What is meant by the scriptural term “kicking against the pricks”?
Question Gramps, Where did it originate and what does the noun “pricks” refer to? Is it a biblical phrase or is it a 19th century term? Will Answer Dear Will, In Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary of the English Language, the noun prick is defined as...
I’ve been told the temple endowment ceremony is weird. How can I be better prepared before I go?
Question Dear Gramps, I have been recently preparing to receive my endowment as I leave on my mission soon. As I've been preparing, many of my friends who already have their's say it was a little 'weird'. Without crossing the line into the sacred aspect, but...
How does one truly obtain a pure heart?
Question Dear Gramps, How does one truly obtain a pure heart? I am unwillingly being made to go through a divorce right now, and the physical desires and the temptations that accompany them leave me confused and frustrated. To what degree does the Lord hold me...
Does the Book of Mormon teach that Christ was born in Jerusalem?
Question Gramps, Does the Book of Mormon teach that Christ was born in Jerusalem? Jeffrey Answer Dear Jeffrey, I'm guessing your question originates with Alma 7:9-10 (emphasis mine). 9 But behold, the Spirit hath said this much unto me, saying:...
What does “tight like unto a dish” mean in reference to barges built by the Brother of Jared?
Question Gramps, It mentions many times how the brother of Jared built barges "tight like unto a dish." No one in our Ward seems to have any idea what that means. Asking if you can shed some light upon it. Richard Answer Richard, We don't really...
Have I committed the unpardonable sin?
Question Gramps, I think I have committed the unpardonable sin. I have worried about it for a month. I was reading your article about it, and you said someone who commits it will not be deceived or confused. When I read that I felt certain that I had done it. I...
Will a man find me unworthy to marry because I broke the Law of Chastity in the past?
Question Gramps, When I was 16 years old I broke the law of chastity, and so I am no longer a virgin, I went through the whole repentance process and it has been a long time since I made that mistake. However, it is a really awful mistake and I often feel as...
We understand James 1:5, but what do verses 6-8 mean?
Question Hey Gramps One of my favorite scriptures that was preliminary to the Restoration of God’s Church is James 1:5 which says, quote, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given...
How can I keep reading the Book of Mormon without becoming bored?
Question Dear Gramps, I joined the LDS Church almost 27 years ago. Since then I have read the Book of Mormon almost continuously for my spiritual nourishment. But it has gotten to the point now to where I'm now going through the same old stories time and again...
How is the church of the devil, as spoken of in the Book of Mormon, related to the various Christian churches?
Question Dear Gramps: The Book of Mormon refers to other churches as the church of the devil. The Mormon Church uses the King James Version of the Bible, with the caveat “as far as it is translated correctly.” However, if the King James Version of the Bible was...
