The Greek word Christos means "the Anointed One." It is the equivalent of the Hebrew word Mashiach (Messiah). Lehi taught his children that the Messiah would be the Savior of the World. Nephi and Mormon testified that Jesus is the Christ.
“He Shall Reign For Ever and Ever”
In a world of turmoil, it is nice to know that our God has all power, that He governs the universe, and that His kingdom of peace and happiness will one day replace the imperfect leadership of earthly governments.
Chaff
A winnowing fan is a kind of basket used to throw chaff and grain into the air. The chaff blows away, and the heavier grain remains. Chaff can represent our sins. If we are willing to let them go, they will blow away as the Savior winnows us.
My Shepherd
Based on: Psalm 23 Core message: Jesus is the good shepherd (John 10:11). He provides gentle leadership. It is up to us whether we will follow Him. Related Book of Mormon passages: Alma 5:60, Helaman 7:18, Mormon 5:18
“My Spirit Will Not Always Strive with Man”
There is a cryptic passage near the beginning of the book of Genesis. After listing ten generations from Adam to Noah, the author quotes the Lord as saying: My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.Genesis 6:3 What does that mean? It sounds like an... Continue Reading →
“No, Not One” – Moroni 10:25
Psalms 14 and 53 are nearly identical, and both paint a depressing picture of humankind. The author begins by pointing out the folly of denying the power of God: "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." Then, the author appears to attribute that folly to everyone: They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.Psalm... Continue Reading →
“Hid up unto the Lord” – Mormon 1:2, 4:23, 5:12
We don't know much about Ammaron, the caretaker of the Nephite records who selected Mormon as his successor. We know that he was the brother of Amos, and therefore a descendant of Alma, who organized the church at the waters of Mormon about 450 years earlier. And we know that he was "constrained by the... Continue Reading →
Tossed
As Mormon describes the annihilation of his people, he laments their rapid fall from grace: They were once a delightsome people, and they had Christ for their shepherd; yea, they were led even by God the Father.But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is... Continue Reading →
Awareness
An important theme in the Book of Mormon is the importance of awareness. Here are a few examples: At the age of 10, Mormon was selected to be responsible for the plates. the prior caretaker, Ammaron, chose him because he was "a sober child" and "quick to observe" (Mormon 1:2).For Ammaron to identify these characteristics... Continue Reading →
What Is Wisdom?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Jacob gives us the following counsel: "O be wise; what can I say more?" (Jacob 6:12). Near the end of the book, the prophet Moroni advises us, "Be wise in the days of your probation" (Mormon 9:28). The words "wisdom" and "wise" appear exactly 100... Continue Reading →