Mormon explains the inclusion of the small plates by saying that he was following "the workings of the Spirit of the Lord." The Spirit helps us contribute to a work bigger than ourselves, and it simultaneously works within us to make us better.
Becoming Unshakeable
God will shake the heavens and the earth so that only unshakeable things remain. His work is unshakeable, and we can become unshakeable with His help. Jacob explained that his faith became unshakeable through scripture study and personal revelation.
Obtaining Hope
Jacob says that we obtain hope by searching the prophets and by receiving personal revelation. Hearing from many witnesses strengthens our faith and our hope and helps us align our lives with the will of God through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Trusting the Answers We Receive from God
"Counsel me not," says the Lord of the vineyard when his servant questions a prior decision. Jacob urges us to "take counsel from [the Lord's] hand." An important part of that is trusting the revelation you have already received on a given topic.
Beyond the Mark
Jacob warned us that we are blinded when we look "beyond the mark." Elder Quentin L. Cook explained that there are many ways to fall into this trap, including adding complexity to gospel truths or focusing excessively on one aspect of discipleship.
Mercy
1. God is merciful. 2. He extends "arms of mercy" toward us. 3. The Savior's bowels are filled with mercy because of what He suffered. 4. He earned the right to offer us mercy. We claim that mercy by repenting. 5. Mercy is central to God's plan for us.
Testimony of Jesus = Spirit of Prophecy
An angel told John that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. The only way we can be sure that Jesus is our Savior is by direct, personal revelation from God. Therefore, the people who have that testimony are the people who receive revelation.
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.
Good Things to Come
Disciples of Jesus Christ embrace promises which have not yet been fulfilled and move forward with confidence. We visualize a bright future and trust in the Savior, who Paul called our "high priest of good things to come."
Vain Jangling – Part 1
Paul warned Timothy and Titus against engaging in time-wasting conversations on low-priority topics. He urged them instead to focus on "sound doctrine." We ought to focus on the most important truths and avoid taking the easy path.