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January 2019

Video: The special symbolism behind the place where Jesus Christ was baptized

John the Baptist Baptizes Jesus Christ. Image via LDS Media Library
Submitted by Scripture Central on January 30, 2019.
The baptism of Jesus Christ is full of rich symbolism and meaning. It’s a significant event in the New Testament because His baptism marks the beginning of his ministry and is a sign that He is the Father’s “beloved son” (Matthew 3:17). However, many readers have asked why Jesus had to be baptized at all, and why it was in the River Jordan. While the New Testament provides some clues about the...

Church Releases Statement on Book of Mormon Geography

Image by Book of Mormon Central
Submitted by Scripture Central on January 29, 2019.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement today concerning the geography of the Book of Mormon in the form of a new Gospel Topics essay titled “Book of Mormon Geography.” The new essay begins with this declarative statement: “The Church takes no position on the specific geographic location of Book of Mormon events in the ancient Americas. Church members are asked not to...

What the Book of Mormon teaches about baptism (beyond what the New Testament teaches)

Image via Pixabay
Submitted by Matt Roper on January 29, 2019.
The baptism of Jesus Christ in the New Testament is an immensely important part of Jesus Christ’s life. His baptism marks the beginning of his ministry and is a sign to many of Jesus’s followers that He is the Father’s “beloved son” ( Matthew 3:17 ). But the purpose of baptism, both Jesus’s and his followers’, is left a little vague in the New Testament. What is the purpose of baptism? What is...

Learn about the "John the Baptist" of the Book of Mormon

Stained glass of the baptism of Jesus
Submitted by David Larsen on January 22, 2019.
The lesson from Come Follow Me for this week centers on John 1 and the topic of recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. The prologue to the Gospel of John ( John 1:1–18 ) introduces us to the pre-existent Christ: “In the beginning … the Word was with God.” Our Savior’s mission began long before He was born in Bethlehem. Holy prophets throughout history foresaw His coming and shared their divine...

When was Jesus Christ really born? The Book of Mormon can help

Christmas Nativity Scene by bf87 via Adobe Stock. Derivative work by Book of Mormon Central.
Submitted by Jasmin Gimenez on January 17, 2019.
This week’s Come Follow Me material is particularly special because members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints get to study the birth of Jesus Christ yet again after the Christmas season. The birth of Jesus Christ is a revered tradition among many Christian faiths. However, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has additional insight into the birth of Jesus Christ thanks...

Supplement your Come Follow Me study with this New Testament conference

Ancient oil lamp on open bible. Image by R. Gino Santa Maria via Adobe Stock
Submitted by Scripture Central on January 12, 2019.
In the Articles of Faith, we are told that the Bible is “the word of God as far as it is translated correctly” ( Articles of Faith 1:8 ). As you’ve read the New Testament, have you ever wondered if a word or phrase was translated correctly? Have you ever wished that you could understand more about the original language of the New Testament? The BYU New Testament Commentary is holding a conference...

You’ve Never Read the Book of Mormon like this: New Study Edition Now Available

The Book of Mormon Study Edition.by Grant Hardy
Submitted by Neal Rappleye on January 11, 2019.
The Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship at BYU recently teamed up with Latter-day Saint scholar Grant Hardy to produce The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, Maxwell Institute Study Edition , co-published with Deseret Book and the Religious Studies Center at BYU. This new edition of the Book of Mormon uses (with permission) the official 2013 version of the...

How the Gospels and the Book of Mormon Help Us Understand Prophecies of Christ’s Coming

Mary, Joseph, and Jesus via LDS Media Library
Submitted by Neal Rappleye on January 8, 2019.
According to Matthew, when the angel Gabriel appeared to Joseph, he said that Mary’s conception, and the birth of Jesus “was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet,” and quoted Isaiah: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” ( Isaiah 7:14 ; cf. Matthew 1:22–23 ). Gabriel’s point was to show that Jesus was the long-...

This Book of Mormon scripture changed the way I view veils, women, and the temple

Image via Adobe Stock
Submitted by Jasmin Gimenez on January 4, 2019.
The temple is seen as the holiest place on earth, the sacred house of the Lord. Patrons can receive revelation and inspiration there, and they can find a peaceful refuge amidst a chaotic world. However, it can sometimes be difficult to feel the inspiration of heaven when confronted with unfamiliar or confusing symbols. These beautiful and multifaceted symbols of the temple are perfect for deep,...