Eight of the 39 books in the Old Testament were definitely in the brass plates, and another 16 may have been included. For Book of Mormon prophets, the brass plates were an essential part of their identity: connecting them to intergenerational covenants, testifying of the Savior, and bringing them closer to God.
The Lord Hath Brought Again Zion
The millenial hymn in Doctrine and Covenants 84:99-102 conveys the joy we will feel when the Savior returns. It acknowledges the roles of grace and covenants. It lists blessings which we will enjoy. It delights in the earth's triumph. And it praises God, listing nine of His divine attributes, including mercy.
Trembling Nations and Shaking Heavens
Ancient prophets foretold dramatic upheavals preceding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ—heavens shaking, nations trembling. Those prophecies have been reiterated in modern revelation. Though these events sound daunting, their purpose is redemptive: to awaken, gather, and bless. As Elder Renlund taught, we need not fear. We can prepare to meet the Savior with joy.
Devoted to Study
Scripture study requires time and effort but leads to personal revelation and spiritual growth. Prophets like Nephi, Jacob, and Benjamin emphasized diligent searching of the scriptures. Jesus commanded us to study Isaiah and the other prophets. By dedicating time daily to the scriptures, we gain insights, improve decision-making, and prepare ourselves to share true principles.
“Above the Brightness of the Sun”
The Restoration began with a burst of light chasing away the darkness. Not ordinary darkness, but "thick darkness." Not ordinary light, but a pillar of light "above the brightness of the sun." God's light can dispel even the thickest of darkness.
Burdens
Isaiah called some of his prophecies "burdens." They described difficult times ahead. The scriptures teach us how to manage our burdens: 1. Share them with each other. 2. Don't add to others' burdens. 3. Accept the burdens Jesus offers us.
Hubris, Arrogance, and Haughtiness
Ezra Taft Benson said that pride manifests itself in different ways, which he called the "faces of pride." Some of the manifestations he identified were selfishness, contention, defensiveness, and unwillingness to repent. (See "Beware of Pride," General Conference, April 1989.) I've been thinking today about a few other manifestations of pride. These thoughts were prompted... Continue Reading →
Babylon
Don't get attached to temporary things. That's the message I hear when I read about the destruction of Babylon. A center of commerce and the capital of the powerful Babylonian Empire, the city of Babylon was formidable. The apostle John conveyed the enormity of the city's economy with the following list of things bought and... Continue Reading →
“Go Ye Forth of Babylon” – 1 Nephi 20:20
"The world is too much with us," wrote the poet William Wordsworth. He meant that our lives are influenced more than we realize by the society in which we live, leaving us unable to properly perceive "things as they really are" (Jacob 4:13). As Elder David R. Stone explained: Our culture tends to determine what... 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 →