Joseph explained to his brothers that their harmful decision to sell him into slavery had actually helped God fulfill His purposes for their family. Through His perfect knowledge, God accomplishes His goals for His children not only in spite of their choices, but through them.
Samuel the Lamanite on the Burden of Freedom
Samuel the Lamanite concisely synthesized the teachings of prior Book of Mormon prophets into a sobering statement about agency: You own your choices and their consequences, including the choice to repent.
Awakened
After defeating the Amlicites, the Nephites were devastated and "awakened to a remembrance of their duty." We can easily fall into a spiritual slumber if we are not careful. We need to engage regularly in activities which help us awake unto God.
Every Man [and Woman]
After telling the tragic story of Amlici, Mormon shared two lessons: 1. Everyone who is cursed chooses that curse. 2. Everyone will ultimately be paid by the one they chose to follow. God empowers us to make choices and to be accountable for those choices
Testimony of Jesus = Spirit of Prophecy
An angel told John that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. The only way we can be sure that Jesus is our Savior is by direct, personal revelation from God. Therefore, the people who have that testimony are the people who receive revelation.
King-Men and Freedom of Speech
Words matter. Words have an impact, for good or for evil. Jesus said, "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgment" (Matthew 12:36). And Alma warned the people of Ammonihah, some of whom were guilty of deceiving others, "Our words will condemn us" (Alma 12:24).... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach about Elections?
Shortly before his death, in about the year 91 B.C., King Mosiah announced to his people that he would have no successor. None of his sons wanted to be king, and he had been horrified to hear about the suffering caused by an unrighteous king named Noah. To prevent such a situation arising again, Mosiah... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Obedience?
Some form of the word "obey" appears 31 times in the Book of Mormon: Book # Occurences 1 Nephi 4 2 Nephi 6 Jacob 5 Mosiah 7 Alma 9 TOTAL 31 "I must obey." Obedience is a very important topic for Nephi, and he frames most of his story in terms of the response of... Continue Reading →
Every Man Receiveth Wages – Alma 3:26-27
26 And in one year were thousands and tens of thousands of souls sent to the eternal world, that they might reap their rewards according to their works, whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it... Continue Reading →
They Brought Upon Themselves the Curse – Alma 3:18-19
18 Now the Amlicites knew not that they were fulfilling the words of God when they began to mark themselves in their foreheads; nevertheless they had come out in open rebellion against God; therefore it was expedient that the curse should fall upon them.19 Now I would that ye should see that they brought upon... Continue Reading →