The book of Isaiah opens dramatically. The Lord tells the children of Israel that they have forsaken Him, that they are damaging themselves by their actions, and that He doesn’t want to be a part of it any more. In words that must have been shocking to Isaiah’s listeners, the Lord tells them to stop... Continue Reading →
The Lord Is My Light
Based on: Psalm 27 Core message: Some hymns represent a personal testimony, even though we sing them as a group. "The Lord is my light," not "The Lord is the light." Related Book of Mormon passage: 2 Nephi 22:2
The Living Christ and the Book of Mormon
The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles is a proclamation published by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1 January 2000. The document speaks of the Savior's mission before birth, during His mortal ministry, and after His death and resurrection, including in our day. It also testifies that He... Continue Reading →
Mother Eve
Among the biblical characters Joseph F. Smith saw in his vision of the Redemption of the Dead, was "our glorious Mother Eve" (Doctrine and Covenants 138:39). In the Hebrew Bible, her name appears as Chavvah (חַוָּה), which means "life." She was given this name because she was "the mother of all living," or in other... Continue Reading →
The Ancient of Days
With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.Job 12:12 There are many reasons for us to love and respect Adam and Eve. As the first man and woman on the earth, they pioneered the way for us, learning by experience so many things which we take for granted.They made our mortal experience possible, making... Continue Reading →
Every Nation, Kindred, Tongue, and People
In the Book of Revelation, the apostle John repeatedly uses four words to convey the expansiveness of God's saving work: He sees heavenly beings worshipping Jesus Christ and acknowledging that He has redeemed them "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (Revelation 5:9).He later sees a huge crowd, "of all nations, and kindreds,... Continue Reading →
Lost
Why is it so hard for us to admit when we are lost? For some reason, we find comfort and stability in knowing where we are. There is something unnerving about not knowing our location. And we certainly don't like other people suggesting that we are in that situation. To be lost is to be... Continue Reading →
“His Judgments Are Just” – Mosiah 16:1
I wrote yesterday about Abinadi's commitment to the truth and his willingness to sacrifice convenience, status, and even his life for it. He maintained this integrity in spite of severe personal hardship because he was able to take the long view. As he told King Noah and his priests, "I finish my message; and then... Continue Reading →
“Swallowed Up in Christ” – Mosiah 16:8
I've been thinking today about Abinadi's testimony that "the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ" (Mosiah 16:8). Abinadi was likely familiar with Isaiah's prophecy that the Lord would one day "swallow up death in victory" (Isaiah 25:8). He knew that this passage referred to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because of His resurrection,... Continue Reading →
The Arms of Mercy
All 26 verses of Psalm 136 end with the same phrase: "For his mercy endureth forever." Here is one of the verses from that psalm, which celebrates the Lord's power to deliver the children of Israel from captivity in Egypt: With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 