Six generations after Adam, there was a man named Enoch. The Bible tells us that "Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him" (Genesis 5:24). In 1830, Joseph Smith learned additional information about Enoch. He had preached the gospel courageously, performed miracles, and led the people of God. Those people organized... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Seek the Kingdom of God?
King Benjamin taught his people an important principle which he learned from an angel: the only way to overcome the unrighteous tendencies of our mortal bodies is to be willing to submit to our Heavenly Father in all things. (See Mosiah 3:19). When Jesus Christ visited the American continent after His death and resurrection, He... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean for a Soul to Rest?
We all need a break sometimes. We talk about needing to recharge our battery, unwind, get some R&R, or have some downtime. We have many ways of describing this, but the core reality is universal: we can't drive full-speed all the time without burning ourselves out. If we want to stay at peak performance, we... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean for Jesus to Be Our Advocate?
Christ earned "rights of mercy" by enduring unimaginable suffering on our behalf. He may be physically distant from us, but He is aware of us and is pleading our cause.
Why Is Jesus Called the Great Mediator?
The word "mediation" descends from the Latin word mediare, which means "to be in the middle." A mediator stands with the people they are serving and engages with them personally.
What Are the Two “Provocations” Discussed by Alma?
To provoke someone is to incite them to action by arousing a strong emotion, usually anger (Oxford English Dictionary). Psalm 95 describes a provocation. The children of Israel provoked the wrath of God by following Moses reluctantly out of Egypt, by complaining incessantly during their journey, and finally by refusing to enter the promised land because... Continue Reading →
What Can We Learn from the Lord’s Prayer?
During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave His disciples an example of a good prayer. "After this manner therefore pray ye," He said: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.... Continue Reading →
Why Is It Important to Know That God’s Grace Is Sufficient?
While writing a history of the Jaredite people, the prophet Moroni experienced some self-doubt. "The Gentiles will mock at these things," he protested to God. He described the awkwardness of his hands, and compared the words he had written to the eloquent writings of the brother of Jared (Ether 12:23-25). God responded forcefully: "Fools mock,... Continue Reading →
How Can I Find Peace?
The Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלוֹם) appears 237 times in the Old Testament. It is usually translated as "peace," but it is sometimes rendered "safety," "welfare," "good health," or "prosperity." For example, when the sons of Jacob made their second trip to Egypt seeking relief from a devastating famine, their brother Joseph (whom they didn't recognize) tried to... Continue Reading →
Why Were Laman and Lemuel Unable to Overcome Their Negativity?
It was difficult for Lehi and Sariah to lead their family from their comfortable home in Jerusalem to an undefined destination. Their two oldest sons, Laman and Lemuel, didn't make it any easier. According to their younger brother, Nephi: They did murmur in many things against their father, because he was a visionary man, and... Continue Reading →