During Passover, Jewish families open a door for the prophet Elijah. This practice is based on an Old Testament prophecy indicating that Elijah's return would precede the arrival of the Messiah. Just as Jewish families invite Elijah to join their Passover celebration, we can all welcome his influence into our homes and hearts.
Biblical Allusions in Doctrine and Covenants 133
The apostle Paul foresaw a time when God would "gather together in one all things in Christ." The Savior illustrated how this is done in His words to Lehi's descendants (3 Nephi 16, 20-22) and again in Doctrine and Covenants 133. He quotes numerous biblical passages, demonstrating that prophets speak with a unified voice.
Tithing and the Day of Burning
Malachi taught that God blesses us when we pay tithing. He also prophesied of a day which will "burn as an oven." Modern revelation combines these concepts: "He that is tithed shall not be burned at [the Savior's] coming." Tithing prepares us to stand in God's presence by opening our hearts to receive His grace.
Old Testament Prophecies of the Second Coming
Four Old Testament prophecies quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith teach us how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ: 1. Strengthen families with priesthood power 2. Gather Israel and preach the gospel 3. Hear Him 4. Receive personal revelation
Authority Restored
Heavenly messengers gave Joseph Smith authority. God delegates different types of authority to different people, so that we can all contribute to His work. The heavenly messengers all lived previously on earth. Our work is not limited to our mortal lives.
“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 →
The Spirit of Elijah
On the day Elijah was translated, he visited three locations: Beth-El, Jericho, and then a location on the far side of the river Jordan. Each time, he urged Elisha to stay behind, and each time, Elisha answered the same way: "As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee" (2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6). After they miraculously... Continue Reading →
Three Covenants
One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is for us to "know the covenants of the Lord" (Title Page). The Savior emphasized three of those covenants during His visit to the American continent, following His death and resurrection: Israel will be gathered: "Then will I gather them in from the four quarters of the earth;... Continue Reading →
“A Record of My Proceedings” – 1 Nephi 1:1
Nephi opens his record by explaining why he is writing it: I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness... Continue Reading →
Elias
I've been thinking today about two Old Testament prophecies, both of which are associated with John the Baptist, but both of which have much broader applicability. Isaiah prophesied that, following the Babylonian captivity, there would be a voice in the wilderness, crying "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a... Continue Reading →