Tag Archives: Book of Mormon

Who’s Who in the Book of Mormon – Brad Ballard

I always get excited when I discover an LDS-themed children’s picture book that I can enjoy with my children, that teaches important gospel principles and yet is presented in a way they find entertaining. I was so pleased to learn about “Who’s Who in the Book of Mormon” by new author/illustrator Brad Ballard. As we open the book, we first note the cute illustrations. They aren’t elaborate, but they’re effective and well-done. I especially liked the sheep, which look like kernels of popcorn with legs. Each page contains a full-length flap which is folded out to reveal more of the … Continue reading →

Scripture Study – 1 Nephi 17:31-38

Nephi has been commanded to build a boat to cross the great waters, but Laman and Lemuel are giving him a hard time about it. They refuse to believe that he’s been commanded of the Lord and instead, call him crazy, just like their father. Nephi is now recounting the Lord’s dealings with His children in the past and reminding his brothers that God is in control over all. Speaking of the children of Israel, he says: 31. And it came to pass that according to his word he did destroy them; and according to his word he did lead … Continue reading →

Scripture Study 1 Nephi 17:1-6

Laman and Lemuel have been chastened (again) and all is well in the little campsite. Food has been provided to the travelers and they are ready to resume their journey. 1. And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth. And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness. When I first read this, my thought was, “How terrible to give birth out in the wilderness.” But then I realized, it probably … Continue reading →

Scripture Study – 1 Nephi 16:37-39

Ishmael has recently died and his children are mourning exceedingly. They regret leaving Jerusalem and wish they still lived in their fine house. I conjecture that Laman and Lemuel’s anger was stirred up as they saw their wives sorrow for the death of their father. 37. And Laman said unto Lemuel and also unto the sons of Ishmael: Behold, let us slay our father, and also our brother Nephi, who has taken it upon him to be our ruler and our teacher, who are his elder brethren. This shows a great deal of hard-heartedness on Laman’s part. To actually contemplate … Continue reading →

Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 16:26-32

Lehi’s family is wandering in the wilderness, and they are starving. The bows have lost their springs, and Nephi’s high quality steel bow was their last chance for survival. When his bow breaks, his brothers begin to murmur, and even Lehi complains against the Lord. But after Nephi speaks to his father and shows him loving respect befitting his position as patriarch of the family and prophet of the Lord, Lehi repents and goes to the Lord to inquire where Nephi should go to look for food. 26. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord said … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: “O How Great the Goodness of Our God”

I apologize for the delay in bringing you the Gospel Doctrine lessons for the last several weeks. We’ve been unable to attend church, due to illness, and I’m just getting caught up now. Our recommended reading for this lesson is: 2 Nephi 6-10 Also: 2 Nephi 9:10, 9:14, 9:18, 9:28, 9:39, 9:51. Jacob, one of Nephi’s younger brothers, became a great prophet as he followed in the footsteps of his father and brother. Throughout 2 Nephi and in the Book of Jacob, we see him give several heartfelt discourses on the plan of salvation. In 2 Nephi chapters 6-10, our … Continue reading →

Scripture Study – 1 Nephi 16:1-6

Nephi has earnestly preached to Laman and Lemuel, trying to help them understand the importance of repentance. He has explained to them that if they do not repent, they will end up in endless torment. Even though his words aren’t pleasant, an undertone of pleading surrounds his words, and we can sense how badly Nephi just wants his brothers to listen and to change their ways. 1. And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made an end of speaking to my brethren, behold they said unto me: Thou hast declared unto us hard things, more than … Continue reading →

Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 15:35-36

After having a vision wherein Nephi saw the destruction of his brothers and their descendants, he returns to the camp of his father where he finds Laman and Lemuel waiting for him. They are troubled concerning the words of their father and they want to ask Nephi to explain things to them. The memory of his vision fresh in his mind, he wants to convince them to change their ways, and his earnest desire, coupled with their newfound willingness to listen, leads to a discussion about repentance and the need to live righteously. Perhaps concerned about the fate of their … Continue reading →

Scripture Study – 1 Nephi 15:26-34

Nephi’s rebellious brothers are finally asking him questions about the words their father spake, and he is eagerly answering them. Anxious that his brothers finally see the truthfulness of the Gospel and repent, he has exhorted them with his whole soul. 26. And they said unto me: What meaneth the river of water which our father saw? 27. And I said unto them that the water which my father saw was filthiness; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water. I think it’s interesting that Nephi picked up … Continue reading →

Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 15:20-25

Upon returning from the mountain where he met with the angel of the Lord and saw a vision concerning the future of his seed and that of his brothers, Nephi was met by those brothers who were full of questions about the prophecies of their father, Lehi. Nephi is consumed with the Spirit and wants his brothers to understand the importance of the things they have been taught, and so he speaks to them further about the things of eternity. 20. And I did rehearse unto them the words of Isaiah, who spake concerning the restoration of the Jews, or … Continue reading →