The Book of Mormon, Digging Deeper

Once more we come upon Easter next week. Please join me as we engage in this discussion of what should be and is the single most important celebration we fete. it seems all people love Easter but perhaps few of us realize just how pivotal this event we celebrate was. The future of our entire eternal existence hung in the balance and the Savior's sacrifice and resurrection made our continued eternal progression possible.

Throughout the Book of Mormon concerns of the prophets and prophecies of the ultimate fate of the Lamanites was a primary concern. Great promises were made to their descendants. As soon as the Church as organized, the very first missionaries were sent out to preach and teach the various Indian tribes notwithstanding the opposition from other settlers around them. Amazing success and wonderful stories came from those early efforts. But there is evidence that many of the first nation are not genetically connected to the ancient Lamanites. So who are these people, and do they stand to receive the blessings the Lord has promised to the Lamanites? I hope this episode helps settle your heart on this matter.

This wide -ranging revelation was given during the time that Joseph Smith was revising or re-translating the Book of Genesis and as such, it shares many common threads. it deals with the Second Coming, the Millennium, the resurrection and the final judgement, and also the Devil and his hosts. lots of stuff to discuss so I invite you to join me for this episode.

This is a recording of the live presentation I made to the members of the Florene So. Carolina ward on Sunday March 23rd. Accordingly, the recording and audio quality may be somewhat less than perfect, but I invite you all to have a listen.

Important issues remained to be settled as the early Church began its mission. Whether or not Angels could eat earthly food was not one of those issues, but the matter is addressed, nevertheless. What was an important issue was just who could receive revelation and how was revelation to be handled. This came after confusing and conflicting revelations by Oliver Cowdery and also Hiram Page.Join me as we see how this was settled.

We discuss the beginnings of serious persecutions and also, a special calling for Emma Smith

Known aa the Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ, Doctrine and Covenants 20 contains the foundational history, beliefs and ordinances of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.Parts of Doctrine and Covenants 20 were given by revelation, and other parts came from a close study of the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon.Join me as we take a closer look at this interesting section.

The Book of Mormon had now been fully translated, and the brethren were tasked with the challenge of getting it published. But that was no simple feat; the type- setting and the actual printing of 5,000 copies was an enormous ...and very expensive job and suddenly, the effort to form a new church was becoming very serious and very real. How was this going to be accomplished? Where would the money come from? Both good questions. The answer lay with Martin Harris, the first man to join Joseph Smith in the project and the one who had very nearly derailed it before it began. Let's see how this all transpired.

While Joseph Smith was busy working on the Book of Mormon and getting ready for its publication as well as the formal organization of the Church, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, on the occasion of the revelation known as the 18th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants, received their own commissions from the Lord. Their task was to search out and choose the twelve men who would become the first ordained Apostles of the new Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. it was not as easy or as successful as one might think. listen in and find out how it all went.

The story of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon is a fascinating one. Not only were the circumstances surrounding the wonderful vision amazing, but the three men themselves each have a story to tell, and their remarkable lives serve as an additional testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon.

The 10th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants deals with the Loss of the 116 pages of the original Book of Mormon manuscript and the plans and designs of those who stole it...and how the Lord subverted those plans two thousand years ago. Drama and Intrigue and the best laid plans of the Satan could not stop the work.

The arrival of Oliver Cowdery was an answered prayer for Joseph Smith. He had asked the Lord for a scribe and Oliver arrived three days later. His contribution was invaluable and together they finished the translation in just two months. but there was...and there is always... more to the story!

The effort to translate the Golden Plates was an arduous and complicated one, with drama an intrigue at every turn.Tough it was the Lord's work, it took every ounce of energy that Joseph Smith had to bring it to pass. Here now is the story of Martin Harris' contribution and complication to that effort.

This is the extraordinary story of Moroni's visit to Joseph Smith on only the second heavenly visit he received. He was still young, (Just 17years old), and had no plans at the time, to form a new church, but the things the angel told him then would unalterably change his life, and the world forever. Please join me for this special episode.

We step back from the Doctrine and Covenants for just two weeks so that we can review the Joseph Smith History as found in the Pearl of Great Price. This personal account , written by the prophet himself, will give us a better understanding of the times and the pressures that were mounted against the young prophet during the first steps of the restoration of the Gospel. This week we will learn of the First Vision and next week we will cover Moroni's visit. Please join me as we...Dig a little Deeper.

come listen to this powerful message from the Lord as he personally dictates the preface to the Book of Commandments, later called the Doctrine and Covenants. The story of how it came to be is quite fascinating and the message is for all the inhabitants of the earth.

Ever wonder why the Book of Mormon begins in 600BC? Why specifically then...that year? What was happening in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Egypt at that time? Was it just a lucky decision by Joseph Smith to pick that particular year? Join us on this inaugural episode and find out the answer to this and many other fascinating questions and evidences found in the pages of the Book of Mormon.

We begin the new year with the Doctrine and Covenants.It has been said that the Book of Mormon gets us to Christ - the Doctrine and Covenants gets us to Christ's kingdom. tune in and find out why.

At last! I finally get to present this regular episode of Digging Deeper. I have wanted to present this podcast on the Dead Sea Scrolls for a long time. The Scrolls present a big problem for modern Christianity because they conflict with the common narrative; but for the LDS people they are a wonderful confirmation of our most cherished beliefs.

This is my opportunity to reflect on this past year of study of the Book of Mormon. I get a chance to share with you what I have learned and how this effort has affected me throughout the year. I hope you find it inspirational.

In this last episode for the Book of Mormon Come Follow Me program this year we are taking a close look at Moroni's last words of wisdom to us. His promise to those who read this book and his testimony of the power of the Holy Ghost are the perfect way to end this otherwise tragic story.

Moroni takes the time to share with us three letters that his father wrote to him as their civilization collapsed and ended. These are the last words of Mormon and they relay not only the horror and tragedy of those closing scenes but also words of hope and the Lord's promise to those who can live their lives with Faith, Hope, and Charity.

We begin closing out our study of the Book of Mormon this year with the final words of Moroni. This first episode of the next three weeks will look at his words to the Lamanites as he explains the first principles and ordinances of the gospel.

The end of the Jaredites is a tragic and unnecessary story that never needed to happen. The Lord gave Coriantumr every chance to stave off the pending doom and very clear warnings as to what would happen if he didn't repent. Well, he didn't repent and the results were horrific for is more than two million people.

The tale of the Jaredite barges and their journey across the Pacific Ocean is one of the most controversial stories of the Book of Mormon. But there is a remarkable story to be told and close examination finds ample evidence for such a voyage. And that evidence is very compelling. I invite you to listen and form your own opinions on these extraordinary scriptures.

Thee incredible story of the brother of Jared as he goes before the Lord and pierces the veil. The Lord touches sixteen stones and makes them glow. He stands before the Lord and receives his personal redemption from the fall.

The Book of Ether is an anachronism in the Book of Mormon; it is a bump, it sticks out. It is about a people from a completely different place, a completely different time, and a completely different race. The people were not Israelites...the Israelites didn't even exist yet. So what is it doing in the Book of Mormon. Well, it is the story that was on the 24 gold plates that king Limhi's people found and that Mosiah translated. We have it because Moroni decided to tag it on to the end of his Father's abridgment; and I'm so glad that he did. Come join me as we explore the world of the Jaredites!

It may seem odd that there would be a book inside of the Book of Mormon titled "the Book of Mormon" but Mormon was a prophet just like any of the other prophets and was entitled to write his own account just as they had. He didn't know, at the time, that he would end up writing a larger abridgment of the entire record as well. His own record was a tragic account of the total destruction of his people and the horrible scenes that he was unavoidably made to observe. This is a sad tale but one that is important to learn if we are to avoid the same fate they suffered. So gird up your loins and have a listen.

As Jesus finishes up his visit to the Nephites he grants the disciples their desires regard his work. Three of them have a very special request and because of that, they are among us today.

As Jesus continues his teaching to the Nephites, he speaks of the Millennium and their contribution to its bringing about. Through these words we get to fully understand just how critical the Book of Mormon is to all the events of the last days and the coming of the Savior in glory as the his millennial reign begins.Please join me, won't you?

On the second day of his visit, the Savior healed the people and blessed the little children. He then showed the people the power of prayer without ceasing, and the value of pondering and meditating. Great miracles were manifest and heavenly visitations of angelic messengers abounded. It was a very blessed and powerful experience.

As he did in Jerusalem, the Savior delivered an sermon to the Nephites and Lamanites in the New World. It would stand to reason that it would be similar to his sermon on the mount, and indeed, it was; however, a different setting, a different place and a different people would dictate that the it not be exactly the same sermon; so let's see what differences there are...and why.

We have finally come to the time when the signs of the Savior's death were shown to the people of the Book of Mormon. For the people that survived the cataclysms that followed, these were miraculous times. First the Savior's voice came to them and then the Savior himself appeared to these people. these are extraordinary chapters of 3rd Nephi and well worth the time to listen and to learn. Join me please.

As we move into 3rd Nephi we finally get to the events surrounding the Birth, Death, Resurrection of the Savior and his Visit to the Americas.The Gadianton Robbers were in there causing all kinds of trouble, and the people were tossed back and forth between righteousness and wickedness.It was quite a time. Join me as we explore this story.

The appearance of a Lamanite named Samuel, a Prophet, portended the great signs of the Savior's birth. A day and a night and a day without darkness would be the most dramatic but many signs and wonders were to come. Join me and let's hear how this all came about.

As we approach the time of the Savior's birth, the Gadianton Robbers gain hold of the Nephite government while the Lamanites turn to the Lord and become righteous. They are able to expel the Gadiantons from their midst.

As we begin the book of Helaman we will read about the intrigue surrounding the filling of the Judgement-seat and the introduction of the evil Kishkumen, and the even more evil Gadianton who, with his band of robbers and the secret combinations they formed, will ultimately cause the extinction of the Nephites.

As the battles with the Lamanites heat up and become more intense, the people of Ammon are tempted to set aside their covenant with God that they never would again take up their weapons of war. Helaman, however, feared they would lose their souls if they did. Their sons however, had not made such a covenant so they covenanted to fight for the liberty of their parents. Join me as we see how that turned out.

We say goodbye to the man Alma and we meet the military commander Moroni. he is tasked with defending against the wicked and ambitious Amalickiah, set to take over power of all the land. Intrigue and betrayal worthy of a Game of Throne episode ensues and we learn some great lessons about trusting the Lord. Join me, will you?

Alma spends three chapters calling Corianton to repentance following his indiscretions with the harlot Isabel. most of that time, however, is spent teaching Corianton the gospel afresh.We get a wonderful perspective on the resurrection, the spirit world after death, the workings of the redemption, and the justice vs mercy reality. we hear about Adam and Eve and why it was necessary for them, and us, to go through this mortality.In the end we see the renewed hope and faith of Corianton. I hope you enjoy it and find it uplifting and encouraging.

We take time off from the stories of Alma's ministry and spend some time watching Alma be a father to his the boys.

The event with the Anti-Christ Korihor had impacted Alma mightily and his mind was still on the circumstances of that encounter when he addressed the Zoramites. Alma spoke to the Zoramites about faith and about planting a seed of faith and encouraged them to try an experiment with a seed of faith. A lesson we all could benefit from. i invite you to listen in.

The scriptures tell us of Anti-Christ that will come in the last days. But, Anti-Christs have existed since the days after Christ's resurrection.In the Book of Mormon, the most famous (but not the only) Anti-Christ was a man named Korihor. Listen to his story in the Land of Zarahemla, and ultimately, in front of Alma.

Ammon and his brethren had tremendous success with the Lamanites... which created great challenges for the Lamanites. Their story is compelling and intriguing. Have a listen. I think you will find it fascinating.

We've been following the exploits of Alma for a few weeks. Now it's time to see how the sons of Mosiah are doing. Join me as we hear some amazing accounts among the Lamanites

Alma and Amulek had touched the heart of the wicked judge Zeezrom, but raised the ire of many the rest of the townspeople. The city of Ammonihah was setting itself up for a great fall and the tragic conclusion of their wickedness could not be avoided. This is a mostly tragic story but we need to get through it so we can move on to better things.

Nephite Money and the wicked judge are two reasons to listen to this episode about Alma and Amulek and their efforts in Ammonihah.

The beginning of Alma sees the introduction of Priestcrafts with the killing of Gideon by Nehor. the problem only gets worse ass time goes on. See how this affected the people of Zarahemla

This week we learn the story of Alma the Younger and his companions, the sons of Mosiah. their story and their transition from enemies of the church to its strongest supporters is truly remarkable. Also, we see the end of Mosiah and Alma the Elder. please join me as we finish up the book of Mosiah.

This episode highlights the Battle for the Land of Nephi and rise of Zarahemla as the home for the Nephites. We also learn more about Alma and his impact on the people of both Lehi-Nephi and Zarahemla.