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 →
“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 →
“Fear Ye Not the Reproach of Men” – 2 Nephi 8:7
Faith in God includes prioritizing His words over the words of other people. To ancient Israel, through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord counseled, "Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings" (2 Nephi 8:7, Isaiah 51:7). Then He asked the following rhetorical question: Who art thou, that thou shouldst... Continue Reading →
“Fear Ye Not the Reproach of Men” – 2 Nephi 8:7-8
There's an arrogance in our anxiety. When we allow ourselves to be intimidated by other people, we are assigning too much power to humans and underestimating or ignoring the power of God. This is a common theme in Isaiah, and it permeates chapter 51, which Jacob quotes in 2 Nephi 8: Hearken unto me, ye... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Creation of the Earth?
It's so easy to have a narrow perspective. Our brains have finite capacity, and we all have tasks that must be done today. Focusing on the here and now may seem to be imperative. But provincial thinking can result in distorted perception and poor decisions. Book of Mormon prophets understood the importance of seeing the... Continue Reading →
What Is Zion?
Six generations after Adam, there was a man named Enoch. The Bible tells us that "Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him" (Genesis 5:24). In 1830, Joseph Smith learned additional information about Enoch. He had preached the gospel courageously, performed miracles, and led the people of God. Those people organized... Continue Reading →
How Does Isaiah Point Us Toward Christ?
Nephi tells us that he read to his brothers from the books of Moses, "but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah" (1 Nephi 19:23). Just before quoting thirteen chapters in a row by Isaiah,... Continue Reading →
Which of Isaiah’s Writings Are Quoted in the Book of Mormon?
About a third of the book of Isaiah (21 out of 66 chapters) is quoted in the Book of Mormon. Here is a list of those chapters with a brief description of each: Isaiah 2 (2 Nephi 12) - There will be a great division in the last days: Many people will ascend to God's... Continue Reading →
Look unto the Rock from Whence Ye Are Hewn – 2 Nephi 8:1-3
1 Hearken unto me, ye that follow after righteousness. Look unto the rock from whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit from whence ye are digged. 2 Look unto Abraham, your father, and unto Sarah, she that bare you; for I called him alone, and blessed him. 3 For the Lord... Continue Reading →
Put on Thy Strength – 2 Nephi 8:24-25
24 Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. 25 Shake thyself from the dust; arise, sit down, O Jerusalem; loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter... Continue Reading →