The Book of Mormon- Another Testament of Jesus Christ

I have been made aware by a few people to take precious notice of the title of this book. The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

My apologies if I make too many references to previous posts, mainly the first- "Why I am doing this". I mentioned that I would not listen to hearsay from people that weren't in a position to tell me about 'LDS'. What I failed to mention was that I did have a discussion recently with someone about religion. The Mormon religion came up and I was told that it was ridiculous. The reasons behind this person's ignorant opinion came from the fact that, while translating the plates to paper, Martin Harris pleaded with Joseph Smith to take the papers back to his family to show them. Joseph prayed and prayed asking God to grant Martin's wish. Finally, God gave in and Joseph told Martin that he was allowed to take the 116 pages back to his family.

Unfortunately, the inevitable happened and Martin lost the 116 translated pages, which was a huge lesson for Joseph and Martin. The Holy Father knows best.

Anyway, because the pages were translated again, it turned out that the second translation was different to the first, hence, this particular person thought it to be ridiculous...

... You wanna know what's really ridiculous?
This person got their information from the controversial cartoon, 'South Park'... Go figure!?

Back to the topic at hand. Another testament of Jesus Christ. I'm glad this was brought to my attention, because I did not notice this when staring at the book's cover. I saw the words, but it didn't click until brought to my attention. I know the Bible is the word of the Lord. And, I know that Joseph Smith came to add the Book of Mormon. As it was explained to me, in court, two articles of evidence far outweighs having only one article of evidence. In other words, the Book of Mormon is extra evidence to back up the primary evidence- the Bible.

To my surprise, I have quickly learned quite a bit of the Old English. As a friend, Paul, said "Mate, it's English, it's not that hard!" (Haha). Also, the scriptures I have read thus far have been extremely powerful and applicable to day-to-day life.

1 Nephi 1
The first scripture that I was able to share with Melodie. Nephi recounts the stories of his Father, Lehi. Having prayed, a vision came to Lehi. It was the Holy Father explaining the need for Jerusalem to be destroyed along with the inhabitants due to their wickedness and abomination. Nephi continues his story and goes on to says how Lehi shares the prophesy of his vision to the those of Jerusalem. Obviously, they react to what they hear, and they turn on Lehi and his family as they had in the past, casting out, stoning and slaying.
For me, this story relates to knowing the truth at whatever cost. In order to repent and to change your ways, you must first have to listen and find out one's own faults. Secondly, you must accept what faults you do have have make the decision to change them before it's "too late".

3 Nephi 11
Another powerful scripture from the third book of Nephi. This is a scripture which, to me, was very enlightening to the reasons behind the atonement of Jesus and also baptism.
A crowd was gathered and Jesus descended from above. He did not stay 'above the rest'. He came down to ground level and stood amongst the people.
Jesus speaks to the crowd and explains that he is the one that the prophets testify of. He goes on to explain that it was he who took the pain and suffering for all of mankind from the beginning (And I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and I have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the World 3 Nephi 11:11).
Jesus calls upon the crowd to touch and to feel the scars from what the nails and 'torture' had done to his body. The crowd did so, and immediately dropped to worship Jesus.
He called upon Nephi, and gave him the power to baptize those who wanted to repent against their sins. But, only to those who wanted to sincerely repent.
In doing so, the one being baptized will, in theory, become like a child and be taken back into the Kingdom of God.
Again, a very powerful and enlightening scripture aimed to educate me in the reason, or the need for baptism. It's all good and well to say "Today, I'm going to change my ways". It's a lot more to say that, but also to action it through the process of Baptism, under the watchful eyes of the Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.

Alma 34
There must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish Alma 34:9
This sincere passage of scripture relates to the atonement in regards to 'The Law of Moses'. This refers to the sacrifice of high-priority, personal object given up for the Lord himself. Jesus was a sacrifice for all of mankind. He took on a lifetime of pain for each and every person, and, I feel that we are forever in his debt because of that. The sacrifice of Jesus is infinite and eternal. As a result of this Sacrifice, the Holy Father asked for repentance in return in the form of prayer. Not only prayer for one's own welfare, or the welfare of those close to them. Instead, these prayers must come in all shapes and sizes so to speak. From professional life, to the lives of your closest enemies, as well as guidance and the finding of truth through the Book of Mormon.
Not only have I incorporated prayer into my life before I go to bed, but I have also made it a necessity to begin my day. Personally, I find prayer to be not only refreshing, but comforting too. In the example of being physically separated from my wife, I feel comfort knowing that I have included her in 'a private talk' with God, and that I have done what I can from my physical spot to help 'watch over her'. It is a simple, yet, effective way to feel at peace. For me, anyway!

1 Nephi 8
By far, the most rewarding passage I have read to date! The tree of life, otherwise known as eternal life. The thought of eternal life won't stop me living my current, physical life as I am at the moment. But, it does cause a lot of joy and excitement, believing that not only do can I spend the next 30, 50, 80 years with those I keep closest, but, I could have them in my life for all eternity.
The symbols used in this passage were quite difficult to decipher. Thanks to Melodie for, firstly sharing this passage with me, but also helping me to understand it to its fullest.
I believe I am on my way down the stair from the building across the way. I saw nothing but darkness and knew that I had fallen off the right track. My hand is out there and I am expecting to feel the rod in my hands any time now. But, I will not thrash my hand around in the air searching for this rod. I will take my time and reach out, and I will wait for the rod to be placed in my hands. From there, I will hold on with all my might and not sway from the word of the Gospel. Nor will i let go.
I have put my all into this and will definitely feel the negative effects if I do let go.

These scriptures mentioned above are only a few of what is in the Book of Mormon and the only ones I'm yet to read. I have already taken so much out of it! Bring on tomorrow!