1 Nephi 13

(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

The Book of Mormon and latter-day scriptures restore plain and precious truths that help us know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and help us know how to come unto Him.

1-4. Who are the Gentiles?

4-9. What is the great and abominable church? How can you avoid being deceived by people or organizations that would lead you away from Jesus Christ?

"The titles CHURCH OF THE DEVIL and GREAT AND ABOMINABLE CHURCH are used to identify all organizations of whatever name or nature - whether political, philosophical, educational, economic social, fraternal, civic or religious - which are designed to take men on a course that leads away from God and his laws and thus from salvation in the kingdom of God... Any church or organization of any kind whatever which satisfies the innate religious longings of man and keeps him from coming to the saving truths of Christ and his gospel is therefore not of God." -Bruce R McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 138

8-9. What are the desires and motivations of the great and abominable church?

12. Who was the man among the Gentiles?

"It was Christopher Columbus whom he saw, and he observed further that the discoverer was guided by divine power on his journey." - Mark E Peterson

"From my youth onward, I was a seaman and have so continued until this day ... The Lord was well disposed to my desire, and he bestowed upon me courage and understanding; knowledge of seafaring He gave me in abundance, of astronomy likewise... I have studied all books - cosmographies, histories, chronicles, and philosophies, and other arts, for which our Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed. Those who heard of my [enterprise] called it foolish, mocked me, and laughed. But who can doubt but that the Hoy Ghost inspired me?" - Christopher Columbus

13. Why did Nephi describe for us what he saw in those who would oppose the church of God in our day? How does having a knowledge of your opponents purpose, methods, and strategies hope you prepare to defend yourself against them? Why do you think it is important to know that Satan organizes his forces to lead us away from God and His laws?

14. How were the Lamanites scattered before the Gentiles?

27. What is one way Nephi tells us that the abominable church is perverting the right ways of the Lord? What does it mean to pervert something? What are the negative consequences of turning aside or turning away from the right ways of the Lord?

"I believe the Bible as it read when it came from the pen of the original writers. Ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors." - Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 327

29. What does this verse suggest as a reason Satan wanted truths taken from the Bible?

34. What will the Lord bring forth because of his mercy?

35-36. What did the Savior say he hid up to come forth to the Gentiles?

36. What did the angel say was written in the record that was hidden?

39. What other books have come forth that testify to the truth of Jesus Christ? How much different should you be from the rest of the world because you have so many plain and precious truths restored to you? How important is it for you to study and apply them into your life?

"These other books are the Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and the revelations of The Lord to Joseph Smith." - Joseph Fielding Smith, Man His Origin and Destiny, p. 411-412

40-41. How have the plain and precious truths in the book of Mormon and other latter-day scripture's influenced your testimony of Jesus Christ? How have they helped you understand and live His gospel?