2 Nephi 3-5 | Scripture Gems (Come Follow Me reading for February 12-18, 2024) 

In chapter 5, Nephi prayed because of his brothers. You commented that his prayer was not answered in the way he probably wanted. Instead he had to change his situation or move away. That was an ah hah moment for me. I had been praying for God to intervene in an exhausting situation, to no avail. During this discussion, I realized I needed to change or move away from the situation on my end! Thank you!.

Thanks brothers! Fantastic lesson!

Thank you!!! Awesome lesson!!!❤❤

Thank you very much😍👏

I have read The Book of Mormon, I don't know who many times, but this time . . . I LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON!!!! I don't know if it's because I'm older, now, and have experienced certain things. I believe that one things that has changed is that I'm not just reading the words on the black and white page(s), but I'm able to ponder . . . learn from teachers like yourselves. Thank you for opening my eyes (spiritual lenses) my heart (broken) and Spirit (contrite) to the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Since I've been retired, I'm able to deepen my reading. Listening to different teachers every day . . . it has helped me to have a relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, more deeply. Thank you for helping me with that relationship.

Thank you again for another inspiring lesson! ❤

I love the way you share your knowledge of the scriptures and how you incorporate other sources. I love your interesting love of the gospel and testimony of the gospel. Two great, faithful brothers sharing their love of truth. Thank you.

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So glad ur gem lesson came tthru on Sunday. Thank you for keeping on giving us such grt lessons learning of the gospel book of mormon. Thank you!! May the lord bless u both and your families in all ur needs. I really like ur platform. All the depth u go into to present a well laid out lesson.

Thank you so much for taking your valuable time to teach these lessons weekly. It is pretty great to have such knowledgeable people like you two to teach us

Thank you so much for your time and for sharing. You are both great teachers

Thank you for the Map!! Love it!!

2 Nephi 5:21 The cursing that came upon them was that upon the land. They were spiritually cut off from the Lord. Their hearts become hard as rock (flint) as they hardened their hearts, put off the spirit of the Lord, and didn't keep the commandments. The "curse" on the land came upon them. I do not believe the 2nd half is metaphorical. I believe it is literal. It doesn't say it happened all at once or if it came upon them over time. They lived on raw meat, dressed in "loin cloths," and off the land. Perhaps the dark skin had already begun to come upon them because they lived so much in the elements. Those with darker skin were perhaps each generation that survived the best. Their skin becoming dark would then have been a blessing. The idea of their dark skin is also shown in paintings found in ancient places that show there were two peoples, one dark-skinned and one fair-skinned. One of those pictures shows a period when they were all fair-skinned. And then they become all dark-skinned. So is the dark skin on Cain, whose daughter, an Egyptess, was with Noah in the ark, and the people of Egypt then were darker than the other people, her descendants. Generations later, to our day, there are as many "colors" and physical characteristics and cultures worldwide that exist. Just as God said that if people murdered Cain's descendants because of the curse, they would be cast off, so it is today. God is no respecter of persons, bond or free, black or white or in any manner. We have become God's garden, full of beautiful flowers. Each and every one is treasured by the Lord. Today's prophets are reminding us and teaching us to love as God loves. As Christ showed us. How our different appearances and personalities have come to pass, it matters not. It is simply so.

Could you both trtanslate the Book of Mormon into English ,ie, what it means I'm finding 2nd nephi to confusing (like the niv bible )