2 Nephi 33

Whew! I made progress! This is the last chapter of 2Nephi. Perhaps I'll backtrack and read 1Nephi next...or maybe I'll go on and read Jacob. I'll decide tomorrow. Yes, I really do plan on doing this again this week!

1 AND now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 33:1)

When I read this verse, I was reminded of a time when I'd barely learned the scriptures. I'd barely started believing in them, but I was convinced that the Book of Mormon was as true as the Bible (if not more so, considering all the times the Bible has been translated...have you ever played the game telephone at a party? Think of how funny that is, now...it's not so funny when played with a scripture that your salvation could ride on, is it?)
Anyhow, I was reminded of a time when a friend of mine asked me a question, and even though I hadn't read much, nor did I KNOW much, the answers just came out of my mouth. I was learning right along with her! Could I ever write down what I said? No. Once the spirit was done talking to her, I could barely remember the gist of what I'd communicated. Sigh. So much good information.

10 And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.
11 And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.
12 And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 33:10 - 12)

The Prophet, President Gordon Bitner Hinckley, was once asked what he thought of the Baptist convention coming to Salt Lake City, UT (known "home of the Mormons" I'd suppose you'd say). His response was brilliant, and I was glad to be able to hear it first hand, not just read it in the paper or hear others tell me about it. He answered that he had some friends who had not accepted the Book of Mormon as scripture, and he'd love to send them over to the convention to learn of Christ, because they at least needed Christ in their lives. Christ is the important part, BUT we must remember that merely believing doesn't show him our love. Christ himself said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Which means, we must do as he has asked us, even if we don't understand why.