1 Nephi Chapter 1 (Some Thoughts)

I have started an in-depth study of the Book of Mormon in preparation of teaching it next year to my 11 year old Primary class.
I was amazed to find out a lot of info in just Chapter 1.

(Part of this I got from listening/watching to a DVD by S. Michael Wilcox, "Book of Mormon Gospel Study  Companion" then I added on top of it.)
There is so much more from Brother Nibley on this chapter that I have noted in my scriptures but I do not repeat it here

How to improve your spiritual knowledge.

Starting in this chapter we see a pattern .

• Verse 4 Lehi hears prophets prophesying
• Verse5  He prays about what he heard, with all his heart, not some half effort prayer but real intent.
• Verse 8  He receives an answer to his prayer. True most of us wont get a vision or a "dream" but we do get answers
• Verse 12  He studies what he is given as his answer
• Verse 14  He is thankful and grateful for his answer also recount what you learn
• Verse 16  He kept a record of his learning and shared it with his family
• Verse 18  He preaches what he has learned and now knows

How often do we apply the same pattern to General Conference, Stake Conference or even regular Sacrament meeting. 9 steps from what I can see.

Other notes on the Chapter

• It begins with a family and tells their story
• Lehi as a name is mentioned in Judges 15 as a place. Means Jawbone or Cheek Bone. This was the place Samson killed 1000 Philistines with a jawbone of an ass. Judges 15:9 and 14
• Having Spiritual experiences can be physically taxing. (Another reason I better get in better shape)
• Even before His birth Christ "shone" brighter than us all
• Lehi sees 12 others following Christ.
• So I would assume this includes Judas,
• which means to me that everyone at the start of your call has the potential to be great.
• Evil often mocks when the truth is pointed out to them.
• Then quickly turns to anger when mocking does not stop the person.