Oliver Cowdery’s Charge to the Twelve The following charge was given to the newly called Twelve Apostles by President Oliver Cowdery on 21 February 1835. Dear Brethren—Previous to delivering the charge, I shall read a part of a revelation. It is known to you, that previous to the organization ofContinue Reading

The Psalms were originally the text of the ancient Israelite temple services. Their poetry was woven into a magnificent eight day pageant-like temple drama that depicted the full eternal sweep of the Savior’s mission and his Atonement. The principles taught in that drama were accurately preserved on the brass platesContinue Reading

Articles Othmar Keel, “The Enthronement,” section 2, of Chapter V: The King in The Symbolism of the Biblical World: Ancient Near Eastern Iconography and the Book of Psalms [1997] pages 256-268. See: Symbolism of the Biblical World Stephen D. Ricks and John J. Sroka, “King, Coronation, and Temple: Enthronement Ceremonies inContinue Reading

This page will help the reader to understand more about the Psalms of Israel and how they related to the Plan of Salvation, Kingship, and the Temple. Overview of the First Israelite Temple Drama Kingship and Coronation Who Shall Ascend into the Hill of the Lord? The Psalms in Israel’sContinue Reading

Jesus asks his twelve disciples, “Will ye also go away?” (John 6:67) Peter gives the answer when he says, “to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)  Peter realizes that there is no other place, no other truth. Peter essentially says, “I will accept allContinue Reading

The Hymn of the Pearl and the Cosmic Myth The Cosmic Myth is a story that teaches of eternal truths even though it may or may not be totally historically accurate.[1]Michael Fishbane, Biblical Myth and Rabbinic Mythmaking, Oxford University Press, 2003, p. 11. Fishbane stated, “we shall understand the word ‘Myth’Continue Reading

One of John’s Themes: Go and bring a friend to believe in Jesus An example of deliberate narrative designing can be found in the stories that narrate the call of the disciples. In almost every case, it is someone who already believes that testifies to others and brings them toContinue Reading

In John 14:1-2 we read: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. The word for mansions is used here μοναὶmone, a word that means to abide,Continue Reading

Cutting Covenants This article is posted here on the BYU Religious Education website. Jared T. Parker is a product specialist coordinator in the medical division of W. L. Gore & Associates in Flagstaff, Arizona. Covenants have always been a critical part of the gospel, meaning both the fulness of theContinue Reading