Jesus knew the scriptures. As a twelve-year-old boy, he impressed the experienced teachers in the temple at Jerusalem with his insight and understanding. (See Luke 2:46-47.) He publicly announced that He was the Messiah by quoting Isaiah 61:1-2 in the synagogue at Nazareth. (See Luke 4:18-19.) And at the end of His life, as He... Continue Reading →
“Ye Sons of Jacob”
Elder Dale G. Renlund taught, "When God directs us to do one thing, He often has many purposes in mind. Family history and temple work is not only for the dead but blesses the living as well" ("Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing," General Conference, April 2018). The prophet Malachi understood this principle.... Continue Reading →
One Father, One God
The prophet Malachi asks a rhetorical question: "Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?" Most people would agree that we are all children of God. But Malachi's follow-up question is much more challenging: "Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother?" (Malachi 2:10). In the next chapter, Malachi declares that when... Continue Reading →
He Shall Purify
Malachi's people were guilty of negligence and carelessness in their religious observances. After calling the people to repentance, the prophet had some specific words of correction for the priests: "I have sent you this warning so that my covenant with Levi may continue,” says the Lord Almighty.“ My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and... Continue Reading →
The Sons of Jacob
Jacob had twelve sons. Each of them was unique, with his own strengths and weaknesses. In the Genesis narrative, as each son is born, we learn not only their name but also the significance of the name to Rachel or Leah (Genesis 29:32-35, Genesis 30:1-24, Genesis 35:18). Some of these boys were their literal children,... Continue Reading →
Machpelah: Paying Full Price
When Sarah died, Abraham wanted to give her a proper burial. Although he was wealthy and highly regarded among his neighbors, and although he had lived in Canaan for many years, he still felt like an immigrant. "I am a stranger and a sojourner among you," he said to his neighbors. "Give me a possession... Continue Reading →
A Book of Remembrance
Nephi opens the Book of Mormon by expressing gratitude to his parents for, among other things, the gift of literacy. He writes his record in his parents' language, which consists of "the learning of the Jews and the language of the Egyptians" (1 Nephi 1:2). Nephi's nephew, Enos, also expresses gratitude that his father taught... Continue Reading →
The Living Christ and the Book of Mormon
The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles is a proclamation published by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1 January 2000. The document speaks of the Savior's mission before birth, during His mortal ministry, and after His death and resurrection, including in our day. It also testifies that He... Continue Reading →
Tithed
After Abraham and his servants rescued his nephew Lot, they returned home, rejoicing in a successful mission. They were met by Melchizedek, King of Salem, who brought bread and wine and blessed Abraham. Grateful for his success, "Abraham paid [Melchizedek] tithes of all" (Genesis 14:20). A tithe is a tenth. (See Alma 13:15, Hebrews 11:1-10.)... Continue Reading →
Widows and Orphans
In April 1832, the Lord provided specific instructions to the church on caring for those "who have lost their husbands or fathers." If they lack the resources to support themselves, the combined resources of the church—the Lord's storehouse—is available to them. "The storehouse shall be kept by the consecrations of the church," He said; "and widows and... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 