In the Book of Mormon, the word "minister" is often a synonym for "teach." It also refers to other forms of service. A person who ministers is eager to serve "in an active practical way."
What Does It Mean to Minister?
How Can I Have More Experiences with God?
My question today was inspired by a talk given by President Russell M. Nelson in the most recent general conference. He gave the following advice: Understand that in the absence of experiences with God, one can doubt the existence of God. So, put yourself in a position to begin having experiences with Him. Humble yourself.... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Be Steadfast?
After the people of King Benjamin prayed and received a remission of their sins, they made a covenant with God to obey His commandments for the rest of their lives. King Benjamin told them that they were now the children of Christ, and he urged them to follow through consistently on the promises they had... Continue Reading →
Why Are Some Prayers Fixed (the Sacrament Prayers, for Example) in Contrast to Our Normal Prayers?
We have significant latitude over the content of our prayers. For the most part, we can pray for the things we want to pray for, and our Heavenly Father wants us to share our genuine thoughts and feelings when we communicate with Him. However, the content of our prayers is constrained in some ways. A... Continue Reading →
What Can We Learn from the Prayers Recorded in the Book of Mormon?
Today, I reviewed all of the prayers I could find in the Book of Mormon. I specifically looked at actual prayers which are quoted word for word, not prayers which are merely mentioned, and not sample prayers given for teaching purposes. I also excluded very short statements directed to God, such as Enos's question,"Lord, how... Continue Reading →
Why Did the Disciples Pray to Jesus in 3 Nephi 19?
During the first day of the Savior's visit to the American continent, He taught the people to pray to Heavenly Father in His name (3 Nephi 18:19-21, 23, 30). This is consistent with His instructions to the twelve apostles at the Last Supper (John 14:13-14, John 15:16, John 16:23-26). The following morning, as they gathered... Continue Reading →
What Can We Learn from the Baptisms of the Twelve Disciples?
On the first day of the Savior's visit to the American continent, He selected twelve men and gave them authority to baptize (3 Nephi 11:18-22). He told the assembled people that, if they would listen to the words of these men and would choose to be baptized with water, then He would baptize them with... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Be “Baptized with Fire?”
John the Baptist testified of the mission of the Savior by telling the people that he was not worthy to carry the Savior's shoes. He said, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but...he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire" (Matthew 3:11). (See also Luke 3:16, JST John 1:28, Mark... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean for Our Garments to Be “Washed White Through the Blood of the Lamb?”
White clothing represents purity and holiness: When Jesus was transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John, "his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them" (Mark 9:3). When He visited the American continent following His death and resurrection, He wore a white robe. As He prayed... Continue Reading →
They Were Filled with the Holy Ghost – 3 Nephi 19:13
13 And it came to pass when they were all baptized and had come up out of the water, the Holy Ghost did fall upon them, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost and with fire. (3 Nephi 19:13) At the end of the first day of Jesus Christ's visit to the American continent,... Continue Reading →