What is The Book of Mormon?

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-00-1010-what-is-the-book-of-mormon-a-60-second-overview?category=mormon-beliefs&lang=eng

A friend of mine asked, "If there is the Old Testament and the New Testament, where does the Book of Mormon fall into this group, or does it not?"

Yes, the Book of Mormon is one with the Old Testament and the New Testament. Throughout time, God has given revelation, light and knowledge, to those who would listen. His revelations and the history of the people He gave them to are recorded in books we call scripture. The Old Testament and New Testament record God's dealings with the Israelite people who lived in the Jerusalem area. 

Before Nebuchadnezzar took over the land of Israel, God sent many prophets to warn the people to repent, so He could protect them and save them from being conquered. The people killed many of these prophets, but one, Lehi, was told to take his family and flee. Eventually, Lehi, his family, and another family made it to the "Promised Land", the Americas around 600 BC. The Book of Mormon is the history of this branch of Israel. 

All these books of scripture support each other and testify of Jesus Christ. They teach us about why we are on the earth, how to live here so that we can be happy, and how the Savior has given us the opportunity to change, grow, and return to live with Heavenly Father someday. 

I was in my late teens when a good friend shared The Book of Mormon with me. I had been studying the New Testament, but I had many questions and things I didn't understand. I was getting quite a long list and was feeling lost and frustrated. As I read The Book of Mormon, I was astounded. Every thing was so plain and clear. It was amazing! 

My questions were answered. I felt as if I had been just surviving in a desert and now had arrived at the oasis. I learned about faith, the purpose of life, and what happens after we die. 

When I first heard of The Book of Mormon, I thought it was too incredible to even consider, then the thought came to my mind, "What if it is true and I don't even read it?" I certainly didn't want to just follow others' opinions. I had to know for myself about this book, and the only way to do that was to actually read it. 

I did, and it changed my life. The Book of Mormon has had more influence on my life than anything else I've ever read. 

I accepted this challenge at the beginning of The Book of Mormon and found this book to contain the word of God.

Book of Mormon Introduction

We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)

Here is some basic information about The Book of Mormon from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)

https://www.mormon.org/beliefs/book-of-mormon

https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-mormon?lang=eng

Here are other of my blog posts about the Book of Mormon.

http://meditationsofamormonmom.blogspot.com/2016/01/record-of-part-of-lost-tribes-of-isreal.html

http://meditationsofamormonmom.blogspot.com/2015/01/what-is-book-of-mormon.html