Book of Mormon prophets derived multiple lessons from the story of the brass serpent. Nephi taught that we shouldn't reject simple solutions. Alma added that we shouldn't be too sure of our doubts. And another prophet named Nephi emphasized that we too can be healed by looking up to Christ.
Jacob’s Blessings
God didn't just bless Abraham. He also empowered him to bless others. As we serve individuals and families within our sphere of influence, we contribute to God's work of uplifting all of His children, one individual and one family at a time.
Inheriting the Covenant, Part 2: Jacob’s Three-Stage Journey
Jacob received Abraham's covenant in stages. In a patriarchal blessing, his father promised posterity and divine advocacy. When he left home, his father added the promise of land. And God Himself provided the crowning blessing: "In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed."
Between Me and Thee and Thy Seed After Thee
The role of Abraham’s offspring in his covenant becomes clearer across multiple revelations in Genesis. Ultimately, God revealed that Abraham’s posterity would inherit not only the promised land but the covenant itself, including its promises and responsibilities.
They Without Us
The author of Hebrews taught that our ancestors can't be made perfect without us, and Joseph Smith added that we can't be made perfect without them. Jesus told the people at Bountiful that His joy was full as He saw their faith. Perfect joy is relational.
“Thus Shall My Church Be Called”
Jesus revealed the name of His church in 1838. He declared, "Thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." We honor Him and affirm our discipleship by using the full name of the Church.
“What Are We to Understand?” – How Doctrine and Covenants 77 Helps Us Ask Better Questions
Doctrine and Covenants 77 consists of fifteen questions Joseph Smith asked about the book of Revelation and the answers he received from God. We can learn from the questions to discover what God wants to teach us today, to place insights in context, and to share our hypotheses with God.
The Shield of Faith
Like a shield deflecting fiery darts, faith protects and empowers us to press forward. Elder Boyd K. Packer and Sister Joy D. Jones have emphasized building faith at home. Parents can help children prepare spiritually, so they face life’s challenges with confidence, armed with their own handcrafted shields of faith.
“The Rod of My Mouth”
In the scriptures, a rod represents correction, protection, and guidance. Nephi taught that the iron rod represents the word of God. Isaiah prophesied that God would smite the wicked with "the rod of his mouth." He always speaks the truth, and His words can prompt us to change and return to the path that leads to Him.
Preface to Four Revelations, April-May 1829
Four revelations received by Joseph Smith on behalf of different people have nearly identical openings. These openings are derived from combinations of biblical passages, all of which appear in some form in the Book of Mormon. Here is how I would paraphrase the message of this recurring introduction: Big things are about to happen, so pay close attention to what I'm about to say: People are ready to hear the gospel and if you work hard, you will find success in sharing it. I will answer your prayers, so ask me for help.