When Alma spoke in the city of Zarahemla, he asked a number of questions to help his listeners assess their own spiritual state. "Have ye spiritually been born of God?" he asked. "Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" (Alma 5:14). Later in the sermon, he addressed a question to... Continue Reading →
The Poor Among Men Shall Rejoice
After identifying a severe societal problem—rampant hypocrisy—Isaiah prophesies that God will address this issue by doing a "marvellous work" which will cause "the wisdom of [the] wise men [to] perish" (Isaiah 29:13-14, 2 Nephi 27:25-26). Included in this marvelous work will be the arrival of a "sealed book," which will be rejected by the learned.... Continue Reading →
Glory
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.Psalm 24:9-10 What is glory? The word appears 225 times in the King James Version of the Old Testament,... 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 →
No End
A few months ago, I heard a presentation by Simon Sinek, author of The Infinite Game. He explained that many games we play, like football or chess, have clearly defined rules, consistent participants, and most importantly, endings. He called these "finite games." But other activities that we participate in might be better labeled as "infinite... Continue Reading →
The Work, the Sword, the Sickle, and the Prayer
In the first half of 1829, Joseph Smith received a number of revelations on behalf of other people. Four of those revelations begin almost identically, with a set of four biblical concepts, all of which also appear in the Book of Mormon. Why did those four concepts warrant such frequent repetition, and why did the... Continue Reading →
“With Their Lips” – 2 Nephi 27:25
Through the prophet Isaiah, God explained the problem which would be solved by the publication of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ: Forasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear towards me... Continue Reading →
“Out of Obscurity and Out of Darkness”
Isaiah prophesied that God would do a marvelous work among His children in response to widespread hypocrisy and cynicism. An important element of that work would be a book which would enable people to overcome confusion and see clearly: In that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind... Continue Reading →
“They Also That Erred in Spirit” – 2 Nephi 27:35
Isaiah foresaw a time when people would turn their hearts away from God. Speaking on behalf of the Lord, he gave the following problem statement, which Nephi also quoted in the Book of Mormon: Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught... Continue Reading →
“Revealed…Manifest…Loosed” – 2 Nephi 30:17
As we've studied 2 Nephi 26-30 this week, I've noticed a pattern. Every one of these chapters affirms God's desire to bless us with knowledge: "He manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost" (2 Nephi 26:13). "The Lord God shall bring forth unto you the words... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 