Magazine
The Latter Day Saints' Millennial Star 91, no. 7 (14 February 1929)
Widtsoe, John A.
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Book of Mormon Studies (14 February 1929)
Title
Book of Mormon Studies (14 February 1929)
Magazine
The Latter Day Saints' Millennial Star
Publication Type
Magazine Article
Year of Publication
1929
Editors
Widtsoe, John A. (Secondary)
Number of Pages
102
Date Published
14 February 1929
Volume
91
Issue Number
7
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Abstract
This is a series of articles intended for Relief Society course study. It discusses the importance of the Book of Mormon, its coming forth (i.e., the translation, the witnesses, the publication, Joseph Smith), brief overview of its contents, and explains the text from 1 Nephi 1 through Alma 58. Each article features several questions that are helpful in synthesizing and applying the Book of Mormon to daily life.
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RELIEF SOCIETY
BOOK OF MORMON STUDIES
For the first lesson in March
At least one outstanding and important lesson is forcefully illustrated in Helaman, chapters 7 to 16 inclusive. The Lord has reiterated it many times and in many ways. It is this: God is no respecter of persons. He did not bless the Nephites merely because they were descendants of Lehi. He prospered them because they were more righteous than their Lamanite brethren— because they more strictly observed His commandments. In this lesson we see, however, that the tables were turned—the Lamanites actually became the more righteous people, and consequently more favoured of God.
An unprecedented occurrence happened: The Lamanites actually sent missionaries to convert the Nephites to the Gospel of Christ. The Lamanites were commended and rewarded for righteousness, while the Nephites were rebuked and admonished for doing evil.
The Lord has no “chosen people,” save those who heed His words and who “choose” Him; He has no covenanted people save those who keep covenants with Him. This applies to Latter-day Saints to-day. Mere membership in the Church is not a saving grace unless it is coupled with righteousness and continued good works.
QUESTIONS
- According to Nephi, why would it be better for the Lamanites in the day of judgment than the Nephites, unless the latter repented? Discuss. See Helaman 7:23-25.
- In those days as in these, there were some corrupt judges and politicians. By what means was Nephi able to confound them? Is this gift of God operating in this Church to-day? Discuss.
- Were the corrupt Nephites convinced by the miraculous revelations of the Lord through Nephi? Are corrupt people ever convinced by signs and wonders?
- What caused the Nephites to again turn temporarily to God? What type of repentance is this? Do you think the Lord is pleased with such forced temporary repentance? See chapters 10 and 11.
- By what shall men be judged in the hereafter? Discuss the omnipotence of God as set forth in chapter 12.
- What was peculiar about Samuel the Lamanite prophet testifying to the Nephites? Tell his story and give the burden of his message.
R.L.E.
Table of Contents
Subject Keywords
Testimony
Book of Mormon
Study Helps
Book of Mormon Translation
Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Bibliographic Citation
Terms of use
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