bytheway...

Does the Lord take sides in a war? As the brewing battles that come into play throughout the Book of Alma begin to form, John shares what it means to go forth in the “strength of the Lord”. He also talks about what we can learn from Alma , who stepped down to preach to those who are a part of the Church and Nehor, who tried to destroy the faith of those who believed in Christ. 

What did President Spencer W. Kimball say the most important word is? John helps us remember the great blessings the Lord has offered His people, and shares examples of the transformative power of prayer as you face each day’s challenges. 

Trials are guaranteed to come. But just like the sun rises every new day, our challenges eventually end and new triumphs begin. John shares lessons throughout Mosiah 18-24 of resilience, redemption, and what it takes to successfully make it through life’s adversities.

Imagine what it would be to lose your life thinking that what you’ve done never made a difference. John talks about the enduring legacy of the prophet Abinadi, who died before he could ever see the fruits of his labor. John explores Abinadi’s powerful witnesses of God’s redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ. 

Keeping up with the locations of the places in the Book of Mormon can be a challenge! John describes a graphic he created to help him keep track of where all the important events happen in Mosiah. He also shares the triumphs and setbacks Nephi’s descendants experience as their faith is tested.

King Benjamin continues his sermon to his His people. John shares more key lessons from Benjamin’s teachings and emphasizes the importance of taking upon oneself the name of Christ through faith and covenant. He also discusses the significance of having Christ’s name written in our hearts as a mark of our commitment to follow the Savior. 

This week, John looks at the profound teachings of King Benjamin - one of the most influential leaders in the entire Book of Mormon. He talks about Benjamin’s sermons on service, humility, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how when you are “in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

“God seems more interested in our growth than in our comfort”. John shares lessons from Enos, Jarom, Omni, and provides context that highlights the importance of Mormon’s preservation of the sacred record across generations. 

John discusses Jacob’s allegory of the olive tree, the clash between truth and the deception of Sherem, and shares final thoughts as we finish our study of the book of Jacob. 

The teachings of Jacob are unique because we get to understand Nephite society and beliefs more deeply than in other books scripture. Learn timeless lessons’s from Jacob’s teachings on pride, repentance, and the pursuit of spiritual growth relevant to each of us today.