In his epistle to the Romans, Paul testifies that we are justified only by God's grace. Lehi, Jacob, and Nephi taught the same principle. When we recognize that we need Him, we will seek to align ourselves with Him, so that we can receive His power.
Alma and Saul
Both Alma and Paul experienced sudden and miraculous conversions to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although our own conversion experience is likely to be more gradual, we can learn a lot about the conversion process by understanding their experiences.
The Pharisee and the Publican
We don't have to convince God that we are worthy of His love. He loves us and is eager to help us. If we are so focused on proving to Him that we are already good, we may miss the opportunity to let Him help us become better!
God Gave Them Knowledge
It's tempting to think of physical health, mental/emotional health, and spiritual health as separate categories of well-being, with separate practices required to maintain each. But we know it's not that simple. All of those categories of health are interconnected. For example, it may be impossible to hear the voice of the Spirit, which speaks to... Continue Reading →
“Not for Thy Righteousness”
As the children of Israel prepared to enter the promised land, Moses warned them not to attribute God's blessings to their own goodness: After the Lord your God has driven [the Canaanites] out before you, do not say to yourself, “The Lord has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness.” No, it is... Continue Reading →
Quail
Be careful what you wish for. And how much you wish for it. And how you allow that wish to influence your decisions. As the children of Israel traveled to the promised land, some of them "fell a lusting" (Numbers 11:4). They wanted meat, and they wanted it now! The manna, which miraculously appeared six... Continue Reading →
“The Lord Bless Thee, and Keep Thee”
While the Israelites lived in the wilderness, God instructed Aaron and his sons to offer the following blessing on the people: The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.Numbers 6:24-26 I've been focused... Continue Reading →
Heavenly Help
When Abraham sent his most senior servant on a difficult mission—to find a wife for his son Isaac—the servant had some concerns. But Abraham reassured him that he would not be alone: The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto... 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 →
Endure in Faith
Persevering through hardship is an essential component of discipleship. Fifteen times in the Book of Mormon, we are promised that those who endure to the end will be saved and will receive eternal life (1 Nephi 13:37, 1 Nephi 22:31, 2 Nephi 9:24, 2 Nephi 31:15, 16, 20, 2 Nephi 33:4, Omni 1:26, Alma 32:13, 15,... Continue Reading →