Sometimes we need to be reminded just how unequal our relationship with God is. King Benjamin taught that if we serve God with all of our souls for the rest of our lives, we would still be "unprofitable servants." God has already given us far more than we could ever hope to repay, and the... Continue Reading →
I Am
The verb "to be," when used with a predicate, expresses equivalence. "I am Paul" indicates that "Paul" has the same meaning as "I." "To be" without a predicate is different. When Descartes says, "I think, therefore I am," or when Hamlet ponders whether "to be or not to be," the verb expresses existence, not equivalence.... Continue Reading →
No End
A few months ago, I heard a presentation by Simon Sinek, author of The Infinite Game. He explained that many games we play, like football or chess, have clearly defined rules, consistent participants, and most importantly, endings. He called these "finite games." But other activities that we participate in might be better labeled as "infinite... Continue Reading →
One Eternal Round
After losing the first 116 pages of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith was devastated. "All is lost!" he exclaimed to his family. "What shall I do?" (Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1845, page 131). Shortly after, the Lord reassured him that His work would continue to move forward. God emphasized this point by saying that... Continue Reading →
The Law in Me is Fulfilled – 3 Nephi 15:2-8
2 And it came to pass that when Jesus had said these words he perceived that there were some among them who marveled, and wondered what he would concerning the law of Moses; for they understood not the saying that old things had passed away, and that all things had become new. 3 And he... Continue Reading →
Lessons from the Writings of Moroni
During the month of June, I studied all of the chapters in the Book of Mormon which were written by Moroni. Here are some of the principles I learned, grouped by category: Faith and Knowledge If we will choose to overcome our unbelief and exercise faith, we can gain greater spiritual knowledge, which will in turn... Continue Reading →
The Title Page and Moroni 10
The Book of Mormon An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites—Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and... Continue Reading →
My Salvation Shall Be Forever – 2 Nephi 8:6
6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner. But my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.(2 Nephi... Continue Reading →
He Changeth Not – Mormon 9:19
19 And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.(Mormon 9:19)On... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 