Jeremiah highlighted the faithfulness of the Rechabites to the practices established by their ancestor Jonadab. In contrast, the converted Lamanites had to set aside the traditions of their fathers when they accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can cherish the best of our inherited culture while participating fully in the culture of Christ.
How Did Book of Mormon Authors Use Psalms 1-50?
Book of Mormon authors followed the "performances and ordinances" of the law of Moses, but the psalms gave them a language for spiritual life. They used psalmic language to describe their internal spiritual experiences, to preach sermons, to explain events in their narratives, and to express gratitude and joy.
Psalms 41-50
41. Consider the Poor 42 & 43. Why Art Thou Cast Down? 44. Why Sleepest Thou? 45. Thy Throne, O God 46. Be Still 47. O Clap Your Hands 48. The City of Our God 49. The Power of the Grave 50. If I Were Hungry
Joshua and Moroni: Lessons from the War Chapters
The battles described in the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon can teach us important principles. The experiences of both Joshua and Captain Moroni demonstrate the importance of preparedness, focus, and faith.
Joshua’s Twin Admonitions
Two admonitions function as bookends to the book of Joshua: "Be strong and of a good courage," and "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve." The stripling warriors in the Book of Mormon demonstrate that these admonitions are complementary and mutually reinforcing.
Being More Careful
Lyman Sherman wanted to understand his duty better. The Lord's response was for him to "be more careful" in fulfilling the things he had already promised to do. None of us is perfect, but we can choose to be more careful and thoughtful as we participate in the activities of discipleship.
In Light and Truth
In May 1833, God taught Joseph Smith about several interrelated concepts: light, truth, spirit, and intelligence (Doctrine and Covenants 93:1-40). After explaining that everyone on earth has received the light of Christ (v. 2), that truth is knowledge of the way things really are (v. 24), that obedience to God's commandments invites truth and light... Continue Reading →
What Can We Learn from the Women in the Book of Mormon?
Today, I have been pondering the lessons I have learned from some of the women in the Book of Mormon. Here are a few of those lessons: "Now I know of a surety..." Sariah trusted the revelations received by her husband, Lehi. She, along with the rest of the family, abandoned her home in Jerusalem... Continue Reading →
What Should I Do When I Have Doubts?
To doubt is to vacillate, to be paralyzed by indecision. The word descends from the Latin word dubitare, which is related to duo ("two"). Together with the related words dubiosus ("doubtful"), and dubium ("doubt") it suggests an inability to decide between two incompatible alternatives (Online Etymology Dictionary, "doubt," "dubious"). In the Greek New Testament, one of... 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 →