During the month of October, I studied 2 Nephi 11-33. This collection of chapters constitutes a sermon to Nephi's future readers on an extended text from Isaiah: In chapter 11, he explains his purpose: to convince his readers that we can be delivered by Christ. In chapters 12-24, he quotes Isaiah 2-14. In chapters 25-30,... Continue Reading →
I Esteem It as of Great Worth – 2 Nephi 33:2-3
2 But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught. 3 But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth,... Continue Reading →
That Turn Aside the Just for a Thing of Naught – 2 Nephi 28:16-17
16 Wo unto them that turn aside the just for a thing of naught and revile against that which is good, and say that it is of no worth! For the day shall come that the Lord God will speedily visit the inhabitants of the earth; and in that day that they are fully ripe... Continue Reading →
Lessons from Sermons to Modern Readers
Some of the chapters in the Book of Mormon are addressed directly to us, the modern readers of the book. Moroni wrote, "I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing" (Mormon 8:35). During the month... Continue Reading →
“It Mattereth Not…” – Ether 15:34
34 Now the last words which are written by Ether are these: Whether the Lord will that I be translated, or that I suffer the will of the Lord in the flesh, it mattereth not, if it so be that I am saved in the kingdom of God. Amen. (Ether 15:34) This morning, I ate... Continue Reading →
They Should Have No King – 1 Nephi 5:18
18 And it came to pass that they would that I should be their king. But I, Nephi, was desirous that they should have no king; nevertheless, I did for them according to that which was in my power. (2 Nephi 5:18) Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, a group of people attempt... Continue Reading →
How Could You Have Forgotten? – Helaman 7:20-22
20 O, how could you have forgotten your God in the very day that he has delivered you? 21 But behold, it is to get gain, to be praised of men, yea, and that ye might get gold and silver. And ye have set your hearts upon the riches and the vain things of this... Continue Reading →
They Did Think More… – Alma 56:47
47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. (Alma 56:47) The people of Ammon had made... Continue Reading →
Lessons from the Writings of Jacob
Here are some things I've learned and tried to apply to my decisions as I've studied the words of Jacob over the past two weeks: Teaching An effective teacher is motivated by a deep desire for their students' happiness. They put their best efforts into their teaching, because they want their students to experience the... Continue Reading →
O Be Wise, What Can I Say More? – Jacob 6:12
12 O be wise; what can I say more? (Jacob 6:12) At the end of a five-chapter sermon, Jacob gives his people this succinct and practical advice: be wise. We generally know what is right and what is wrong. We might build layers and layers of justifications, distractions, and rationalizations, but if we can peel... Continue Reading →