Insights from my daily study of the Book of Mormon.
Jesus was lifted up—violently and painfully—so that we might also be lifted up—joyfully and gloriously. He spoke of His agony on the cross in terms of its purpose and effect. The fact that His execution was so public helped Him to accomplish its purpose.
Jesus didn't come to condemn us. He came to save us. He expressed confidence in the woman who had committed adultery, saying, "Go and sin no more." He believed that she could change, and in response, she "glorified God...and believed on his name."
What does it mean to be saved by Jesus Christ? Is it like receiving a presidential pardon, with the consequences of our actions eliminated by a legal authority? Or like amnesty, where we get a clean slate and a chance to start over? Both of these descriptions tell part of the story. But Jesus doesn't... Continue Reading →
Zechariah prophesied that someone would ask a prophet, "What are these wounds in thine hands?" He will answer, "Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends" (Zechariah 13:6). In an 1831 revelation, the Lord expanded on this prophecy. When Jesus Christ returns to the earth, people will ask Him, "What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet?" He... Continue Reading →
When Jacob and his family fled from the home of his father-in-law, Laban pursued him. They met in a mountainous region, and after a difficult conversation, they were reconciled. Together, they built a stone pillar to memorialize their healed relationship. Laban suggested they call the pillar Jegar-sahadutha (יְגַר שׂהֲדוּתָא), "the heap of the testimony," but... Continue Reading →
The gift of eternal salvation is priceless. It can't be bought. No amount of time, effort, or money would match its value. Perhaps that's why Isaiah emphasizes twice that money is not required to receive it: Thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money. Isaiah 52:3 Ho, every one that thirsteth,... Continue Reading →
The brass plates which Lehi and his family carried from Jerusalem contained a lot of content which overlaps with the Old Testament. Nephi describes three categories of writings, which correspond with three of the four groupings of books in the Old Testament: "The five books of Moses" - The Law (Genesis through Deuteronomy)"A record of... Continue Reading →
Based on: Psalm 84 Core message: Holy places on earth can prepare us to return to God's presence. Related Book of Mormon passage: Mosiah 2:41
Based on: Psalm 98 Core message: The entire world benefits from the Savior's light, even non-believers. We all have reason to rejoice. Related Book of Mormon passages: Mosiah 12:24, Mosiah 15:18-31
Based on: Psalm 55 Core message: God will ease our burdens as we draw nearer to Him. Even if He doesn't take them away, He can make them seem light. Related Book of Mormon passages: Mosiah 24:14-15, Alma 33:23
Book of Mormon Study Notes 