After baptizing hundreds of people at the waters of Mormon, Alma gave them some instructions about how to fulfill the covenants they had made. He told the priests to teach the words of the prophets and to preach repentance. He told the people to avoid contention and to strive for unity. He told them to... Continue Reading →
“The Fold of God” – Mosiah 18:8
When Alma invited a group of people to be baptized at the waters of Mormon, he began his invitation with the following words: "As ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people..." (Mosiah 18:8). He then described the obligation they would have to one another: bearing one... Continue Reading →
What Is an Elder?
When Moses saw the burning bush on Mount Horeb, God commanded him to return to Egypt and lead his people out of slavery. Moses was somewhat concerned about fulfilling this assignment alone. But God explained that he wouldn't be alone: Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Relationship Between Church and State?
Before the time of King Mosiah, religion and government were commingled in Nephite society. Mosiah's father, King Benjamin, had served not only as the political leader but also as the spiritual leader of his people, and Mosiah had followed suit. But when Alma arrived with a group of people whom he had organized into a... Continue Reading →
What Is the Relationship Between the Family and the Church?
Elder D. Todd Christofferson has pointed out that the gospel was originally taught in families. The organization of the church came later: Beginning with Adam, the gospel of Jesus Christ was preached, and the essential ordinances of salvation, such as baptism, were administered through a family-based priesthood order. As societies grew more complex than simply... Continue Reading →
Why Is It Important for Us to Gather with Other Believers?
Some of the most transcendent events that are recorded in the Book of Mormon happened when a group of people gathered. King Benjamin called his people together not only to hear him speak, but also to invite them to enter a covenant relationship with God and take upon themselves the name of Christ (Mosiah 1:10-12).... Continue Reading →
How Do Our Covenants with God Affect Our Relationships with Each Other?
I wrote yesterday that covenants strengthen relationships. Making promises to one another provides opportunities to build trust. So when God invites us to make covenants with Him, He is giving us the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Him. Our covenants with God not only bring us closer to Him; they also bring us closer... Continue Reading →
Lessons About Establishing the Church in the Book of Mormon
During November, I have focused on chapters which teach about the church of Christ: how it is organized, how it blesses us, and how we can help it be successful. I studied the following chapters to learn more about this topic: Nephi's people establish a new city - 2 Nephi 5 Jacob and Joseph magnify... Continue Reading →
Qualifications for Baptism – Moroni 6:1-3
1 And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it. 2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the... Continue Reading →
Hold Up Your Light – 3 Nephi 18:22-25
22 And behold, ye shall meet together oft; and ye shall not forbid any man from coming unto you when ye shall meet together, but suffer them that they may come unto you and forbid them not; 23 But ye shall pray for them, and shall not cast them out; and if it so be... Continue Reading →