm not going to put anything in here until I re-do that chapter. I get into the swing of things in Enos. Enos: Enos makes an account of how the Lord made a Covenant with him because of his faith. He accounts that there were several wars in his day. Jarom: Jarom is a general history. Jarom accounts of how the people of Nephi, although fewer in numbers had chosen to obey the law of the Lord and prospered in the land. The Lamanites were more numerous, but were wicked and murderous. The Lamanites try to kill off the Nephites several times, but by keeping faith and repenting, the Nephites are blessed with the strength to win every time. The Nephites prosper, and Jarom passes on the plates. Omni: During the course of this book the plates are passed down many times, starting with Omni, passed down to Amaron, his son, passed down to Chemish, Amaron’s brother, passed down to Abinadom, Chemish’s son, and finally down to Amaleki, Abinadom’s son. Many wars occur and the people of Nephi lose faith and suffer because of it. Amaleki talks of Mosiah and about his encounter with the people of Zarahemla. Words of Mormon: Mormon conceals the record of Nephi’s life and adds it to his own record. Mormon talks of how King Benjamin has brought his people into repentance, how the Savior has come, and how the people of Nephi have been destroyed. He urges to read the Book of Mormon and ask God in sincerity whether or not its records are true.
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Post by hockeydude on Jan 8, 2009 18:54:41 GMT -5
Mosiah Mosiah 1-2: King Benjamin has been a great king, and as he ages he declares Mosiah to be the next to the throne and to hold the records. He addresses his people, encouraging them to give service and stay clean in the eyes of the Lord. He talks about he is excited to stand blameless before God on his judgment day. Mosiah 3-4: King Benjamin continues his address, talking about the days when the Savior will come to the world. He speaks particularly about the atonement, and how all men will be saved because of it. If they choose not to hearken unto it and remain wicked, those people will be destroyed and miserable. He continues to encourage them to stay righteous and to cling to God, and in such they will be blessed with happiness, wisdom, order, and a sense of peace. Mosiah 5-6: King Benjamin concludes his address, and calls to the people. They thank the Lord for the type of people they are, and are willing to make a covenant with the Lord. The people are very righteous and happy, saying they have no intention to do evil. King Benjamin is pleased by this, and praises the people for their disposition. The righteous make their covenants, as King Benjamin dies and gives his throne to Mosiah. For a time, there is peace. [EFY scripture in this: Chapter 5: Verse 15] Mosiah 7-8: King Mosiah sends Ammon and a group of men to find out how Lehi-Nephi is doing. While traveling, these men are taken captive and presented before the King. The King, however, is impressed by the words of Ammon, and finds a hope to escape from the bondage his town is in. He preaches to the town of his good fortune, and then asks Ammon to remark on his journey and the words of King Benjamin. The King (King Limhi) is exceedingly glad about all of this. He presents Ammon with an ancient record of his people and asks him to translate it, but Ammon cannot. Ammon tells King Limhi about the prophet however, and the king is overwhelmed. (Record of Zeniff: Chapters 9-22)Mosiah 9-17: Zeniff talks of how he was once a spy for the Lamanites, but upon watching the lifestyles and peace of the Nephites, he could not help but join them. He believed their ways were just. Zeniff joins the Nephites and warns them about the Lamanites. The Nephites pray to the Lord for strength and manage to conquer the Lamanites again and again. Eventually, Zeniff is found so righteous that he is made king. He teaches of God and a life of service, and his people prosper. However, when he is of old age, he appoints his son, Noah, to be king. Noah has no intention to rule in the way the Lord would have him. He takes several wives unto himself, and taxes the people so that he might be able to have a luxurious lifestyle and have great beautiful buildings built unto him. The Nephites notice this luxury and begin to desire it over the things of the Lord. Eventually Abinadi, a prophet of the Lord, comes to the town and begins to preach to the people and beg of them to repent. He prophesies that if they will not do so that they will perish. The people grow angry and tell King Noah while Abinadi flees. However, Adinadi comes later in disguise and begins to testify again. The people bind him and bring him before the king. King Noah asks Abinadi to deny what he’s said, but Abinadi will not. He goes on to tell King Noah that his ways are unjust and that he preaches the wrong law, quoting Isaiah. The guards try to seize him, but Abinadi warns them not to touch him, for the Lord will smite them if he does not keep his covenant with the Lord. He continues to preach to King Noah about the just ways of the Lord. Mosiah 18-19: Though he preaches a powerful message, Abinadi is put to death by fire by King Noah, but not before Abinadi is able to seal his truth of the Lord unto the king. One of the Noah’s priests, Alma, believes the words of Abinadi and flees from King Noah. He comes back disguised and begins teaching the words of Abinadi. Many people now believe, and he leads these believers to a small place in the wilderness named Mormon. In this place he preaches to them about the things that he has heard. In time, he baptizes 450 of these people. The King finds out about these conversions and seeks to slay Alma, but Alma hides himself. Gideon, a Nephite, becomes angry with the King and seeks to take his life. The king cowardly runs away from being overpowered and in a moment of desperation points to the approaching Lamanites to save his life. Gideon is merciful and is concerned more about the welfare of the city than the king’s death. King Noah tells men to leave their wives and children behind, but many do not. These people who stay with the wives and children plead with the Lamanites for mercy, and the Lamanites do in fact spare their lives. Not only this, but they offer the Nephites to live with them, as long as they agree to help slay their old king (King Noah). Gideon takes a group of his men and finds King Noah and his priests hiding in the wilderness. They kill King Noah as he had killed Abinadi (by fire), but the priests manage to escape. After returning to the Lamanites, Gideon tells the Lamanite King about King Noah’s death. The Lamanite King is pleased. He allows Limhi, Noah’s son, to restore the Kingdom as long as his teachings are righteous. Limhi does this, and for the space of two years there is peace. Mosiah 20-22: The remaining members of King Noah’s priests linger in the wilderness, ashamed to return to their hometown. They kidnap twenty-four of the Lamanite daughters that are dancing. The Lamanite King is enraged by this, supposing that is was King Limhi that did it. They rage war on the Nephites and much blood is shed. The King of the Lamanites is found wounded on the battlefield and brought before King Limhi, who clarifies to the other king that kidnapping was not his doing. The Lamanites draw back for a time, but within a few days a number return purely out of anger. While they do not slay the Nephites, in order to preserve the oath, they abuse them. The Nephites grow angry with this and try to fight back three times. With each attack, the number of Nephites shrinks, until they are too low to even contemplate fighting. Ammon returns and tells King Limhi about King Mosiah and the land of Zarahemla, which causes King Limhi to rejoice. Through Gideon’s plan, the people of Nephi escape through the back of the city, while the Lamanites are drunk, and make their way to Zarahemla. Mosiah receives the people gladly. (End of the record of Zeniff)Mosiah 23-24: Alma’s Record: Alma flees from King Noah, taking a group of people with him, and they make it to the wilderness in safety under the eyes of the Lord. In the wilderness they begin to prosper in a land and even build a city there, naming it Helam. However, before long, a band of Lamanites overtake the city. They tell Alma that if he shows them where the land of Nephi is, they will let him go. Alma does this, but the Lamanites do not keep their word, and instead leave a band of men in the city with a captain named Amulon to supervise them. Alma’s people pray for deliverance, but Amulon threatens to kill anyone that he notices praying. The people keep a prayer in their hearts, and the Lord takes notice. He tells Alma to flee from Helam with his people, and in obedience they do. A great sleep falls over the Lamanties and the escape is successful. However, Alma’s people cannot stay long, so they journey forward until they find Zarahemla, where King Mosiah accepts them gladly as well. Mosiah 25-26: There is an account of the people in Zarahemla, and there are many more Lamanties than there are Nephites. King Mosiah reads the accounts of Zeniff and Alma and is so pleased that he has all the people of Zarahemla read them as well. They are all pleased by the good fortune of the Nephites, and upset with the wickedness of the other Lamanites. Alma becomes the high priest of Zarahemla and establishes the church there. As time goes on, some people in Zarahemla become wicked and are brought before Alma to be judged. Alma prays unto the Lord on how he shall judge them, and the Lord says that if the people repent of their wrong doings they will be forgiven. Alma follows this system and determines who is still in the church. Mosiah 27: As the church continues to prosper in Zarahemla, many begin to persecute it. Mosiah creates a law preventing non-members from publicly accusing the church, and for a time there is peace. Alma’s son, Alma the Younger, and many of Mosiah’s sons go around and deny Christ. They teach lies with an intent to destroy the church. One day when they are doing this, an angel appears and scolds them for their wrong doings, commanding them to repent with a voice that shakes the Earth. Alma the Younger is struck dumb and cannot move, and so his friends bring him before Mosiah. Mosiah is pleased with angel and has his priests fast for two days. After this time, Alma the Younger can speak again and has had a change of heart, saying he has repented. He goes around with his friends, this time preaching righteousness and the truth of God. Mosiah 28-29: Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah wish to go to the land of Nephi and preach to them. Mosiah is not sure first, because the people in the land of Nephi are wicked. He prays to the Lord, who tells him to them go, for they will convert many. Mosiah also takes out the plates of the Jeredites, and translates them with seer stones. As Mosiah is growing old, the people being to wonder who will be King. The people want Aaron, but he is gone to the land of Nephi and would not want the throne anyways. King Mosiah councils the people on the advantages of having a righteous king as opposed to a wicked king, using King Noah as an example. They confirm Alma the chief judge over the people. Mosiah dies at age sixty-three, and Alma the Elder dies at age eighty-two.
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Post by hockeydude on Jan 8, 2009 18:57:27 GMT -5
First Nephi 1 Nephi 1-2: Nephi tells that he will be the one writing the record and of his righteous upbringing. They live in a time where many prophets are crying for people to repent. Lehi, Nephi’s father, prays about these signs and receives a vision which gives him lots of knowledge about the things of the world. He cries to the people of Jerusalem to repent or the city will be destroyed, but they mock him. The Lord is pleased with Lehi’s faith and tells him to take him and his family into the wilderness, which they do. Laman and Lemuel murmur because of this, but Nephi and Same receive truthful answers to prayers and respect their father’s decision. The Lord tells Nephi that he has power over his brethren. 1 Nephi 3-4: Nephi returns to his tent, and Lehi tells them that the Lord has told him in a vision that he and his brethren will retrieve the plates from Laban. The brethren do this and go to Laban’s house, asking for the plates, but he threatens their lives and makes them leave. The brothers return with their riches, but Laban simply chases them away and takes the riches. Laman and Lemuel grow angry with Nephi, and beat him with a rod. An angel appears during this and stops them. Nephi is told to go up one more time, and when he does he finds Laban drunk on the ground before him. He is hesitant to kill him, but the spirit says it is necessary, so Nephi slays Laban. He puts on Laban’s armor and has Laban’s servant, Zoram, bring him the plates. Nephi then returns to his brothers and gains an oath of trust from Zoram, and they return to their father’s tent. 1 Nephi 5-6: Lehi and Sariah, Nephi’s mother, rejoice that their sons return. The family looks upon the plates and find the five books of Moses. They also find a genealogy, and Nephi finds that he is a descendant of Joseph, who was sold in slavery and later became a pharaoh. Nephi then specifies that he will only write important things on the plates. 1 Nephi 7-8: The Lord tells Lehi to get the Ishmael family from Jerusalem, so he sends them to do so. Ishmael believes the words of Nephi and has his family depart with him to the wilderness. (the Ishmael family consists of Ishmael, his wife, two sons, and five daughters) Laman, Lemuel, two daughters and both sons of Ishmael murmur because of this. Nephi scolds them for their murmuring, tell them to reflect on the things the Lord has done for them. The “murmurers” grow angry because of this, and bind Nephi in the wilderness to be eaten alive. Nephi prays for strength and loosens his bonds. His brothers grow angrier and are about to bind Nephi again when the Ishmael daughters, mother, and one son plead for mercy. They turn to Nephi for forgiveness and he forgives them, telling them to also ask the Lord for forgiveness. After the family calms down, Lehi has his vision of the tree of life, and pleads with Laman and Lemuel to change their unrighteous ways. 1 Nephi 9-10: Lehi is given the vision of the destruction of Jerusalem, and how the survivors will be carried to Babylon. He is shown the coming of a Messiah in six-hundred years from the time he left Jerusalem. He is shown some of the works of the Messiah, and vividly shown his baptism. He is also shown the Savior’s death and resurrection, and is told that the Messiah will come to his people. Lehi is also shown the spreading of the people of Israel, and then when they have all received the world of the Lord the gathering of those same people. Nephi believes his father because of his faith in the Lord. Nephi tells of his writings that there will be two books. One will deal with the sacred things of his heart, and that will be the shorter book. The other, longer book will deal with the history of his people. 1 Nephi 11-14: Nephi’s Vision: The spirit shows a vision to Nephi based on request and faith. He shows him the destruction of Jerusalem and the tragedies in that area. He is shown the virgin Mary and her birth of the Savior. He is shown the growth and ministry of the Savior. He is shown the death and resurrection of the Savior, and his coming unto his children. He is shown the promised land and the prosperity of his people, and how they also turn wicked and engage in wars. He is shown the abominable church and the Gentiles who flee across the ocean from it. He is shown those blessed refugees and how they win a war to preserve the newly discovered lang. He also speaks of how the world after this becomes wicked and those of the church are few but blessed. 1 Nephi 15-16: Nephi awakens from his vision, and finds his brethren confused about their father’s words. Nephi steps in and translates meaning of the olive branch (House of Israel) being grafted back into the main plant. He then translates to them the meaning of the tree of life. They ask him more questions and he reveals to his brothers that no wickedness can be present in the Kingdom of the Lord. Laman and Lemuel are sad because of these hard words, and Nephi prompts them to heed to the words of the Lord. The brothers humble themselves. Lehi’s sons wed Ishmael’s daughters, and God tells Lehi to journey into the wilderness again. Upon awakening on their journey, Lehi finds the Liahona, and they follow the direction it points as they journey. As it happens, Ishmael dies, and everyone becomes angry with Nephi and Lehi and seek to their life. The Lord performs a miracle which shocks them and causes them to repent. 1 Nephi 17: The families travel through the wilderness for eight more years with their needs met. Eventually they arrive in a luscious place that they call Bountiful. Once in this place, Nephi is commanded to go to the top of the mountain, which he does. The Lord commands him there to build a ship. Nephi begins to ask his brothers to help, but they refuse, and choose to complain and yell angrily about ever leaving Jerusalem. Nephi turns around and reminds them of how Moses led the Israelites out of bondage due to his faith, and expresses anger with the negligence of his brothers. They grow angry and wish to harm Nephi, but Nephi holds out his hand and commands them not to touch him or they instead will be harmed because he is filled with the spirit of the Lord. The brothers do not believe him so the Lord shocks them (literally) and causes them to wither before Nephi and the Lord. They humble before the Lord again. 1 Nephi 18-19: According to the instructions of the Lord, Nephi and his brothers build a ship. It is a very fine ship, and Laman and Lemuel humble themselves. With lots of supplies, Nephi’s family enters the ships and sails off. Because Nephi tries to steer the ship, his brothers grow angry and bind him. The ship enters waters with a tempest. When Laman and Lemuel fear for their lives, they untie Nephi, and Nephi leads them away from the storm. Eventually the ship reaches the promised lands and there are lots of wildlife and ores there. Nephi makes plates from this ore and bears his record on them, in accordance to what the Lord asked of him. He tells of how he will write of things sacred to him. He also talks of the Jews and their brutality towards the Savior. He then leads into his thoughts on Isaiah. 1 Nephi 20-22: Nephi references to Isaiah 48. The House of Jacob believes that they are holy, but they are not because they do not believe in the Savior, so the Savior commands them to come back unto him if they want to be saved and refined, which he notes is still fully possible. Nephi also references to Isaiah 49. Isaiah talks of how the Savior will work upon people of many nations and on a special day they will all come forth together. Nephi’s brothers ask him about what he has spoken, and Nephi talks about the last days, the baptism by fire of the Earth, and of the time after when Satan will be bound and silenced.
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Post by Michael on Jan 8, 2009 19:30:01 GMT -5
Wow. nice job
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Post by ldsgirl Aka Sayari on Jan 9, 2009 0:12:57 GMT -5
Eric, This is an excellent idea! I need to develop the motivation and determination to follow your example! Thanks for sharing!
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Post by sakura on Jan 9, 2009 11:31:35 GMT -5
We have gone through the Book of Mormon as a family once or twice but it's so early in the morning none of us really pay attention!thanks for sharing these with us Eric!
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Post by Remove on Jan 29, 2009 13:10:35 GMT -5
I like to ask my self "Why is this important and How can i apply this in my life" It helps. Congrats on your success. Your so faithful.... Your an amazing example. I do agree 120% about the praying .
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Post by ldsgirl Aka Sayari on Jan 29, 2009 23:36:21 GMT -5
I like to ask my self "Why is this important and How can i apply this in my life" It helps. Congrats on your success. Your so faithful.... Your an amazing example. I do agree 120% about the praying . I agree! What Eric is doing is awesome and we should try and follow his example!
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Post by hockeydude on Jan 30, 2009 16:42:54 GMT -5
Haha thanks for the posts. They're kind of encouraging, in addition to just the want to read the Book of Mormon. 2 Nephi has been slow, both because of the Isaiah chapters and how it fell between finals weeks, and crammed hockey weeks, and all that jazz. But I finally finished it last night.
I've got to take off for hockey before long, but I'll try to post all of the notes I took incase anyone wants to review.
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Post by hockeydude on Jan 30, 2009 16:56:30 GMT -5
Second Nephi 2 Nephi 1-2: Lehi talks to Laman and Lemuel about how he is worried about their salvation. He also talks about how fortunate his family is to be in the promised land now. He has seen, in vision, the destruction of Jerusalem. He has also seen the future generations of the promised land how many of those people will turn wicked. Lehi also then talks to his son Jacob about the gift of agency and how there must be opposition in all things. He talks about the fall of Satan and how he is eager to drag others down. 2 Nephi 3-4: Lehi speaks unto his son Joseph of the prophecies of the Prophet Joseph of old. He speaks concering the good welfare of his seed, and how in the latter-days one of his seed will rise up to do great things. Lehi tells his son Joseph to remember this throughout his days. As he is aging, Lehi calls all of his family to come and speak with him, and when he finishes speaking with everyone, Lehi dies. Nephi's brethren are angry because of this, and blame Nephi. Nephi is heartbroken and cries in pain to the Lord, but at the same time shows gratitude to the Lord for all he's been given and solidifies his eternal allegiance. 2 Nephi 5-6: Nephi's brethren seek to kill him, so Nephi takes Zoram, Sam, and his sisters, and flees into the wilderness by direction of the Lord. When they have in the wilderness for a long enough time, they establish a city, and it becomes a prosporous city. Nephi forges swords and within ten years there are already small wars with the Lamanites. One day in the city, Jacob, Nephi's younger brother, explains Isaiah 48 to the people and what it means about the Second Coming and the time of the Messiah. He desires of the people to heed these words and live worthily. 2 Nephi 7-8: Jacob compares to Isaiah 50. The Savior shall know all things, and this is the reason why messages in Isaiah are confusing. He will show the meanings to the faithful, however. Jacob also compares to Isaiah 51-52. The Savior speaks of how he will bring a promised land and the people in it will be blessed. He addresses that there will be wicked, intimidating people, but that we, as latter-day saints, should not fear them. We should live worthily and the Savior will guide us into happiness. 2 Nephi 9: Jacob excalims his joy for the revelation the Lord has given him. He cries in exaltation of the great plans and miracles of the Lord, and the things that he has done for the world. He also prays for those who have fallen into Satan's snare, and warns the people of the things that will bring them into misery. He encourages people to pray and adhere to the words of the Lord. 2 Nephi 10-11: Jacob continues to speak of the Jews and how they will crucify the Messiah that will rise among them. He also speaks about Zion, how it will be a nation where no King (or single person) shall arise, and how all those who try to fight against it shall perish. He says that this is the case because of the adherance of these people to the Lord. Nephi takes back the records and acknowledges that he will reflect on Isaiah again, bcause of what he finds in those books. 2 Nephi 12-13: Nephi compares to Isaiah 2. Isaiah talks of the House of Jacob, which he pleads to live righteously. Ther are a prideful and wealthy people, who don't yield to the Lord. In the last days this house will realize the might of the Lord. Nephi also compares Isaiah 3. He talks about the great land of Zion, but how many people, particularly the daughters, will corrupt it with what is pleasing to the world (pornography comes to mind here). Because of this the Lord will need to corrupt them in some way to make them realize that what they are doing is wrong. 2 Nephi 14-15: Nephi compares to Isaiah 4. On the Millenial day, the daughters of Zion will return to righteousness and will be blessed for this conversion, and also cleansed. Nephi also compares to Isaiah 5. The Lord's people will scatter, after being corrupt and wicked. The Lord will be angered by this, and bring his wrath among certain people. In the last days he will bring about an ensign, and in that day all his people will swiftly gather together again. 2 Nephi 16-17: Nephi compares to Isaiah 6. Isaiah has a vision of the Lord, and is fearful because of the "filthiness of his lips." An angel comes and cleanses Isaiah's lips, and shows him a vision. Isaiah sees Jesus preaching among the Jews, but none of them listen. Nephi also compares Isaiah 7. Ephraim and Syria combine powers and rage wat against the people of Judah. Isaiah then sees a vision of the birth and upbringing of the Savior, and also of Mary. 2 Nephi 18-19: Nephi compares to Isaiah 8. The Lord councils people to work together to establish a law, and to come together unto him. There will be those who say they know better, but in truth they do not. Nephi also compares Isaiah 9. The world will be "dark" around the time just before the Savior, but when he is born people will begin to learn and walk righteously again. Isaiah goes on to say that he will reign on David's throne. 2 Nephi 20-21: Nephi compares to Isaiah 10. Isaiah talks about the destruction of the people and rulers of Assyria, and how those in conflict with them should not fear. Nephi also compare to Isaiah 11. in the Last Days a man shall come who is filled with the spirit on the Millenial day. Everyone will know the truthfulness of the gospel from him, as quoted "like the oceans cover the Earth." The Savior will gather his people from shown ensign. He will make a way for everyone to gather together. 2 Nephi 22-23: Nephi compares Isaiah 12. In the last day all men shall shall God and Christ and will rejoice because of it. They will sing unto them and wish to serve and live with them. The time shall be glorious. Nephi compares Isaiah 13. The Last Days will be a terrible time for the wicked. Light shall cease for a period of time and great natual destructions will occur. The wicked will be brutually erased from the face of the Earth, so that the Earth may be cleaned. 2 Nephi 24-25: Nephi compares Isaiah 13. The Savior will be merciful to the House of Jacob, and will save that house and the House of Israel. The Savior speaks to Lucifer of his wicked and wretched ways. It is also prophecied that the ways of the church shall overtake the ways of man. Nephi concludes his comparisons of Isaiah, and testifies that the words are sacred unto him, for he at one time was a Jew. He says that he knows the words of Isaiah are true because he has seen certain things come to pass with his own eyes. He talks of the great dealings of the Lord and how he will raise his children in the ways of righteousness istead of the way of the Jews. He also talks of how he knows his records will turn the hearts of many because the Lord has made it known, and because of the Lord's promise to Joseph of Old. 2 Nephi 26-27: In the Last Days, many denominations and churches will come forth. Many will preach in the ways of man, and the Savior declares these churches false. He goes on to show how the Lord wishes for his people to come unto him and he will never lead them into despair. Nephi talks about our time, and how there will be a great level of wickedness. A book will come forth, but it will be sealed. Joseph Smith will be able to translate a part of it, and these words will help lead men to salvation. On the Second Coming, the Savior will make the rest of the sealed book known unto men. With tese words the Lord will bring forth a great work which he has mentioned many times. 2 Nephi 28-29: In the last days there will be many churches that will gloat over the vain things of the world. The leaders will be lifted because of the praised they recieve from man, the riches they obtainl and because of their rich appearance. Their hearts will not be leaned towards the Lord. The Lord will bring his wrath upon these people. Nephi speaks of how his people will reject the Book of Mormon because they will believe the word of God is already complete. The Lord heeds wo unto these people, because he has commanded many to write down his words to them, and wishes for future generations to read them. He calls the people who reject the Book of Mormon foolish. 2 Nephi 30-31: Nephi speaks of the time of the Last Days. Despite the hazing wickedness, many people will convert and become blessed. The Jews will gather in the Last Days. On the day of the Second Coming the righteous will be saved and the wicked will be burned. After this time Satan will be cast down and the world's inhabitants will all live in peace with one another. Nephi then also encourages us as latter-day saints to live worthily throughout our days, even as Jesus did. He encourages us to remain pure until we die and to fulfill the Lord's work with an enthusiasm. 2 Nephi 32-33: Nephi makes it known that the Holy Ghost can let one with the right authority speak with the voice of angels. The voice of angels is Christ's voice, and the words spoken through it are true. A man must seek after the truth in order to obtain this voice. Nephi makes his closing remarks, and exclaims sorrow for the wickedness of his people. He 'threatens' people not to doubt his words, for he knows that he will see them face-to-face on the judgement day. He then seals his record.
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Post by ldsgirl Aka Sayari on Jan 30, 2009 23:06:17 GMT -5
Second Nephi 2 Nephi 1-2: Lehi talks to Laman and Lemuel about how he is worried about their salvation. He also talks about how fortunate his family is to be in the promised land now. He has seen, in vision, the destruction of Jerusalem. He has also seen the future generations of the promised land how many of those people will turn wicked. Lehi also then talks to his son Jacob about the gift of agency and how there must be opposition in all things. He talks about the fall of Satan and how he is eager to drag others down. 2 Nephi 3-4: Lehi speaks unto his son Joseph of the prophecies of the Prophet Joseph of old. He speaks concering the good welfare of his seed, and how in the latter-days one of his seed will rise up to do great things. Lehi tells his son Joseph to remember this throughout his days. As he is aging, Lehi calls all of his family to come and speak with him, and when he finishes speaking with everyone, Lehi dies. Nephi's brethren are angry because of this, and blame Nephi. Nephi is heartbroken and cries in pain to the Lord, but at the same time shows gratitude to the Lord for all he's been given and solidifies his eternal allegiance. 2 Nephi 5-6: Nephi's brethren seek to kill him, so Nephi takes Zoram, Sam, and his sisters, and flees into the wilderness by direction of the Lord. When they have in the wilderness for a long enough time, they establish a city, and it becomes a prosporous city. Nephi forges swords and within ten years there are already small wars with the Lamanites. One day in the city, Jacob, Nephi's younger brother, explains Isaiah 48 to the people and what it means about the Second Coming and the time of the Messiah. He desires of the people to heed these words and live worthily. 2 Nephi 7-8: Jacob compares to Isaiah 50. The Savior shall know all things, and this is the reason why messages in Isaiah are confusing. He will show the meanings to the faithful, however. Jacob also compares to Isaiah 51-52. The Savior speaks of how he will bring a promised land and the people in it will be blessed. He addresses that there will be wicked, intimidating people, but that we, as latter-day saints, should not fear them. We should live worthily and the Savior will guide us into happiness. I'll finish up later. Thanks again for sharing Eric!
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Post by Arkwelder on Sept 5, 2009 1:37:59 GMT -5
Wow. It's like one of those choose-your-own-adventure novels.
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Post by hockeydude on Sept 5, 2009 22:04:04 GMT -5
Ha, you could say that. I actually finished my hand-written notes a couple of weeks ago (I lost my scriptures at a stake center sometime around March, so that really slowed my progress. But at least I finished), I just haven't typed them up yet. This summer has been chaotic for me lol. But once I find enough time I'll get them up!
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Post by Arkwelder on Sept 6, 2009 1:31:24 GMT -5
I'm trying to read the BoM right now. My approach this time as been to ask, "What is this book really about." I'm trying to get a very holistic view of it, which I think a lot of Mormons lack.
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