All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.John 1:3 The scriptures teach that Jesus Christ created the heavens and the earth under the direction of the Father. "Worlds without number have I created," God told Moses, "...and by the Son I created them" (Moses 1:33). Multiple... Continue Reading →
Agency
This life is a school of decision-making. The prophet Lehi taught his son Jacob that the reason we experience both good and evil is so that we can learn to choose the good: Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that... Continue Reading →
Elias
I've been thinking today about two Old Testament prophecies, both of which are associated with John the Baptist, but both of which have much broader applicability. Isaiah prophesied that, following the Babylonian captivity, there would be a voice in the wilderness, crying "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a... Continue Reading →
Wise Men
Not all of the wise men in the world at the time of Jesus's birth made the trek to Jerusalem. As Matthew records, sometime after the birth of the Savior, a group of wise men came "from the east" to Jerusalem, seeking a baby whom they identified as the "King of the Jews." They said... Continue Reading →
The Star
Why is a star such a powerful symbol for the birth of the Savior? Stars represent us. The Lord referred to stars to illustrate for the vast number of descendants he would have. "Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon References in Moroni 6
Today as I studied Moroni 6, I found a number of phrases which referenced earlier passages in the Book of Mormon. Obviously, Moroni knew the Book of Mormon well. Still, I thought these references were striking, and I thought I'd share the connections I made today as I studied this chapter. Most of these phrases... Continue Reading →
Signs and Wonders – 3 Nephi 2:1-3
I wrote last week that we all have signs in our lives—reasons to believe that God lives and loves us. The question is whether we are willing to recognize those signs or whether we choose to ignore them. As Samuel the Lamanite revealed to the Nephites in Zarahemla the signs which would correspond with the... 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 →
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 →
Why Is Light an Appropriate Symbol for the Birth of Christ?
In a passage quoted by Nephi, Isaiah used the imagery of light to describe the birth of the Messiah: The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.... For unto us a child is born (Isaiah... Continue Reading →