Jacob said that he had been called and ordained according to God's holy order. The earliest meaning of "order" is "a body of persons living under a religious discipline." God's church provides a community and activities which help us draw closer to Him.
Sense and Insensibility
Lehi identifies "sense" and "insensibility" as opposite outcomes made possible by opposition. Sense means intentional awareness, so insensibility must mean intentional unawareness. We can choose to perceive and discern the good and the evil around us.
Belonging
One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is to assure us that we belong, that because of "the covenants of the Lord," we "are not cast off forever." Jesus taught that we belong to the covenants God made with our ancestors, and that He will not forget us.
Faith and Works
Paul taught that we are saved through faith, not works. James added that we show our faith by our works. Both statements are true. Faith without works isn't really faith. Works without faith will not invite God's power.
Perfected Through Suffering
The book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus was made perfect through suffering. How can a Being who was already flawless and divine become perfect? I don't fully understand, but I do believe that our suffering is helping us become more complete.
Another Gospel
The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that God himself came to earth, suffered and died for us, and rose again three days later. Each of us needs to develop our own conviction of those truths, independent of anyone else.
Sufficient and Abounding Grace
God's grace is sufficient to meet our needs. We can be settled and stable knowing this. His grace also abounds toward us. For what purpose? So that we can in turn abound in good works, sharing that grace with other people.
Charity
Charity means recognizing things that are valuable and treating them accordingly. Jesus gave His life for us because He had charity for us: He recognized our value. We must emulate Him in that way to receive the blessings He has prepared for us.
“Love Is the Fulfilling of the Law”
1. All of the commandments are built on a foundation of love. 2. The commandments help us learn to love better. 3. The commandment to love God and the commandment to love our neighbor are not in conflict. When we love God, we will also love His children.
Where You Want Me to Go
Missionaries adapt to new assignments regularly. Paul and Barnabas traveled to many cities and quickly began serving the people as they arrived. Alma did the same. We can follow their example by being willing to adapt to guidance we receive from God.