Rare Possessions: From The Archives of Book of Mormon Central

To read the article, go here: https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/the-sermonatthetemple

This article presents a fresh perspective on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount by exploring its parallels in the Book of Mormon, specifically in 3 Nephi 11-18, which it calls the "Sermon at the Temple." It suggests that the Sermon is best understood within the context of covenant-making at the temple, addressing an issue that has long challenged biblical scholars—how to interpret the Sermon’s purpose and audience. The Nephite setting offers a new lens, where Jesus' teachings are framed as covenantal instructions, with commandments, promises, and rituals leading to exaltation. The article highlights how this covenantal view enriches the understanding of specific passages and shows that the Sermon lays out conditions for entering God's presence. Furthermore, it notes that some New Testament scholars are beginning to see ritual significance in the Sermon, reinforcing the idea that its core message could relate to sacred covenants. This analysis demonstrates how the Book of Mormon contributes to restoring plain and precious covenants lost over time.

To read this chapter, go here: https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/thieves-androbbers

In ancient Near Eastern law, there was a big difference between a thief and a robber: thieves were locals dealt with by the courts, while robbers were dangerous outsiders handled militarily, often executed on the spot. This distinction is key in the Book of Mormon, explaining why Lehi's sons were called "robbers" by Laban and why the later Gadianton society was such a threat. Interestingly, Joseph Smith’s use of these terms aligns with ancient legal traditions, not the inconsistent usage in the King James Bible, showing a deeper understanding beyond his time.

To read this chapter, go here: https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/thus-saiththelordpropheticlanguageinsamuelsspeech

Samuel the Lamanite's speeches are packed with powerful prophetic language, giving us a glimpse into how ancient prophets communicated divine warnings. In Helaman 13–15, he uses six key speech forms to declare God’s will: phrases like "Thus saith the Lord" mark direct revelation, while "As the Lord liveth" stresses the certainty of his prophecies. He warns the wicked with "woe oracles" and uses "I say unto you" to announce God’s message with authority. These expressions, found throughout the Book of Mormon, reinforce the weight of his divine mission and the urgency of repentance.

To read the chapter, go here: https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/the-case-of-an-unobserved-murder

In The Case of an Unobserved Murder, John W. Welch uncovers a fascinating legal drama from Helaman 7-9. When Nephi prophesied that Seantum had killed his brother, he not only revealed the crime but predicted the very evidence that would convict him. Despite ancient laws requiring two witnesses, Seantum's spontaneous confession and the physical proof—a bloodstained cloak—were enough to secure his conviction. This case highlights how ancient justice systems navigated unwitnessed crimes and self-incrimination, revealing an intriguing blend of prophecy and law.

To read the chapter, go here: https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/purpose-war-chapters-book-mormon

The "war chapters" in the Book of Mormon, particularly in the book of Alma, are less about military conflict and more about spiritual warfare and deliverance. They highlight how faith in God and righteousness lead to divine protection, even against overwhelming odds. These accounts serve as a guide for modern readers, illustrating that in times of spiritual or physical conflict, God's strength and guidance are available to those who remain faithful. The emphasis is on the eternal struggle between good and evil and the assurance that righteousness will ultimately prevail.

This episode is in memorium of Dr. William J. Hamblin, who was a historian, retired professor, and a valiant defender of the Book of Mormon, who passed away unexpectedly on December 10th, 2019.

Guest Stephen Smoot, a BMC researcher and writer, joins Nick and Jared in this episode where they discuss the life and work of Professor Hamblin. Specifically, they also discuss his short article "Warfare in the Book of Mormon." This article was a chapter in the book "Rediscovering the Book of Mormon" and was published by FARMS in 1991.

To read the text for this episode, visit the Book of Mormon Central Archive: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/warfare-book-mormon

"The Purposes for Which the Book of Mormon was Written" is a short chapter from the book, "New Witnesses for God: Volume II - The Book of Mormon" by Elder B.H. Roberts.

This is a good introduction to the supplemental material for the Come, Follow Me Curriculum for 2020 available in the Book of Mormon Central Archives.

For the complete text of this episode, click here:

https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/purposes-which-book-mormon-was-written

From the FARMS Newsletter "Insights", comes a Christmas themed article from scholar John A. Tvedtnes entitled, "What Do We Know About the Wise Men?"

Read the full text on the Book of Mormon Central Archive: https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/what-do-we-know-about-wise-men

This is the third in a three-part series focusing on Orson Pratt's remarkable missionary tract "An Interesting Account of Several Remarkable Visions" published in 1840. This tract included one of the first publications of the First Vision, and later influenced other documents such as the Wentworth Letter.

We are joined in this series by guest Dr. Steven C. Harper, the editor-in-chief of BYU Studies Quarterly, who is the foremost authority on the First Vision. He has recently published a book on that subject, entitled "First Vision: Memory and Mormon Origins" through Oxford University Press. It can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/First-Vision-Memory-Mormon-Origins/dp/0199329478

To read the tract, visit the Book of Mormon Central Archive:

https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/interesting-account-several-remarkable-visions-and-late-discovery-ancient-american-records-0

This is the second in a three-part series focusing on Orson Pratt's remarkable missionary tract "An Interesting Account of Several Remarkable Visions" published in 1840. This tract included one of the first publications of the First Vision, and later influenced other documents such as the Wentworth Letter.

We are joined in this series by guest Dr. Steven C. Harper, the editor-in-chief of BYU Studies Quarterly, who is the foremost authority on the First Vision. He has recently published a book on that subject, entitled "First Vision: Memory and Mormon Origins" through Oxford University Press. It can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/First-Vision-Memory-Mormon-Origins/dp/0199329478

To read the tract, visit the Book of Mormon Central Archive:

https://www.archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/interesting-account-several-remarkable-visions-and-late-discovery-ancient-american-records-0