The Creation Account and the Seed in Alma’s Sermon

yellow flowers in a valley

If you don’t think of Genesis 1–2 when you read Alma 32, you’re missing powerful Creation imagery that emphasizes fundamental Christian teachings. The sermon on faith in Alma 32 is among the most iconic passages found in the Book of Mormon. In it we read that God’s word is a seed… Continue reading

Forgotten Commandments in a Changing World

Singer at a concert

Elder L. Tom Perry warns us not to ignore six of the Ten Commandments. It’s easy for most of us to avoid murdering, stealing, and lying and to obey our parents. But we often neglect six of the other commandments. In a video featured on the Mormon Newsroom website, Elder… Continue reading

Seeing Samson as a Messianic Prototype

an image of a painting of a man standing on a pillar

Archaeological digs have uncovered mosaics and prayers suggesting Samson as an important messianic prototype in ancient Galilee. Samson of the Old Testament is revered for his strength and wit in his endeavors to deliver Israel from the Philistines. But his affair with Delilah made the biblical judge a controversial character,… Continue reading

Come Follow Me: More Than Just a Manual

an image of a woman and two children sitting on a couch

The Church’s new program invites us to become more converted in our love of Christ through teaching gospel truths. Christians everywhere recognize the phrase “Come, follow me” as Christ’s invitation to follow his example. In October 2016, Elder Robert D. Hales taught about this invitation to follow the Savior in his… Continue reading

Am I Ready for General Conference?

an image of a man in a suit and tie giving a speech

General conference is an important worldwide event, and there are many ways for us to prepare. Twice a year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a general conference where leaders share uplifting and inspired messages. To help you get ready for a conference weekend full of wholesome… Continue reading

More than Divine Words on a Page

an image of a woman sitting on a rock reading a book

I had been living far below my privileges when it came to scripture study. In a class I took on teaching seminary, I learned that there is a better way to study scriptures: by following the learning pattern. The learning pattern includes understanding the context and content, identifying and understanding… Continue reading

The Book of Mormon: Worth More than Gold

an image of a wooden box sitting on the ground in the woods

Oliver Cowdery explains in a letter the true worth of the gold plates that were translated into the Book of Mormon. In 1827, Joseph Smith learned from an angel named Moroni that a record of ancient inhabitants of the Americans was hidden in a hill in Manchester, New York. He… Continue reading

War, Politics, and Power of the Book of Mormon

an image of a painting of a man in armor holding a flag

The Book of Mormon includes details and principles of war that would have been impossible for young Joseph Smith to make up. Although the Book of Mormon was published by Joseph Smith, a young man with little education and no war experience, it is remarkably accurate in its portrayal of… Continue reading

Finding God in Stillness

Open bible on a white bedspread

God always has time for you, but do you make time for him? Like many young adults, I often find myself absolutely swamped with various school and work responsibilities and social obligations, which come with an overwhelming sense of stress. Only one thing truly eases that stress for me and… Continue reading

What Is God Like?

A person reaches out towards a sunrise over the ocean.

Sometimes God feels distant and unknowable, but he doesn’t have to be! Restored scripture and prayer can show us what he’s like. Humanity has wondered about the nature of God for thousands of years. The stories in the scriptures sometimes endear him to us, but other times seem to paint… Continue reading