I Write the Things Which Are Pleasing to God

1 Nephi 6, NC 1 Nephi 2 par.1


And now I, Nephi, do not give the genealogy of my fathers in this part of my record, neither at any time shall I give it after upon these plates which I am writing, for it is given in the record which has been kept by my father, wherefore, I do not write it in this work.  For it sufficeth me to say that we are a descendant of Joseph.  And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full account of all the things of my father for they cannot be written upon these plates, for I desire the room that I may write of the things of God.  For the fullness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob and be saved.  Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world.  Wherefore, I shall give commandment unto my seed that they shall not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the children of men.

Here we can plainly see that there is another record kept by Nephi's father Lehi.  

What would we find in Lehi's record if we repented and were counted worthy to receive it?

Why would Nephi be specific to mention that it sufficeth him to say that they are a descendant of Joseph?

As a group we have learned a principle concerning prophecy as demonstrated when the Lord spoke with Isaiah when he, Isaiah, ascended to the heavenly temple and saw the Lord.

Also, I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?  Then I said, Here am I; send me.  And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but they understood not, and see ye indeed, but they perceived not. 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.  Then said I, Lord, how long?  And he said, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man and the land be utterly desolate, and the Lord have removed men far away, for there shall be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. (2 Nephi, NC 2 Nephi 9 par. 2)

Why would the Lord send someone with a word of prophecy that would be spoken in a manner that those hearing would not see or hear or understand?

Is there a responsibility upon the hearers to work to find understanding of prophecy?

If everyone understood the prophecy could wicked men profit from it?

If we knew exactly what the Lord is up to could we possibly hinder His work or could evil men destroy His work?

Would the wicked or the evil have any interest in doing the things necessary to be able to understand the prophecies?

After the prophecy is fulfilled is it possible for everyone to look back in retrospect and see that the Lord knew all along what was going to happen?

After the cities are wasted without inhabitant and the houses without man and the land is utterly desolate is it easy to see what the prophecy was referring to?

Why would the Lord work this way?

For after this manner has the prophet written:  Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, (or out of the waters of baptism), who swear by the name of the Lord and make mention of the God of Israel, yet they swear not in truth nor in righteousness.  Nevertheless, they call themselves of the Holy city, but they do not stay themselves upon the God of Israel who is the Lord of Hosts; yea, the Lord of Hosts is his name.  Behold I have declared the former things from the beginning, and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them thee, and I shewed them for fear lest thou shouldst say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image and my molten image hath commanded them.  Thou hast heard and seen all this, and will ye not declare them?  And that I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.  They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not, they were declared unto thee, lest thou shouldst say, behold I knew them. Yea, and thou heardest not, yea, thou knewest not, yea, from that time thine ear was not open.  For I knew that thou wouldst deal very treacherously and was called a transgressor from the womb. (1 Nephi 20:1 - 8, NC 1 Nephi 6 par. 2)

The Lord is talking about baptized people who make mention of His name and call themselves the Holy city not understanding what He has sent as prophecy.

What does the Lord say concerning what these baptized people would say concerning events that have occurred if He had not sent prophecies concerning those events before the events happened?

What would be an idol to these people?

What would be a graven image?

Why would a baptized people who make mention of the name of the Lord and call themselves the Holy city attribute the causation of events to their idols and graven images?

What does that look like?

Isaiah prophesied concerning our day.

Can we see it?

The Lord uses the same language concerning these baptized people as he did with Isaiah when Isaiah volunteered to go and prophesy, ie when thou hearest them not, they were declared unto thee.

By hearing prophecy but not seeking understanding of it from God and then attributing events to our idols and graven images are we dealing treacherously?

If the Book of Mormon is written for us what must we take away from this statement of the Lord?

We believe that those who understand prophecies that God sends are individuals who have proven themselves faithful to God and who are trustworthy not to reveal anything the Lord does not allow.

What does all this have to do with Nephi writing, "For it sufficeth me to say that we are a descendant of Joseph"?

We believe that the Lord makes sure that a record is created that shows that all of His words and promises as spoken by the Holy Prophets have been vindicated when they are vindicated.

We spoke in the previous post of Jacob's prophetic blessing pronounced upon Joseph declaring that his posterity would be sent to the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills.

Nephi, writing these things 40 years after his family left Jerusalem, would be entering into the scriptural record the vindication of Jacob's prophetic pronouncement by declaring the genealogy of Lehi's family.

Does this occur elsewhere in scripture?

And behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus which was from Jerusalem sixty furlongs.  And they talked together of all these things which had happened.  And it came to pass that while they discussed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.  But their eyes were held or covered, that they could not know him.  And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these which you have one with another as you walk and are sad?  And one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Are you a stranger in Jerusalem and have not known the things which have come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things?  And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death and have crucified him.  But we trusted that it had been he who should have redeemed Israel.  And besides all this, today is the third day since these things were done, yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished who were early at the sepulcher.  And when they found not his body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive.  And certain of them who were with us went to the sepulcher and found even so as the women had said, but him they saw not.  Then said he unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into his glory?  And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:13 - 27, NC Luke 14 pars. 2 - 3)

Wasn't the Savior here entering into the scriptural record through Luke that the words of the prophets had been vindicated in Him by His life and sacrifice?

And now it came to pass that when Jesus had said these words, he said unto them again, after he had expounded all the scriptures unto them which they had received, he said unto them, Behold, other scriptures I would that ye should write that ye have not.  And it came to pass that he said unto Nephi, Bring forth the record which ye have kept.  And when Nephi had brought forth the records and laid them before him and he cast his eyes upon them and said, Verily, I say unto you, I commanded my servant Samuel the Lamanite, that he should testify unto this people that at the day that the Father should glorify his name in me, that there were many saints who should arise from the dead and should appear unto many and should minister unto them.  And he said unto them, Were it not so?  And his disciples answered him and said, Yea, Lord, Samuel did prophesy according to thy words and they were all fulfilled.  And Jesus said unto them, How be it that ye have not written  this thing, that many saints did arise and appear unto many and did minister unto them?  And it came to pass that Nephi remembered that this thing had not been written.  And it came to pass that Jesus commanded that it should be written, therefore it was written according as he commanded. (3 Nephi, NC 3 Nephi 10 par. 5)

Here again the Savior is particular to make sure that the vindication of a prophecy given through one of His Holy Prophets is entered into the scriptural record.

Why would it be important for us to see that every word proceeding forth from the mouth of God will be fulfilled?

What does understanding the importance of God's words being fulfilled mean for the future?

Are there promises God gave to the early Fathers, found in scripture, that are yet to be fulfilled?

Can we have faith that God fully intends to fulfill these prophecies and promises as well in order to vindicate His words to the Fathers?

What does that potentially mean for us if we are willing to repent and return to Him so that we no longer deal treacherously?

Nephi is very clear that what he writes is intended to be pleasing to God and to those who are not of the world.

He also declared that he would give a commandment unto his children to do the same.

What is it that would be pleasing to God that would be written in the Book of Mormon?

Therefore, it is said, and appropriately too, that without faith it is impossible to please God. If it should be asked, Why is it impossible to please God without faith? — the answer would be, Because without faith it is impossible for men to be saved. And as God desires the salvation of man, he must of course desire that they should have faith, and he could not be pleased unless they had, or else he could be pleased with their destruction. (T&C 110 Lectures on Faith, Lecture 7, par. 7)

Does the Book of Mormon contain anything that teaches concerning faith?

Does the Book of Mormon contain anything that teaches concerning salvation or redemption?

What is the definition of redemption the Lord used with the brother of Jared?

What does it take for one to come unto the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob to be saved?

Let us here observe that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation. For from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things: it was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life, and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know most assuredly that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life. It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means obtained faith in God and favor with him so as to obtain eternal life, unless they in like manner offer unto him the same sacrifice, and through that offering obtain the knowledge that they are accepted of him. (T&C 110 Lectures on Faith, Lecture 6, pars. 7 - 8)

Does the Book of Mormon teach these things?

Does the Book of Mormon teach things that are contrary to what is shared in such books as Odds Are You Are Going to be Exalted which I understand was a hot seller?

Is it necessary to strike at tradition in order to inspire faith in Christ unto salvation?

Now when Ammon had said these words, he began to the creation of the world, and also to the creation of Adam, and told him all the things concerning the fall of man, and rehearsed and laid before him the records and the holy scriptures of the people which had been spoken by the prophets, even down to the time that their father Lehi left Jerusalem. And he also rehearsed unto them (for it was unto the king and to his servants) all the journeyings of their fathers in the wilderness, and all their sufferings with hunger and thirst, and their travel, etc. And he also rehearsed unto them concerning the rebellions of Laman, and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael — yea, all their rebellions did he relate unto them. And he expounded unto them all the records and scriptures from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem down to the present time. But this is not all, for he expounded unto them the plan of redemption which was prepared from the foundation of the world; and he also made known unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and all the works of the Lord did he make known unto them. (Alma 18:36 - 39, NC Alma 12 par. 16)

Why did Ammon also have to rehearse to Lamoni concerning the rebellions of Laman and Lemuel as well as all the other things in order to inspire the king to have faith in Christ?

What were the Lamanite traditions concerning the Nephites at that time?

If it was necessary for Lamoni to sluff off that tradition in order to exercise faith in Christ unto salvation what traditions do we have that the Book of Mormon strikes at that we need to sluff off in order to exercise faith in Christ unto salvation?

Is pointing out false tradition something that is pleasing to those who are of the world?

Does God know what we need to shed from our hearts that is trapping us from exercising faith in Christ?

When Nephi declares wo to things in the Book of Mormon who is he talking to?

Is he talking to people who will never read the book?

As an example,

And now behold, my brethren, I have spoken unto you according as the spirit hath constrained me; wherefore, I know that they must surely come to pass. And the things which shall be written out of the book shall be of great worth unto the children of men, and especially unto our seed, which is a remnant of the house of Israel. For it shall come to pass in that day that the churches which are built up, and not unto the Lord, when the one shall say unto the other, Behold, I, I am the Lord’s, — and the other shall say, I, I am the Lord’s, — and thus shall everyone say that hath built up churches and not unto the Lord. And they shall contend one with another, and their priests shall contend one with another, and they shall teach with their learning, and deny the holy ghost which giveth utterance. And they deny the power of God, the Holy One of Israel. And they say unto the people, Hearken unto us and hear ye our precept, for behold, there is no God today, for the Lord and the Redeemer hath done his work, and he hath given his power unto men. Behold, hearken ye unto my precept. If they shall say there is a miracle wrought by the hand of the Lord, believe it not; for this day he is not a God of miracles; he hath done his work. (2 Nephi 28:3 - 6, NC 2 Nephi 12 par. 1) 

Who is Nephi talking to here?

Who would say we have God's power so listen to our precept?

Who would teach with their own learning and deny that the Holy Ghost is able to give utterance to anyone else but the priests?

Who is in a position to deny the power of God?

If the Book of Mormon teaches that Christ is the keeper of the gate and He does not employ any servant there at the gate and then it quotes the Lord declaring that to come back into His presence, at the gate, in the flesh (this life) is the definition of redemption then what does that mean for a church who's priests declare that they hold the power to save and that  if anyone teaches that we must enter back into the presence of the Lord in this life it is a tactic of the adversary (Satan)?

If what is written in the Book of Mormon is pleasing to God and a religious tradition teaches contrary to it what should be followed; the Book of Mormon or the religious tradition?

Were the Jews able to recognize the Lord while He dwelt here or were they blinded by their religious tradition?

The Book of Mormon sounds like a very challenging book to read.

Thus Far We Had Kept the Commandments

1 Nephi 5:20 - 22 , NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 23


And it came to pass that thus far I and my father had kept the commandments wherewith the Lord had commanded us.  And we had obtained the record which the Lord had commanded us and searched them and found that they were desirable, yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children.  Wherefore it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us as we journeyed in the wilderness towards the land of promise.

As a group we have discussed principles contained in the following statements made by the Savior in revelations to the Prophet Joseph.

And that you may not be deceived, seek earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given, for verily I say unto you, They are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeks so to do,... (D&C 46:8 - 9, T&C 32 par. 4)

Keep My commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness you shall receive.  And except you do this, where I am you cannot come.  And verily, verily I say unto you that this is my voice unto all.  Even so, Amen. (D&C 25:15 - 16, T&C 5 par. 5)

As well as the following teaching of the Prophet Joseph.

If a man gets a fullness of the priesthood of God he has to get it in the same way that Jesus
Christ obtained it, and that was by keeping all the commandments and obeying all the ordinances
of the house of the Lord. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 308)

Remember that we have presented that our belief concerning "priesthood" is that it is an association or brotherhood.  A fullness of the priesthood of God then would mean a fullness of association with Him.

Also, remember that we presented that our belief that a "house" as mentioned in scripture, unless specifically referring to a building, would represent a family.  Or in other words as Joseph is speaking the family of the Lord.

Back to the post.

What did Paul teach concerning every individual except Christ?

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23, NC Romans 1 par. 16)

Does that mean that it is impossible for anyone except Christ to gain a fullness of the priesthood of God or to receive a crown of righteousness or to have the benefits of the gifts of the Spirit?

Is Paul saying that it is impossible for anyone to keep all of God's commandments?

If there is another explanation what is it?

What does it mean to keep all of the commandments of God?

Is this principle related at all to what Nephi just declared, "And it came to pass that thus far I and my father had kept the commandments wherewith the Lord had commanded us."?

Would it apply to the scriptural declarations the Lord made through Joseph and what Joseph taught that to keep all the commandments means to obey what God reveals to you to do in your own unique life situations?

What about the commandments that are written in scripture?

How are they related to this principle?

...we cannot keep all the commandments without first knowing them, and we cannot expect to know all, or more than we now know unless we comply with or keep those we have already received. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.256)

If someone is willing to initially keep the commandments given in scripture by exercising faith in Christ, repenting (turning to face Him), being baptized and becoming as a little child will they find that the Lord will continue to reveal to them commandments that are His unique commandments to them based on their circumstances?

Is that an important component of righteousness?

Was Lehi commanded to leave Jerusalem?

Were Lehi's sons commanded to return to Jerusalem to get the brass plates?

Was Nephi commanded to slay Laban?

Were all these commandments from the Lord given to them based on their own peculiar circumstances?

How about Abraham?

Was Abraham commanded to offer up his son Isaac on an altar?

Were the acts of Nephi, slaying Laban, and Abraham, offering up his son Isaac on the altar, acts of righteousness in response to God's commandments to them?

Were they virtuous acts?

If Nephi and Abraham had not done these things would they have been keeping all of the commandments of God?

If someone is going to keep all of the commandments of God then do they of necessity need to have continuing revelation?

God will not acknowledge that which He has not called, ordained, and chosen. In the beginning God called Adam by His own voice. “And the Lord called unto Adam and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, and hid myself.” (See Genesis 3:9-10.)9 Adam received commandments and instructions from God:this was the order from the beginning. That he received revelations, commandments and ordinances at the beginning is beyond the power of controversy; else how did they begin to offer sacrifices to God in an acceptable manner? And if they offered sacrifices they must be authorized by ordination. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pgs. 168 - 169)

God gave commandments to Adam from the beginning by His own mouth.

Through these commandments God ordained that Adam should offer sacrifice in similitude of His Only Begotten by commanding Adam to do so.

The manner to offer sacrifice was revealed to Adam by God in the issuing of the commandment to offer sacrifice.

If this is the pattern from the beginning then is it necessary for each individual to obtain revelation from God pertaining to His commandments for them, ie. what He God ordains that they should do?

Would it be in the receiving of such revelations that an individual would receive their authority to do what the Lord had commanded them to do?

Is this why Nephi was able to declare,

I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. (1 Nephi 3:1-8, NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 10)

Did Nephi comprehend at that time that the revelation giving them the command to return to Jerusalem to get the brass plates gave them authority to do so because it was what God had ordained should happen?

In Nephi's statement here, is he extending this teaching to us to let us understand where authority from God comes for an individual to accomplish a task; through His, Gods, commands to us?

What would keep us from getting revelation from God that would allow us to receive His commands?

This is what the Prophet Joseph said concerning the church even during his day.

If the Church knew all the commandments, one-half they would condemn through prejudice and ignorance. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 112)

I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things
of God; but we frequently see some of them, after suffering all they have for the work of God, will
fly to pieces like glass as soon as anything comes that is contrary to their traditions: they cannot
stand the fire at all. How many will be able to abide a celestial law, and go through and receive

their exaltation, I am unable to say, as many are called, but few are chosen. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 331)

Do we find generally that we are in any better situation today than the saints were during Joseph's day?

Do our traditions and ignorance and prejudices continue to prevent us from receiving the gift of God's commandments to us through revelation?

Do we still lack authority to accomplish what He, God, ordained by covenant to the Fathers because our ignorance, tradition and prejudice keep us from receiving the revelation of His commandments that will bring about His purposes?

The Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph concerning those who would come up to Zion, who would be faithful.

Behold, Blessed, says the Lord, are they who have come up unto this land with an eye single to my glory, according to my commandments, for they that live shall inherit the Earth, and they that die shall rest from all their labors, and their works shall follow them.  And they shall receive a crown in the mansions of my Father, which I have prepared for them.  Yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion, who have obeyed my gospel, for they shall receive for their reward the good things of the Earth, and it shall bring forth in its strength.  And they also shall be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time, they that are faithful and diligent before me. (D&C 59:1 - 4, T&C 46 par. 1)

In Joseph's day the people polluted their inheritance and did not receive the blessings from above; the commandments not a few and the revelations in their time.

Will we do likewise and suffer the consequences or will we repent of our ignorance and our tradition and our prejudice?
What glorious light is God waiting to send down among men through His commandments if they will with an eye single to His glory be faithful and diligent before Him?

There is so much more contained in the scriptures concerning this subject.

We would invite everyone to seriously study and consider these things.

In a very recent revelation we have the words of the Lord as recorded in the full Testimony of St John that teaches us how Christ's statement to His Disciples "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15, NC John 9 par. 8) applies very much to what we are discussing here.

If you love me, stand ready, watching for every communication I will send to you...If a man loves me, he will stand ready, watching for every communication I will send to him; and my Father will also love him, and we will come visit him, and continually abide by his side.  Whoever claims to love me but does not stand ready, watching for every communication I will send, indeed does not love me.  These teachings are not from me, but come from the Father who sent me. (T&C 171 Testimony of St John, part 10 pars. 11 - 14)

A prophetic interpretation of this is found in the Teachings and Commandments Glossary.

If You Love Me

Christ’s words If you love me, keep my commandments appear several times in the Gospel of John. The words could be better translated to mean : “If you love me, act as a sentinel (or guard), ready to receive further instructions from me.” The current King James translation was based on the recognition that the canon of scripture had closed and revelation had ended. Therefore, they took those things into account as they rendered their translation. 1But recent revelation indicates that the canon of scripture is not closed; God is sending further instructions, and man must stand ready to receive it (see T&C 156–174).

Abraham declared that he was a follower of righteousness and desired to be a greater follower of righteousness.

Could we say that Abraham was always standing ready, as a sentinel, to receive further instruction from the Lord?

Could we say that Abraham was blessed with commandments not a few and revelations in their time?

Could we say that Abraham became righteous because he stood ready and received and obeyed commandments that came by revelation from God?

What blessings would come to us if we could truly report "Thus far we have kept the commandments wherewith the Lord has commanded us?"

The Scriptures and Revelation part 2

1 Nephi 5:10 - 19, NC 1 Nephi 1 par 22


And after they had given thanks unto the God of Israel my father Lehi took the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass, and he did search them from the beginning.  And he beheld that they did contain the five books of Moses which gave an account of the creation of the world and also of Adam and Eve who were our first parents, and also a record of the Jews from the beginning even down to the commencement of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah, and also the prophecies of the holy prophets from the beginning even down to the commencement of the reign of Zedekiah, and also many prophecies which have been spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah.  And it came to pass that my father Lehi also found upon the plates of brass a genealogy of his fathers.  Wherefore, he knew that he was a descendant of Joseph, yea, even that Joseph who was the son of Jacob who was sold into Egypt and who was preserved by the hand of the Lord that he might preserve his father Jacob and all his household from perishing with famine.  And they were also led out of captivity and out of the land of Egypt by that same God who had preserved them.  And thus my father Lehi did discover the genealogy of his fathers.  And Laban also was a descendant of Joseph, wherefore, he and his fathers had kept the records.  And now, when my father saw all these things he was filled with the Spirit and began to prophesy concerning his seed: that these plates of brass should go forth unto all nations, kindreds, and tongues, and people who were of his seed.  Wherefore, he said that these plates of brass should never perish neither should they be dimmed any more by time.  And he prophesied many things concerning his seed.

 The above mentioned items recorded in the brass plates are the very same things Ammon used to persuade King Lamoni concerning the coming of Christ and all of the works of the Lord.

Now when Ammon had said these words he began to the creation of the world and also the creation of Adam and told him all the things concerning the fall of man, and rehearsed and laid before him the records and the holy scriptures of the people which had been spoken by the prophets even down to the time that their father Lehi left Jerusalem...But this is not all, for he expounded unto them the plan of redemption which was prepared from the foundation of the world, and he also made known unto them the concerning the coming of Christ and all the works of the Lord did he make known unto them. (Alma 18:36 - 39 ,NC Alma 12 par. 16)

Aaron, Ammon's brother, also taught the very same things to Lamoni's father, the king over all the Lamanites.

And it came to pass that when Aaron saw that the king would believe his words he began from the creation of Adam reading the scriptures unto the king: how God created man after his own image and that God gave him commandments and that because of transgression man had fallen.  And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam; laying the fall of man before him and their carnal state, and also the plan of redemption which was prepared from the foundation of the world through Christ for all whosoever would believe on his name... (Alma 22:12 - 13 , NC Alma 13 par. 9)

Are these both fulfillments of the prophecy that Lehi made concerning the brass plates that they would go forth to all nations, kindreds, tongues and people who were of his seed?

If they are fulfillments of this prophecy then what qualified Ammon and Aaron to be a part of both of these fulfillments?

And now it came to pass that as Alma was journeying from the land of Gideon southward away to the land of Manti, behold, to his astonishment he met the sons of Mosiah journeying towards the land of Zarahemla.  Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him.  Therefore, Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren, and what added more to his joy -- they were still his brethren in the Lord.  Yea, they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth, for they were men of sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently that they might know the word of God.  But this is not all.  They had given themselves to much prayer and fasting, therefore they had the spirit of prophecy and the spirit of revelation and when they taught, they taught with power and authority, even as with the power and authority of God. (Alma 17:1 - 3, NC Alma 12 par. 1)

Is it a coincidence that they were filled with the spirit of prophecy and revelation like unto Lehi their progenitor?

What had they done to receive these things in order to teach with power?

If they had fasted and prayed without having searched the scriptures diligently would they have received the same power to teach and persuade?

When the sons of Mosiah went among the Lamanites and succeeded in being fulfillments of Lehi's prophecy concerning the brass plates did they have any position of authority or did they hold any office that would cause the Lamanites to give greater credence to their words?

Is it a coincidence that Alma records searching the scriptures and the spirit of prophecy and revelation together in the same description of the sons of Mosiah?

When the sons of Mosiah searched the scriptures do you think they read into them any preconceived notions or traditions?

Do you think they searched the scriptures the way a child would; looking to see what the scriptures could teach them?

What do the following words from the Savior mean in relation to Lehi's prophecy here?

Therefore, when these works and the words which shall be wrought among you hereafter shall come forth from the gentiles unto your seed which shall dwindle in unbelief because of iniquity, for thus it behooveth the Father that it should come forth from the gentiles, that he may shew forth his power unto the gentiles for this cause, that the gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and know the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among my people, O house of Israel...For in that day, for my sake, shall the Father work a work which shall be a great and a marvelous work among them, and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them....Therefore, it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, whom the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the gentiles, it shall be done even as Moses said, They shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant...But if they will repent and hearken unto my words and harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them and they shall come in unto the covenant and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance. (3 Nephi 21:5 - 22  , NC 3 Nephi 9 par.10 - 3 Nephi 10 par. 1)

Who are the gentiles?

Who are the remnant of Jacob?

Lehi was given a promise that the Americas were given to him and his seed forever.

But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands, a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed.  Yea, the Lord hath consecrated this land unto me and to my children forever and also all they who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord. (2 Nephi 1:5, NC 2 Nephi 1 par. 1)

If the remnant of Jacob was given this land for their inheritance then would that mean that they are Lehi's seed?

Now, concerning the gentiles, the Lord declared that if they will repent they will be numbered among the remnant of Jacob.

They are brought in and become part of Lehi's seed.

This is what the prophet Joseph said concerning the gentiles.

Now these words, O Lord, we have spoken before thee, concerning the revelations and commandments which thou hast given unto us, who are identified with the gentiles. (D&C 109:60, T&C 123 par. 18)

According to Joseph, we are the gentiles.

If we will not harden our hearts and repent and come unto the Lord and be baptized in His name and know the true points of His doctrine (found in 3 Nephi 11, NC 3 Nephi 5) then we are adopted in by a covenant and become part of Lehi's seed.  We are numbered with the remnant of Jacob.

Remember how the Lord defined the "church" or His "church" which He declared that He would establish among the repentant gentiles.

"Behold this is my doctrine: Whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church." (D&C 10:67, T&C 1 JSH part 10 par. 21)

Does that mean that as this happens that the words and teachings and maybe even the brass plates themselves will come to us?

What would be found on them that we do not already have?

Do we have a full record of the prophet Zenos right now?

How about the prophet Zenock?

The five books of Moses contained in the Bible; can we be sure they are completely accurate?

What does the Book of Mormon have to say about the Bible?

Upon our repentance as gentiles would there be another fulfillment of Lehi's prophecy here?

What would that look like?

On the reverse side; if we do not at this time possess the brass plates and a fullness of their teachings does that show that we have not yet repented as gentiles?

If we are adopted into the family of Lehi would we not become another nation kindred and tongue associated with Lehi?

Nephi gives particular attention here to the fact that Lehi is a descendant of Joseph.

We have some of the records concerning Joseph sold into Egypt.

Is it possible that the brass plates contain a more fulsome account?

Here is what Jacob declared concerning his son Joseph.

Joseph is a fruitful bough by a well, whose branches run over the wall.  The archers have severely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him, but his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob, (from there is the shepherd, the stone of Israel) even by the God of your father who shall help you, and by the Almighty who shall bless you with the blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies under, blessings of the breasts and of the womb.  The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills.  They are on the head of Joseph and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren. (Genesis 49:22 - 26,OC Genesis 12 par. 14)

Is it possible that Lehi, being filled with the spirit of prophecy and revelation had some remarkable understanding of what Jacob was telling Joseph?

Is a fruitful bough the same as a branch connected to the true vine like the Lord told His disciples during the last supper?

The Lord said that anyone connected to Him would bring forth fruit.

Is the well a reference to a source of living waters just like the Savior referred to with the woman of Samaria at Jacob's well?

Is this a reference to Joseph's connection to the Lord?

Is it possible that the archers and arrows have reference to the adversary and his fiery darts, which Joseph endured and quenched with the strength of the Lord, the shepherd and stone of Israel?

What is being referred to when Jacob prophetically states the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob?

What are arms and hands a symbol of?

Are the blessings of heaven above and the deep that lies underneath a reference to the knowledge that was had at the first in the original religion revealed to Adam where they had a complete knowledge of the stars and of the gospel written in the heavens above and below the horizon?

Are the blessings of the breasts and the womb a reference to posterity?

Are the blessings that prevail above the blessings of Jacob's progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills a reference of Joseph's family eventually being scattered to the land of the everlasting hills through Lehi?

Would Lehi be able to see in their exodus from Jerusalem, a fulfillment of Jacob's prophetic blessing upon Joseph?

Was Lehi and his family sent to a strange land to be separate from their brethren just like Joseph?

Was Lehi's separation to a foreign land meant to accomplish the spiritual salvation of the whole house of Israel just as Joseph's separation from his brothers was meant to accomplish the temporal salvation of Israel's whole house?

What does the Lord have to say about the record Lehi's family left from their separation?

Is the record that Lehi's family left the most correct record of God's works with man today?

Is it written just as much for the salvation of Jew and Gentile as for the dwindling descendants of Lehi's family?

Is it possible that any individual who would search the record left by Lehi's family along with fasting and prayer might be filled with the spirit of prophecy and revelation, not needing an office or title, so that they might be able to be part of the fulfillment of the restoration or salvation of the whole house of Israel by persuading the descendants of Israel to return to the Lord and believe on Him?

Would this look anything like Ammon and Aaron expounding the scriptures before Lamoni and his father?

Nephi declared concerning Joseph

And now I, Nephi, speak concerning the prophecies of which my father hath spoken concerning Joseph who was carried into Egypt.  For behold, he truly prophesied concerning all his seed.  And the prophecies which he wrote, there are not many greater.  and he prophesied concerning us and our future generations and they are written upon the plates of brass. (2 Nephi 4:1 - 2, NC 2 Nephi 3 par. 1)

These are part of the prophecies and teachings that Lehi discovered on the brass plates that filled him with the spirit of prophecy and revelation.

If we were, as gentiles, to repent and become part of Lehi's family could we not expect that Lehi's prophecy would again be fulfilled upon us and we would be privileged to search out these things in the brass plates as well?

Could we not also experience the great joy of being filled with the spirit of prophecy and of revelation as we search deep into the scriptures?