An important element of faith is trusting that God has good reasons for what He does, even when we don't understand those reasons. Nephi tells us that the Lord commanded him to create a record of his ministry "for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not" (1 Nephi 9:5). Later, he learned... Continue Reading →
The “Hundredth Part” – Mormon’s Prioritization of Events in the Book of Alma
The book of Alma illustrates Mormon's editorial choices. More than 40% of the book is dedicated to Alma's sermons. 20% describes the mission of the sons of Mosiah to the Lamanites. Another 20% describes the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites.
Ammon Was a Mulekite.
Several hundred years after Nephi fled from his brothers "into the wilderness, with all those who would go with [him]" (2 Nephi 5:5), a man named Mosiah was warned by God to do the same. We don't have a lot of details about him, but he lived in the land of Nephi, which had been... Continue Reading →
King Benjamin and Contention
Contention was a major issue for the people of King Benjamin: "And now, concerning this king Benjamin—he had somewhat of contentions among his own people" (Words of Mormon 1:12). "And after there having been much contention and many dissensions away unto the Lamanites, behold, it came to pass that king Benjamin, with the assistance of... Continue Reading →
“I Do Not Know All Things” – Words of Mormon 1:7
When Nephi was asked a difficult question, he responded first with something he knew—"I know that [God] loveth his children"—but then followed up with an acknowledgement of his limitations—"nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things" (1 Nephi 11:17). When Ammon asked King Lamoni if he believed in God, Lamoni answered, "I do... Continue Reading →
What Is the Book of Mormon?
In 2017, President Thomas S. Monson challenged us to reinvigorate our study of the Book of Mormon: I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome... 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 →
What Is Authority?
authority The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. A person or organization having political or administrative power and control. The power to influence others, especially because of one's commanding manner or one's recognized knowledge about something. (Oxford English Dictionary) The Book of Mormon speaks about authority in multiple ways, some... Continue Reading →
In What Order Did Joseph Smith Translate the Book of Mormon?
After writing the history of his people on metal plates, the prophet Nephi was instructed by the Lord to create a second set of plates, which are known today as the small plates of Nephi. On these, he was to engrave a record of the ministry of his people. Nephi obeyed this commandment even though... Continue Reading →
What Is the Book of Lehi?
The first 116 pages which Joseph Smith translated came from a record known as the Book of Lehi. As he wrote in the preface to the first edition of the Book of Mormon: I would inform you that I translated, by the gift and power of God, and caused to be written, one hundred and sixteen... Continue Reading →