The Hebrew Bible consists of three collections of books: the Torah (the Five Books of Moses), the Neviʾim (the Prophets), and the Ketuvim (the Writings). We can be grateful to generations of Jewish scholars and religious leaders who carefully preserved, edited, and transmitted these sacred texts, enabling us to study them today.
I, the Lord, Will Feel After Them
Paul taught the Athenians that God is hoping we will "feel after" Him. The Lord testified to Thomas B. Marsh that He is also "feeling after" us, and that if we don't harden our hearts, He will convert and heal us.
Why Celestial Is Better
God honors our agency, and He finds joy in blessing us. He will ultimately give us the glory which we have chosen—celestial, terrestrial, or telestial—and He is willing to help us channel our agency in a way that maximizes our ultimate happiness and freedom.
That Ye May Not Be Deceived
How do you know whom to trust? Alma taught his people they they should not trust teachers who break God's commandments. God reinforced this teaching in 1831. We should trust gospel teachers whose behavior matches their message and whose message is consistent with the truths we have already received from God.
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.
“Pretend to No Other Gift”
God told Joseph to "pretend to no other gift," than the gift to translate until his task was complete. He meant that Joseph should focus on the task at hand and not spend time thinking about other opportunities and gifts which might come in the future.
“I Judge Better Things of You”
After telling his listeners that a lack of miracles implies a lack of faith, Mormon adds, "I judge better things of you." God can help us see the good in others. We will be judged as we judge, so why wouldn't we look for the best in the people around us?
Doing Good and Being Good
Mormon said we can't do good without being good. Specifically, he said that we have to do good with real intent. Why? Because insincere good works do not change us. As we wholeheartedly offer gifts and prayers, God transforms us, helping us become good.
Quoting from the Sermon on the Mount
At the end of His ministry in the Americas, Jesus visited His twelve disciples. Paraphrasing three passages from His Sermon on the Mount, He urged them to pray, to prioritize relationships over possessions, and to follow Him with precision.
“Built Upon My Gospel”
Jesus said that we are prepared to face the storms of life when we are built upon His gospel. That means that we must be willing to repent and to participate in ordinances, following the Lord's instructions instead of our own preferences.