:20 Minute Scriptorian

Join me in welcoming a guest host, Jon Nelson. Scholar, saint, and faithful soul, Jon introduces us to Helaman 1-6 in Come, Follow Me 2020.

1. Who is the main character? Mormon carefully introduces us to many characters: Gadianton, Nephites, Lamanites, apostates, and more. Is there a message here for us?

2. What exegesis and eisegesis do we see in the text?

3. What reflections can we see in ourselves?

Please join me in welcoming Jon as we explore this exciting time in the Book of Mormon.

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We have moved into the book of Helaman. As the visitation of Christ grows near, like in our day, we learn what personal righteousness is important. Let's look at the context, themes, and structure of the Book of Helaman to see how editor Mormon shows us this, and how we can turn to Christ.

For more reading check out James Falconer's Commentary series and Gerald Hansen Jr.'s "The Terrifying Book of Helaman."

Let's apply what we have been working on. Of course, we review some steps to how to read this kind of scripture, then we read Revelation 11 (at least, the start).

Jump on it! You can do it!

Onward, we study how to read texts like Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel, Ether, 1 Nephi.

Some steps

1. Big Picture

2. Trace the ideas

3. Symbols, figurative and in context

4. Applied Meaning

5. Application, past & present

This is just a framework. Try it, but don't get "stuck" on it. When I am reading a challenging style of scripture it helps me to try something like this. Find what works for you, use the Spirit, do some research, teach it.

For more information, here are some of my resources:

TheBibleProject.com

The Theology of the Book of Revelation (New Testament Theology)

Bauckham, Richard

Dr. Christine Hayes, YaleCourses https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J6q1J09oNw

We're going to take a diversion from Come, Follow Me and examine:

How to read Apocalyptic Literature.

Is it the end of the world? Do you see the signs? Or maybe, that's not how these revelations work?

Let's explore it today.

Part 1: What is Apocalyptic Literature

Part 2. How to read it

Part 3. We'll practice together

We start Alma's commandments to his son, Corianton. Corianton has had some struggles, let's take a look at the first group.

In one of the most powerful conversion stories, we learn of the power of covenants and the redeeming love of the Atoning Messiah.

Mormon, the editor, takes a "breath" and a pause to teach us about what we can do to change. Before the world is plunged into war (the war chapters), he pauses to teach us about the keys to staying True to Christ. We will first reflect on the context of the Book of Mormon, how did we get here? Then, we'll look to the keys of avoiding this kind of conflict in our lives and in our day.

Alma, and the entire Book of Mormon is a roadmap for our day. So let's jump into the tools needed to change inside, gain discernment, and have real humility, real faith.

Alma gives us the key.

Speeches! Yep, let's look at the use of speeches in the Book of Mormon. The speeches in this week's study are almost a song, a psalm, a passionate appeal to God's Redemption of His people.

There is so much to talk about in this portion of Alma, and here we find WHY people do what they do.