There are lots of good people in this world. That's one message I get from Joseph F. Smith's Vision of the Redemption of the Dead. Although the question which prompted this revelation was a logistical one—how could the Savior preach to so many disobedient spirits during the brief period between His death and His resurrection—another... Continue Reading →
Doctrine and Covenants 137-138: “The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead” (November 29-December 5)
"Joseph F. Smith," by Albert Salzbrenner 138 - "I saw the hosts of the dead." Alma taught his son Corianton that there is a period of time between death and the resurrection, in which we will dwell as spirits. He further explained that we will be in one of two states: paradise, which is a... Continue Reading →
Edifying
It's a lot easier to destroy things than to build them. That imbalance creates one of the conundrums of life: you can spend an awfully lot of time and energy creating something which can be demolished with very little effort. "Destroy this temple," said Jesus, "and in three days I will raise it up" (John... Continue Reading →
Not Separated
An Israelite woman named Naomi lived in Moab for many years. Both of her sons married Moabite women. After her husband and both sons died, Naomi decided to return home, and she encouraged both of her daughters-in-law to return to their families. One of them, Orpah, agreed and affectionately bid farewell to Naomi. But Ruth... Continue Reading →
“To Seal the Testimony”
Talk is cheap. It's easy to say something, and in many circumstances the speaker pays no price if their words are inaccurate. When we need more certainty that a person is telling the truth, we take formal steps to increase our confidence. For example, in court, we have witnesses swear an oath before they testify,... Continue Reading →
With Thanksgiving
Many of the psalms encourage us to express our gratitude to God. For example: "I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving" (Psalm 69:30). "Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms" (Psalm 95:2). "Enter into his gates... Continue Reading →
Borrowing
To borrow something is to make a commitment. Inherent in borrowing is a promise to return the object to the owner in good condition. In the law of Moses, the Lord decreed that if someone borrowed an animal, "and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he [the borrower] shall... Continue Reading →
Walk in the Ordinances
As Brigham Young led thousands of church members into an unknown frontier, he received a revelation teaching them how to organize themselves for the journey. Near the beginning of that revelation is a concise statement encapsulating the standards of behavior expected of this group of travelers: And this shall be our covenant—that we will walk in all the ordinances of... Continue Reading →
Doctrine and Covenants 135-136: “He Has Sealed His Mission and His Works with His Own Blood”
"Winter Quarters," by Jonathan Leo Fairbanks 135 - The Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum What would you be willing to give your life for? The prophet Abinadi was offered the chance to avoid execution by recanting the message God had sent him to deliver. In response, he declared, "I will not recall the words which I... Continue Reading →
Peacemakers
Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9, 3 Nephi 12:9). And the apostle Paul made this plea in his epistle to the Romans: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18). The prophet Mormon applied that teaching to... Continue Reading →