Modern Prophets » Book of Mormon

Moroni

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:27:54 +0000

Lifespan

Approximately A.D. 350-421.

Ministry

Moroni was the final Nephite prophet to record in the plates that were later translated as the Book of Mormon. The son of the prophet-general Mormon, he himself led ten thousand troops into the last battle against the Lamanites and took over care of the sacred records of the Nephites at his father’s death.

Preparation and Calling

Moroni was grew up under the tutelage of his prophet-general father in challenging circumstances. His charge to care for the records of his people came from that father, who instructed his son to write “the sad tale of the destruction of [their] people” (Mormon 8:3). The time and circumstances of his calling as prophet are unclear.

Interaction with God

Like his father, Moroni was not a stranger to the presence of Deity. He recorded, “I have seen Jesus, and . . . he hath talked with me face to face, and . . . he told me in plain humility, even as a man telleth another in mine own language, concerning these things” (Ether 12:39).

Social Situation

Moroni was an eyewitness to the annihilation of his entire people. He served under his father in defense of those people against the Lamanite onslaughts that sought their total destruction. He and his father, and a few unnamed Nephites who apparently escaped, were all who remained at the conclusion of the final battle, and Moroni spent the remainder of his days (at least 36 years) in hiding and caring for the sacred records which he had been entrusted with.

Key Teachings

In addition to his fervent witness of Jesus Christ, Moroni is known for his writings on the Lord’s supper (sacrament) and other basic principles. But most famous is his challenge in the final chapter of the book that bears his name: “And when ye shall receive these things [meaning the Book of Mormon], I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:4-5).

Living with the Prophet

Hollywood has made a number of movies about time travel. What if you had the chance to visit with someone who knew the future? Would you not find such a visit of great worth? Moroni wrote to those who would one day read his words, “Behold, I speak unto you as if you were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing” (Mormon 8:35). Read the words of Moroni. Study his messages. Learn and do what the Savior of the world commanded him to write so that you, centuries later, would know how to live. This is the chance of a lifetime. Take advantage of it.

Sources

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 1, s.v. “Moroni.”

Book of Mormon, Reader’s Edition, ed. Grant Hardy.

Jarom

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:02:07 +0000

Lifespan

Approximately 440-360 B.C.

Ministry

Jarom was the son of the Nephite prophet Enos. He recorded only a brief summary of Nephite history during his lifetime. Though they were outnumbered by the Lamanites, they resisted Lamanite aggression successfully due to their righteousness.

Preparation and Calling

Nothing is known of Jarom’s preparation or calling.

Interaction with God

Though Jarom does not speak of his own relationship with God, he mentions that “many among us . . . have many revelations, for they are not all stiffnecked. And as many as are not stiffnecked and have faith, have communtion with the Holy Spirit” (Jarom 1:4). As Jarom was entrusted to keep the records for some 60 years, it is not unlikely that he was among this group of faithful Nephites.

Social Situation

Both the Lamanite and Nephite population was growing rapidly, with the advantage numerically going to the Lamanites. The Nephites were a conservative lot who strictly kept the law of Moses and were constantly stirred up to repentance by the Nephite priests and teachers. The Lamanites, meanwhile, became bloodthirsty and warring, attempting many times to conquer the Nephites—but always in vain.

Key Teachings

Jarom did not leave a record of his teachings, explaining that “what could I write more than my fathers have written? For have they not revealed the plan of salvation? I say unto you, Yea; and this sufficeth me” (Jarom 1:2).

Living with the Prophet

Though Jarom wrote only a small amount on the plates, he kept them safe and cared for during approximately six decades. And sometimes we become impatient when we are asked to help a neighbor in need for a couple of hours on a Saturday morning! What can you learn from faithful Jarom about serving patiently as long as the Lord requires?

Sources

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 1, s.v. “Book of Jarom.”

Book of Mormon, Reader’s Edition, ed. Grant Hardy.

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Jacob

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:56:03 +0000

Lifespan

Approximately 570 B.C.

Ministry

Jacob was a Nephite prophet and the fifth son of the prophet Lehi. He was born after the family left Jerusalem, so he was apparently taught by his parents and strongly influenced by his older brother Nephi. Although the extended family probably grew rapidly, obviously his ministry was restricted to that small but growing population. His recorded words, however, continue to teach millions today. He also had responsibility for the small plates of Nephi, which stewardship remained in his direct family line.

Preparation and Calling

Jacob was blessed with both great tribulation and great faith as a young man. Nephi, his older brother, consecrated him to be a priest and a teacher, which role he fulfilled with prophetic diligence. His vocabulary and ability to recall teachings from disparate sources show him to be well-educated and versed in scripture.

Interaction with God

Jacob seems to have been a man of unusual faith. He declared to Sherem, an anti-Christ, “I truly had sen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time” (Jacob 7:5). Nephi wrote that Jacob had seen the premortal Jesus Christ, and indeed perhaps his greatest teachings are of the Savior and His coming mission on earth.

Social Situation

Jacob was born in the wilderness to an aging prophet-father and righteous mother. As he matured, the rift between those who believed in God’s direction for the family and those who did not grew. In the promised land, the two groups grew apart spiritually and physically, even to the point of warring with each other. As the Lord blessed the righteous Nephites, they began to prosper. Jacob, a spiritually and emotionally sensitive man, was tasked with being a priest and a teacher to the Nephite tribe. Many of his teachings center on warning his people of pride, materialism, and unchastity, knowing that the spiritual downfall that these sins could cause was far greater than the afflictions, even death, that the Lamanites would cause.

Key Teachings

Though Jacob taught several doctrines clearly and powerfully, his witness of the coming Messiah to the Jews is remarkable. He was visited by the premortal Jesus and recorded that the purpose of this writing on the plates was for future peoples to “know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming” (Jacob 4:4). His teachings regarding the scattering and gathering of Israel are also worth noting (see Jacob 5).

Living with the Prophet

Jacob was not blessed to live a life of ease. He was born in the wilderness, crossed a mighty ocean by ship, and helped his family carve out an existence in a new and foreign country. He had no fine schools to attend. Yet he must have been diligent in his personal studies, for he learned in those humble circumstances to read and write and was familiar with all the writings of the sacred records carried by the family. Perhaps because of this, he developed strong feelings for the power of written records. He was associated with previous generations primarily through the written word, and he tried to leave a legacy for his future generations by recording his testimony on the plates. Consider your own circumstances. Do you strive to not only get through life but also to improve your education? What kind of legacy can you provide to others by recording your testimony and experiences?

Sources

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 1, s.v. “Jacob.”

Book of Mormon, the books of Mosiah and Alma.

Book of Mormon, Reader’s Edition, ed. Grant Hardy.

Enos

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:09:10 +0000

Lifespan

Approximately 515-420 B.C.

Ministry

Enos was a son of Jacob and grandson of Lehi. He was a record keeper and a prophet for the Nephite population.

Preparation and Calling

While Enos was hunting, the words of his father sank deep into his heart and he entered into a lengthy heartfelt prayer to God. The eventual answer to that prayer ensured that Enos knew of God’s reality and love.

Interaction with God

Little is known of Enos outside the record of his prayer while hunting.

Social Situation

Enos lived at a time when his fellow Nephites were becoming increasingly prone to straying from the truth and the Lamanites were becoming more ferocious and wicked.

Key Teachings

After Enos received forgiveness of his sins following a lengthy prayer while hunting, he turned to praying on behalf of his Nephite people and then his enemy, the Lamanites. Both his steadfastness in praying until he received an answer and his concern for all his brethren—friend and foe alike—are significant lessons.

Living with the Prophet

Enos is often credited with having the endurance and commitment necessary to pray until he received an answer to his prayers. But his experience began with his thoughts concerning the gospel truths that he had heard his father speak of. In your journal, or at least on a sheet of paper, write down the key teachings that you have heard your parents or other leaders teach you, and then consider how you feel about these teachings. Resolve to pray to Heavenly Father to help you understand them better.

Sources

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 1, s.v. “Enos.”

Book of Mormon, Reader’s Edition, ed. Grant Hardy.

family: ‘Times New Roman’;”>

Alma

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:52:35 +0000

Lifespan

Approximately 174-92 B.C.

Ministry

Alma was an ex-priest of the wicked King Noah. He supported releasing Abinadi without punishment, and drew the wrath of his fellow priests for doing so. After escaping the king’s court, he taught faithful Nephites secretly in the wilderness and founded the church. He served as its prophet for twenty years before being discovered by the Lamanites. After suffering captivity, they escaped and fled to a new land, where they met up with King Mosiah and his people. Mosiah supported Alma in his role as leader of the church, which he did for another twenty years or so.

Preparation and Calling

Alma’s receptive heart believed the words of Abinadi. When he fled the court, he wrote down Abinadi‘s teachings and began to share them secretly with others in a sort of spiritual underground society. His calling to lead this band of faithful adherents was a natural consequence of his proven conviction to truth despite the consequences.

Interaction with God

Although clearly committed to obeying whatever God commanded of him, Alma has left little record of his specific dealings with Deity.

Social Situation

Throughout his life after expulsion from Noah’s court, Alma upheld the church despite persecution. He did so without violence, sometimes preferring flight and avoidance tactics to confrontation. Nonetheless, he was bold in preaching truth and the need for obedience to God in all circumstances, and he never shrank from an opportunity to bear witness of his faith.

Key Teachings

Alma is known for his teachings of devotion and faith during all circumstances.

Living with the Prophet

Alma could have gone along with his peers and condemned Abinadi, thus securing himself comfort and position in the kingdom. Instead, he chose a life of devotion to God. Choose now to make the same decision so that when confronted by uncomfortable public peer pressure, you will have the strength to do what is right.

Sources

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 1, s.v. “Alma₁.”

Book of Mormon, the book of Mosiah.

Book of Mormon, Reader’s Edition, ed. Grant Hardy.

Ezra Taft Benson

admin — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:34:51 +0000

Lifespan

Born August 4, 1899 in Whitney, Idaho.

Died May 30, 1994 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

Saints at the age of eight in 1907. At age 44 he was ordained an Apostle by President Heber J. Grant. His missionary experiences included serving as a proselyting missionary in Great Britain (1921-23) and twice as president of the European Mission. At age 74 he was sustained as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and in 1985 he was sustained as President of the Church, in which position he served until his passing in 1994. He also served as Secretary of Agriculture of the United States 1952-60.

Preparation and Calling

Two periods of service in particular serve as milestones in the preparation of Ezra Taft Benson to become the prophet of God. First was his appointment to tour war-torn Europe following World War II and begin to bring hundreds and thousands of tons of relief goods to the Saints in Germany and elsewhere. The second was his service in President Dwight Eisenhower’s cabinet, the only Apostle in this latter-day to serve in the cabinet of a U.S. president. These experiences served him well, for during his time as prophet, he initiated humanitarian service projects that began the Church’s current policy of providing lifesaving goods and services throughout the world in time of disaster. His political contacts and proven track record of relief opened many, many doors with international leaders.

Interaction with God

President Benson’s relationship with Deity is hallmarked by humility and dedication to the word of God as revealed in holy writ, particularly the Book of Mormon.

Social Situation

During President Benson’s time of God’s prophet, he was able to negotiate the dedication of a temple in the German Democratic Republic and the presence of missionaries in the same in 1985 and 1989, respectively. In November 1989, the boundaries between eastern and western Europe came down. Though President Benson’s accomplishments are many, none are more critical than the spiritual influence he exerted in behalf of the Saints in those countries, including down to this day.

Key Teachings

The Book of Mormon is the keystone to our religion, and we must remain true to the witness that it bears of Jesus Christ.