Recognizing the boundaries of our knowledge is an important element of self-awareness and a prerequisite to wise decision-making. Nephi opens the Book of Mormon with a testimony of its truthfulness: I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge.1... Continue Reading →
“Fools Mock”
Included in Alma's list of soul-searching questions to the people of Zarahemla was the following: "Is there one among you that doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions?" Alma added, "Wo unto such an one, for he is not prepared, and the time is at hand that he must repent or he cannot... 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 →
“With the Voice Together Shall They Sing”
The Book of Mormon opens with music. In the opening scene, Lehi sees in a vision: God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God.1 Nephi 1:8 The prophet Isaiah associated singing with expressions of joy and gratitude. For example: "Sing, O heavens; and... Continue Reading →
Record-keeping
The first sentence in the Book of Mormon is about the importance of keeping records. Nephi tells us that, because the Lord had blessed him with "goodly parents," who taught him, and because he had been "highly favored of the Lord" in spite of enduring many afflictions, "therefore I make a record of my proceedings... Continue Reading →
The Star
Why is a star such a powerful symbol for the birth of the Savior? Stars represent us. The Lord referred to stars to illustrate for the vast number of descendants he would have. "Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy... Continue Reading →
“Numberless Concourses of Angels” – Alma 36:22
A large number of people united in a common cause is an inspiring sight. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a single angel appeared to a group of shepherds to announce the good news. But immediately after, "there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God" (Luke 2:13). The large number... Continue Reading →
“Highly Favored” – Alma 9:20-24
Jesus said, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48). In 1832, Joseph Smith received a revelation for the church in which the Lord taught the same principle: "For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive... Continue Reading →
“I Have Spoken Unto You Plainly” – Alma 5:43
From the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi set the standard: in this book, the word of God would be preached in plainness. In the opening chapter, Nephi's father, Lehi, sees a vision which "[manifests] plainly" to him "of the coming of the Messiah" (1 Nephi 1:19). Nephi later foresees a time when corrupt... Continue Reading →
What Are the Mysteries of God?
A knowledge of the mysteries of God was important to Nephi. He knew that he was "highly favored of the Lord" because he "had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God" (1 Nephi 1:1). His first recorded spiritual experience came because he had "great desires to know of the mysteries of... Continue Reading →