It's not just about the message; it's also about the messenger. Alma was convinced of the truthfulness of the gospel when he heard Abinadi preach in King Noah's court. Abinadi's words were true, but he was persuasive not only because of his message. He was persuasive because of the personal sacrifice he was willing to... Continue Reading →
“Thus Saith the Lord” – Mosiah 11:20, 25, Mosiah 12:2
King Noah received two sets of messages. One set came from Abinadi, a prophet of God. The other set came from his own priests, whom he had chosen. Here are some of the messages he heard: Topic Abinadi The priests of King Noah The behavior of King Noah and his people "Thus saith the Lord—Wo... Continue Reading →
Sherem – Rhetoric vs. Reality
Today, as I read the story of Sherem in Jacob 7, I was struck by Sherem's reliance on his own persuasive abilities. In contrast Jacob was focused on "things as they really are and...as they really will be" (Jacob 4:13). Jacob introduces Sherem as a person who "had a perfect knowledge of the language of... Continue Reading →
What Is Truth?
When the Savior stood before Pontius Pilate, accused of treason, He explained to the Roman governor that His kingdom was not about worldly power: To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean That the Savior Is “Full of Grace and Truth?”
After explaining to his son Jacob the importance of the law, Lehi testified that redemption would come through the Messiah, "for he is full of grace and truth" (2 Nephi 2:6). What is it about those twin attributes—grace and truth—which qualified Him to be our Savior? Grace is a gift freely given because of love and... 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 →
The Guilty Taketh the Truth to Be Hard – 1 Nephi 16:1-3
1 And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made an end of speaking to my brethren, behold they said unto me: Thou hast declared unto us hard things, more than we are able to bear. 2 And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I... Continue Reading →
He that Believeth These Things – Ether 4:10-12
10 And he that believeth not my words believeth not my disciples; and if it so be that I do not speak, judge ye; for ye shall know that it is I that speaketh, at the last day. 11 But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the... Continue Reading →
Some Things They May Have Guessed Right – Helaman 16:15-16
15 Nevertheless, the people began to harden their hearts, all save it were the most believing part of them, both of the Nephites and also of the Lamanites, and began to depend upon their own strength and upon their own wisdom, saying:16 Some things they may have guessed right, among so many; but behold, we... Continue Reading →
Truth and Soberness – Alma 53:20-21
20 And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.21 Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep... Continue Reading →