Moroni was painfully aware of his limitations. As he summarized the Jaredite record, he compared himself unfavorably to one of the authors of the Jaredite plates. Moroni worried that his imperfections would cause future readers to reject his writings, and he shared his anxiety with God in prayer: Behold, thou hast not made us mighty... Continue Reading →
“A Chance for Repentance” – Mormon 3:3
For ten years, from AD 350 to AD 360, the Nephites fought no battles. Their leader, Mormon, spent that decade preparing for the conflicts to come. Like Captain Moroni, he led his people "in preparing their lands and their arms against the time of battle" (Mormon 3:1). (See Alma 50:1-6.) But unlike Captain Moroni, Mormon... Continue Reading →
Sixteen Cities
After the destruction which coincided with the death of Jesus Christ, while the survivors sat in darkness and pondered what had happened, they heard the voice of the Savior. He listed sixteen cities that had been destroyed, and explained why this had happened. There is a lot of repetition in this passage, including a refrain... Continue Reading →
“Will Ye Not Now…Repent?” – 3 Nephi 9:13
After listing sixteen cities that had been destroyed over a three-hour period and explaining why they were destroyed, the Savior extended an invitation to those who remained: O all ye that are spared..., will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?3 Nephi 9:13 These people were... Continue Reading →
Famine
As Nephi walked dejectedly toward his home after being ignored by the people of his city, he heard the voice of God. The Lord was pleased with Nephi's unwearying efforts to spread the gospel, and now, because of his faithfulness over time, God was granting him additional power. "Ye shall...smite the earth with famine, and... Continue Reading →
“Turn Ye, Turn Ye” – Helaman 7:17
Nephi caught the attention of a group of people by praying on a tower in his garden beside a busy highway. They not only stopped to hear his prayer. They ran and gathered other people. When Nephi completed his prayer, a large crowd had gathered (Helaman 7:10-12). So he spoke to them, sharing his sorrow... Continue Reading →
“No Less Serviceable” – Alma 48:19
As we've studied about Alma's words to Corianton this week, I've wondered about Corianton's subsequent activities. Alma is clearly concerned about him, not only because of his behavior but because of misunderstandings which have thus far held him back from repenting. Were Alma's words effective in helping Corianton to change? We don't hear much more... Continue Reading →
No Excuse – Alma 39:4
After identifying a major sin his son has committed, Alma preemptively refutes a potential justification: Yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted (Alma 39:4). Several chapters later, at the end of Alma's remarks,... Continue Reading →
How to Plant the Seed – Alma 33:1
When the poor Zoramites first approached Alma, they had a simple question: How can we worship God when we are not able to go to church? In response, Alma taught them about humility and faith. He also shared an elaborate analogy, comparing the word of God to a seed and saying that, if they planted... Continue Reading →
“He That Repenteth…” – Alma 26:22
As he reviews their missionary service, Ammon reminds his brothers that their success began with their individual conversion and that the blessings they have received are not unique to them: Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given to know the mysteries... Continue Reading →
