The Remission of Sins Bringeth Meekness

Moroni 8:24-30 (Moroni 8:24-30) I love this passage found at the end of this chapter, where Mormon concludes by explaining the doctrine in pure, matter of fact statements. I absolutely love this passage of scriptures! Deep reflection has brought me to this reality again! What is interesting is that work is not a visible component …

All Little Children Are Alive in Christ

Moroni 8:4-24 (Moroni 8:4-24) (Started this study in Spanish.) I am impressed that the contentions that had resulted were the cause of great sorrow for Mormon (see vs. 4). I’ve read this chapter many times, but I’ve never paid attention to the fact that there were contentions that resulted from false doctrine. Mormon’s thought and …

Among the People of the Church of Christ

Moroni 6 (Moroni 6) This chapter deals with basic church governance and organization. I think the thing that I love most about it is that even now, this counsel is still relevant. The preparation for church membership, the principles of ministering, church discipline, and meeting organization are all spelled out in just 9 verses! Preparation …

Now This Is the Commandment: Repent

3 Nephi 27 I am sitting a lot with the thought that righteousness is neither piousness nor self-indulgence. The sinners and the pious do not approach heaven. It is only those that do the will of God. Doing good within myself and doing good externally with others are two different activities, but they shouldn’t be. …

Some Thoughts on Baptism

(See also Baptism and John the Baptist) I am grateful for the invitation to speak this evening on a few core doctrines of our our faith. You hardly know me, and I hardly know you. But we can both make some general assumptions because we are both together in the same space on this specific …

Strait Is the Gate

3 Nephi 14:13-14 (see also Matthew 7:13-14) In these verses, the strait gate is not defined. But Nephi clearly defines it in 2 Nephi 31:17-18, “For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. And …

“Having Authority Given Me of Jesus Christ”

3 Nephi 11:18-41 In the second half of this chapter, the Savior organizes the structural foundations for Gospel of Jesus Christ to be administered among the Nephite people. He calls Nephi and others and commissions them to teach and baptize those that will believe in their words. Christ is clear and direct in his instructions …

Baptism and John the Baptist

I’ve been asked to speak this morning on baptism. I’ve attempted to seek the influence and inspiration of heaven on this topic in preparation of for these remarks. I would invite you each to offer a silent prayer in your hearts that the Holy Ghost might instruct us further while we are here together. 600 …

Our Emphasis on the Reception of the Holy Ghost

See JST Matthew 3:38-40 At times it may seem that as Latter-day Saints we place too much emphasis on the Holy Spirit and receiving the Holy Ghost. And it may be that we put too much emphasis on making sure that we feel the Holy Ghost when in reality we should be preaching repentance and …

Covenants are Tools

I’m studying the covenants associated with baptism. As I pray about the significance of covenants, it strikes me that covenants are tools given to us that clearly spell out the terms and bounds within which we are able to receive blessings and protection from God. They are instruments of safety fashioned by God to guide …