Why does the Lord ask us to keep written records? One reason is to communicate our experiences to others, including future generations. But another reason is more immediate: the process of writing forces us to think things through more carefully. We learn and we grow as we write. In March 1831, John Whitmer was called... Continue Reading →
“It Mattereth Not”
The heavenly messenger who appeared to Joseph Smith as he went to procure wine for the sacrament taught him an important principle: We can completely miss the most important aspects of our experiences when we are focused on less-important details. Quoting Jesus Christ, the messenger said: It mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall... Continue Reading →
Record-keeping
The first sentence in the Book of Mormon is about the importance of keeping records. Nephi tells us that, because the Lord had blessed him with "goodly parents," who taught him, and because he had been "highly favored of the Lord" in spite of enduring many afflictions, "therefore I make a record of my proceedings... Continue Reading →
“A Hundredth Part” – Jacob 3:13
Near the beginning of Nephi's record, he instructed those who would add to the record after him not to "occupy these plates with things which are not of worth" (1 Nephi 6:6). He emphasized that his father had seen and heard and taught many things which could not be included in his record (1 Nephi... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Abraham?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Lehi's sons risk their lives in order to obtain a set of brass plates which contains, among other things, the five books of Moses. A central character in those books is the prophet Abraham. Even though he had lived nearly 2,000 years earlier, his influence is felt... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to “Come Unto Christ?”
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi tells us that his only purpose in writing is to persuade people to "come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved" (1 Nephi 6:4). Nephi later explains to his brothers that the purpose... Continue Reading →
They Shall Not Occupy These Plates – 1 Nephi 6:6
6 Wherefore, I shall give commandment unto my seed, that they shall not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the children of men. (1 Nephi 6:6) As the first author in the Book of Mormon, Nephi set the tone for the authors who followed. His instruction to them was that... Continue Reading →
The Fulness of Mine Intent – 1 Nephi 6:4-5
4 For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved. 5 Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God... Continue Reading →
I Desire the Room – 1 Nephi 6:3
3 And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full account of all the things of my father, for they cannot be written upon these plates, for I desire the room that I may write of the things of God. (1 Nephi 6:3) As I manage my time today, I'm... Continue Reading →
1 Nephi 6:3 It Mattereth Not to Me…for I Desire the Room
3 And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full account of all the things of my father, for they cannot be written upon these plates, for I desire the room that I may write of the things of God. (1 Nephi 6:3) This life is full of decisions regarding... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 