The Book of Mormon is written in code.1 It has many layers. On the surface we read the stories, wars, sermons, and the situations the heroes in the text find themselves in. Underneath the text there is the message about the mysteries of God, the temple, and character of theContinue Reading

The message of the Restoration centers on the idea that it is not common ground we seek in sharing the gospel. There is nothing common about our message. The way we answer questions about our faith ought to be by finding the quickest and most direct route to the SacredContinue Reading

A Fatherly Care and Paternal Regard The great designs of God in relation to the salvation of the human family are very little understood by the professedly wise, and intelligent generation in which we live; various and conflicting are the opinions of men concerning the plan of salvation; the requisitionsContinue Reading

Names in Antiquity – A Greater Understanding of Mosiah 3.17 and 5.8 In Mosiah 3:17 of the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin emphasizes the singular importance of the name of Christ in the context of salvation, stating, “there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor meansContinue Reading

Jesus experienced the totality of mortal existence in Gethsemane. It’s our faith that he experienced everything–absolutely everything. Sometimes we don’t think through the implications of that belief. We talk in great generalities about the sins of all humankind, about the suffering of the entire human family. But we don’t experienceContinue Reading

In 2 Nephi 4 Lehi gives a blessing to the sons of Laman and Lemuel, his grand children. He says: Wherefore, after my father had made an end of speaking concerning the prophecies of Joseph, he called the children of Laman, his sons, and his daughters, and said unto them:Continue Reading

The Feast of Tabernacles Overview of the Ancient Temple Drama The ancient temple drama was an experience that helped groups of Israelites to experience what it was like for prophets to be called of God to do his work. The presentation of the prophet before the heavenly council was somethingContinue Reading

1 Nephi 8-11 Coming into the presence of God in his temple There are multiple ways to read the story of the Tree of Life. Certainly this story is first and foremost about God’s love and invitation for all men to come into his presence through the Atonement of hisContinue Reading