A Study of the Book of Mormon

Alma 32:21 ...therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true. In other words: Faith is a hope of things which are true, which are not seen. ( At first I had written "cannot be seen," but that's not correct. ) Why do we need to hope for things that are true? If it's true, then isn't that just a fact of reality. How can faith make of absolute truth (that which is unchangeable), how can it change truth into a variable which requires action? Actually, it's not the truth that is the variable, it is the faith that becomes the variable. The phrase "according to your faith" seems to echo this sentiment. (see Matthew 9:28-29 , D & C 8:10-11 ). Faith is the variable, and Truth is the constant against which we are given to act. God is the most invariable truth in the universe. Jesus Christ and the reality of His atonement -- these are truths that are unchangeable. In fact, they will not change. The love of God is con...

Mosiah 2:1-14 A historic occasion is recorded in these opening chapters of the book of Mosiah.In the first few verses of chapter 2, we get a glimpse in the heritage of the Mosaic law that had been preserved and honored by this people. Verse 3 explains that they offered sacrifices to comply with the law of Moses. Verse 4 is where the Spirit brings the law to life. It explains that they also saw this as a means of expressing their gratitude to God for the blessings that they enjoyed, namely: Having been brought out of the land of Jerusalem Having been delivered from their enemies Having just men appointed as their teachers Having a just man appointed as their king Having peace established by their king throughout their land Having been taught by their king to "keep the commandments of God, that they might rejoice and be filled with love towards God and all men". In light of all these blessings, it strikes me as very important the perspective that King Benjamin sees himself in...

Ether 3 It's uplifting to listen to the way in which Mahonri humbly submits himself unto the Lord for answers to his prayers. Vs. 2 - "...because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires... O Lord, look upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people." Cross reference to Moses 1:10 : "Now for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed." (Interesting to note that I was guided by the Spirit to think of cross referencing that scripture before I looked at the footnotes.) Also in vs. 2 : Mahonri knew the commandment to pray unto the Lord. Where was this given, for in order for one to obey, they must receive the commandments? [Note for scripture study - looking for an example of some one with an amazing tool and then they use it for some sort of primitive purpose. It is the...