Once Upon a Precept

     I am still in the introduction pages of the Maxwell Institute Study Edition of the Book of Mormon. I made an article about the difference between the study edition and the current version of the Book of Mormon. I am currently reading a section called “Brief History of the Text”. I like teaching doctrine, so I am not going to get into the history of the Book of Mormon; unless, you want me to. Let me know, if you would like additional insight into the history of the publishing of the book throughout the years. This section of the book is only in the Maxwell Institute Study Edition of the Book of Mormon.      During family scripture study this morning, we reviewed the following verses of the Book of Mormon, which is a quotation of Isaiah, in 2 Nephi chapter 12, covering verses 1-3: “The word that Isaiah, the son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord’s house shall ...

The following parable was part of a Sacrament talk in my ward last Sunday. The Bible and the Coal Basket A child admired his grandfather. Seeking to be like him, he read the Bible daily to obtain the wisdom that the grandfather expressed. He was discouraged because he did not understand the Bible and quickly forgot what he understood, bringing his concern to his grandfather. The grandfather told him to fetch water in his coal basket for him, but it was empty by the time that he return. The father told him to run back. He tried again. The child did not see his logic. Grandfather told him to run faster. The child tried, showing his logic was accurate. The grandfather showed him the point of the exercise, saying that the coal basket was clean; although, it did not retain the water.  We may not retain everything that we learn, but the spirit that abides with you will cleanse you.

     One thing that is unique about the Maxwell Institute Study Edition of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is that the testimony of Emma Smith is held within it. It is interestingly an interview conducted by her son Joseph Smith III. The interview asks skeptical questions such as the following: "Had he not a book or manuscript from which he read, or dictated?” "Could he not have had? and you not know it?” "Are you sure that he had the plates at the time that you were writing for him?” "Could not father have dictated the Book of Mormon to you, Oliver Cowdery and the others who wrote for him, after having first written it, or having first read it out of some book?” "I should suppose that you would have uncovered the plates and examined them? "Did Mr. Smith forbid your examining the plates?” (A question from her second husband)       Before I get into Emma Smith’s answers, I would like to quote a couple verses of scriptu...

     At the beginning of the Maxwell Institute Study Edition of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, one of the first quotations in its introduction is a one from Neal A. Maxwell. It is the following quote: “The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a marvelous episode not only in Church history but also in human history. You and I owe many people for their roles in bringing us the Book of Mormon, a book filled with plain and precious salvational truths which came forth by “the gift and power of God” (Book of Mormon title page). Through the labors and sacrifices of many, the “marvellous work and a wonder” foreseen by Isaiah (Isa. 29:14) restored vital truths which had been lost to mankind for centuries! We can best express our gratitude by reading and applying the teachings of the Book of Mormon.”      Neal A. Maxwell was an apostle of Jesus Christ in these latter-days, who died in 2004.      This quotation impress...

My older brother gave me the Maxwell Institute Study Edition of the Book of Mormon for Christmas. I was thinking of starting from the beginning as I begin my career as a content creator, but I also thought that I do not want to get too behind the “Come, Follow me” program. I think that keeping up with all the various readings that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints produces and can be discouraging. I have lived with this my whole life, since I have dyslexia. It is not the stereotypical way. I just read a little slower. I believe that the “Come, Follow me” program is very adaptable for each person and family, and Heavenly Father is incredibly grateful for your best effort. I can’t keep up by reading all the chapters in each week’s lessons; however, I review the family scripture study suggestions with my wife. I hope that my open nature will comfort you as the expectation to read so many things may seem impossible. I have an insight from the Book of Mormon that I think...

D&C 132:22 For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.  23 But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also.  24 This is eternal lives—to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law.  25 Broad is the gate, and wide the way that leadeth to the deaths; and many there are that go in thereat, because they receive me not, neither do they abide in my law. Only wise God  Satan is no wise. Path to lives Path to deaths Why is the path strait & narrow? The path is designed by God. a path to perfection covenant path Lamp to your feet A light to your path Integrity knows their standards. Life is uncertain without integrity , Integrity always has liv...

You become what you worship. Anything that you prioritize before God is your idol. Technology Addiction Yourself Celebrities Video Games Family Sports Money Prestige Movies YouTube Pokemon carnality Addictions are never ending. More and more. Deeper and deeper.  Addictions are self-centered. Depression Things as they really are. - David Bednar Face God first. Obedience brings freedom. God has complete self-mastery. Commandments are the path to God's life. It is dehumanizing to live carnally. Obedience to the Law of Chasity requires a higher self-esteem. Power of force or influence. Love of God enhances work. Seek meaningful service. Commandments gives power. Obedience directs influence for good. Good desires will increase obedience. more commandments which inspired him. Pray for service oppornities. ------------------- Tolerance & Love Tolerance is not the same as tolerant. Love the person hate the sin. 2 Nephi 9:49 Behold, my soul abhorreth sin, and my heart delighteth in righ...