Wise Purpose - The lord brings forth his word for a wise purpose.
Jacob 7, Enos, Jarom, Omni, Words of Mormon 

Attention Activity: The Magician -
Have you ever seen a really good magician?
YouTube video

What is an Antichrist? Bible Dictionary - Antichrist

Have you ever had someone attempt to convince you that religion is not true or your beliefs are false?

How is an Antichrist like a magician - can we be deceived if we are not careful?

Sherem - Antichrist - Why was this included in the record?

Jacob 7:1-4 

He taught that there should be no Christ. He taught flattering things unto the people. He was attempting to overthrow the doctrine of Christ.
He labored diligently - and sought opportunity to speak with Jacob
He had a perfect knowledge of the language of the people - he could use flattery to deceive

Doctrinal dissonance - an attempt to find a paradox/contradiction in the doctrine that will cause an individual to loose their belief in that doctrine.
Historical misconception- an attempt to use an incomplete historical account of an event/individual to create doubt concening an event or an individual from the past.
Logical fallacy - an attempt to use logic/science/reason to explain how religious belief is ludicrous and weak minded, and a person would have to be stupid to believe it.
Progressivism - an attempt to use the idea that religion is old-fashioned/out-dated/un-popular to encourage an individual to join with the crowd and reject it.
Follow the Leader - an attempt to use an opinion of expert or individual that a person respects as a means to cause them to be convinced that they were wrong and reject the truth.
Shame/Conform - an attempt to use public opinion, humiliation, taboo, societal norms, or the current beliefs of a society to encourage an individual to change their beliefs to conform.

How do we protect ourselves from these and other attacks on our faith?
How did Jacob?

Jacob 7:5  He hoped to shake me from the faith - notwithstanding: my many revelations, and seeing angels, and hearing the voice of the Lord - I could not be shaken.

What spiritual manifestations do we have similar to his?  Although we may not have seen an angel the voice of the spirit is even stronger!

Have you seen anyone healed?  Have you received an answer to prayer?  Have you felt the Holy Ghost confirm truth to you?
Sometimes we forget the simple experiences of the spirit during times of trial.   We need to remember, remember the simple experiences of testimony that are the basis of our knowledge of the Gospel!

Sherem's words to Jacob

Jacob 7:6-7 Ye have led away much of this people - in that they pervert the right way, and convert the Law of Moses into the worship of a being that shall come
No man knoweth of things to come

How is this concept completely incorrect?

 In the scriptures all over the place individuals prophecy concening the future.  Does he not believe the scriptures... does he not understand them?

Jacobs method of confronting Sherem
#1 attempt to get on common ground with individual
#2 teach correct doctrine using the scriptures and testify of the truth.

Jacob 7:8-11 Through the spirit I did confound him in all his words
9 Deniest thou the Christ?  If there were a Christ I would not deny him - but there is none
10 Believest thou the scriptures - Sherem says Yea
11 Then you do not understand them - for they testify of Christ
12 It has been made manifest unto me that through the Holy Ghost I know that an atonement is necessary!

Sherem then asks for a Sign by the power of the Holy Ghost.

Jacob 7:13 Show me a sign by this power in which ye know so much!

What is the difference between receiving an answer to prayer through the Holy Ghost - and asking for a sign?

Look at the arrogance in his reply... what was his intent.

What was Sherem's attitude when asking for this sign?

Moroni 10:3-5 When we follow this patten in seeking for an answer are we asking for a sign?  If not... what is the difference?
Moroni gives the answer specifically in these verses.  When we are asking for help and understanding we need to ask in the following way:

Remember it is through the Lord's mercy that help was given to men in the past (3)
Ask in faith - with a sincere heart - with real intent - having faith in Christ

Faith is a belief in things that we have not seen and are yet true
Sincere Heart - is a heart that is in tune with God - and desires to know his will not our own
With real Intent - is an intent to not just hear but to do whatever the Lord tells us
Having faith in Christ - Jesus is the center of the plan and we need faith in him for all that we do

This is not seeking for a sign - to consume it upon our Lusts - meaning it is our way or the highway.

Rather it is a humble petition for help and understanding in our lives.

Jacob's response to Sherem's request:

Jacob 7:14-15 Who am I that I should tempt God - to show you a sign in the thing that you already know to be true!
Yet thou wilt deny it - because thou art of the devil
Nevertheless not my will but God's be done - if he will smite ye so be it.
 

Sherem finally recovers and confesses plainly that he was lying and deceived

Jacob 7:16-20 Sherem speaks to the people before he dies 
He spoke plainly to them and denied what he had taught - and confessed Christ and the power of the Holy Ghost
He spoke plainly to them that he had been deceived by the devil
I fear lest I have committed the unpardonable sin - for I have lied unto God and denied what I knew

Now let us compare this experience with another man's experience - Enos

Jacob 7:27 - Jacob is about to die so he gives the plates to his son Enos

Enos wrestles with the Lord for a remission of sins.

Enos 1:1-2 Enos was taught by his father his language and the nurture and admonition of the Lord

What do you think being a Just man means?
Bible Dictionary Justification

To be pardoned from punishment for sin and declared guiltless. A person is justified by the Savior’s grace through faith in him. This faith is shown by repentance and obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. Jesus Christ’s atonement enables mankind to repent and be justified or pardoned from punishment they otherwise would receive.
D&C 129:3 - Just man made perfect is a person who has availed themselves of the atonement of Jesus Christ and have received a remission of their sins.
D&C 76:69 - Just men made perfect through the atonement of Jesus Christ

Why does Enos describe his prayer as a wrestle? Who has ever wrestled before?

There may be a reference to the wrestle of Jacob with the Lord - Genesis 32:24-30

Describe this experience for us... how does it relate to Enos's prayer?

Notice the words Enos uses to describe his prayer to us.. as we read the next few verses.

Enos 1:3-6 
The words of etenal life, and the joy of the saints sunk deep into his heart.
My soul hungered, I knelt down before my maker 
I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul
All the day long did I cry unto him
Yeah when the night came I did still raise my voice high unto the heavens

What feelings/impressions do you get when reading this description of his prayer?
Is this the type of prayer we usually give? What is the difference?
What does real intent - mean to Enos? Does his words show his intent?

What was the Lord's answer to him? Why was his guilt swept away?

He received a remission of his sins through his faith in Jesus Christ.  He was amazed by how his guilt was swept away. knew that God could not Lie!

Enos 1:7-8 How is it done!

Why do you think he asked this question?

I think he was amazed and the change in his heart/mind when his sins were swept away.  The peace and joy of the saints was truly amazing to him.
Thy faith hath made the whole!

Why is this important for us to understand?  What was his faith in?

His faith was in the Lord Jesus Christ - and it was through him that he received a remission of his sins.

How did receiving a remission of his sins make him whole? What do you think being whole means?

Who did he pray for next?

Enos 1:9-10 He felt a desire for the welfare of his brethren, the Nephites.
I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them
While I was thus struggling in the spirit - the voice of the Lord came to my mind
I will visit thy brethren according to their diligence in being obedient

Was his prayer immediately answered for his behalf?

Sometimes it takes time... before the Lord answers our prayers.  He confirms in our own mind our "Real Intent" before he answers/reveals his truths to us.

He prays for the benefit of his brethren?

Notice that his prayer for himself was for forgiveness of his sins which was answered.  Yet the answer he received for his brothers was that it was up to them. We can pray and supplicate the Lord for our own sins and receive a remission based upon the laws and ordinances of the gospel.  We can't however get a remission of sins for others they must do it themselves.

Who does he then pray for?

 Lamanites

What did he desire for them?

Enos 1:11-13 
My faith began to be unshaken in the Lord - I prayed for the Lamanites
After I had prayed and labored with all diligence 
I will grant unto thee according to thy desires - because of thy faith
That the Lamanites should not be destroyed and that a record should be preserved
That the Lamanites might at some future day be brought unto salvation

Enos 1:14-17 Nephites current struggle in converting the Lamanites - In vain
They desired to destroy our records, and us and the traditions of our fathers
I cried unto him continually 

Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith - believing in Christ ye shall receive

I cried unto God that he would preserve the records and bring them unto the Lamanites
Because of covenant of God my soul did rest

Notice the covenant God made with this man - vs 16. 
Does God make individual covenants with us? When?

Do you think that the order of individuals that Enos prayed for is significant?

It seems to me that this is our standard order of desire. First we think of our own needs, then those that are close to us then those that are our enemies or not in our close social group.

What is different about Enos, and Sherem's behavior and attitude? 

Enos was not seeking a sign - he was asking for assistance and knowledge and an answer to his prayer. He was seeking for a remission of his sins, exercising his faith in the promises of God that if he were to repent and forsake his sins and confess them he would receive a remission of his sin.  This was answered in the affirmative.

Sherem on the other hand knew that what he was saying wasn't true.  He was using his knowledge of the language and flattery to deceive others and to cause the truth to seem to be a lie.  This deception was shown to him and the only sign he received was a curse upon himself.   This was not an attempt with real intent to gain an answer to his prayer.  He already knew the answer, he already knew the truth, but asked for a sign which would have been unto his own condemnation either way.  His words spoken to Jacob were full of pride - in which you know so much!

Can you see how the deception of a magician is like the deception of Sherem.   Sherem knew the truth, he knew he was lying to the people and deceiving them.  A magician also always knows the truth - he knows how he is deceiving his audience to believe a lie.  That is his craft... that is what he has practiced hours and hours to achieve.  Sherem also used his knowledge of language to deceive his audience with flattery and sophistry.  

What can we lean from this comparison?

There are magicians among us today.  They can be purposefully deceitful and attempt to destroy the faith of individuals through deceit and craftiness of men.  We need to be careful... watch our thoughts, are intents, our words and our deeds to maintain our testimony of Jesus Christ.  There are many voices, spirits, and philosophies in the world today that can attempt to destroy our testimony.  We need to be careful, no matter who you are, what calling/position you have in the church you can fall, and be deceived and loose your testimony.  That is why following the words of the prophet and his advice given in our own day is so important.

Comparison with Joseph's first vision: Prophet of Restoration

What did Enos do - during the rest of his life?

Enos 1:19-27
19 I went about among people of Nephi prophesying of what I had heard and seen

Notice nothing is said in the scriptures about what he had seen - only what he had heard. I wonder what he saw...?

20 The Nephites did seek diligently to restore the Lamanites unto the true faith

Their hatred was fixed - led by evil natures
Wild and Ferocious - blood thirsty people
Full of Idolatry - and filthiness
Feeding - upon beasts of prey dwelling in tents
Wandering about the wildeness in short skin girdle, head shaven
Their skill was with - bow, cimeter, and axe
They ate nothing save it were - raw meat
They continually sought our destruction

21-23 The Nephites did

Till the land raise - all manner of grain and fruit
They did raise - all manner of flocks of herds and cattle and horses
Nothing but harshness, preaching and prophesying of death and destruction would keep them from destruction

Notice the comparison between the culture of the Lamanites and the Nephites.
What did the Nephites think of the Lamanites and their society?
Do you think there was any prejudice concening them in the thoughts of the Nephites?
What does this teach us concening our prejudices towards others?

Notice that they tried their best to teach them and convert them even though it was all in vain...

How does this relate to us?

24 I saw many wars between the Nephites and Lamanites
25 I began to be old - 179 years had passed away since Lehi Left Jerusalem
26-27 Jacob must soon die

He taught and prophesied unto the people - that the truth is in Christ all his days
I rejoice in it above that of the world.
I soon go to the place of rest - with my Redeemer
I rejoice in the day of the resurrection - I shall stand before him to be judged
Come unto me ye blessed

Consider the Joy of the saints and the final state of these two men - Enos/Sherem.

Which would you rather be :) In our life it is often a sign of wisdom that we look at other peoples lives and choices that they are making - and choose the better part.  We can often lean from others mistakes without actually making them ourselves.  We can also see the good in the lives of people and emulate that good and bring it into our own lives.

The life of Jarom:

Jarom 1:1-2 I write a few words - that our genealogy may be kept - plates are small - intent to benefit Lamanites - What could I write more - is not the plan of salvation revealed?
Jarom 1:3-6 Nephites - hard hearted - deaf of hearing - blind of mind - but many have revelations and all are not proud
200 years had passed away - they observed to keep the law of Moses and the Sabbath day holy unto the Lord - laws of the land were exceedingly strict
Lamanites were more numerous - loved murder drank the blood of beasts

They had laws according the law of Moses it would seem - at least in some cases.

Jarom 1:7-15 Nephite leaders mighty men of faith - taught people the ways of Lord
Swept Lamanites before us even though we were not so numerous
We multiplied exceedingly and spread upon the face of the land - became exceedingly rich - gold and silver
Workmanship of iron, copper, brass and steel - making all manner of tools and weapons of war
dart, javelin, arrow, quiver (Notice sword wasn't mentioned...)
If we keep the commandments we will prosper in the land
We believed in the Messiah - as though he had already came
I deliver these plates into the hands of my son - Omni

The life of Omni - Amaron - Chemish - Abinadom - Amaleki - Plates given to King Benjamin:

Omni 1:1-11 The record of Omni, Amaron, Chemish - Abinadom - Amaleki
1-3 Omni - I fought much with the sword to preserve my people - I am a wicked man 282 years had passed
4-7 Amaron - The more wicked part of the Nephites were destroyed - They did not keep the commandments of the Lord - some righteous spared
8-9 Chemish - I write in the book of my father in the same day he gave it to me - it is according to our fathers commands
10-11 Abinadom - I saw much war and contention between Nephites and Lamanites - I have killed many lamanites - I have no new revelation
12-30 Amaleki - speaks somewhat of the history of what is going on.
12-15 Mosiah and a few flee out of the land into wildeness - they discovered people of Zarahemla
16-17 This group came out of Jerusalem when Zedekiah king of Judah was carried into babylon
18 Their language had become corrupt - they denied God - people Mosiah couldn't understand their language
19 People of Zarahemla and people of Mosiah united - They appointed Mosiah to be their king

This is very interesting... Note that the smaller group was chosen to be the leader of the larger group.  Why do you think this was the case.
Often time in the Book of Mormon we see this happening.  A small group of individuals enters an area - the current population is in a degraded state and they choose from the small group to be their leaders.

You will also note that this isn't a very good history - if you can call it that at all.  The Book of Mormon is not a History of the American continent! not even close.

20-22 A stone with engravings on it was found - interpreted through urim and thumim - told the tale of one Coriantumr and the slain of his people
He dwelt with them for the space of nine moons.

Common in these times to erect a Stone - Stele with engravings commemorating an event

25 I Amaleki began to be old - I have no seed - I give the plates to Benjamin a just man before the Lord

The Words of Mormon - an understanding of the plates

There are various Plates spoken of in the Book of Mormon - A brief explaination

Some common concens questions concening the Book of Mormon:
If the Book of Mormon were made of Gold they would be too heavy to even carry!

The size of the plates that Joseph Smith Recieved:

New Era 2007 Deseret News Jul 7, 2010 Shields Research
From all accounts of those who have seen/touched/handled the plates they were approxiametly 7x8 inches in size and approxiametly as thick as parchment or thin tin plates. The thickness of the book is approxiametly 4 inches including the sealed portion of the plates.  The sealed portion of the plates was approxiametly 2/3 of the book. They weighed approxiametly 50-60 lbs in weight.
Were the plates made of Gold? No nor is it claimed that they were - they had the appearance of Gold.
So what then were they made of?
Using Physic we can actually determine this.
Total Volume of the plates - 7x8x4=224 cubic inches
Weight of solid Gold = .7lbs per cubic inch
Weight of solid Silver= .34 lbs per cubic inch
Weight of solid Coper= .32 lbs per cubic inch
Weignt of solid Tin = .26 lbs per cubic inch
Weight of solid Zinc= .26 lbs per cubic inch

If the plates were solid gold they would weight:

224*.7=156.8 lbs

If the plates were solid copper they would weight:

 224*.32=71.68 lbs

If the plates were solid tin/zinc they would weight: 

224*.26=58.24 lbs

No based upon eye witness accounts they weighted between 60-70 lbs.  Let us assume that they weight of the plates were 60-70lbs. This would mean that the plates were of the appearance of Gold and were thus an alloy of Gold.  They were of the thickness of tin, they were pliable like paper and would rustle when they were moved.  They were soft enough to accept engravings, but strong enough to maintain the engraving without degredation over time as the pages rubed together.

Possible Material Compositions that Match the weight within tolerances..

Gold is almost always alloyed with another type of metal such as nickel, copper, silver or platinum in order for it to be useable as jewelry or capable of maintaining its shape for any length of time.  When Gold is alloyed with another type of metal the gold can change color, when allowed with copper (the most common alloy) it changes to red/pink in color. A standard alloy used in an alloy known in ancient times(in south america) was Tumbaga. It is 80% copper 15% silver and only 5% gold.  Although this composition was not consistant but varied upon the use the object was being used for.  These objects although mostly copper and silver, retained the appearance of Gold.
If the Plates were made of Tumbaga - they would weigh:(224*.05*.7)=7.8lbs Gold+(224*.15*.34)=11.4lbs Silver+ (224*.8*.32)=57.3 lbs Coper=77 lbs 

Another known alloy was Corinthian bronze - this was an alloy of Copper, Gold, Silver, and Zinc that had the apperance of Gold but the hardness of bronze. The exact composition of this alloy is unknown however it was known to only require a small amount of Gold. Composition of basic bronze - 88%Coper, 12% Tin - if we assume that 5% gold and 83% Copper it could be this weight:
If the Plated were made of Cinithian bronze - they would weigh: (224*.05*.7)=7.8lbs Gold+(224*.12*.25)=6.72 lbs Tin+224*.83*.32=59.5 lbs=74lbs

Disclaimer

: both of these possibilities are estimates assuming purity of metal at 100% the actual weight of a product created in ancient times would be less than this by easily 10% or more because of impurities in the metals that cause the weights to be less than the actual pure metal would have been. Also we don't really know the true composition of any alloy that could have been used so we can't really say for sure.  

However the point of this exercise is that the plates did not weigh 200lbs and could easily have been the weights claimed by the witnesses.