The Book of Mormon, Digging Deeper: Recent Episodes
Mark Swint
This Podcast is designed to dig deep and uncover the extraordinary content found within the Book of Mormon. Each episode takes a close look at elements, evidences, facts, and revelations in the book which not only give us a look at ancient Egyptian and Pre-Columbian history and culture, but also point to the incontrovertible fact that the Book of Mormon is a true and authentic history, translated by the gift of God through the efforts of a very young Joseph Smith, presented to the world for the betterment of all human lives.
The Book of Mormon would be complete with just the abridgment that Mormon penned. It properly gave a great summery of the thousand years that the Nephites struggled to survive, ultimately failing to do so. The work complied faithfully with the Lord's commandment to Mormon to record a compelling history of his people, the Nephites, and their often-intransigent brethren, the Lamanites.
So, I ask you; Why do we have the Book of Ether thrown in there at the end? It is a completely different story, about a completely different people, who came from a completely different place, to the Americas long before the Nephites. They were not from Jerusalem, nor were they Jews. And they had nothing to do with the Nephites nor the Lamanites.
And yet, we are richer for their story and blessed by its inclusion in the Book of Mormon.
When Moroni appeared by Joseph Smith's bedside in 1823, he did far more than reveal the location of the golden plates. He quoted Biblical scriptures including much of Malechi, although it was a variation of Malechi. So, the question is why? What as so special about Malechi? And what did any of that have to do with the translation of the Book of Mormon? More than that...what did it have to do with the Restoration of the Church?
I invite you to tune in and find out!
Because this third member of the Godhead is called a Ghost, he is sometimes considered as slightly less than God the Father and Jesus Christ, but make no mistake, he is a very important member of the Godhead and fundamental to our personal salvation and exaltation.
Today, we are going to see why that is. I hope you enjoy this episode and find it illuminating.
Faith and Obedience, Mercy and Grace; four important principles that do and must work together to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. but what of Mercy and Grace? Just how far do they go? What is required to be eligible for them, or are they free gifts given without consideration for the lives we lead during our mortality? and most importantly, just how far do extend, and is it possible to descend so far that God cannot reach down and lift us up?
In this episode we are going to talk about David, king of the Jews, slayer of Goliath, humble and loyal servant of Saul, and a mortal man who succumbed to the temptation of Bathsheba and the man who sent her husband to the front lines to be killed. What of him? But more importantly, what about us? What can we expect from the Lord? We'll talk about that today. I hope you find it enlightening and hopeful.
The Bible says " Surely God will do nothing save He revealeth His secret unto His servants the Prophets". If that is so, then, according to modern Christianity, God has done nothing with the world since the death of the early apostles. they claim the heavens are closed and there is no more revelation from heaven. but how silly is that? the time between the Savior's resurrection and His second coming should be a time of preparation and anticipation. And Peter promised a restitution of all things prior to His coming, ergo, there must be prophets at some point.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only modern church with a Prophet and twelve apostles.
MAYBE WE ARE WORTH CONSIDERING IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR GOD!!
For some reason, the Christian world believes that the heavens are sealed and that no more revelation is forthcoming from above. They refuse to consider that there could be prophets upon the earth at this time, although no reason is ever given to support that idea.
So, today, let's take a look at this issue and see whether or not there is cause to adopt such a lonely and excluded view of heaven.
So much is made of the fact that we do not hold to traditional views of God and Jesus. The statement is often made that we worship a different Jesus...and more to the point...that we are NOT Christians!
The statements are patently false and today you get to hear Elder Jeffery R. Holland explain why that is so. I hope you enjoy his thoughts.
There is a reason the Book of Mormon feels familiar to those who read it. Unlike other books of scripture, it is really a story about a family and all of us can relate to that. This saga covers all the drama that a real family can and may endure in hard times and there is so much of this story that we can connect to. Who hasn't seen brothers fight or families torn apart after the death of a parent? just the normal trials of daily life and survival can take their toll and for the family of Lehi and Sariah it was no different. Only tier drama unfolded against the backdrop of the pending destruction of their home and life in Jerusalem and the struggles they faced as they forged a new civilization in a strange and far away land. With help of God their story survived for a thousand years but, ultimately, they succumbed to human nature. in the process, we gained a wonderful book full of God's teachings and patience and wisdom that will, hopefully, help us escape the same fate.
Keeping our faith in an ever-more secular world can be challenging. it seems that as science advances, the things of God fall by the wayside. but it need not be this way. there is a real and true connection between good science and good theology. The challenge is just to find both and see the common ground. Today we are going to dive into the deeper aspects of Relativity and see just how nicely that fits with and agrees with our LDS doctrines.
Throughout all the ages of time, thinkers have argued and pondered the purpose of life and the three great questions : Where did I come from? Why am I here? and Where am I going?
Today we are going to discuss the second question...Why are we here.
You've often heard people say, "Don't sweat the little things" and that's often good advice; but not always. Sometimes it's the small things that make all the difference.
This is especially true for the Book of Mormon and those who would find fault with it. So many evidences and testimonies of its authenticity are hidden in the details and easily overlooked 'Jots and Tittles. Today we are going to look at those small things, those jots and tittles. Join me, won't you.
The story of the three witnesses, who they were, and how they got to be the chosen three is an inspirational and amazing account of very mortal men being asked to do something beyond their mortal reach. From the very moment they stood in the presence of Moroni, their lives were forever changed, and no matter what else they did for the rest of their lives, this testimony they left would define who they were and how they would keep the mandate given them by the Lord.
Though they all were estranged from the church, and Joseph, and Brigham Young, at least for a time, they never denied or tried to hide their testimony as it appeared in the introductory pages of the Book of Mormon.
They were very mortal men who left an immortal legacy that bears witness to us today of the truth of the Book of Mormon.
It is often claimed by our detractors that we worship a different Jesus. As absurd as this claim is, I think it merits a closer look to understand how they feel they can say that. Don't worry, the closer we look the more ridiculous that assertion appears; in fact, it could be said that it is we who could say of them that they do not know who or what Jesus is! Of course, we would not do that, but in this episode I will show you how unsupportable their claim is.
What makes man a little less than the angels? What is the difference between Man and the animals?
Why does the rest of the world consider it to be blasphemy at best, or a heresy at worst, that we believe we are children of Heavenly Father...as the Bible says? Let's look at that today!
Throughout the Old Testament every prophecy of the last days foretold of the eventual gathering of the scattered remnants of the house of Israel. This same expectation is echoed in the New Testament as well as in the Book of Mormon. So What's the big deal? Why is that gathering so important? And, perhaps more importantly, how is it going to be brought to pass... and by whom?
What if I said the only reason our church exists is to provide the pathway to the celestial kingdom for all the world, by means of the holy temples; and that this is the only means by which the scattered remnants of the house of Israel can come back to the Lord and activate their promised blessings as participants in the blessings of Abraham?
Is that too much of a stretch? Listen in, and let's find out together.
Heaven and Hell...the ultimate destinies of all humans...not really! How do the doctrines of heaven and hell fit with the revelations on the celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms?
Turns out they fit very well; it's just a matter of timing and perspective. Join me as we discuss the future that all of us will one day face. And let us realize that a loving Heavenly Father truly does have our best interests in mind and an eventual glorious future awaits us all.
It is said that the only constant in life is change. Apparently, this holds true for our Church as well. Does this present a threat to our standing as the Lord's Church on earth? Hardly. Change has been going on since 1830 and it will continue until the Lord makes His glorious return. So fear not. We are OK
The Atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ was not just an amazing event in human history but THE pivotal event for all of humankind.
Today we are going to talk about the Atonement; why it was required, and how it was accomplished; and how and why it unlocked the chains of death so that the Savior could take up his glorified and immortal body...and why that will allow us to do so also.
I hope you will join me
There seems to be a disconnect between accounts in the Bible and the corresponding secular histories of the times. For example, critics love to point out that there is no real evidence that Moses and the Israelites ever fled Egypt nor wandered in the desert for forty years. That is, no evidence other than the biblical account. The same with Abraham; The Pearl of Great Price says explicitly that Abraham went to Egypt to teach the Pharaoh, personally, the principles of Astronomy, and yet there is no corresponding secular account of that. So what gives? Is the Bible just a book of fables, or wishful thinking on the part of Jewish historians?
Well, I don't think so; and I am anxious to show you why I know these stories are true; and why they specifically don't show up in secular histories.
If you are weary of diving into Isaiah because you think his words are confusing, you are not alone. Isaiah is probably the most feared set of scriptures to tackle in the Bible...or in 2nd Nephi. and even Nephi was forced to comment on his people's lack of understanding of the words of this great prophet. and yet, the Savior commanded us all to search them and study them. So how do we do that?
I invite you to listen in and find out.
Detractors of the Church often like to throw scripture bombs at us thinking that they can somehow prove to us that we are wrong and blow up our testimonies. this can sometimes work with members who do not have much depth to their beliefs but for any true Latter-Day Saint with a real testimony of the gospel, these efforts can prove futile at best, and often, actually help boost our faith in the restored gospel. one such 'Bomb' that is often thrown our way is Galatians 1:8, which speaks of havens and other gospels. the implication is that Moroni was a false messenger and the resulting Book of Mormon is evil.
So today let's take a look at this verse and associated writings and see just what all the fuss is about.
Temples are places of learning; but what may go unnoticed by many patrons is that every element of the temple is a lesson, not just the ceremony and instruction given there. The very structure of the temple itself, the lighting, the decorations, the landscaping, even the fence around it, all point to elements of Father's kingdom and all can teach us important truths about the universe and our place within it.
For a body of faith that follows a Man/God who taught the nobility of humankind, and the virtues of Christian values such as kindness, patience, temperance, forgiveness, charity, understanding and love, oh, and don't forget non-judgment, it seems paradoxical that so many wars and conflicts, and persecution and discrimination, have been put upon people in the name of Jesus Christ. Certainly, there was nothing within His teachings that would have inspired such behavior and certainly there was nothing 'Christlike' within those actions. So why has so much suffering been foisted upon the world in the name of Jesus? Maybe, just maybe, we are doing it wrong.
The list of Biblical and Book of Mormon prophets, includes a number of men who once displayed questionable character or judgement. Some might say that all men are flawed and so this is the only pool the Lord has to draw from, but I think it goes deeper than that. As Saul, the apostle Paul was a terrible man. So too, Alma the younger when the angel stopped him on the road.
It seems the Lord has never had a problem calling flawed men into his service, and invariably those men rose to the calling which they were given.
In our dispensation the pattern continued. Certainly, early church history was filled with amazing men, but they were men who had to overcome personal weaknesses of their own. And they did, and they served effectively for the Lord. so what is the lesson we can learn from this and how can this heal and grow our own faith? Tune in and find out.
This episode explores human potential and the worth of a soul. I believe that most people do not fully realize the wonderful destiny that awaits them when this life is through. Many philosophers, thinkers and holy men have commented on the soul and the greatness of it.
Among people who to have had encounters with UFOs and alien beings, they claim that the message they receive is that we have no idea of the potential we hold...and this is born out as well by our scriptures and the words of the prophets.
You are a child of God...ponder that! Let that sink in...and don't ever forget it!
An honest effort to apply the proper elements of critical-thinking to the content of the Book of Mormon - Something which the outside critics and scholars refuse to do.
Dispensations are an interesting element of the gospel. One would think that the word of the Lord would come to earth and stick around for all time, but that is not how it happens. every new dispensation follows the apostasy of the prior one. But it is not that clean. Seems the old dispensation likes to hang around and confuse those who have embraced it rather than accept the new one.
We will discuss the consequences of this overlap in this episode. I hope you find it interesting.
the enemies of the early church tried desperately to destroy the narrative and the impact of the Book of Mormon. to a degree they were successful by pointing out all the inconsistencies they felt they had discovered within its accounts.
But Anachronisms have a funny way of turning around with a little time and effort. Over the last almost two hundred years since its publication, many of those anachronisms have turned to testimonies of its truthfulness.
Today, we'll take a look at some of them and see where they stand now.
It seems life today is full of contention and disputations. We see it everywhere, most particularly on the T.V. News. But that may not be the best measure to use. The News needs contention and disputations in order to hold the public's interest. Hopefully your life is not as full of drama as the world seems to offer. In any event the question remains...is it possible to live in a world without constant contention, , and disputations, and drama, at every turn?
Well, yes, it is. The Book of Mormon tells us of many times that the people lived in peace and prosperity. It clearly shows us how they achieved that, and also, how they lost that. So, are those lessons we can learn today? And if so, how can we apply them?
The Book of Mormon was written for us, so the lessons in it must be for meant for us as well. Let's see if we can take them to heart.
They say that timing is everything...in almost everything that we do. I believe that when it comes to the Book of Mormon, the timing of its appearance to the world was and remains one of the most impressive elements of it. To say the things it says and to realize that it said them well before the rest of the academic and scientific world caught up is one of the things that makes it great as well as unique.
Today we are going to explore some of those things. I hope you enjoy it and find it illuminating.
We can be stubborn creatures. We tend to get set in our ways and firm in our opinions, leaving little room for ways we are not familiar with. In the Book of Mormon this was exhibited by the pride of the people and their unwillingness to humble themselves before God. But as Alma encountered the Zoramites he found a people who had been compelled to humble themselves, not because of the word of God but because of their extreme poverty. but this gave him the wonderful opportunity to teach them about faith and humility...true humility.
I suspect there are some lessons in there for us. I invite you to listen!
Both Nephi and Paul cried out, "O wretched man that I am". these were two of the most righteous and valiant men of the scriptures, and if they are wretched men, then what hope do we have?
As we were sent to earth, it was with the understanding that we would have flaws and weaknesses built in. We know that because the Lord himself told us so. As a result, we find ourselves committing sin on occasion, even as we know the right thing to do. Why is that? Well, be of good cheer; there is hope for us all.
The book of Helaman is a rich source of history and intrigue as the Nephites and the Lamanites approach the Meridian of Time and the birth of the Savior. here is where we see the introduction and early gains of the Gadianton Robbers, the large migration of many of the Nephites and Lamanites to the lands to the far north, even as far as the Great Lakes...and we are introduced to Samuel, the Lamanite and his precise and profound prophesies concerning both the birth and the death of the Savior.
I invite you to join me for this discussion as we see if there is anything that we might apply to our lives today.
Resurrection... our resurrection, is at the heart of the plan of Salvation. But it turns out to be one of the hardest elements of the gospel plan to believe in. Today we are going to take a hard look at the doctrine and nature of resurrection and see if we can figure out why that is.
We are also going to examine the nature of the resurrected beings that have helped restore our gospel in this last dispensation and see what we can learn about them...and hopefully, what we can look forward to for ourselves when the time comes and we are resurrected.
For centuries, Priests and teachers have lectured us and warned us of the horrors of Hell, and the terrible judgements of God that await the sinner. But latter-day revelation has shed new light on the subject and I think, perhaps, it's time to modify our thinking on those subjects just a bit.
How does Hell fit in with our understanding of the three degrees of glory... and... does God really punish us, or are we just victims of our own actions and the consequences that follow?
I invite you to join me for a discussion on these interesting topics.
The book of 1st Nephi is an extraordinary tale of the departure of Lehi and his family from Jerusalem into the wilderness and the eight year saga that ensued. The rich detail that accompanies this tale is remarkable for its specificity and the fact that almost two hundred years of research have only strengthened its claim of authenticity.
I hope you find it as interesting as I did.
For some, the challenge to balance obedience to a commandment against the exercise of our God-given agency can be a tough road to navigate. But it needn't be. The Lord and the modern-day prophets have told us clearly how we can do this and they are very consistent. All we have to do is listen very carefully.
The Word of Wisdom is so much more than a revelation about coffee, and tea, and alcohol, and tobacco. I invite you to tune in and listen for yourself. You just might hear something new!
So many people say the we think we are the only ones going to heaven. Are they right? Do they have reason to believe that? Just what do we believe with regard to our final eternal destination...and who is invited?
And just what is heaven? And, what will we do once we get there?
Tune in and find out.
Secret societies of evil doers have been on the earth since Cain slew Able. They show up in the Bible as 'Priestcrafts' and in the Book of Mormon as both Priestcrafts and Secret Combinations with both the Jaredites in the book of Ether and also throughout the Nephite history. We are told there that they have always existed, and when I consider the effort Mormon and Moroni made to include their accounts in the records we have, that leads me to think just maybe they are around today as well. That being the case, what should we know about them, and how can we recognize them in our society? More importantly, how can we protect ourselves from their evils.
I invite you to listen in as we discuss Secret Combinations in the Book of Mormon.
Why are there biblical scriptures in the Book of Mormon? What was so important about Isaiah that he occupies one quarter of the first hundred pages of a book who's authors all spoke of the difficulty of writing, and that only the most important words should be included. Why take up valuable space to include words that would be available elsewhere?
Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the Bible. He is even quoted more than the Savior himself so, apparently, what he has to say must be very important. At least Nephi thought so!
But, so too did the Savior! He quoted Isaiah during his visit to the Nephites and even commanded them to read Isaiah on their own. Let's find out why.
Latter-Day scriptures have revealed to us that there is much more to heaven and earth than is at first apparent. As scientists unravel the mysteries of the universe, we are tasked with unravelling the mysteries of God and Heaven. thankfully, we have the scriptures both old and modern to help us in that challenge. and I wonder, is there any crossover between Science and our doctrines? I believe there is; I see God's hand in everything we encounter all around us. And I believe that science has a big part in that as well.
So, today, let's call this episode a fusion of Science and Religion!
Three of the greatest questions that confront humans today are: Why am I here? Where did I come from? and, Where am I going after this life is over? For some, these are consuming questions and they generate a lifetime of searching. For others, they seem unimportant...more curiosities than anything else. But could it be that there is important information to be learned that might very probably give direction to our lives if we understood the answers fully?
So, how do we find those answers, and what do we do with them when we find them? Well, I guess that is left up to the individual, but i have always believed that the wise person makes good use of all the knowledge they possess, and the answer to these questions just might be life changing to many.
How can we say the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel when it does not mention those things we consider the basics? It does not mention the Pre-existence, nor the Three Degrees of glory. It does not mention temples in the context that we see them, nor does it mention the everlasting covenant of Marriage and the continuation of the family. And yet, right in the Title Page it claims to contain the fulness of the gospel. How can that be?
Well I invite you to tune and join me as we find out together!
Two curious prophecies are found in the Bible that have the world puzzled; one is from Ezekiel about the Stick of Joseph; the other is about a sealed book and is mentioned by the prophet Isaiah.
Today we are going to see of we can decipher those two prophecies. I hope you will stick around and find out how we do.
Are LDS people Christians? Probably one of the silliest questions in the public conversation today. Of course we are, and we shouldn't have to prove that to anybody; but we do. So let's take a look at the critics and what their arguments are. I'll bet they all revolve around the doctrine of the Trinity. Let's see what that's all about!
With God having our back, who can stand in front of us? Well, it turns out the whole world can stand in front of us. One would think that being partnered with the Lord would ease our way and smooth the path, but that is hardly ever the case. The followers of the Lord have always been tried and tested and opposed by the world. So, why is that? And why not just give up and take the easy way?
if that is the way you are tempted to take, hold on a minute before you do, and listen to, and consider this.
Angels, Demons, Anunnaki and Aliens. They are all entities of another dimension and space. But, are they all real? Seems like a simple question but the reality may just hold secrets of our own place in the universe.
We are seeing a convergence of science and religion on these related matters. We have the stories, legends and myths of history, and now, we are being confronted with the very real possibility that there are alien life forms that are visiting earth. So many scientists, and military officials, and government officials are speaking on and off the record about extraterrestrial visitors and recovered space craft but we are waiting for the official words from whoever it is that gets to speak officially.
All of this has ramifications for us and for our faith....and for the faith of the world in all it's forms.
Today's episode may be a little different than what you are used to, but I hope it is interesting and thought provoking.
In the Doctrine and Covenants there are only two women ever mentioned...one is Ema Smith - of course - ands the other is a lady named Vienna Jaques. she is mentioned only once, in section 90, but the promise made top her indicates she was an extraordinary woman...a woman about whom most of us know almost nothing. We hope to change that today. Please join me and my special guest, Shannon Taylor as we explore the life of this amazing woman.
Within the beauty of the Book of Mormon lie several oddities that I think are worth investigating and discussing. In the end, I believe understanding these oddities only adds to the testimony of the truthfulness of this great book. Come with me and let's explore them together.
We like to think of ourselves as good people, and we are. But, how good are we? Are we Nephites, or are we Lamanites? Or...are we somewhere in between? Well, let's find out together.
Do miracles still happen? It seems they happened all the time in the old days. The Scriptures are full of them; so why don't they happen like that today? Well, maybe they do. Maybe there are miracles all around us. If that's true, what does it take to see them? How can we see the miracles that happen all around us and in our own lives?
I invite you to listen and find out for yourselves. I hope you enjoy and are uplifted by what you hear.
The book of Revelation has always been both fascinating and confusing to virtually all the people of the world. Joseph Smith, while working on the translation of the Bible, was likewise confused and took his questions to the Lord. We received Section 77 as a result. It is a wonderful clarification of some of the more mysterious elements of Revelation. But I think, equally fascinating is the whole subject of Apocalyptic Visions; what are they? And how and when are they given, and to whom?
Join me as we explore this mysterious subject.
Section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants is, to my way of thinking, the beginning of the real differentiation of the doctrines of our church with the rest of the Christian world. True, the claim of a living prophet and modern revelation was intriguing, but the unveiling of the nature of heaven, and the mysteries of God's kingdom was something for which much of the world was unfamiliar with.
Section 76 showed us the mercies of the Lord and gave us all great hope for the mysteries that await us in the next life. i hope you find these revelations as comforting as I do. please enjoy.
Life is tough...just ask anybody. Most will tell you that life is a constant battle of one challenge after another. But is this the joy that we are all meant for?
Why does opposition seem to always be ever-present with any project or task we undertake. Could it all be part of the plan? If so, how can it lead to joy and happiness? Let's find out together, shall we?
Today we are taking the opportunity to learn about the man who gave us the Book of Mormon. Mormon was the General of the Nephite army for at least 58 years, and much of that time was marked by the frustration of leading a faithless people destined to be destroyed. Mormon though, was a remarkable man and I'm privileged to tell his story. Sadly though, it will have to include the complete and utter destruction of the Nephite civilization.
The geography has long been a subject of curiosity for many, and a taboo for others. But the fact is, the Book of Mormon authors felt it was necessary to put in as much detail as they could in order help orient us as to the lands they were speaking about. In the 1800's common knowledge of the world didn't keep up with the Book of Mormon, but modern research and discovery has moved the book into the palm of modern thinking.
I invite you to tune in an see what you think?
A continuation of my testimony and reasoning for believing that Joseph Smith was truly a Prophet of God.
This podcast is presented so I can tell you why I know Joseph Smith was a true Prophet, and why I know the Book of Mormon is true.
The King Follett discourse or King Follett sermon, as it was prompted by the death of King Follett, a Nauvoo Latter-day Saint—has been hailed by historians both in and out of the Church as a landmark moment in Church history and “one of the truly remarkable sermons ever preached in America.” 1 Excerpts from it frequently appear in Church materials, and it remains popular among Church members, historians, and others researching Church history and Joseph Smith’s life.
Even for people who were aware of Joseph Smith’s earlier teachings on the premortal existence, divine nature, and exaltation, the King Follett discourse stood apart as the defining moment when those key concepts powerfully came to life as a meaningful component of LDS doctrine and thought.
As the church moved to Ohio great changes were in store; but here was where the Church really became a church, as revelations were given and doctrines solidified. This is also where the Law of Consecration was first given, and its precepts are still an integral part of the church today. Though details have changed, the basic idea of serving the needs of the members as a whole, and the needy in particular, has become one of the driving principles of the LDS Church.
The Shakers in North Union Ohio were the only church to have a revelation from Joseph Smith directed specifically at them. This as unique and not repeated again in the Doctrine and Covenants. However, it was a special circumstance, and it provided the Lord the opportunity to clarify and restate the importance of what are today some basic gospel fundamentals.
The balance between the spiritual manifestations found in the old revival tents and true gifts of the Spirit can be a fine line between true and false spirits. this was the problem the early Saints had when the church was just formed. Manay of the Saints in Kirtland were happy to have the 'enthusiastic spiritual exhibitions more commonly found in Pentacostal churches of the day, but this seemed to run against the revelations Joseph had received so far. Section 46 went a long way to clarifying this and setting the church on the right track with regard to Spiritual Gifts... the gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Believe it or not, a Chinese earthquake had an effect on the early Saints. In this episode we will tell that tale and also read the Lord's own explanation for his comments in Matthew 24 on the Mount of Olivet.
The move to Kirt6lanad marked a fundamental change for the fledgling church. The Lord had promised he would deliver then law of the church once the prophet got to Kirtland and so it was delivered. But st5range doings were going on in Kirtland and thy provided some good opportunities to truly establish the pattern of the Church. these were interesting times.
We focus on section 38 today because of its broad reach across numerous points of doctrine and guidance. The primary message of the importance of being united is manifest throughout and we learn a bit more about the true nature of Christ. We also get to hear a wonderful story about Lucy Mack Smith and the miracle she called down from heaven to help the starving and freezing Saints gathered on the shore of Lake Erie in Buffalo, New York as they tried to make their way to Ohio.
Once more we come upon Easter next week. Please join me as we engage in this discussion of what should be and is the single most important celebration we fete. it seems all people love Easter but perhaps few of us realize just how pivotal this event we celebrate was. The future of our entire eternal existence hung in the balance and the Savior's sacrifice and resurrection made our continued eternal progression possible.
Throughout the Book of Mormon concerns of the prophets and prophecies of the ultimate fate of the Lamanites was a primary concern. Great promises were made to their descendants. As soon as the Church as organized, the very first missionaries were sent out to preach and teach the various Indian tribes notwithstanding the opposition from other settlers around them. Amazing success and wonderful stories came from those early efforts.
But there is evidence that many of the first nation are not genetically connected to the ancient Lamanites. So who are these people, and do they stand to receive the blessings the Lord has promised to the Lamanites?
I hope this episode helps settle your heart on this matter.
This wide -ranging revelation was given during the time that Joseph Smith was revising or re-translating the Book of Genesis and as such, it shares many common threads.
it deals with the Second Coming, the Millennium, the resurrection and the final judgement, and also the Devil and his hosts. lots of stuff to discuss so I invite you to join me for this episode.
This is a recording of the live presentation I made to the members of the Florene So. Carolina ward on Sunday March 23rd. Accordingly, the recording and audio quality may be somewhat less than perfect, but I invite you all to have a listen.
Important issues remained to be settled as the early Church began its mission. Whether or not Angels could eat earthly food was not one of those issues, but the matter is addressed, nevertheless.
What was an important issue was just who could receive revelation and how was revelation to be handled. This came after confusing and conflicting revelations by Oliver Cowdery and also Hiram Page.
Join me as we see how this was settled.
We discuss the beginnings of serious persecutions and also, a special calling for Emma Smith
Known aa the Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ, Doctrine and Covenants 20 contains the foundational history, beliefs and ordinances of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Parts of Doctrine and Covenants 20 were given by revelation, and other parts came from a close study of the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon.
Join me as we take a closer look at this interesting section.
The Book of Mormon had now been fully translated, and the brethren were tasked with the challenge of getting it published. But that was no simple feat; the type- setting and the actual printing of 5,000 copies was an enormous ...and very expensive job and suddenly, the effort to form a new church was becoming very serious and very real. How was this going to be accomplished? Where would the money come from? Both good questions. The answer lay with Martin Harris, the first man to join Joseph Smith in the project and the one who had very nearly derailed it before it began.
Let's see how this all transpired.
While Joseph Smith was busy working on the Book of Mormon and getting ready for its publication as well as the formal organization of the Church, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, on the occasion of the revelation known as the 18th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants, received their own commissions from the Lord. Their task was to search out and choose the twelve men who would become the first ordained Apostles of the new Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. it was not as easy or as successful as one might think. listen in and find out how it all went.
The story of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon is a fascinating one. Not only were the circumstances surrounding the wonderful vision amazing, but the three men themselves each have a story to tell, and their remarkable lives serve as an additional testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon.
The 10th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants deals with the Loss of the 116 pages of the original Book of Mormon manuscript and the plans and designs of those who stole it...and how the Lord subverted those plans two thousand years ago.
Drama and Intrigue and the best laid plans of the Satan could not stop the work.
The arrival of Oliver Cowdery was an answered prayer for Joseph Smith. He had asked the Lord for a scribe and Oliver arrived three days later. His contribution was invaluable and together they finished the translation in just two months. but there was...and there is always... more to the story!
The effort to translate the Golden Plates was an arduous and complicated one, with drama an intrigue at every turn.
Tough it was the Lord's work, it took every ounce of energy that Joseph Smith had to bring it to pass. Here now is the story of Martin Harris' contribution and complication to that effort.
This is the extraordinary story of Moroni's visit to Joseph Smith on only the second heavenly visit he received. He was still young, (Just 17years old), and had no plans at the time, to form a new church, but the things the angel told him then would unalterably change his life, and the world forever. Please join me for this special episode.
We step back from the Doctrine and Covenants for just two weeks so that we can review the Joseph Smith History as found in the Pearl of Great Price. This personal account , written by the prophet himself, will give us a better understanding of the times and the pressures that were mounted against the young prophet during the first steps of the restoration of the Gospel. This week we will learn of the First Vision and next week we will cover Moroni's visit. Please join me as we...Dig a little Deeper.
come listen to this powerful message from the Lord as he personally dictates the preface to the Book of Commandments, later called the Doctrine and Covenants. The story of how it came to be is quite fascinating and the message is for all the inhabitants of the earth.
As he did in Jerusalem, the Savior delivered an sermon to the Nephites and Lamanites in the New World. It would stand to reason that it would be similar to his sermon on the mount, and indeed, it was; however, a different setting, a different place and a different people would dictate that the it not be exactly the same sermon; so let's see what differences there are...and why.
We have finally come to the time when the signs of the Savior's death were shown to the people of the Book of Mormon. For the people that survived the cataclysms that followed, these were miraculous times. First the Savior's voice came to them and then the Savior himself appeared to these people.
these are extraordinary chapters of 3rd Nephi and well worth the time to listen and to learn. Join me please.
As we move into 3rd Nephi we finally get to the events surrounding the Birth, Death, Resurrection of the Savior and his Visit to the Americas.
The Gadianton Robbers were in there causing all kinds of trouble, and the people were tossed back and forth between righteousness and wickedness.
It was quite a time. Join me as we explore this story.
The appearance of a Lamanite named Samuel, a Prophet, portended the great signs of the Savior's birth. A day and a night and a day without darkness would be the most dramatic but many signs and wonders were to come. Join me and let's hear how this all came about.
As we approach the time of the Savior's birth, the Gadianton Robbers gain hold of the Nephite government while the Lamanites turn to the Lord and become righteous. They are able to expel the Gadiantons from their midst.
As we begin the book of Helaman we will read about the intrigue surrounding the filling of the Judgement-seat and the introduction of the evil Kishkumen, and the even more evil Gadianton who, with his band of robbers and the secret combinations they formed, will ultimately cause the extinction of the Nephites.
As the battles with then Lamanites heat up and become more intense, the people of Ammon are tempted to set aside their covenant with God that they never would again take up their weapons of war. Helaman, however feared they would lose their souls if they did. Their sons however, had not made such a covenant so they covenanted to fight for the liberty of their parents. Join me as we see how that turned out.
We say goodbye to the man Alma and we meet the military commander Moroni. he is tasked with defending against the wicked and ambitious Amalickiah, set to take over power of all the land. Intrigue and betrayal worthy of a Game of Throne episode ensues and we learn some great lessons about trusting the Lord. Join me, will you?
Alma spends three chapters calling Corianton to repentance following his indiscretions with the harlot Isabel. most of that time, however, is spent teaching Corianton the gospel afresh.
We get a wonderful perspective on the resurrection, the spirit world after death, the workings of the redemption, and the justice vs mercy reality. we hear about Adam and Eve and why it was necessary for them, and us, to go through this mortality.
In the end we see the renewed hope and faith of Corianton.
I hope you enjoy it and find it uplifting and encouraging.
We take time off from the stories of Alma's ministry and spend some time watching Alma be a father to his the boys.
The event with the Anti-Christ Korihor had impacted Alma mightily and his mind was still on the circumstances of that encounter when he addressed the Zoramites. Alma spoke to the Zoramites about faith and about planting a seed of faith and encouraged them to try an experiment with a seed of faith. A lesson we all could benefit from. i invite you to listen in.
The scriptures tell us of Anti-Christ that will come in the last days. But, Anti-Christs have existed since the days after Christ's resurrection.
In the Book of Mormon, the most famous (but not the only) Anti-Christ was a man named Korihor. Listen to his story in the Land of Zarahemla, and ultimately, in front of Alma.
Ammon and his brethren had tremendous success with the Lamanites... which created great challenges for the Lamanites. Their story is compelling and intriguing. Have a listen. I think you will find it fascinating.
We've been following the exploits of Alma for a few weeks. Now it's time to see how the sons of Mosiah are doing. Join me as we hear some amazing accounts among the Lamanites
Alma and Amulek had touched the heart of the wicked judge Zeezrom, but raised the ire of many the rest of the townspeople. The city of Ammonihah was setting itself up for a great fall and the tragic conclusion of their wickedness could not be avoided.
This is a mostly tragic story but we need to get through it so we can move on to better things.
Nephite Money and the wicked judge are two reasons to listen to this episode about Alma and Amulek and their efforts in Ammonihah.
The beginning of Alma sees the introduction of Priestcrafts with the killing of Gideon by Nehor. the problem only gets worse ass time goes on. See how this affected the people of Zarahemla
This week we learn the story of Alma the Younger and his companions, the sons of Mosiah. their story and their transition from enemies of the church to its strongest supporters is truly remarkable. Also, we see the end of Mosiah and Alma the Elder. please join me as we finish up the book of Mosiah.
This episode highlights the Battle for the Land of Nephi and rise of Zarahemla as the home for the Nephites. We also learn more about Alma and his impact on the people of both Lehi-Nephi and Zarahemla.
Finally, we learn the fate and see the end of the wicked king Noah. We will also hear about Alma and his efforts to form a church in the wilderness by the waters of Mormon. We will also see the continuing intrigue caused by the king's wicked priests. Lots to hear in this week's episode, so don't miss it!
the confrontation between King Noah and the Prophet Abinadi was a turning point for the people of Lehi-Nephi and marked the emergence of Alma. It's a fascinating story well worth your time. i invite you to have a listen.
What a fascinating set of scriptures we get to explore today. We see Mosiah, Ammon, King Limhi, as well a King Zeniff and King Noah. And we will see an intriguing connection between things said early in Mosiah, as well as from Amaleki in Omni, and then, also, the words of Zeniff. Should be interesting. please join me, won't you?
The rest of King Benjamin's address is a powerful statement on the absolute necessity for us to turn to Christ for the redemption and the remission of our sins. Only thru him can we be washed clean to return to him one day.
The one, and perhaps only thing most people all over the world know about the LDS church is that we all have many wives. Of course this is not true but the subject deserves a fair and honest investigation. To that end, I have tried to be as fair and informative as I can be as I look into this subject. I invite you to join me as we discuss this most interesting subject.
As we move into Mosiah we begin the record that Mormon abridged. As King Benjamin approached his death, he appointed his so Mosiah to be king and he took the occasion to deliver one of the mot powerful addresses in the scriptures. We will take a look at this address and the profound truths it contains. Please join us.
This week we dig out the rich gems found within the four smallest books in the Book of Mormon. Their size is not indicative of the value of the words found within them. Join me as we explore these often overlooked books and grow from their wisdom.
The allegory of the tame and wild Olive trees as given by the prophet Zenos as related by Jacob to his people. In it Zenos tells us of the trials of the House of Israel, their scattering and their eventual gathering and reunification. More importantly, it tells us of our responsibility to be part of that gathering, and the blessings we will enjoy for that effort.
Jacob 1-4 introduces us to the transition of the Nephite civilization at the time of Nephi's death. Jacob expresses his concern over the introduction of polygamy into his society and he speaks so tenderly of the Lord's love for the women and young girls among the Nephites. He encourages us to be reconciled to the Lord through the Atonement and we discuss how that is brought to pass.
The events and circumstances surrounding the Resurrection of Christ are looked at closely in this episode. We will discuss resurrection for ourselves as well and explore possible ways that can come about.
We will also explore the Book of Mormon perspeective on this subject.
Nephi's parting words to us hold some very powerful messages about the Savior's will for us. We discuss the importance of Baptism, and why even the Savior had to be baptized. we discuss the nature of mortality and how we may overcome the 'Natural Man' that King Benjamin spoke about.
We finish by talking about the value and imperative of enduring to the end and the generous mercies extended to those who do.
Isaiah speaks of a book that is sealed. What is it? Where is it? What is in the sealed part? We talk about that, and more, in this
week's episode of Come follow Me.
2 Nephi 20-25 includes Isaiah's prophecy for the Jews in the last days, and Nephi's prophecy in plainness. Also, Nephi's excellent explanation of the purpose of the Law of Moses.
We finally tackle one of the most intriguing mysteries of the Bible. What happened to the Ten Lost Tribes, and where are they today? We will take a good look at what the Book of Mormon has to say about them. This should be interesting.
Week 9 of the CFM program has yet more Isaiah, but I think you will find some interesting stuff in there, including a change Joseph Smith made to one verse that completely changed it's message. I hope you listen and enjoy.
This weeks scriptures let us hear from Jacob. He will read for us out of Isaiah and there just might be some very interesting in there, so please join me. Don't be afraid...it's only Isaiah.
Week 7 brings the death of Lehi and a permanent split among the families. Here we see, for the first time, Nephites and Lamanites. We also get a poignant lament from Nephi, in which he cries out, "O wretched man that I am!" Let's see why he says that.
Why does it seem that everything of any worth comes at such a price and effort? Why does life always seem to be pushing back against us. According to Lehi, it is required that there be opposition in all things. Let's find out why together, shall we?
The Desert, The Ship, The New World, there is a lot to absorb in theses few chapters, but the lesson is great...I, The Lord will prepare the way before you. there can be no greater promise when we are faced with the insurmountable, the impossible, or just plain difficult challenges we face in our daily lives. Whether the task is great or small, if we are asked to do it, we should go forward, knowing there is a way to accomplish it.
It's time to start putting our faith in the promises of the Lord. As times get harder, we will need the Lord's help as never before. He is there, waiting for us to ask.
After hearing Lehi's account of his extraordinary vision, Nephi desires to see it for himself. Now we get a fuller account and learn more important lessons...and a reminder of the power of prayer. Please join me and enjoy this lesson.
This week we are studying 1st Nephi 6-10 which includes the family of Ishmael joining Lehi and his family in the wilderness, and the recounting of Lehi's Dream. We will explore what message it has for us today.
A few thoughts on week 1 of the Come Follow Me Study Series for the Book of Mormon. These episode will run in addition to my regular Podcast series of The Book of Mormon, Digging Deeper.
This weeks study is on the introduction of the Book of Mormon and I have included some thoughts on its coming forth by the hand of a young man like Joseph Smith.
The one universal question all people have is "What happens when we die?" This is the great mystery of life. Come with me as we explore the fascinating world of Near-Death experiences, and measure those against the scriptures and spoken words we hold dear to us. I promise you will go away comforted and more at peace for having joined me.
The story of the golden plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated, has always generated strong reactions from adoration, to derision, to claims of outright fraud. But the complete story is fascinating and I'm sure you will find it compelling. I invite you to listen.
It's something we all will face, sooner or later. Are our days numbered? Are our years known to the Lord? Is it true that no righteous person faces an untimely?
Join me as we explore the LDS beliefs on Death and Dying.
Moral Agency is a gift given to everyone. We are free to act for ourselves, but, our actions have consequences, and those we cannot choose.
This is a discussion on the value - the necessity - of agency and its consequences, and how they influence our eternal progression.
An exploration of the doctrine of the Trinity and how changes made to it in later centuries have affected the whole of Christianity, and not for the better.
Are Mormons the only ones going to Heaven? Some think so but what do the scripture say? Let me share with you how the Lord works with all His children.
Have miracles ceased or do they still occur today? If they do still occur, why don't we hear about them on the news or through social media? Were the miracles found in the scriptures real or just the fabrications of over zealous minds? let's explore the subject of Miracles, past and present and see what we can learn.
On this episode we discuss the Pure Love of Christ and the true nature of Charity...the charity of the scriptures. What is it, and how can we employ it in our lives to make us more like Christ? Turns out there just may be more to it than we think. why don't you join me and let's explore it together.
The story of Moses and the fiery stinging serpents sent to torment the children of Israel is an almost magical account of a plague sent by the Lord, and the cure from it also provided by the Lord. But is it a real story, and if so, does it hold any importance for us and application in our lives?
Both Nephi in the Book of Mormon and Paul in the New Testament cried out, "O Wretched Man that I Am!" Why would you suppose they would do that? and is it true? Were they wretched men? Why don't we find out together. There might be a valuable lesson in there for us all.
Many throughout recent history have proclaimed loud and clear that the Book of Mormon is a Fake, a fraud, a lie. Could there be any truth to that assertion? Is there any evidence to support that claim? Well, have a listen and decide for yourself...but be careful, you just might find your testimony strengthened!
All too often we think we will have peace if only things would go our way for once. We wait for conditions to be right and then think peace will follow. But peace doesn't work that way. It can be elusive in times of prosperity and present in the most dire circumstances. What constitutes the "Peaceable Walk " that Mormon mentioned in Moroni 7? How can we find it? How can we hold on to it? I invite you to listen, that perhaps it will help you find the peace you seek.
The Book of John says Jesus was in the beginning with Heavenly Father. So, why isn't he in the Old testament? And who was Jehovah, and where did he go in the New Testament? This is a dive into the the relationship between Jehovah and Jesus Christ.
We all have faced trials and tribulations, obstacles and setbacks, in our lives. Why is that. Many bad things have happened to good people...Why is that? is adversity just a consequence of our own actions, or, does the very nature of Mortality itself present challenges and obstacles we must navigate around for our whole lives. Let's talk about that.
This episode explores the paradox of the doctrine of the Holy Trilogy and why the God of the Old Testament seems to always be angry and jealous while the God of the New Testament if full of love and mercy and forgiveness?
This most sacred doctrine is seldom spoken about and often considered Taboo, but in fact, is a very important doctrine we should all understand and seek after. Listen to the words of the Prophets as they speak about the calling and election and the more sure word of prophecy.
Why are some prayers answered quickly and others Not?
Why did the Scriptural Prophets sometimes break the bands of confinement with a word and other times languish in prisons for long periods of time. Why must we go through trials of our faith before the miracles we seek are brought to pass? I invite you to listen to my thoughts on this.
Each of us is endowed with one or more gifts of the Spirit when we receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. What are those gifts and why are they given? And, more importantly, how do they bless our lives and the lives of those we serve?
Perhaps the most unique book of scripture in the LDS canon of scripture is the Book of Abraham...and it has perhaps the most interesting history and some of the most amazing information in the scriptures. And, Napoleon and Albert Einstein have connections to it. Listen in and find out how.
Is the Devil real? And if so, just what is his nature? How does he work in the world and in our lives. Just what exactly does he do to work against the Lord and how can we insulate ourselves from his influence? I invite you to listen.
Why did Jesus come at the Meridian of Times? Why then and not now, when communication and transportation are so much easier? Was it necessary to come during the Roman occupation of Palestine? Were the Romans unwitting participants in spreading his word? Come join me as we explore this little discussed subject.
Revelation and prayer are two wonderful tools we have to receive guidance from our Heavenly Father. But, sometimes, the answers to our pleas are very hard to hear and understand. Just how do we distinguish between an answer to a prayer or the validity of a revelation and our own deeply held desires and biases? Perhaps this episode will help you answer those questions.
Since the beginning of time Mankind has pondered the nature of our existence and asked the three eternal questions, "Where did I come from?" "Why am I here?" "Where am I going?" And, since the beginning of time, the answers have been elusive. The restoration of the Gospel in the latter days finally gave us the answers we have so long sought. Join me as we discuss the Plan of Salvation in depth and find the comforting doctrines that have the power to sooth our souls.
Why do we let our testimonies falter over little things? How does a harsh or insensitive word from a Bishop or Stake President influence our activity... or drive us out of the church? Why do we trip over the little things. There are big questions to be asked about God, about the Savior, about the Book of Mormon, that if answered positively, should establish our testimonies on firm ground and blunt the influence of the little questions that so easily get out of hand. Let's talk about that.
The challenge and the blessing of learning how to forgive. We explore the power that comes with exercising true Christlike forgiveness.
The Bible passed through a number of hands on its way from the Prophets and the Apostles to us. Along the way, many plain and precious parts were lost. Its history is long and fascinating and the contribution of the Joseph Smith Translation is just one part of the story...a very important part to be sure.
The end of the world is a subject that has commanded our attention for a long time. what will it be like? Should we be scared? Should we be afraid? should we be anxious? And, just how can we prepare for it? Tune in and find out.
Is it possible to find peace, inner peace in a turbulent world? If so, how? What are the steps to attaining and maintaining true peace within ourselves amidst all the adversity and turmoil? Tune in and find out.
A continuation of the discussion and exploration of the conflict and relationship between Science and Theology
The story of the Three Nephites; The Lord's disciples, in the Americas, who desired to remain on earth until His second coming. What is their condition and what is their mission.
The battle between science and religion has been waged for centuries. But must it be so? Is there no common ground? I believe it is a battle that need not be waged. Surprisingly, there is much more common ground than you might think. Join me for this discussion as we explore the history of this conflict and discover the true nature and relationship between these two disciplines.
The Heaven and Hell of the Catholic and Protestant world is missing one Kingdom. The temples are the doorway to eternal glory in that one. Only through its door will the pathway to the Celestial Kingdom be revealed.
The Atonement was the seminal moment in all of human history. The Savior died on the cross for us. Before that he suffered in the Garden to the point that he sweat great drops of blood. In this podcast we are going to explore why he had to suffer and die for us and just what that means. I hope you will join us.
Who is the Holy Ghost and why is the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the Laying on of Hands the Second Ordinance of the Gospel.
The first ordinance of the Gospel is Baptism, a sometimes overlooked and often misunderstood ordinance with a history that goes back thousands of years. In this episode we take a deep dive into the issue of the true nature of the Father and the Son and the doctrine of the Trinity.
What is the nature of true repentance? What is it about repentance that makes it the second principle of the Gospel? Let's find out together.
In this episode we find out why faith is the first principal of the Gospel. We also explore how to expand and strengthen our own personal faith.
How accurate is the common Christian concept of Hell. Is there really a lake of Fire & Brimstone? How does the Book of Mormon portrayal of hell differ from the world's view?
Secret Combinations have existed since the beginning of time. Listen to how they affected the people of the Book of Mormon and see what their existence means for us today.
What is the apocalypse, really? And how are Moses, Abraham, John the Beloved and Nephi connected? In this podcast we find out about apocalyptic visions and how they help and guide us throughout history.
How an extraordinary monetary system ended up in the Book of Mormon, almost as an afterthought.
While the law of Moses was universal among the children of Israel, The Book of Mormon prophets had a decidedly unique perspective on its application and value to the Nephite people. Join me as we see what they knew that the people of Jerusalem did not.
Have you ever wondered why there are so many Isaiah scriptures in the Book of Mormon?
Why are they there? What is their purpose. Is there anything to be learned by reading them? Maybe...
How can two groups of people make diametrically opposed covenants with the Lord and expect both to be honored. Let's explore the difference between covenants and commandments together.
The Book of Mormon contains 337 names of which 188 are unique to it. Is there anything to be learned by examining them? You may be surprised at what they reveal.
Is there any significance to the fact that Lehi dwelt in a tent? The shortest verse in the Book of Mormon may hold more evidence to its authenticity.
Ezekiel speaks of a Stick of Judah and a Stick of Joseph. The Bible is the Stick of Judah. Let me tell you why I believe the Book of Mormon is the Stick of Joseph.
The Sermon on the Mount appears in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, although with sometimes subtle, sometimes significant differences. In this episode we examine those differences and find further evidence of the veracity of this translation. Join us. I think you will find this episode very interesting.
The Book of Mormon account of the mas destruction at the time of the Savior's crucifixion is far more detailed than that found in the Bible. Does this account hold up to scientific scrutiny? Let's find out together
Was Jesus Christ just a New Testament character? The Book of Mormon, more than any other book of Scripture, provides the clearest picture of just who Jesus Christ was and the extent of His calling throughout all ages of time. The Book of Mormon clears up the confusion Biblical scholars have differentiating between Elohim the Father and Jehovah in the Old Testament
Why is the Book of Ether in the Book of Mormon? Why is its inclusion in the Book of Mormon so extraordinary and how does it testify, almost more than any other book within the Book of Mormon, to the truthfulness and authenticity of Joseph Smith's translation? Join me and let's find out together!
How can one single word have so much power and say so much? How can one word bear so great a testimony to the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon? Join us today and find out how one word in the Book of Mormon provides a powerful testimony of Joseph Smith's translation of this amazing book.
Moroni's visit to Joseph Smith should have been a simple revelation of the existence and location of the gold plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. But it was much more than that. By quoting the book of Malachi in addition to revealing the plates, Moroni added a whole other dimension to the assignment and calling he delivered to Joseph Smith that night. tune in and see why.
The remarkable account of Lehi's journey into and through the desert provided the world with more knowledge about ancient Arabia's 'Empty Quarter' and the long lost 'Frankincense Trail' than existed anywhere else in 1830. The idea that Joseph Smith could have fabricated this story is severely challenged as modern day archeologists and researchers have verified, piece by piece, all of the details, unknown in his day, but today, clearly accepted as fact.
Ever wonder why the Book of Mormon begins in 600BC? Why specifically then...that year? What was happening in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Egypt at that time? Was it just a lucky decision by Joseph Smith to pick that particular year? Join us on this inaugural episode and find out the answer to this and many other fascinating questions and evidences found in the pages of the Book of Mormon.