Book Of Mormon Gems

What significant Christian doctrines does the Book of Mormon teach? Gems from the past light a path to the future in Christ the Lord. For example: The Gospel plan is to save families, God judges us for our use of agency but intervenes against the wicked, the atonement is infinite, the priesthood are "chosen vessels," and we must "take upon ourselves the name of Christ" at baptism. One great GEM is the witness of the Book of Mormon to the THREE DAYS and NIGHTS Jesus was in the tomb, confirmed in the Bible by the double Sabbaths (plural in Matt. 28:1). Also the prophesy found in Isaiah pertaining to Joseph Smith is clarified in the LXX. These are just a few of the GEMS found in the Book of Mormon!

In the last several years a wealth of information has been published on Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy. For some who were already well aware of this aspect of early Mormon history, the availability of new research and discovered documents has been a wellspring of further insight and knowledge into this topic. For others who are learning of Joseph's marriages to other women for the first time, these books and online publications can be both an information overload and a challenge to one's faith. In this short volume, Brian C. Hales (author of the 3-volume Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology) and Laura H. Hales wade through the murky waters of history to help bring some clarity to this episode of Mormonism's past. As Joseph Smith's participation in plural marriage involved more than just the Prophet and his first wife Emma, this volume also includes short biographical sketches of the 35 other women who were sealed to Joseph but whose stories of faith, struggle, and courage have been largely forgotten and ignored over time. While we may never fully understand the details and reasons surrounding this practice, Brian and Laura Hales provide readers with an accessible, forthright, and faithful look into this challenging topic so that we can at least come toward a better understanding. Praise for Joseph Smith's Polygamy: Toward a Better Understanding "Few matters of LDS history have proven to be as faith-sensitive as Joseph Smith's plural marriages. While a number of efforts have been made in recent years to shed light on this challenging phenomenon, nothing has brought greater clarity, enlightenment, and, particularly for believing Saints, spiritual reassurance, than has the work of researcher Brian Hales. He and his wife Laura have now rendered a monumental service to Mormons and interested observers by bringing clarity and better understanding to this topic. I for one am grateful for the context, perspective, and both straightforward and faithful answers provided for so many of the questions surrounding Nauvoo polygamy. It is a book that will be read and discussed for years to come." - Robert L. Millet, Professor Emeritus of Religious Education, Brigham Young University

For readers of the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin's speech is a treasure trove of inspiration, wisdom, eloquence, and spiritual insight. King Benjamin's Speech: "That Ye May Learn Wisdom" is the most substantial collection of studies ever to focus exclusively on this landmark address. The contributors examine this speech in the multifaceted contexts in which it was delivered: as a classic speech of a departing leader near the time of his death, as the focus of an annual festival season mandated anciently under the law of Moses, as part of a covenant renewal ceremony delivered within the sacred precinct of the Nephite temple in Zarahemla, and as preparation for the coronation of a new king. Historical and linguistic tools and information are employed in these essays to help the reader to better grasp the speech's historical setting, its doctrinal implications, its literary qualities, its influence then and now, and its overall brilliance.

Book of Mormon Gems provides a careful selection of the vast majority of outstanding principles, prophets and events throughout the great journeys contained in The Book of Mormon. Above each entry is a bolded and enlarged heading in italics which, as a Gem, gives the clear essence of the entry. This format gives the reader the option of reading just the Gem, or also the full underlying text of each entry. Each entry is meticulously documented, and includes in parenthesis who is speaking. The selection of well over two thousand entries in Book of Mormon Gems, is a modest attempt to gather completely from The Book of Mormon, the plain and precious truths and events revealed centuries ago to chosen prophets who were led to a promised land by the Power of God. What makes Book of Mormon Gems so valuable is that it presents the most important and sacred scriptural truths found in The Book of Mormon, without having to read as well the volumes of extra writing throughout the book.

A comprehensive reference work containing a thorough analysis of all the major cults and the significant minor cults.