I am grateful for the opportunity to study the Book of Mormon as part of my Pathway classes this semester. We are also studying it as a family for our Come Follow Me studies this year. I am grateful for the invitation to slow down, and study deeply the messages contained within it. It may be difficult to study two different parts at the same time. I wish somehow we could merge the two. I am sure that each study will enhance the other studing! That is how the Gospel works, line upon line.
For this week in my class we have been asked to study the title pages and witnesses to the Book of Mormon. The Title page seems to be written almost by Mormon. I wonder how much of it was written by him? It says that it was translated by Joseph Smith. I know that Mormon prayed that this record would be preserved so that we would have it in these latter days. The gathering would be different completely without it. The opening pages of the first book of Nephi talk about how important the book was, that Nephi and his brothers were sent back to Jerusalem to get them. After generations of handing them down, being translated by Mormon, and then "sealed by the hand of Moroni" What a blessing the Book of Mormon is to me!
I am grateful for the witnesses to the book of Mormon. I am in awe at the sacrifice that they paid because they stood by their testimony. The Lord in His mercy didn't send just Joseph, but He did send Joseph, and then others to witness that the record is true! Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, Martin Harris. Those three men. I wish that Emma's name was listed there. It is written in my heart on that page! She touched and was shown the record. In Heaven I will tell her of my gratitude for the price she paid for the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth today! Those great men did too. What awe and wonder to be shown the ancient record by the hand of an angel of God. I have wondered recently....
There is a billboard in my hometown that says "Where will WONDER take you?" I wonder why I have not asked to see the vision. In General Conference this spring President Nelson referenced the vision seen by Nephi, and Lehi. Others have seen "the vision" too - Isaiah. I have wondered if I could ask to see that same vision. I know that we are told to ask. If I asked would that vision be opened to me? Who else has seen the vision? I have felt angels close. I have seen angels. Not in the sense of showing me ancient records. But they have appeared when I needed them. I can not deny it. Just as these witnesses, I have seen angels. I know it and I know that my Heavenly Father knows that He has sent them to witness to me. I can not deny it.
The record says that with "words of soberness." That is an interesting word. When I think of that, I think of someone not drunk. But a google of the word says that it means "a manner that is serious and solemn." Solemn means "formal and dignified," "characterized by deep sincerity." So with "words of deep sincerity." That helps me understand better.
I love the introduction says that "The Crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ." Yes, we believe in Jesus Christ. Our highest and holiest books testify of Him! The Crowning events we celebrate are His appearance, life, resurrection, and promises. I love Him! I can't wait for Him to come again!
Gathering Time Discussion:
What is the Book of Mormon to me? - It is a testament of Jesus Christ. It is a personal manual which my Savior and Heavenly Father use to talk to me. I love to open it and find something personal just for me in the verses on that very page. That happens often! Many say they don't have that experience. But I do. I love to hear the word of the Lord for me.
What is the purpose of this course for you? I am grateful for the opportunity to talk about the Book of Mormon with a different group, to learn and discuss the importance of the messages of the Lord for me.
What do you want to get out of it? I want my testimony to grow and increase always always! :)
Notes from Jon's presentation:
The power of Asking questions is so powerful.
What? Why? When? Who?
What are we supposed to learn from the current pandemic? Why would the Lord use an illness or catastrophe to get our attention? When have you seen an example of this in the Book of Mormon or in the scriptures or in your own life?
Jon testifies that "just opening the book will bless your life."
For this week in my class we have been asked to study the title pages and witnesses to the Book of Mormon. The Title page seems to be written almost by Mormon. I wonder how much of it was written by him? It says that it was translated by Joseph Smith. I know that Mormon prayed that this record would be preserved so that we would have it in these latter days. The gathering would be different completely without it. The opening pages of the first book of Nephi talk about how important the book was, that Nephi and his brothers were sent back to Jerusalem to get them. After generations of handing them down, being translated by Mormon, and then "sealed by the hand of Moroni" What a blessing the Book of Mormon is to me!
I am grateful for the witnesses to the book of Mormon. I am in awe at the sacrifice that they paid because they stood by their testimony. The Lord in His mercy didn't send just Joseph, but He did send Joseph, and then others to witness that the record is true! Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, Martin Harris. Those three men. I wish that Emma's name was listed there. It is written in my heart on that page! She touched and was shown the record. In Heaven I will tell her of my gratitude for the price she paid for the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth today! Those great men did too. What awe and wonder to be shown the ancient record by the hand of an angel of God. I have wondered recently....
There is a billboard in my hometown that says "Where will WONDER take you?" I wonder why I have not asked to see the vision. In General Conference this spring President Nelson referenced the vision seen by Nephi, and Lehi. Others have seen "the vision" too - Isaiah. I have wondered if I could ask to see that same vision. I know that we are told to ask. If I asked would that vision be opened to me? Who else has seen the vision? I have felt angels close. I have seen angels. Not in the sense of showing me ancient records. But they have appeared when I needed them. I can not deny it. Just as these witnesses, I have seen angels. I know it and I know that my Heavenly Father knows that He has sent them to witness to me. I can not deny it.
The record says that with "words of soberness." That is an interesting word. When I think of that, I think of someone not drunk. But a google of the word says that it means "a manner that is serious and solemn." Solemn means "formal and dignified," "characterized by deep sincerity." So with "words of deep sincerity." That helps me understand better.
I love the introduction says that "The Crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ." Yes, we believe in Jesus Christ. Our highest and holiest books testify of Him! The Crowning events we celebrate are His appearance, life, resurrection, and promises. I love Him! I can't wait for Him to come again!
Gathering Time Discussion:
What is the Book of Mormon to me? - It is a testament of Jesus Christ. It is a personal manual which my Savior and Heavenly Father use to talk to me. I love to open it and find something personal just for me in the verses on that very page. That happens often! Many say they don't have that experience. But I do. I love to hear the word of the Lord for me.
What is the purpose of this course for you? I am grateful for the opportunity to talk about the Book of Mormon with a different group, to learn and discuss the importance of the messages of the Lord for me.
What do you want to get out of it? I want my testimony to grow and increase always always! :)
Notes from Jon's presentation:
The power of Asking questions is so powerful.
What? Why? When? Who?
What are we supposed to learn from the current pandemic? Why would the Lord use an illness or catastrophe to get our attention? When have you seen an example of this in the Book of Mormon or in the scriptures or in your own life?
Jon testifies that "just opening the book will bless your life."