The Greek word "elegcho" has no exact English equivalent. It means to bring a fault to light, awakening an internal desire to correct it. When the Savior told John Murdock that He comes to "convince" us of our ungodly deeds, He meant that He will show us our faults so that we want to repent.
Endless
Book of Mormon authors use the phrase "endless torment" to describe the suffering from which God has delivered us. The Lord encouraged Martin Harris to think of this suffering as enormous, not unending. With this context, "endless punishment" means God's punishment, or in other words, the punishment God willingly suffered on our behalf.
A Lying Spirit
The prophet Micaiah told Ahab that his false prophets were filled with a lying spirit. Alma used the same phrase to describe Korihor. Many people choose to say whatever benefits them personally. We should listen to people who are willing to tell the truth
“Every Creature”, “Any Human Soul”
The sons of Mosiah wanted to preach to the Lamanites because they loved all of God's children and wanted to help everyone achieve eternal joy. God loves all of His children, and His disciples transcend labels like nationality as they serve other people.
Mercy
1. God is merciful. 2. He extends "arms of mercy" toward us. 3. The Savior's bowels are filled with mercy because of what He suffered. 4. He earned the right to offer us mercy. We claim that mercy by repenting. 5. Mercy is central to God's plan for us.
All Creatures
Based on: Psalm 148 Core message: The more fully we embrace our identity as sons and daughters of God, the more of a connection we feel with His other creations. Related Book of Mormon passages: Mosiah 28:3, Alma 18:28-36, Alma 22:10-13
Responding to Difficult Callings
Callings can be intimidating. We may question our ability to fulfill the responsibilities. We may worry that others won't respond favorably to us. Moses expressed both of those concerns when God called him to deliver Israel from captivity. "Who am I," he asked, "that I should go unto Pharaoah, and that I should bring the... Continue Reading →
Judah’s Transformation
When Joseph's brothers found him in Egypt, they had all matured, but none more dramatically than Judah. About twenty-two years earlier, Judah had pleaded with the other brothers not to kill their younger brother Joseph. Reuben, the oldest, had tried to save Joseph's life "to deliver him to his father again," but Judah had proposed... Continue Reading →
Anxiously Engaged
After their conversion, the sons of King Mosiah decided that they wanted to preach the gospel to their enemies. This was their idea. They weren't told to do it. But the Lord endorsed the plan. "Let them go up," He told Mosiah. He promised that they would have success and that He would protect them... Continue Reading →
“Inquire of the Lord”
The Book of Mormon contains many stories of people taking questions to God in prayer and receiving answers. Here are some examples: Lehi prayed to know where his son Nephi should go to hunt for food for the family (1 Nephi 16:23-26).Jacob prayed to know what he should do about the "wicked practices" he began... Continue Reading →