The prophet Micaiah told Ahab that his false prophets were filled with a lying spirit. Alma used the same phrase to describe Korihor. Many people choose to say whatever benefits them personally. We should listen to people who are willing to tell the truth
Strictness
God's commandments are strict. Korihor thought this meant that we lack freedom. But God's strictness is not an attempt to subvert our agency. It is a vote of confidence in us, a vision of what we can become, with His help.
Anti-Christ, Anti-Repentance
Korihor was "Anti-Christ" because he denied the existence of Christ. He also denied the reality of sin, but he actually knew better. He later said, "I always knew that there was a God." Deception is contrary to our nature. Our Father is a God of truth.
When I Consider Thy Heavens
Based on: Psalm 8 Core message: Interacting with God's creations fills us with a sense of awe and wonder. Related Book of Mormon passage: Alma 30:44
Joshua and the Book of Mormon
This week, I reviewed the book of Joshua, summarizing the content of each chapter and identifying related Book of Mormon passages. The book can be divided into four parts: The children of Israel prepare to enter the promised land (chapters 1-5)With divine intervention, they conquer various cities in the land of Canaan (chapters 6-12)Land is... Continue Reading →
Performances and Ordinances
Even before rescuing the children of Israel from bondage, the Lord prescribed for them formal actions they should take each year to commemorate their deliverance. They should select a lamb, not just any lamb, but an unblemished male lamb in its first year. They should roast it with fire (not boil it) and eat it... 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 →
All Things
When Alma testified to Korihor that "all things denote there is a God," he listed a number of things which most of us don't pay much attention to during a typical day: "the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form" (Alma... Continue Reading →
Freedom of Religion
When King Mosiah proposed to his people that they abolish the monarchy and establish a new government consisting of judges appointed "by the voice of the people," one important feature of this new system was the protection of each citizen's rights: Now I desire that this inequality should be no more in this land, especially among this... Continue Reading →
“Strong Reasons”
When the Lord instructed Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to confront their critics in Kirtland, Ohio, He used a phrase from Isaiah to explain the approach they should take. "Let [your enemies] bring forth their strong reasons against the Lord," He said (Doctrine and Covenants 71:8). In other words, instead of bearing the full burden... Continue Reading →