A martyr is a witness. The word "martyr" appears three times in the King James version of the Bible. It is a translation of the Greek word martus (μάρτυς), which is translated many other places as "witness." Perhaps standing up for what is right always requires some courage, but when a person is willing to... Continue Reading →
“I Have Told You the Truth” – Mosiah 13:4, 7
It's not just about the message; it's also about the messenger. Alma was convinced of the truthfulness of the gospel when he heard Abinadi preach in King Noah's court. Abinadi's words were true, but he was persuasive not only because of his message. He was persuasive because of the personal sacrifice he was willing to... Continue Reading →
Why Do We “Bear” Witness?
To "bear" something is to carry it. The word has a connotation of effort or difficulty: we bear a burden. We bear suffering. A woman may bear a child. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary says that the word bear "usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking." So I think it's interesting that we "bear"... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Anger?
As we've discussed the last couple of days: We feel sadness when something bad happens to us or to someone we love. We feel fear when we think something bad is likely to happen to us or to someone we love. Anger is also triggered by a negative experience. But unlike sadness and fear, anger... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Search the Scriptures?
After leaving the city of Jerusalem with his family, Lehi sent his sons back to obtain the words of the prophets and a genealogy of their ancestors which were recorded on a set of brass plates. When his sons returned with this sacred record, Lehi "gave thanks unto the God of Israel." Then, he "took... Continue Reading →
Having Sealed the Truth of His Words – Mosiah 17:20
20 And now, when Abinadi had said these words, he fell, having suffered death by fire; yea, having been put to death because he would not deny the commandments of God, having sealed the truth of his words by his death.(Mosiah 17:20)You can tell how much you value something by how much you are willing... Continue Reading →
The King Was Stirred Up – Mosiah 17:11-12
11 And now king Noah was about to release him, for he feared his word; for he feared that the judgments of God would come upon him.12 But the priests lifted up their voices against him, and began to accuse him, saying: He has reviled the king. Therefore the king was stirred up in anger... Continue Reading →
I Will Not Recall My Words – Mosiah 17:9-10
9 Now Abinadi said unto him: I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands.10 Yea, and I will suffer even until... Continue Reading →
Having Sealed the Truth of His Words by His Death – Mosiah 17:20
20 And now, when Abinadi had said these words, he fell, having suffered death by fire; yea, having been put to death because he would not deny the commandments of God, having sealed the truth of his words by his death.(Mosiah 17:20)You can tell how much a person values something by the price they are... Continue Reading →
I Have Suffered Myself That I Have Fallen into Your Hands – Mosiah 17:9
9 Now Abinadi said unto him: I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands.(Mosiah 17:9)I admire Abinadi's boldness in this passage.... Continue Reading →
