Sunday, March 11, 2012

The first chapter for first-time readers

The first chapter of the Book of Mormon introduces essential ideas to the new reader early on. Several verses of 1 Nephi Chapter 1 are helpful for new readers of the Book of Mormon - readers who heard of the Restoration and the Book of Mormon and want to know if it's all true.

1. Nephi testifies that his record is true. v.3
2. Lehi prays with all his heart, similar to what first-time readers are asked to do. v.5
3. Lehi sees a vision of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, similar to what Joseph Smith experienced. v.8-9
4. Lehi was given a book that filled him with the Spirit of the Lord, similar to what the Book of Mormon does for those who read with an open mind and heart. v. 12

Reading the Scriptures, and specifically the Book of Mormon has "filled me with the Spirit of the Lord". Have you felt this way?