God wants His children to marry and raise children. When that is not possible, we can follow the example of Adam and Eve while they were still in the Garden of Eden: multiplying and replenishing the earth by tending the personal gardens in which God has placed us.
A Crown of Eternal Life
God promised William E. McLellin "a crown of eternal life." Book of Mormon prophets similarly promised that the righteous will "sit down in the kingdom of God. These crowns and thrones aren't the exclusive purview of a few. God wants to give the gift of eternal life to all of His children.
Preface to Four Revelations, April-May 1829
Four revelations received by Joseph Smith on behalf of different people have nearly identical openings. These openings are derived from combinations of biblical passages, all of which appear in some form in the Book of Mormon. Here is how I would paraphrase the message of this recurring introduction: Big things are about to happen, so pay close attention to what I'm about to say: People are ready to hear the gospel and if you work hard, you will find success in sharing it. I will answer your prayers, so ask me for help.
Stronger and Stronger in Humility (or Pride)
Our spiritual fitness improves gradually through consistent effort. Church members in Helaman's time grew "stronger and stronger in their humility" as they engaged in fasting and prayer. Later, they grew "stronger and stronger in pride" through negligence
The Prosperity of the Church
How can you tell when the church is doing well? Its members are growing closer to the Savior and therefore experiencing increased joy and becoming more holy. Other people want to be part of it. Growth in numbers is matched by individual spiritual growth.
“Repentance…Bringeth Unto the Power of the Redeemer”
Only Jesus can save us. He doesn't save us as we are; He saves us by changing us, making us holy. We indicate our willingness to be transformed by repenting. As we follow His "conditions of repentance," we open the door to be transformed by His grace.
“An Exceedingly Curious Man”
Mormon called Hagoth "an exceedingly curious man," but credited him with initiating an enormous Nephite migration northward. The lesson: Don't be dismissive of curious people with unusual ideas. Those ideas may be just what you need to move forward.
Traps and Snares
Amulek explained to the lawyers in Ammonihah that they were laying "traps and snares to catch the holy ones of God." The devil lays snares for us, preying on our feelings of inadequacy, imperfection, and guilt. We escape those snares by relying on God.
A Hundredth Part: Mormon’s Editorial Decisions
Book of Mormon authors made it clear how much they were leaving out as they wrote this "abridgment" of their history. Here's a diagram showing how many words are dedicated to each of the 103 decades in the book.
The Fast That I Have Chosen
"What's the point of fasting?" ask the children of Israel in Isaiah 58. "Why are we torturing ourselves when God doesn't even notice?" In response, Isaiah contrasts the way they are currently fasting with the way God wants them to fast: Current "Ye find pleasure." You do whatever you want during the fast. "And exact all... Continue Reading →