I am tackling the Book of Mormon in 60 days. My plan is to have the Book of Mormon studied by the end of 2011. During my challenge, I will post a daily blog of my reading, in this blog I will share with you... my thoughts, feelings, opinions and knowledge about the Book of Mormon. Do you have questions? Comments? Please... lets start a discussion. I would be more than happy to answer your questions, comments or concerns!
Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of
How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g
Scripture Thought (What I Learned):
Summary of 2 Nephi 16-19: These 4 chapters were written by the Prophet Isaiah, who prophesied of the Son of God (Jesus Christ), around 550 bc. These writings were carried by Lehi and his Family to the promised land (the Americas) where there were great civilizations (the Mayans, Incas, etc.) who wrote the prophesies of Isaiah in their own holy books (which later comprised the Book of Mormon). But it is amazing to me that both in the Old World (Middle East) and the New World (the Americas), the people were told of the coming of this great Savior, Jesus Christ. They even knew that he would be born of a virgin (Mary, mother of Jesus) and that he would be not only the Son of God, but also a teacher, prophet and counselor.
Chapter 16: Isaiah sees the Lord, he is cleansed of his sins and prophesies that the Jews will reject the teachings of Jesus Christ.
"...I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne..." (2 Nephi 16:1) Lots of people think that man can never see God, but we see numerous examples throughout the Bible and Book of Mormon. Yes, I have even heard people that tell me that seeing God is impossible, and have had people recite a famous scripture from John 1:18 "No man hath seen God at any time...", sounds pretty convincing, however many other parts of the Bible declare otherwise:( Isaiah 6; Exodus 34; Psalms 11:7; Genesis 32:30; Acts 7:55-56). Which means we have two options, either man can or cannot see God, or this gives us enough evidence to prove that the Bible is not a very credible source or God's word, without of course the proper mindset while reading. My personal opinion is that we can in fact see God, but not everyone is worthy enough to see Him, thus we see prophets of God looking into His countenance. As far as the Bible is concerned, I believe it to be the word of God, but it is definitely not perfect, as we have just seen in this conflict.
"Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes - lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted and be healed." (2 Nephi 16:10) This really shows that people must understand all things with their heart, because spiritual things really cannot be fully understood by the brain only.
Chapter 17: This is a very shot chapter, Isaiah talks about how Jesus will be born of a Virgin "...Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (2 Nephi 17:14) and that this child would be brought up to know the good from the evil. See also Isaiah chapter 7.
Chapter 18: Isaiah speaks about people who look to speak with the dead through the use of witchcraft and wizardry for guidance, instead of looking unto God for such matters. "And when they shall say unto you: Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and mutter- should not a people seek unto their God for the living to hear from the dead? To the law and to the testimony; and if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is not light in them." (2 Nephi 18:19-20) - In other words, those who practice this type of magic, like Tarot card readings (just one example), it is usually (if it actually works) is not a power that comes from God and his light, but instead from a dark source.
Chapter 19: Isaiah foretells (about 550 bc) about the coming forth of our Savior and Redeemer "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (2 Nephi 19:6)
Isaiah also prophesies that the Lord's people shall be led away by evildoers who lead them to destruction, but God will have mercy upon them and still extend his hand. (2 Nephi 16-17).
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