What Is the Challenge?

April 7 to June 30

The Book of Mormon Translation Challenge (#BOMTC) invites people to read the entire Book of Mormon during the same 85-day period that it took Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to translate it (April 7-June 30, 1829). Do you have what it takes to read it in that amount of time?

President Russell M. Nelson, Read the Book of Mormon in 85 Days

Choose Your Challenge

There are three basic study schedules that I have set up to help people to study the Book of Mormon in 85 days:

  • 1 Nephi 1 to Moroni 10. This study schedule follows the simple model of sequential scripture study by starting at the beginning of the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi 1) and continuing on to the end (Moroni 10). CLICK HERE
  • Mosiah 1 to Words of Mormon. This study schedule begins with Mosiah 1 and ends with Words of Mormon. This model begins where the Prophet Joseph Smith and his scribe, Oliver Cowdery, started the translation process on April 7, 1829. CLICK HERE
  • Day-by-day with Joseph Smith. This study schedule follows the best-researched-daily-schedule that we have for the Prophet Joseph Smith as he and Oliver Cowdery worked on the translation of the Book of Mormon from April 7-June 30. This can be a tricky schedule to follow because the daily study schedule is not evenly distributed and because there are some days when Joseph and Oliver were not able to work on the translation, so on some days there is nothing to read. However, if you are willing to be flexible and creative, this can be a great option for the #BOMTC. CLICK HERE

“Seek this Jesus” (Ether 12:41)

Regardless of which schedule you choose to follow, I have a personal invitation for you!

President Russell M. Nelson has taught the following:

“Study of the Book of Mormon is most rewarding when one focuses on its primary purpose—to testify of Jesus Christ. By comparison, all other issues are incidental. When you read the Book of Mormon, concentrate on the principal figure in the book—from its first chapter to the last—the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God.” (“A Testimony of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Nov. 1999. Emphasis added.)

“As you read [the Book of Mormon], I would encourage you to mark each verse that speaks of or refers to the Savior. Then, be intentional about talking of Christ, rejoicing in Christ, and preaching of Christ with your families and friends. You and they will be drawn closer to the Savior through this process. And changes, even miracles, will begin to happen.” (“Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel,” Ensign, Nov. 2018. Emphasis added.)

I urge you to accept President Nelson’s invitation and carefully focus on and mark the different titles for Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon. I am calling this the “SEEK THIS JESUS” challenge, and I invite you to join me on this journey! (Click here to learn more.)

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