After returning to Hiram from the Amherst conference, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon resumed their labors on the translation of the New Testament. The vision recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 76 was received while they were translating John 5:29. Philo Dibble, one of a dozen men present when this visionContinue Reading

The Articles and Covenants of the Church As early as June 1829 Joseph Smith asked Oliver Cowdery to formulate an expression of basic principles and practices of the soon-to-be-organized Church. Oliver in turn asked the Prophet to inquire of the Lord about what he should do. Doctrine and Covenants 18Continue Reading

Micah 3.6 Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. What is this verse talking about? Context: ThisContinue Reading

3 Prophetic Themes Mormon is fleshing out with Samuel’s prophecies Irritation Precedes Instruction Elder Neal A. Maxwell shared how great lessons often come after difficulties: “Nephi’s broken bow doubtless brought to him some irritation, but not immobilizing bitterness. After all, he was just trying to feed the extended family, so whyContinue Reading

This post contains links to a few books that have helped me understand the context and content of the scriptures. As an Amazon Affiliate, I do earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you). Click here to see all of my favorite books on Amazon. In thisContinue Reading

The Amulonites are descendants of the wicked priests of King Noah as discussed in Mosiah 19.10-12. These wicked priests, in about 142 B.C., kidnap the daughters of the Lamanites and create new families. Sometime between 142-122 B.C. these families are integrated into Lamanite society, and Mormon emphasized that these AmulonitesContinue Reading

The main question at the end of Revelation 6 is so important. “Who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6.17) What is the book with seven seals that the Lord has in his hand in Revelation 5-6? Joseph Smith had this same question. In D&C 77 we read the following:Continue Reading