Jacob 5

(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 loves us and is always working to bring salvation to His covenant people, even when they turn away from Him.

What is an allegory? What two trees are used as symbols in this allegory? Why do you need to be connected to Jesus Christ to have a spiritual life?

"This allegory as recounted by Jacob is from the outset intended to be about Christ [the Master of the vineyard]... Even as the Lord of the vineyard and his workers strive to bolster, prune, purify, and otherwise make productive their trees what amounts to a one-chapter historical sketch of the scattering and gathering of Israel, the deeper meaning of the Atonement undergirds and overarches their labors." - Jeffrey R Holland, Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of Mormon [1997], 165

"The Lord's servants took some of the branches and grafted them in to all the wild olive trees. Who were the wild olive trees? The Gentiles. And so the Lord sent his servants to all parts of his vineyard, which is the world, and planted these branches of the tree... Now in that parable the olive tree is the House of Israel... In its native land it began to die. So the Lord took branches like the Nephites, like the lost tribes, and like others that the Lord led off that we do not know anything about, to other parts of the earth. He planted them all over his vineyard, which is the world. No doubt he sent some of these branches into Japan, into Korea, into China. No question about it, because he sent them to all parts of the world." - Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Answers to Gospel questions [1957-66], 4:204-5

"In general, the Lord sends to earth in the lineage of Jacob [Israel} those spirits who in pre-existence developed an especial talent for spirituality and for recognizing truth. Those born in this lineage, having the blood of Israel in their veins and finding it easy to accept the gospel, are said to have believing blood." - Bruce R McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 81

"The scattering of Israel throughout the world sprinkled the blood that believes, so that many nations may now partake of the gospel plan." - James E Faust, GC, October 1982

1-12. Do you know a friend or loved one who has questioned God's love for him or her, particularly during a time of trial when the person may have turned away from God?

3. What does the decay in the tree represent? What occurs when individuals or groups of people turn away from the Lord and His gospel?

3-14. The First Visit:  What does the master of the vineyard see happening to his tame olive tree? What does the master do about the decay? What does the grafting in of the branches of the wild olive tree represent? What does the planting of the tame branches in the nethermost parts of the vineyard represent?

4-6. What do the actions of the Master of the vineyard of pruning, digging and nourishing represent?

7. What emotions do you think the Lord was expressing here and why?

7-11. Using the meaning of the symbols below, ponder what the Lord of the vineyard and His servant do to try and save Heavenly Father's children.

15-28 The Second Visit: What the master of the vineyard visits the second time, what does he discover about the wild branches that were grafted into the tame olive tree? What has happened to the natural branches that had been planted in the nethermost parts of the vineyard? What branch of the house of Israel do you know that was taken to a choice land and at the time of Christ were partly righteous and partly wicked?

29-60. The Third Visit: What did the master of the vineyard discover about the tame olive tree during this third visit? What about the roots? What has happened to the branches planted throughout the vineyard? how does the master of the vineyard respond when he finds all the fruit corrupt? What does the master decide to do to try to save his vineyard?

61-77. The Fourth Visit: As the master makes a final effort to save his vineyard, whom does he enlist for help? Who are these 'other servants'? What are they striving to 'prepare the way' for in verse 61? What eventually happens to the bad branches? What happens to the good fruit? What does the master of the vineyard say about the servants who labored with him this last time?

1-77. How many times does this chapter record the Lord's efforts to nourish the trees of His vineyard? What does this teach you about His desire to help and assist, teach and bless you? How many phrases do you find in this chapter that indicate the Lord's love, concern, or sorrow for His vineyard? What have you learned from this chapter about the Lord's love for you? How have you seen His love manifested in your life or in the life of someone you know?

Symbols in this Allegory

Jacob 5: The Allegory of the Tame and Wild Olive Trees
Symbol	Meaning
Tame olive tree (v. 3)	The house of Israel, God’s covenant people
The vineyard (v.3)	The world
Decay (v. 3)	Sin and apostasy
Master of the vineyard (v. 4)	Jesus Christ
Pruning, digging, and nourishing (v. 4)	The Lord’s efforts to help us be righteous and produce good works.
Branches (v. 6)	Groups of people
Wild olive tree (v. 7)	Gentiles- those who have not made covenants with the Lord. Later in the allegory, natural olive trees, representing portions of the house of Israel in apostasy, are also described as ‘wild’.
Plucking and grafting branches (v. 7-8)	The scattering and gathering of the Lord’s covenant people. In addition, the grafting of wild olive branches into the tame olive tree represents the conversion of Gentiles who become part of the Lord’s covenant people through baptism.
Burning branches (v. 7)	God’s judgments upon the wicked
Fruit (v. 8)	The lives or works of people
Roots of the tame olive tree (v. 11)	The covenants the Lord makes with those who follow Him. Roots may also represent individuals with whom the Lord covenanted anciently, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Images of this Allegory

The Allegory of the Olive Tree

The Olive Press: A Symbol of Christ

By Truman G. Madsen

Jacob's Allegory: The Mystery of Christ

By M. Catherine Thomas

Nephite Uses and Interpretations of Zenos

By Noel B. Reynolds

Jacob 5 in the Nineteenth Century

By Grant Underwood

The Allegory of the Olive Tree in Jacob

By Paul Y. Hoskisson

Jacob 4–6: Substantive Textual Variants between Manuscripts and Editions

By Royal Skousen

Language Themes in Jacob 5: "The Vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel" (Isaiah 5:7)

By Arthur Henry King

Words and Phrases in Jacob 5

By John W. Welch

Graft and Corruption: On Olives and Olive Culture in the Pre-Modern Mediterranean

By John Gee, Daniel C. Peterson

The Olive in Greco-Roman Religion

By John Franklin Hall

Ritual Anointing with Olive Oil in Ancient Israelite Religion

By Donald W. Parry

The Allegory of the Olive Tree and the Use of Related Figurative Language in the Ancient Near East and the Old Testament

By David Rolph Seely

The Last Words of Cenez and the Book of Mormon

By John W. Welch

Zenos and the Texts of the Old Testament

By David Rolph Seely, John W. Welch

The Olive Tree and the Work of God: Jacob 5 and Romans 11

By James E. Faulconer

Romans 11:17–24: A Bibliography of Commentaries

By Gary P. Gillum

Borrowings from the Parable of Zenos

By John A. Tvedtnes

Olive Oil: Symbol of the Holy Ghost

By John A. Tvedtnes

Olive Culture in the Second Temple Era and Early Rabbinic Period

By Stephen D. Ricks

Vineyard or Olive Orchard?

By John A. Tvedtnes

Botanical Aspects of Olive Culture Relevant to Jacob 5

By Wilford M. Hess, Daniel Fairbanks, John W. Welch, Jonathan K. Driggs

Jacob 4

(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.)

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be filled with hope and reconcile ourselves with God.

1-2. Why do you keep a journal? What do you write about?

"We hope you will begin [keeping a journal] as of this date. If you have not already commenced this important duty in your lives, get a good notebook, a good book that will last through time and into eternity for the angels to look upon. Begin today and write in it your goings and your comings, your deeper thoughts, your achievements, and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies. We hope you will do this, our brothers and sisters, for this is what the Lord has commanded, and those who keep a personal journal are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives." - Spencer W Kimball, ensign, December 1980

3. How did Jacob and those who kept records on the plates of gold feel about their record keeping efforts? How do they hope these things will be received? How do you feel about your efforts to keep a journal? How do you hope your life's story will be received?

3-4. What do these verses tell us Jacob wanted his children to know about him? What would you like your posterity to know about you?

5. Why did the Nephites keep the law of Moses? What law do we live in our day that replaced the law of Mosees?

6. What else does Jacob say his people did so that their faith became unshaken? How would searching the words of the prophets help your faith grow stronger? What did Jacob say he was able to do with his unshakeable faith? If you truly worshipped God in the name of Christ, kept his commandments, and did all the other things Jacob mentions here, what do you think you could do with your unshakeable faith?

7. How does this verse help you feel grateful for your weaknesses? What does the Lord bless you with so that you have power to act with you unshakeable faith?

8. How does Jacob advise us to feel about the revelations of God? How do you personally feel about the scriptures? About the words of the prophets in general conference and other meetings? 

9.  How does Jacob describe the power of God? How does this make you feel?

10. What does it men to counsel the Lord?

"In my view, seeking to counsel the Lord generally means disregarding the Lord's counsel, either knowingly or unknowingly, and in place thereof substituting our own counsel or the persuasion of men." Marion G Romney, Ensign, August 1985

13. How does the Spirit speak? Why can you always trust in the things that come from the Spirit?

14. What does stiffnecked mean? How did the Jews despise the words of plainness? Do you know people in your day that also despise words of plainness?  How do these things cause them to stumble and lose their way from the gospel path? 

14. What do you think it means to look beyond the mark? How well do you think people would do in archery if they never looked at the target, or mark, while they were shooting or if they looked beyond the mark? What characteristics would the people who 'looked beyond the mark' have? What attitudes and actions in this verse blinded the Jews and prevented them from accepting Jesus Christ? What might be some examples of looking beyond the mark, or failing to focus on the Savior, today?

"The mark is Christ." - Neal A Maxwell, GC, April 1976

"The Jews were looking for something other than Jesus Christ to save them. Jacob prophesied that teh Jews would reject he Messiah, the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation. He then referred to scriptures that say He would still become their only sure foundation. If we do not build on Jesus Christ, we will not receive the promised eternal joy with Him." -Book of Mormon Student Study Guide [2000]

15-16. What is the stone that you can build upon to have a safe and sure foundation? What blessings come to those who build upon Christ as a sure foundation (See Helaman 5:12)? What did the Jews do instead of building upon a sure foundation? What can you do to build upon the Savior and escape the fate of the Jews?

Jacob 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.)

God will console the pure in heart in their afflictions.

1-2. What does it mean to be pure in heart? What would cause your hands to be unclean to the Lord? What would cause your heart to be impure to the Lord? Which comes first, bad thoughts or bad actions? What blessings does the lord promise to those with clean hands and pure hearts (see Psalms 24:3-4)?

"To become pure in heart - to achieve exaltation - we must alter our attitudes and priorities to a condition of spirituality, we must control our thoughts, we must reform our motives, and we must perfect our desires." - Dallin H Oaks, Pure in Heart, 140

1. Have you ever suffered because of the pride or sins of others? What does Jacob exhort the pure in heart to do? What does God promise the pure in heart? How can you look unto God with a firmness of mind? What do you think it means to pray unto God with exceeding faith during a time of trial?

2. How do you know that you are pure in heart? How do you feast upon God's love? How can studying the scriptures be a way to feast upon God's love?

1-2. How has God consoled you in you afflictions as you have tried to follow Him? How has praying with exceeding faith helped you during a time of trial? When has receiving God's word helped you to feel His love?

3-4. What awaits those who are not pure in heart? What can one do to change the condition of their heart?

5. Who did the Nephites think the filthy people were? Who did Jacob say was the most filthy? What commandment did the Lamanites keep better than the Nephites? How did the prejudice of the Nephites against the Lamanites hinder their ability to see their own guilt before God? 

6. How does this verse teach the principle that even those who do not profess His name, will be blessed by God for their righteous acts?

7-8. What was the condition of the family at this time among the Lamanites? What was the condition of the family at this time among the Nephites? Why is it so important to ensure the strength and unity of your family relationships?

9. Why do you think Jacob so clearly teaches the Nephite people to withhold judgement and hatred from the Lamanites? How might this type of attitude by portrayed today? What can you do personally, to ensure that you do not discredit the good in one or more people based on what you are told  by others about them?

9. Shy do you think a prophet would clearly identify the sins of the people? How can pointing out a person's sins help him or her to change?

"The more I see of life, the more I am convinced that we must impress you young people with the awfulness of sin rather than to content ourselves with merely teaching the way of repentance." - Harold B Lee, Youth and the Church, 87-88

"The heaviest burden that one has to bear in this life is the burden of sin." - Harold B Lee, Ensign, July 1973

10. What effect does the bad example of a parent have upon their children? What impact has the love of your family had upon your life? What blessings do you consider yours that have come to you through your family?

"The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." - William G Dyer and Philip R Kunz, Effective Mormon Families, 104

11. What does it mean to arouse your faculties? How is indulging in sin and evil like going into a drug induced sleep? How does one come out of the effects of sin and wickedness? What outcome awaits those who choose not to repent and turn unto God?

12. What are fornication and lasciviousness? Why is it so important to know the awful consequences of moral transgressions? Why do sins of this ilk cause a decrease of love and trust within families?

Jacob 2

(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.)

Even the sternest of prophets teach from the depths of a sensitive soul. We should seek the kingdom of God above all other interests. The Lord delights in chastity.

1-12. How did Jacob feel about his difficult task of calling his people to repentance? Why is it difficult to tell people what they need to hear?

1. How does The Lord continue to deliver his word to His people after the death of a prophet?

2. How keenly does the prophet feel his responsibility from The Lord to teach and preach to the people? How keenly do you feel your responsibility to listen to and hearken to the words of the prophets?

3. How do you know that the Lords servants fulfill their responsibilities with diligence? When have you felt a priesthood leaders love and concern for you? When have you felt that a priesthood leader's words or actions were inspired by God to help you?

4. How do you feel about listening to and obeying the word of The Lord?

5. Where does all sin begin? Why does the content of your thoughts affect your standing with God? Why is thinking about sin abominable to God? 

6. How do your thoughts reflect the condition of your heart?

7. Why do wicked and unchaste thoughts hurt your family members if you indulge in them?

8. How does the pleasing word of God heal you when your soul is wounded? How do you feel about attending conferences and you weekly Sunday meetings?

9. What does Jacob say that helps you recognize his empathy for his people?

10. Why is God so strict regarding the contents of our thoughts and the desires of our hearts? What does it mean to you to be pure in heart?

12-13. What were the Nephites seeking? Where do you receive your blessings from? How can remembering the true source of your blessings and abilities, bless your life?

12. What is the danger you are subject to when you begin to seek after the riches of the world?

13. Who blesses you with the wealth of this world? What serious problem can come to those who misunderstand the purposes of wealth? What happens to those who refuse to share their wealth (See D&C 56:16)? What does it mean to be lifted up in the pride of your heart? What causes this condition? Why does the possession of wealth foster pride in the hearts of men? On Gods scale, is one man more important than another? How should you act toward your fellow man? Has there ever been a time in your life when you have acted in a prideful manner? What can help you overcome pride (see v. 17-21)?

"If you work for wealth, you can get it; but before you make it an end in itself, take a look at those men who have sacrificed all to the accomplishment of this purpose, at those who have desired wealth for the sake of wealth itself. Gold does not corrupt man; it is in the motive of acquiring that god that corruption occurs." - David O McKay, home memories of President David O McKay, 242

14. How does the Lord feel about pride in the hearts of his children? What lies in store for those who refuse to humble themselves?

15. Do you fully comprehend the power of your God?

16. How does allowing pride to enter into your heart destroy your soul?

17. What attitude and feelings should you develop regarding the things of the world? Why?

18. What are you counseled to seek before you seek for riches? What are you asked to do when the Lord blesses you with wealth? 

19. What does it mean to obtain a hope in Christ? What do you think it means to seek after the kingdom of God? How can wealth help you seek after the kingdom of God? What is the purpose of wealth? How is it to be used? How would seeking the kingdom of God and obtaining a hope in Christ influence how you view and treat others?

20. Have you ever been guilty of acting prideful toward others? What do you have to say for yourself? Have you humbled yourself before God and begged his forgiveness as well as the forgiveness of those you looked down on?

"Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or the core, is still missing. The central feature of pride is enmity - enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellow-men. Enmity means 'hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.' It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us. Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God's. When we direct our pride toward God, it is in the spirit of 'my will and not thine be done.' As Paul said, they 'seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.'" - Ezra Taft Benson, GC, April 1989

21. How does The Lord feel about you? How perfectly and exactly do you strive to keep the commandments? How often do you glorify and praise your Father in Heaven?

22-23. What does the word whoredoms mean? How serious is sexual immorality? 

"Any sexual intimacy outside of the bonds of marriage - I mean any intentional contact with the sacred, private parts of another's body, with or without clothing - is a sin and is forbidden by God. It is also a transgression to intentionally stimulate these emotions within your own body." - Richard G Scott, GC, October 1994

23-24. How did the Nephites seek to excuse their sins in these verses? How do people seek to excuse sexual immorality today?

23. What is the danger of misinterpreting the scriptures? What comfort do you find in knowing that the word of The Lord is constant and unchanging? What does the word abominable mean? How does this word help you understand how the Lord feels about pride? What is the curse for pride? How can you be more humble?

24. What is the Lords law of morality? 

25. Why did The Lord lead out from Jerusalem a portion of His people? How did this allow them to be taught of The Lord and become a pure and righteous people before him?

27. How does The Lord view the practice of taking more than one wife? 

28. How does The Lord feel about the chastity of women?

31-35. What are the negative consequences of sexual sin as indicated in these verses? How does sexual immorality affect families? How might immorality affect a teenager and his or her family? Why do you think the Lord considers immorality to be such a serious sin? How will living according to the Lord's law of chastity bless you and your posterity?  What joy have you experienced as a result of being obedient to the Lord's commandment of chastity?

"The plaguing sin of this generation is sexual immorality. This, the Prophet Joseph said, would be the source of more temptations, more buffetings, and more difficulties for the elders of Israel than any other." - The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 277

"The Lord has made us attractive one to each other for a great purpose. But this very attraction becomes a powder keg unless it is kept under control. It is beautiful when handled in the right way. It is deadly if it gets out of hand. Those who indulge in sexual activity outside the bonds of marriage do irreparable damage to themselves and rob the one with whom they are involved of that which can never be restored... I plead with you to be careful, to stand safely back from the cliff of sin over which it is so easy to fall. Keep yourselves clean from the dark and disappointing evil of sexual transgression. Walk in the sunlight of that peace which comes from virtue." - Gordon B Hinckley, Way to Be, 58-60

31, 35. What suffering had the Nephites sins caused already? How does The Lord feel about the feelings of His daughters? Why do unchaste behaviors cause them to mourn? Why can unchaste thoughts in one cause their spouse to mourn?

32. What will The Lord hold the men of His people accountable for if the indulge in wickedness and immorality?

Jacob 1

(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.)

Priesthood leaders labor diligently to help us come to Christ. Priesthood leaders have a divine responsibility to teach the word of God and warn against sin.

1-4. Why are you grateful that Jacob  and others felt impressed to write sacred things?

2-3. Whenhave you felt a priesthood leader's love and concern for you? When have you felt that a priesthood leader's words or actions were inspired by God to help you?

6-8. Why do you think priesthood leaders in your family as well as local and general priesthood leaders, warn you about sin and teach you the gospel so diligently?

7-8. What did Jacob wnt his people to do? What does the prophet want you to do? What do the prophets today seem most anxious about? How do they know what they should talk about in conference?

10-11. How did the people feel about Nephi? What had he done for them that won their love? Who are the 'Nephis' you can follow today?

15. What wiced practices were the Nephites getting involved in? How do those sins compare to the wicked practices that exist in the world today? Can you detect these same wicked practices in the list of acceptable things to do by society in general?

15-16. Why is it a blessing to have priesthood leaders who warn us about problems when or even before they begin?

17. Why is it important to understand that Church leaders are held accountable fortheir efforts to teach you what The Lord wants you to know?

19. How do you magnify your callings in the Church? What errands and responsibilities have you been given that make you similar to Jacob?

"President John Taylor cautioned us, 'If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved had you done your duty.' ... How does one magnify a calling? Simply by performing the service that pertains to it." - Thomas S Monson

"I am convinced that there are many, many thousand... who, with warmth and welcome can be led to the eternal truths of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. They are looking for something better than they have. They must be friendshipped. They must be fellowshipped. They must be made to feel comfortable and at home, so they can observe in the lives of the members of the Church those virtues they wish for themselves... The world is our responsibility. We cannot evade it, I think of the words of Jacov in the Book of Mormon, who with his brother Joseph had been consecrated a priest and teacher unto the people." - Gordon B Hinckley, GC, April 1986

2 Nephi 33

(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.)

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

2 Nephi 32

(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.)

When we feast on the words of Christ, the words of Christ will guide us in ALL the things that we should do. As we pray always, we will e able to do all the Lord would have us do for the welfare of our souls.

1-7. Think of a time when someone gave you directions to get from one place to another. Was it easy to or difficult to understand those directions? Why is it important to have someone give clear directions?

1.What do you need to do to stay on the strait and narrow path once you have begun your journey upon it through baptismal covenants and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost?

2-3. Do you seek to speak with the Spirit? How should the Spirit influence ALL your communications? What does it mean to speak with the tongue of angels?

"You can speak with the tongue of angels, which simply means that you can speak with the power of the Holy Ghost." - Boyd K Packer, Ensign, August 2006

"The Lord has called for “cheerful hearts and countenances” (D&C 59:15). He has asked us to so speak and so act that we edify or build one another ... the fruit of receiving the Holy Ghost and listening to the promptings of the Spirit is that we may speak with “the tongue of angels” (2 Ne. 32:2). Thus we create a spirit of reverence and of revelation." - Robert S Wood, GC, October 1999

3. What does it mean to feast upon the words of Christ? How might the word feast be compared to the words snack or starve? Have you ever found yourself just snacking on the scriptures? What can you do to ensure that you feast and therefore never only snack or worse yet, starve? Consider each of the following opportunities to feast upon the words of Christ as ask yourself how well you feast at these times: personal scripture study, sacrament meeting, general conference, family scripture study, seminary, family home evening, Sunday classes, personal prayer.

"To feast means more than to taste. To feast means to savor. We savor the scriptures by studying them in a spirit of delightful discovery and faithful obedience. When we feast upon the words of Christ, they... become an integral part of our nature." - Russell M Nelson, GC, October 2000

"If you and I are to feast upon the words of Christ, we must study the scriptures and absorb His words through pondering them and making them a part of every thought and action." - Robert D Hales, GC, October 1998

"While reading the scriptures is good, reading by itself is insufficient to capture the full breadth and depth of the Savior’s teachings. Searching, pondering, and applying the words of Christ as taught in the scriptures will bring wisdom and knowledge beyond our mortal understanding. This will strengthen our commitment and provide the spiritual reserves to do our best in all situations." - Dean M Davies, GC, April 2013

"Insight found in scripture accumulates over time, so it is important to spend some time in the scriptures every day." -Julie B Beck, GC, April 2010

"Feasting upon the words of Christ is a unique experience. When we read and look for principles and doctrines that will help us in our daily lives, we will have a renewed enthusiasm." - Walter F Gonzalez, GC, October 2009

"Through studying and pondering the scriptures and the words of the latter-day prophets, we can feast upon the words of Christ, and the words will tell us all the things that we should do. Then we must nourish the word and allow it to take root. (See Alma 32:41–43.) After we hearken to the word and hold fast to it, we are promised that temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary will not overpower us. (See 1 Ne. 15:24.) We will be able to recognize the truth when we hear it just as the shepherds and the Wise Men knew when they were told about the Savior’s birth. The scriptures are the word of God and a light to us and the world, and we can follow this light as if they were our guiding star." -Betty Jo N Jepsen, GC, October 1992

"If [you] are acquainted with the revelations, there is no question - personal or social or political or occupational - that need go unanswered. Therein is contained the fulness of the everlasting gospel. Therein we find principles of truth that will resolve every confusion and every problem and every dilemma that will face the human family or any individual in it." - Boyd K Packer, Teach the Scriptures, [3rd ed.], 89

“Let us not treat lightly [His word]. … [It is] one of the most valuable gifts He has given us. … Recommit … immerse yourselves in them daily. … Read them in your families and teach your children to love and treasure them. Then prayerfully and in counsel with others, seek every way possible to encourage the members of the Church to follow your example.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1986, p. 82.)

"I promise you that daily family prayer and scripture study will build within the walls of your home a security and bonding that will enrich your lives and prepare your families to meet the challenges of today and the eternities to come. God grant unto us the desire to seek Him reverently and humbly in prayer and the sincere desire to study His word, as contained in His holy scriptures." - L Tom Perry, GC, April 1993

4. Why does it take work to remove darkness from your life? What kind of work is required of you to remove darkness? What does it mean to ask? What does it mean to knock? How can doing so bring light into your life? How might prayer be a good example of asking or knocking?

5. What blessing did Nephi promise you when you receive the Holy Ghost?

6. What does this verse teach about the doctrine of Christ?

7. What attitude did Nephi's people have that caused him to mourn for them? Why do these attitudes keep people from searching and understanding the scriptures? How well do you take advantage of opportunities to learn from the scriptures? What can you do to improve and be filled with light? Why is it important to you to study from the scriptures every day?

8. Who would not want you to pray any time, especially after you have sinned? Why? Why do you think that the Lord wants you to pray? Why do you think that Satan does not want you to pray?

9. How often should you pray? What blessings does the Lord promise to you if you pray always? What do you think it means to pray always? What can you do to ensure that you are in the habit of praying always?

"There may be things in our character, in our behavior, or concerning our spiritual growth about which we need to counsel with Heavenly Father in morning prayer. After expressing appropriate thanks for blessings received, we plead for understanding, direction, and help to do the things we cannot do in our own strength along... During the course of the day, we keep a prayer in our heart for continued assistance and guidance... We notice during this particular day that there are occasions where normally we would have a tendency to speak harshly, and we do not; or we might be inclined to anger, but we are not. We discern heavenly help and strength and humbly recognize answers to our prayer. Even in that moment of recognition, we offer a silent prayer of gratitude. At the end of our day, we kneel again and report back to our Father. We review the events of the day and express heartfelt thanks for the  blessings and the help we received. We repent and with the assistance of the Spirit of the Lord, identify ways we can do and become better tomorrow. Thus our evening prayer builds upon and is a continuation of our morning prayer. And our evening prayer also is a preparation for meaningful morning prayer. Morning and evening prayers - and all of the prayers in between - are not unrelated, discrete events; rather, they are linked together each day and across days, weeks, months, and even years. This is in part how we fulfill the scriptural admonitions to pray always. Such meaningful prayers are instrumental in obtaining he highest blessings God holds in store for  His faithful children." - David A Bednar, GC, October 2008

"I testify that prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all of our doings, as we express heartfelt gratitude, and as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart." - David A Bednar, GC, October 2008

"The acquisition of understanding and enthusiasm for the Lord comes from following simple rules. One of those rules is to read the word of the Lord. I know that within the demands of your studies there is little time to read anything else. But I promise you that if you will read the words of that writing which we call scripture, there will come into your heart an understanding and a warmth that will be pleasing to experience. Let the Lord speak for Himself to you, and His words will come with a quiet conviction that will make the words of His critics meaningless." - Gordon B Hinckley, Improvement Era, June 1966

9. What does it mean to be consecrated? How will the Lord consecrate your performance unto you?

"We tend to think of consecration only as yielding up, when divinely directed, our material possessions. But ultimate consecration is the yielding up of oneself to God. Heart, soul, and mind were the encompassing words of Christ in describing the first commandment, which is constantly, not periodically, operative (see Matt. 22:37). If kept, then our performances will, in turn, be fully consecrated for the lasting welfare of our souls." - Neal A Maxwell, April 2002