Communion

March 7

Jarom

4 And there are many among us who have many revelations, for they are not all stiffnecked. And as many as are not stiffnecked and have faith, have communion with the Holy Spirit, which maketh manifest unto the children of men, according to their faith.

•  COMMUNION, n.
  1. Fellowship; intercourse between two persons or more; interchange of transactions, or offices; a state of giving and receiving; agreement; concord.
• I really like how the word communion is used here. It emphasizes the relationahip between us and the Holy Ghost. If we ignore him then we won't have the blessings that he provides, just as if you were to ignore a friend. 

8 And we multiplied exceedingly, and spread upon the face of the land, and became exceedingly rich in gold, and in silver, and in precious things, and in fine workmanship of wood, in buildings, and in machinery, and also in iron and copper, and brass and steel, making all manner of tools of every kind to till the ground, and weapons of war—yea, the sharp pointed arrow, and the quiver, and the dart, and the javelin, and all preparations for war.

9 And thus being prepared to meet the Lamanites, they did not prosper against us. But the word of the Lord was verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land.

• The first things mentioned in relation to the strength of these people is in verse 7 when it says that their leaders are faithful. However  we see here in verses 8-9 the importance of having other profitable skills.

 11 Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. And after this manner did they teach them.

• They are to believe in Christ as if he is already here. What does this say about faith?
• Faith grows when it becomes real. 

 11 And behold, the record of this people is engraven upon plates which is had by the kings, according to the generations; and I know of no revelation save that which has been written, neither prophecy; wherefore, that which is sufficient is written. And I make an end.

• No revelation is given save that which is written. He can only know what has been recorded. we are the same way, he can only know that which has been recorded and that which we've read.