Feb 11, 2008 | Bible, Etymology
Gramps, Can you please explain the Oracles of God? Scott, from Columbus, Ohio. Dear Scott, There are three different definitions for the word, oracle. It could refer to 1) a person through whom a deity is believed to speak; 2) the shrine from which such a person...
Jan 23, 2008 | Bible, Church History
Gramps, What are the names of the two published works prior to 1830 that contain references to chiasmus in the Bible? Mark, from Indianapolis, Indiana Dear Mark, Boys, Thomas, Tactica Sacra, London: T. Hamilton, 1824. Boys, Thomas, Key to the Book of Psalms, London:...
Jan 15, 2008 | Bible, Family, Premortal Life
Hi Gramps, I am wondering if, in the pre-existence, some spirits are older than others? for example, my husband and I have two children; could it be that all four of us were in the pre-existence at the same time, just my husband and I were sent to obtain mortal bodies...
Jan 13, 2008 | Bible, God, Mormon Doctrine, Pearl of Great Price
Gramps, What does figuratively mean in the following quote from Spencer W. Kimball, “The Blessings and Responsibilities of Womanhood,”Ensign, Mar. 1976, 70— “And I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of mine Only Begotten created I him; male and female...
Jan 12, 2008 | Bible, Jesus Christ
Question Good Day Gramps, With all due respect the word of God says do not add on or take away a single word from the bible. So with that said how can we believe that the Mormon church or any other religion be considered? Isn’t it obvious if God wanted Joseph to...
Jan 4, 2008 | Bible, Holy Ghost, Mormon Faith, Priesthood, Testimony
Dear Gramps: I have a friend who was “born” in the Mormon Church – having joined before he was 8 years. He fears that he does not have a testimony of the restored gospel but knows “through logic that it is true.” He is now keeping himself aloof from the Church and...
Dec 11, 2007 | Bible, God, Jesus Christ
Dear Gramps, I have noted that there are different ways the Bible uses the word “Lord”, particularly in how one is “Lord” and the other is “LORD”. What’s the difference? I know it means something, but I don’t know what it is. Is this some kind of distinction between...
Nov 27, 2007 | Bible, Jesus Christ
Dear Gramps, I am reading in Matthew Chapter 9 verse 14 through 17.Can you please clarify the meaning of these verses for me? Paul, Stillwater New York Dear Paul, Fasting, of course, requires a bit of self discipline. But the fasting required by the Lord is not just...
Oct 27, 2007 | Bible, God, Obedience, Priesthood
Dear Gramps, I am having a hard time understanding how Levi (one of the 12 sons of Jacob) was worthy to receive the priesthood portion of the inheritance. I have just finished reading Genesis 34 where it appears that Levi and Simeon have committed murder to avenge the...
Oct 25, 2007 | Bible, Life's Lessons, Mormon Doctrine, Premortal Life
Dear Gramps, Why did God create Eve from Adam’s rib instead of a different bone? Molly Dear Molly, The biblical account of Eve being taken from Adam’s rib is completely allegorical. One may interpret the allegory in various different ways, but as far as I know there...