Why did Abraham have to wait so long to receive promised blessings? Because the space between promise and fulfillment is where faith lives. During that period of uncertainty, Abraham had the opportunity not only to demonstrate his faith but also to refine it.
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.
Bringing Up Our Children in Light and Truth
God commanded us to bring up our children in light and truth. Children have a natural ability to receive light. We can help them continue to receive it by encouraging them to live with integrity, simplify their lives, and participate in activities which bring them closer to God.
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
Laying On of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Jesus gave His disciples power to give the Holy Ghost. Moroni clarifies that this was to be done by the laying on of hands, which was also the practice inJerusalem. How amazing that God trusts His children with power to give this divine gift to others!
“Divided into Classes”
The people who interacted with Jesus "had all things common among them." However, a few generations later, "they began to be divided into classes." We each need to overcome attitudes and behaviors which create or perpetuate divisions among people.
“All Flesh Shall See It Together”
After Jesus's ministry in ancient America, it took some time for people to be converted and united. But when He returns in our day, there will be no ambiguity. We will all be witnesses. We need to prepare now for that event, by testifying and unifying.
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.
“He Did Loose Their Tongues”
During the Savior's ministry in the Americas, one of His miracles was to "loose [the] tongues" of children, so that they spoke "marvelous things." Sometimes we're hesitant to speak up. The Savior can loose our tongues and help us share uplifting messages.
Helaman 5 and 3 Nephi
The miracle experienced by Nephi and Lehi in the Lamanite prison mirrors the experience of the Nephites and the Lamanites when the Savior visited. Both experiences teach us that we have access to divine power and help when we open our hearts to God.