2 Nephi 3

(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 Lord raised up the Prophet Joseph Smith to help bring about the Restoration of the gospel.

2. What blessing is promised Joseph the son of Lehi? What must he do to obtain it?

7-9. Does it surprise you that Joseph Smith was known by name 3,500 years before he was born? What does that teach you about prophecy and your Heavenly Father?

"It was decreed in the counsels of eternity, long before the foundations of the earth were laid, that he, Joseph Smith, should be the man, in he last dispensation of this world, to bring forth the word of God to the people, and receive the fulness of the keys and power of the Priesthood of the Son of God. The Lord had his eyes upon him, and upon his father, and upon his fathers father, and upon their progenitors clear back to Abraham, and from Abraham to the flood, from the flood to Enoch, and from Enoch to Adam. He has watched that family and that blood as it has circulated from its fountain to the birth of that man. He was fore-ordained in eternity to preside over the last dispensation." -Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young p. 108

8. What word has The Lord commanded you to do?

12. What will the Bible and the Book of Mormon work together to do?

12-13. How does the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ, help us confound false doctrines and better understand our covenants? What can you do to help the Book of Mormon and the Bible 'grow together' in your life?

"The Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. It fortifies the humble followers of Chirst against evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day." -Ezra Taft Benson, GC, April 1975

The Bible and the Book of Mormon "are now woven together in such a way that as you pore over one you are drawn to the other; as you learn from one you are enlightened by the other. They are indeed one in our hands. Ezekiel's prophecy now stands fulfilled." -Boyd K Packer, GC, October 1982

1-25. What are some examples of covenants, authority, or ordinances that were restored throughout the Prophet Joseph Smith that can help bring people salvation? What difference have these blessings made in your life? What have you learned or studied in this chapter that strengthens your testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith? What did Joseph Smith do, teach, or restore that you feel is of great worth to you today?

24. How was the Prophet Joseph Smith an instrument in the hands of The Lord?

"Permit me to name a few of many doctrines and practices which distinguish us from all other churches, and all of which have come of revelation to the youthful Prophet Joseph Smith... The first of these, of course, is the manifestation of God himself and His Beloved Son, the risen Lord Jesus Christ... This knowledge of Diety, hidden from the world for centuries, was the first and great thing which God revealed to his chosen servant... The Book of Mormon has come forth by the gift and power of God... Another contribution of the Prophet Joseph Smith is the restores priesthood... Another great and singular revelation given to the prophet was the plan for eternal life of the family... The innocence of little children is another revelation which God has given through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph... The great doctrine on salvation for the dead is unique to the Church... The eternal nature of man has been revealed... There is one more that I must mention. This is the principle of modern revelation... During the brief 38 and one half years of his life, there came through the Prophet Joseph Smith an incomparable outpouring of knowledge, gifts, and doctrine." -Gordon B Hinckley, GC, April 2005