We don't know much about Ammaron, the caretaker of the Nephite records who selected Mormon as his successor. We know that he was the brother of Amos, and therefore a descendant of Alma, who organized the church at the waters of Mormon about 450 years earlier. And we know that he was "constrained by the... Continue Reading →
Slippery – Helaman 13:31-36
Samuel the Lamanite warned the Nephites in Zarahemla that the time would come when they would have a hard time holding on to their possessions: The time cometh that [the Lord] curseth your riches, that they become slippery, that ye cannot hold them; and in the days of your poverty ye cannot retain them....And then shall... Continue Reading →
Alma, Samuel the Lamanite, and the Law of Restoration
Did Samuel the Lamanite study Alma's words to his wayward son Corianton as he prepared to preach to the Nephites in Zarahemla? He doesn't use Alma's name anywhere in the sermon, but I see clear references to Alma's words, particularly Alma's explanation of the law of restoration. Alma met with Corianton immediately after they served... Continue Reading →
On Prophets and Pride
In Samuel the Lamanite’s teachings in Helaman 13-15, he is quick to point out the pride that has overtaken the Nephite society. Samuel the Lamanite declares: ...for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Affirm?
This is the second in a series of posts answering a set of questions recommended by President Russell M. Nelson. In yesterday's post, I discussed what the Book of Mormon is. Today, I will discuss what the Book of Mormon affirms. The Book of Mormon affirms many truths. As I've pondered this question today, I've... Continue Reading →
How Does the Gospel Bring Us Joy?
The angel who appeared to King Benjamin declared that his message would bring joy to Benjamin and to his people: I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy. For the Lord hath heard thy prayers, and hath judged of thy righteousness, and hath sent me to declare unto thee that... Continue Reading →
What Should I Be Thankful For?
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States. In preparation for that holiday, I have been thinking about some of the things I am thankful for. Here are some ideas that occurred to me as I studied the Book of Mormon today: I'm grateful to be alive (Mosiah 2:20-21, Mosiah 7:12). I'm grateful for food and... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Be “Ripe in Iniquity?”
In this life, there is a space between choices and consequences. That’s what makes it a period of probation. We are not trained animals, taking actions with the expectation of immediate rewards or punishments. Instead, we are often left alone, to see what we will choose to do in the absence of either positive or... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to “Cast Out Devils?”
Twenty-four times in the New Testament we read about devils being "cast out" of people. All of these passages appear in the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The gospel of Mark even ends with the Savior promising that those who believe in Him will have power to cast out devils (Mark 16:17). The... Continue Reading →
What Should I Do When Prophetic Teachings Are Difficult to Understand or Accept?
Prophetic teachings are generally not intended to be soothing. A primary role of prophets is to call us to repentance, which means making course corrections or incremental improvements. Therefore, when we have the opportunity to hear messages from prophets, we should plan to be challenged. Samuel the Lamanite denounced the people of Zarahemla for supporting... Continue Reading →
