Insights from my daily study of the scriptures
The book of Alma illustrates Mormon's editorial choices. More than 40% of the book is dedicated to Alma's sermons. 20% describes the mission of the sons of Mosiah to the Lamanites. Another 20% describes the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites.
Throughout the Book of Mormon, people who are responsible, disciplined, and serious are referred to as "sober." Nephi and Jacob both tell us that they taught the gospel with soberness (1 Nephi 18:10, Jacob 6:5). Jacob explains that God expected him to "magnify [his] office with soberness" (Jacob 2:2). King Benjamin urged his people to... Continue Reading →
The first 116 pages which Joseph Smith translated came from a record known as the Book of Lehi. As he wrote in the preface to the first edition of the Book of Mormon: I would inform you that I translated, by the gift and power of God, and caused to be written, one hundred and sixteen... Continue Reading →
14 And there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief.15 And I, being fifteen years of age and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus.16 And... Continue Reading →
2 And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age, and I began to be learned somewhat after the manner of the learning of my people) and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and... Continue Reading →
15 And I, being fifteen years of age and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus.(Mormon 1:15)What does it mean to be "of a sober mind?" I don't think it means to be morose or solitary. I think a sober... Continue Reading →