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.
A Call from Arms
The Lamanites who were converted buried their weapons. This act of consecration is so remarkable that it appears many times in the Book of Mormon, including a final invitation from Mormon to us. President Nelson has also invited us to bury our weapons.
Unshaken
Haggai prophesied that all things will shake and that only unshakable things will remain. Several Book of Mormon prophets taught us that we can develop "unshaken" faith, which will enable us to endure significant turbulence.
Faith Halls of Fame
Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon provide lists of people who exercised great faith. These lists illustrate that God provides various blessings through faith, that people can exercise faith together, and that faith can help us grow closer to God.
Rooted, Grounded, Settled
How can we find stability in the midst of chaos? When we are rooted in the faith of Jesus Christ, He helps us weather the storms in our lives without being shaken. As we strengthen our faith in Him, we will be prepared for difficult experiences.
Being Governable
We all love freedom, but we also recognize that living and working with other people requires us to voluntarily curtail some of our desires. We can accomplish more together than alone, but only if we can adapt to the collective decisions of the group.
That Rock Was Christ
We expect rocks to be solid, reliable, and strong. We don't expect them to quench our thirst. But the Savior provides both a firm foundation and "living water." That's why a rock which produces water is a meaningful symbol of Jesus.
Imprisoned
Many servants of God have accomplished great things while imprisoned. Elder Stevenson pointed out that these individuals "were defined more by what they were able to do with the Lord's help than by what they could not do as a result of their confinement."
Remember
Before the children of Israel were delivered, God taught them how to commemorate their deliverance. Before the Savior's sacrifice, He taught His disciples how to remember the event. Remembering is intentionally retaining things of enduring value.
Baptized with Fire
John the Baptist described the effect of the Holy Ghost with a striking metaphor: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. Matthew 3:11; see also Luke 3:16 As far as I know, that is the only place... Continue Reading →