When we open our hearts, messages from the Holy Ghost can enter our hearts. As members of the Church we have a responsibility to study the Book of Mormon.
THE FAMILY BIBLE
Old Brother Higgins built a shelf
for the family Bible to rest itself.
lest a sticky finger or a grimy thumb
might injure the delicate pages some.
He cautioned his children to touch it not
and it rested there with never a blot
though the Higgins tribe were a troublesome lot.
His neighbor, Miggins, built a shelf
"Come children," he said, " and help yourself."
His book is old and raggfed and worn,
with some of the choicest pages torn,
where children have fingered and thumbed and read
But of the Miggins tribe I've heartd it said,
each carries a Bible in his head.
1. Why did Nephi prefer speaking to writing?
1. Why do you think it is significant that the Holy Ghost carries the truth unto our hearts but not into our hearts?
"Please notice how the power of the Spirit carries the message unto but not necessarily into the heart. A teacher can explain, demonstrate, persuade, and testify, and do so with great spiritual power and effectiveness. Ultimately, however, the content of a message and the witness of the Holy Ghost penetrate into the heart only if a receiver allows them to enter. Learning by faith opens the pathway into the heart." - David A Bednar, Ensign, September 2007
"Why just unto the heart? Individual agency is so sacred that Heavenly Father will never force the human heart, even with all His infinite power. Man may try to do so, but God does not. To put it another way, God allows us to be the guardians, or the gatekeepers, of our own hearts. We must, of our own free will, open our hearts to the Spirit, for He will not force Himself upon us." - Gerald N Lund, GC, April 2008
2. What do many people do with the scriptures that is more difficult to do if the prophet were speaking to them in person? What is the effect of the word of God? What do you think people need to do to open their hearts to the Spirit? What behaviors and attitudes do you think a person with an open heart would demonstrate during personal scripture study, Sunday school and Sacrament meeting? When have you felt that a gospel message has entered your heart? What were the circumstances, and what were the results? What does this tell yo about your heart at that time?
"I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase, mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow, the spirit of contention will depart, parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom, children will be more responsive and submissive to that counsel, righteousness will increase, faith, hope, and charity, the pure love of Christ will abound in our homes and lives bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness." Marion G Romney, GC, April 1960
3. How did Nephi feel about the things he had written? How did he feel about his people? How do you think your parents and church leaders feel about you?
4. What is Nephi's testimony of prayer? What is your testimony of prayer? How did Nephi describe the records he had made? How did he know that those things he had written would bless and strengthen his people?
5. What had Nephi written regarding sin and wickedness? If a person finds himself angry at the words contained in the scriptures of what spirit is he? What can you do if you ever feel angry or rebellious toward scriptural truths, to root out the spirit of the devil from your soul?
6. What do you glory in?
7-8. How do you know if you have indeed received the gift of charity toward others as Nephi had toward his people? How can the Holy Ghost assist you in gaining this knowledge?
9. What is Nephi's hope in regards to you being spotless at the judgement seat? What do you have to do to become spotless?
10. If people really believe in Jesus Christ, how will they feel about the Book of Mormon? Why does believing in and doing the words of Christ ensure that you are on the path toward eternal life? Why do some people who seem to believe in Jesus Christ reject the Book of Mormon?
11. How can you find out for yourself if the words contained in the Book of Mormon are the words of Christ? How can a person find out if the Book of Mormon in true?
14. How will unbelievers feel when they meet Nephi face to face at the judgement? What will you say to Nephi when you get a chance to meet him in the next life? Evaluate your efforts to study the Book of Mormon, what is one way you could improve your study?
"It seems to me that any member of this Church would never be satisfied until he or she had read the Book of Mormon time and time again, and thoroughly considered it so that he or she could bear witness that it is in very deed a record with the inspiration of the Almighty upon it, and that its history is true... No member of the Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon." - Joseph Fielding Smith.
"Regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God." - Gordon B Hinckley, Ensign, August 2005
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