Don't underestimate the value of temporary things. On at least two occasions, Nephi's brothers, Laman and Lemuel, asked him whether the principles of the gospel related to temporal things or only to spiritual things. They seem to have wanted to keep different parts of their lives separates, with their daily decisions being disconnected with their... Continue Reading →
Immersion
The word "baptism" comes from the Greek word baptisma (βάπτισμα), which refers to dipping or submerging something. Jesus instructed His disciples on the American continent how to perform baptisms. They should stand in the water with the person being baptized, call the person by name, pronounce some specific words, and then "immerse them in the water,... Continue Reading →
“Preach Nothing Save It Were Repentance” – Mosiah 18:20
When Alma organized the church at the waters of Mormon, he ordained priests to teach the people. What were they to teach? The same things he had taught, and the same things prophets before him had taught: "He commanded that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had... Continue Reading →
“They Were Also Admonished” – Mosiah 26:39
Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.Ecclesiastes 4:13 When Alma organized the church at the waters of Mormon, he ordained priests to teach the people. But these priests weren't given carte blanche, to speak on any topic they wanted. Alma instructed them... Continue Reading →
“Cut Off from Among the People”
Relationships are essential for happiness. When Nephi's brothers trivialized his spiritual experiences, the Lord explained to him that those who keep His commandments will prosper, while those who rebel will be "cut off from the presence of the Lord" (1 Nephi 2:18-21). Later, Nephi quoted a prophecy of Moses to his brothers to emphasize the... Continue Reading →
“Meet Together Oft” – Moroni 6:5
Once you've started on the path of discipleship, how do you maintain your momentum? Believe it or not, part of the answer is meetings. As Nephi and his people organized a new city in the promised land, he consecrated his younger brothers, Jacob and Joseph, to be priests and teachers (2 Nephi 5:26). Their responsibility... Continue Reading →
“Save It Be for the Sins of the World” – 3 Nephi 28:9
The Savior made an incredible set of promises to the three disciples who wanted to remain on earth until His Second Coming. He told them that they would never taste of death. He promised that they would not feel pain. He even told them that they would not feel sorrow "save it be for the... Continue Reading →
Filled with Joy, Filled with Sorrow – Mosiah 25:8-11
The apostle Paul gave the following admonition to followers of Jesus Christ: "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep" (Romans 12:15). Alma gave a similar admonition to his people at the waters of Mormon. He told them that their baptism included a promise to "mourn with those that mourn" (Mosiah... Continue Reading →
“As Often as It Was in Their Power” – Mosiah 18:25
After baptizing hundreds of people at the waters of Mormon, Alma gave them some instructions about how to fulfill the covenants they had made. He told the priests to teach the words of the prophets and to preach repentance. He told the people to avoid contention and to strive for unity. He told them to... Continue Reading →
“The Fold of God” – Mosiah 18:8
When Alma invited a group of people to be baptized at the waters of Mormon, he began his invitation with the following words: "As ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people..." (Mosiah 18:8). He then described the obligation they would have to one another: bearing one... Continue Reading →
