Great Are the Words of Isaiah Part 2

Ok, I confess...It's been over a month since my last post (not that I'm anything more than an amateur blogger). Anyway, it's taken me some time to post a follow up to my previous post about Isaiah. I'm no expert on the scriptures and especially Isaiah. I didn't mean to infer that I was some sort of expert on Isaiah because I am clearly no expert and still have much to learn, especially when it comes to understanding that marvelous book of scripture. I ended part one with the following paragraph...

"Odds are that if you are reading this blog, you are a gentile. I'm a gentile. Isaiah is important to us gentiles because, as the Savior said, Isaiah spoke to us, the gentiles. In the next post, I will discuss some tools and resources that we the gentiles have been given to help us better understand Isaiah's prophecies."

So as promised, below are a few of the resources available to us to aid in our study of Isaiah as well as explanations we have as to why his prophecies are so important to us in our day.

The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi
With the help of his brother Jacob, 16 of the 33 chapters in Nephi's 2nd book are dedicated to quoting Isaiah (2 of the 22 books in 1 Nephi also quote Isaiah). Let's look at where Nephi first brings up Isaiah and the context in which he does. This will help explain why the prophecies of Isaiah are so vital. The first mention of Isaiah is in 1st Nephi chapter 15 (verse 20). It's helpful to understand the context in which he introduces us to the Prophet Isaiah. 1 Nephi 15:1 states

 "And it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had been carried away in the Spirit, and seen all these things, I returned to the tent of my father." 

So Nephi begins chapter 15 after having this miraculous spiritual experience. Nephi wanted to find out for himself, if the prophecies of his father Lehi were true. In an answer to his prayers he had a vision and saw many wonderful things (see chapters 11 through 14). This is the vision where he sees the Tree of Life, learns its meanings, sees the birth of Christ, His baptism, ministry and crucifixion. He is also shown many things pertaining the House of Israel, the gentiles, and the gathering and restoration of the tribes of Israel. In the verses that follow in chapter 15 he has a dialogue with his brothers who are having a "hard" time understanding the prophecies of their father Lehi. Nephi quickly gets to the root of the problem by identifying that they had not inquired of the Lord and they have hardened their hearts (verses 2 - 11). Nephi then attempts to explain exactly what the prophecies that troubled Laman and Lemuel meant...in verse 12-17 he says

 "the house of Israel was compared unto an olive tree, by the Spirit of the Lord which was in our father; and behold are we not broken off from the house of Israel, and are we not a branch of the house of Israel? And now, the thing which our father meaneth concerning the grafting in of the natural branches through the fulness of the Gentiles, is, that in the latter days, when our seed shall have dwindled in unbelief, yea, for the space of many years, and many generations after the Messiah shall be manifested in body unto the children of men, then shall the fulness of the gospel of the Messiah come unto the Gentiles, and from the Gentiles unto the remnant of our seed— And at that day shall the remnant of our seed know that they are of the house of Israel, and that they are the covenant people of the Lord; and then shall they know and come to the knowledge of their forefathers, and also to the knowledge of the gospel of their Redeemer, which was ministered unto their fathers by him; wherefore, they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer and the very points of his doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be saved. And then at that day will they not rejoice and give praise unto their everlasting God, their rock and their salvation? Yea, at that day, will they not receive the strength and nourishment from the true vine? Yea, will they not come unto the true fold of God? Behold, I say unto you, Yea; they shall be remembered again among the house of Israel; they shall be grafted in, being a natural branch of the olive tree, into the true olive tree. And this is what our father meaneth; and he meaneth that it will not come to pass until after they are scattered by the Gentiles; and he meaneth that it shall come by way of the Gentiles, that the Lord may show his power unto the Gentiles, for the very cause that he shall be rejected of the Jews, or of the house of Israel."

Notice that after many years after the seed of Nephi and Lehi have dwindled in unbelief that the gospel will be brought forth to and by the gentiles (read part one for who the gentiles are). At some point, the gentiles would be charged with bringing the gospel unto the remnant of the seed of Nephi and his brothers (vs. 13). The results of this missionary work would be a realization on the part of the remnant of Nephi's seed that they are of the house of Israel (verse 14). Has this happened yet? Do the remnants know and understand this yet today in January of 2016? I would venture to say maybe some but I don't think evidence currently exists that this prophecy has been completely fulfilled. My interpretation of this scripture is that this realization (at least the complete realization of this prophecy) is still a yet, future event. Nephi then ties this yet future event to the words and prophecies of his father Lehi. In verse 18 Nephi comes full circle by explaining that this is what Lehi meant...

"Wherefore, our father hath not spoken of our seed alone, but also of all the house of Israel, pointing to the covenant which should be fulfilled in the latter days; which covenant the Lord made to our father Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed." 

Lehi's prophecies extend beyond the narrow scope of his descendants but unto all the descendants of the House of Israel. Verse 19, which is just an explanatory verse where Nephi explains to the readers of the Book of Mormon that he "spake many things to them (his brothers) concerning all of these things. Now this brings us to verse 20 where we can better understand the context of why for the first time in the Book of Mormon, we hear of Isaiah and his prophecies. Verse 20 states...

"And I did rehearse unto them the words of Isaiah, who spake concerning the restoration of the Jews, or of the house of Israel; and after they were restored they should no more be confounded, neither should they be scattered again. And it came to pass that I did speak many words unto my brethren, that they were pacified and did humble themselves before the Lord." 

So why does Nephi introduce Isaiah? He does this in order to help explain to his brothers exactly what Lehi meant by this covenant the Lord would fulfill in the latter days. I can tell you that we are living in the latter days. If God was going to work a work that would be fulfilled in the latter days wouldn't it be important for us to become acquainted and familiar with exactly what this work would entail? How else to better understand this work that God may be working (or beginning to work) than by familiarizing ourselves with the prophecies of Isaiah?

The first chapter in the Book of Mormon that actually quotes Isaiah is 1 Nephi 20. Just before this chapter Nephi explains in 1 Nephi 19:23-24...

"And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning. Wherefore I spake unto them, saying: Hear ye the words of the prophet, ye who are a remnant of the house of Israel, a branch who have been broken off; hear ye the words of the prophet, which were written unto all the house of Israel, and liken them unto yourselves, that ye may have hope as well as your brethren from whom ye have been broken off; for after this manner has the prophet written."

A couple of other purposes Nephi had in relying so heavily on the prophecies of Isaiah was to A) persuade his people to believe in Christ and B) to understand the workings of God among the House of Israel. The chapters in the first two books of Nephi that are dedicated to quoting Isaiah are as follows:

• 1 Nephi 20 - quotes Isaiah 48
• 1 Nephi 21 - quotes Isaiah 49
• 2 Nephi 7 - quotes Isaiah 50
• 2 Nephi 8 - quotes Isaiah 51 and 52:1-2
• 2 Nephi 12 - quotes Isaiah 2
• 2 Nephi 13 - quotes Isaiah 3
• 2 Nephi 14 - quotes Isaiah 4
• 2 Nephi 15 - quotes Isaiah 5
• 2 Nephi 16 - quotes Isaiah 6
• 2 Nephi 17 - quotes Isaiah 7
• 2 Nephi 18 - quotes Isaiah 8
• 2 Nephi 19 - quotes Isaiah 9
• 2 Nephi 20 - quotes Isaiah 10
• 2 Nephi 21 - quotes Isaiah 11
• 2 Nephi 22 - quotes Isaiah 12
• 2 Nephi 23 - quotes Isaiah 13
• 2 Nephi 24 - quotes Isaiah 14
• 2 Nephi 27 - quotes Isaiah 29

I encourage you to study these chapters. Not just the chapters but the context surrounding these chapters. You will find that Nephi was forbidden to say certain things. Perhaps, he quoted Isaiah in lieu of saying what he wanted to say but was forbidden to say.

The Book of Mormon account by Christ
I think it's worth briefly noting that during Christ's post-resurrection ministry to the Nephites, he talks about the last days and what would transpire. You should read very carefully 3 Nephi 16. After speaking of these latter-day events he says in verse 17

"And then the words of the prophet Isaiah shall be fulfilled..."

 Also in 3 Nephi 23:1 Jesus says 

"And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah."

Is not an admonition from the Lord Himself where he stresses on the importance of the words of Isaiah enough to wake us up and realize we had some studying and learning we had better do NOW? I love verse 2 where the Lord says

"For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles." 

Not only does Isaiah speak unto the House of Israel but also to the Gentiles. Is it any wonder that Nephi would include so much of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon ( a book written that would come forth by the Gentiles according to its title page) to the to the House of Israel? If you are involved in any way or connected in any way to the Book of Mormon, this book was written for YOU. Since it was written for you, you have a responsibility to search the prophecies of Isaiah. If there are some things in Isaiah that are "hard to understand" then like Nephi's brothers, you have  a responsibility to soften your heart and inquire of the Lord as to what exactly they mean. You may even find that the meaning is quite different than what you thought or what others have taught you.  

Isaiah Institute by former BYU professor Avraham Gilliadi
I would like to refer to you this resource if you are considering to devote a significant amount of time to studying Isaiah. His website can be found here http://www.isaiahinstitute.com/ . There are many helpful things on that website, all free, including vignettes and verse by verse commentary on each of the 66 chapters of Isaiah. I encourage you to visit and browse Professor Gilliadi's website to see if you find anything insightful or useful.


In the future, I will most likely share verses here in there in Isaiah that have significant meaning to me in my life. But for now, I confess that I have much more to learn about the prophecies of Isaiah than what I presently know. I also know that it's important that we all come to know the prophecies of Isaiah much better than we all do now, myself included.

Great Are the Words of Isaiah Part 1

How well do you understand the words of Isaiah? If you are like me and what I've been most of my life you say to yourself..."I can't understand this stuff, it doesn't make any sense." How important is it that we do understand this stuff anyway? During the Savior's visit to the Nephites , He said: 

"And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah (3 Nephi 23:1)."

The Lord goes on to explain why the words of Isaiah are so great. In verses 2 through 4 he says: 

"For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles. And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake. Therefore give heed to my words; write the things which I have told you; and according to the time and the will of the Father they shall go forth unto the Gentiles."

I find the Lord's explanation quite interesting. He first explains that Isaiah prophesied all things concerning the house of Israel but this isn't His focus. The Lord says the reason why that's important is because he is speaking TO the Gentiles. The Lord again reiterates in verse 4 that His words will go forth UNTO the Gentiles. Isaiah's prophetic ministry was so important because he spent a lot of his efforts prophesying of and TO the gentiles.

So who are the gentiles? The answer to this question is spelled out rather clearly in the Book of Mormon, D&C, and teachings of Joseph Smith. In part one of this post, I would like to define who the gentiles are according to these prophetic sources. In future parts, I would like to offer some tips on how we can better understand Isaiah and share some powerful resources that are available that can complement our study of this fascinating prophet. 

We don't need to look far to find some clarification. The first instance is actually in the first paragraph of the title page (just before the table of contents). Explaining what the Book of Mormon is it says: 

"Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites—Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile—Written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation—Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed—To come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof—Sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by way of the Gentile—The interpretation thereof by the gift of God."

Notice this paragraph identifies 3 distinct groups of people...the Lamanites, the Jews, and the Gentiles. Isn't it interesting that it doesn't identify the whole house of Israel, just the Lamanites who are a remnant (a remainder or residual) of the house of Israel? Implicit in this statement, the Book of Mormon isn't for the entire house of Israel but just for the Lamanites (who are of the house of Israel), to the Jews and to the Gentiles. If you feel the Book of Mormon has been a significant influence in your life and that you are one of the groups of people it was meant for, which category do you think you fall into? Are you a Lamanite, Jew or Gentile?

A second clue in this paragraph as to who the gentiles are is that it specifically states that the Book of Mormon would come forth by the Gentiles. It would be the gentiles responsibility to bring this sacred text forth. Since the restoration in 1830, it has been the gentiles who have been bringing the Book of Mormon forth. So, according to this responsibility, who are included in as part of the gentiles? Just look to see who has been bringing forth the Book of Mormon. 1 Nephi 13:35 also backs up this assertion given in the title page:

"For, behold, saith the Lamb: I will manifest myself unto thy seed, that they shall write many things which I shall minister unto them, which shall be plain and precious; and after thy seed shall be destroyed, and dwindle in unbelief, and also the seed of thy brethren, behold, these things shall be hid up, to come forth unto the Gentiles, by the gift and power of the Lamb."

In 2nd Nephi chapter 10, Nephi's brother Jacob explains that the land he is living in (modern day America) would be a choice land to the gentiles:

"But behold, this land, said God, shall be a land of thine inheritance, and the Gentiles shall be blessed upon the land. And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land, who shall raise up unto the Gentiles. And I will fortify this land against all other nations. (verse 9-12)."

So, if you have been one who has been blessed to live in America and have been part of a group that has been charged to bring forth the Book of Mormon, chance are you are a gentile. The Lord states in D&C 14:10 that he will use the gentiles to bring the fullness of His gospel to the house of Israel. Some well meaning members of the LDS church assume that because they have been baptized and received a Patriarchal blessing, they are no longer a gentile. This simply is not the case. The Holy Ghost does however have the power to purge out one's gentile blood and make him or her literally a part of the house of Israel (see TPJS pg. 149-150) but this isn't automatic based on one's membership in the LDS Church.

We know this is the case by looking at the Prophet Joseph Smith's 1836 dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland temple in D&C 109. He was very clear about which group the Latter-Day Saints belonged to. Joseph prays in verse 60:

"Now these words, O Lord, we have spoken before thee, concerning the revelations and commandments which thou hast given unto us, who are identified with the Gentiles."

In the verses that follow, the prophet goes on to pray for the remnants of the house of Israel (who the saints aren't identified with). 

Just as a side note, the first Patriarch, Joseph Smith Sr. was ordained in December of 1833 and had been giving Patriarchal Blessings for around two years before the temple dedication. In fact, Joseph Smith Jr. received his patriarchal blessing from his father on December 9, 1834 (http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperSummary/blessing-from-joseph-smith-sr-9-december-1834). 

 If by virtue of becoming a member of the LDS church through baptism, conformation or receiving a patriarchal blessing, the Prophet Joseph Smith would not have identified the members of the church at the time of the dedication of the Kirtland temple as Gentiles. 

Odds are that if you are reading this blog, you are a gentile. I'm a gentile. Isaiah is important to us gentiles because, as the Savior said, Isaiah spoke to us, the gentiles. In the next post, I will discuss some tools and resources that we the gentiles have been given to help us better understand Isaiah's prophecies.

Authority of the Leaders of the Church

Doctrine & Covenants section 107 is a revelation on priesthood that was given to the Prophet Joseph Smith around April 1835. The Lord outlines in verses 22-26 the authority of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, and the Seventy:

22 Of the Melchizedek Priesthood, three Presiding High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church.
 23 The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling.
 24 And they form a quorum, equal in authority and power to the three presidents previously mentioned.
 25 The Seventy are also called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling.
 26 And they form a quorum, equal in authority to that of the Twelve special witnesses or Apostles just named.

 Notice that the Lord's instructions are very clear. The First Presidency, Quorum of the 12 and Quorum of the Seventy are EQUAL IN AUTHORITY. But that's not it. Skipping down to verses 36-37 the Lord outlines the authority of the standing high councils at the stakes of Zion (referred to stake high councilors today):

36 The standing high councils, at the stakes of Zion, form a quorum equal in authority in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the quorum of the presidency, or to the traveling high council.
 37 The high council in Zion form a quorum equal in authority in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the councils of the Twelve at the stakes of Zion.  

 Looking at the church hierarchy in our day, the Brethren have departed from what the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith. This was in large part due to the actions Brigham Young took as the Presiding member of the quorum of the twelve for the three years between the time Joseph Smith was martyred until three years later when a new first presidency was organized and he was sustained as president of the church. Today we have a top down hierarchy, not a church with several quorums equal in authority.

I believe the Lord established this pattern in his wisdom because he knows that it is the "nature and disposition of all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion (D&C 121:39)" The Lord, in his wisdom, counseled  Joseph to put safeguards into place to help prevent this flaw from manifestation itself. I believe by taking a sober look at church history and the affairs of the church today, we can see the damage that ignoring this prophetic advise has caused.

This is My Doctrine

I think it’s worth noting that Christ very narrowly described to the Nephites during his post-resurrection ministry what his doctrine exactly is in 3 Nephi chapter 11 verses 32-36:

32 And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.

33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.

34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.

35 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost.

36 And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.

He then repeats himself by plainly restating two more times what His doctrine is in verses 37-39:

37 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.

38 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

39 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.

That’s it! That is His doctrine, nothing else! Reading on to verse 40, Christ issues a very stern warning in regards to His doctrine:

40 And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.

Notice he states that if anybody adds or takes away from that pure doctrine of His, He says it’s evil! It’s interesting to note that out of all the teachings, tenants, practices, theologies and ideas that ever were espoused and are currently taught within Mormonism, this new policy banning a child whose primary resident is with an LGBT  parent, directly contradicts the narrowly prescribed and pure doctrine Of Christ according to His words to the Nephites. Is this new policy not therefore “evil” according to the Book of Mormon?

Now, you might be thinking, but this is just a policy change so it doesn’t matter. Of all the policies the church has, continues to, and will implement, do you think it is wise to set up a policy that directly conflicts with His doctrine?

Where to Start?

The best resources available to us to study the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are as follows:

• The Scriptures
• Lectures on Faith by Joseph Smithhttp://lecturesonfaith.com/(considered scripture)
• The Teachings of Joseph Smith (from The Words of Joseph Smith or Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith)

If you are ready to learn the knowledge that God awaits to shower you with, you need to study the above resources prayerfully. If you do, I promise that you will be taught by the Holy Ghost as I have. 

You will also begin to see just how much we have strayed from the Gospel of Jesus Christ that was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

The following are false traditions that have hijacked the restoration and are commonly taught in our day as to what we must do to in order to be saved:

• Follow the Living Prophet
• Read the Ensign
• Watch General Conference Every 6 Months
• Pour Over the Words Spoken at General Conference afterwards until the next General Conference
• Attend Weekly Church Meetings
• Frequently Participate in Family History and Temple Work
• And Much More...

These things are distractions, these things eat up the precious little time we have. Not all of the things in the above list are bad per se, but focusing on these things interferes with our growth and progression. If you're still reading this, you probably think I'm some kind of heretic! Allow me to present you with a challenge...

Alma 32 describes a process that each of must go through if we want to obtain knowledge in the following verses:

27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.
 28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

Notice what we must do in order for the seed to begin to work within us. We can not cast it out by our unbelief. We can't be doubtful, we can't reject it by adhering to current beliefs that may be wrong. The scriptures use the word unbelief to mean more than just a lack of belief...it also means a belief in something that is not correct. 

Also notice the fruits (or how we tell) whether or not the Word is good? It's more than just a good feeling (however that can be part of it). Notice we will feel our souls enlarge, we will feel edified in our learning by our understanding being enlightened. Both our heart and mind will tell us that the seed is good. 

 29 Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.
 30 But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow.
 31 And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness.
 32 Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not, behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away.
 33 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good.
 34 And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand.

Again, notice that it is more than just a good feeling, but it's an "enlightening." It's as if you were in a dark room and you shined a flashlight straight ahead. The flashlight would illuminate the way before you and you would see. The Holy Ghost operates in a very similar way. Once you "see" something by the Holy Ghost illuminating you with a piece of knowledge (that already existed, you just haven't seen it yet) you know it is real, you know it exists because you have seen it. 

 35 O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore ye must know that it is good..."

Here you go...it is light, that flash light. The Holy Ghost illuminates us with light and intelligence. 

 I urge each of you to "experiment on His word" and test this process for yourselves to see if what I'm saying is true. For the next year, use the three resources I outlined above (and others as the Spirit leads you to them) as the focus of your gospel study. Make sure to do so prayerfully, asking God to teach you. After all, what do you have to lose? If you have a testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith as I do, why not begin a more in depth study of what he actually taught? What do you have to lose?