On the afternoon of the first Easter, two believers walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus, about 7.5 miles. A stranger joined them who seemed to know nothing about the events of the weekend in Jerusalem. When they shared their disillusionment at the death of Jesus and their bewilderment about reports that He was alive, the stranger... Continue Reading →
A Book of Remembrance
Nephi opens the Book of Mormon by expressing gratitude to his parents for, among other things, the gift of literacy. He writes his record in his parents' language, which consists of "the learning of the Jews and the language of the Egyptians" (1 Nephi 1:2). Nephi's nephew, Enos, also expresses gratitude that his father taught... Continue Reading →
Every Word
As the children of Israel prepared to enter the promised land, Moses asked them to consider some of the lessons of their sojourn in the wilderness. One of those lessons came from the food they ate: manna, which mysteriously appeared every morning except the sabbath in sufficient portions to provide them with physical nourishment. (See... Continue Reading →
“As He Read, He Was Filled with the Spirit of the Lord”
The Book of Mormon opens with a vision. As the prophet Lehi prayed on behalf of his people, a "pillar of fire" appeared before him, "and he saw and heard much." Returning to his home, while lying on his bed, the vision continued. He saw "God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of... Continue Reading →
The Stick of Ephraim
The prophet Ezekiel received the following symbolic instruction from the Lord: Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: And join them one to another into one... Continue Reading →
“Give Heed to My Words” – 3 Nephi 23:4
After quoting a chapter from the book of Isaiah, Jesus emphasized the importance of studying the scriptures: I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah....Therefore give heed to my words; write the things which... Continue Reading →
“I Did Liken All Scriptures unto Us” – 1 Nephi 19:23
The principles taught in the scriptures can help us make wiser decisions. It might seem improbable that an ancient author could advise a modern reader, particularly about problems which seem new and disconnected from the past. But truth is eternal, and fundamental principles which worked in the past will still work today. When Nephi and... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon References in Moroni 6
Today as I studied Moroni 6, I found a number of phrases which referenced earlier passages in the Book of Mormon. Obviously, Moroni knew the Book of Mormon well. Still, I thought these references were striking, and I thought I'd share the connections I made today as I studied this chapter. Most of these phrases... Continue Reading →
Nourished
I ran my first marathon a little over two weeks ago. I was surprised at how much more preparation was required for a full marathon than for a half. In particular, I had to learn a lot about keeping my body hydrated and nourished while exercising for several hours. I thought of my marathon experience... Continue Reading →
“He Expounded Them” – 3 Nephi 23:6, 14; 24:1; 26:1, 3
To expound something is to explain it in detail (Oxford English Dictionary). During His ministry on the American continent, the Savior expounded the scriptures to the people. He expounded the words of Isaiah and Micah (3 Nephi 20-22; see 3 Nephi 23:6). He expounded the words of Malachi (3 Nephi 24:1). He identified connections and... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 