After describing a spiritual dream to his family and urging two of his sons to repent, Lehi went on to prophesy about a number of future events. Because he had recently obtained the brass plates, which contained the words of many prophets, it's likely that his awareness of these events was enhanced by his study... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Reveal?
This is the last of six blog posts answering a set of questions recommended by President Russell M. Nelson. So far, I have written about what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, what it refutes, what it fulfills, and what it clarifies. Here are some of the truths that the book reveals to... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Affirm?
This is the second in a series of posts answering a set of questions recommended by President Russell M. Nelson. In yesterday's post, I discussed what the Book of Mormon is. Today, I will discuss what the Book of Mormon affirms. The Book of Mormon affirms many truths. As I've pondered this question today, I've... Continue Reading →
What Is the Significance of the Name “Jesus?”
The Hebrew name Yehoshua (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ) is rendered in English as "Joshua." It comes from two root words: YHVH (יְהוָֹה) - the name of God yasha (יָשַׁע) - to save, to help, or to deliver So the name means literally "God saves," "God helps," or "God delivers." The Greek form of this name is Iésous (Ἰησοῦς),... Continue Reading →
Why Is Light an Appropriate Symbol for the Birth of Christ?
In a passage quoted by Nephi, Isaiah used the imagery of light to describe the birth of the Messiah: The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.... For unto us a child is born (Isaiah... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be Healed?
Jesus Christ is the Master Healer. After the destruction which coincided with His death and resurrection, while the people mourned their lost loved ones, they heard the Savior's voice announcing all of the cities which had been destroyed. After enumerating the losses, which indicated that He was fully aware of the scale of the calamity,... Continue Reading →
What Can I Learn from Jesus Christ’s Ministry on the American Continent?
Mormon referred to Jesus Christ's visit to the American continent as a ministry (3 Nephi 10:18-19). What can I learn from the Savior's activities during that visit which can help me in my ministering efforts? Even though He was with a very large number of people, the Savior interacted with them as individuals. Immediately after... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean for Jesus to Be Our Advocate?
An advocate is someone who pleads for or promotes your cause. The term comes from the Latin word advocatus, which is a combination of ad ("to") and vocatus ("called") (Online Etymology Dictionary). An advocate is a person you would call to your side to defend you when you are under attack. The apostle John identified... Continue Reading →
Why Is Jesus Called the Great Mediator?
Mediation is the process of intervening in order to resolve a dispute or heal a broken relationship. To be successful, the mediator must have the trust of both parties and must be able to understand what is required to repair the breach between them. Isaiah prophesied that the Savior would come to earth, "[pour] out... Continue Reading →
