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Finding power in truth

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Finding power in truth

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An ancient scroll with a ragged and torn edge, written in Hebrew script.

How Can I Trust the Bible When Its Origins Are So Complex?

By imagining how future generations might misinterpret the origins of modern texts, we can learn how to trust in the Bible despite its complex past.

Predella Panel Representing the Legend of St. Stephen: St. Stephen Preaching / St. Stephen before the High Priest and Elders of the Sanhedrin

No Calling Is Only Temporal: Stephen’s Example in Acts 6

Stephen did not limit his activities to the seemingly temporal aspects of his calling. Do we sometimes make that mistake when called to “logistical” roles?

Painting by Germain Drouais: The Woman of Canaan at the Feet of Christ

How to Respond When We Feel that God Discriminates: Lessons from the Canaanite Woman of Matthew 15

Like the Canaanite woman, we may sometimes feel like second-class citizens in God’s eyes. But if we humbly submit to God’s will, we can still receive miracles.

A still image from the Bible Video Series video of Jesus feeding the 5,000. Jesus stands with a basket of five loaves and two fishes, giving thanks to God.

7 Keys for Finding Abundance: Lessons from Jesus Feeding the 5,000

From the account of Jesus miraculously feeding the 5,000, we learn seven keys to unlocking an abundant mindset and lifestyle.

The seal of the Securities and Exchanges Commission

Why the SEC/Ensign Peak Advisors Settlement Doesn’t Trouble Me (or, Why I Don’t Mind that Christ’s Church Has Money)

Does the Ensign Peak Advisors / SEC ruling mean that the Church of Jesus Christ is a corrupt corporation that hordes wealth instead of helping the poor? No. Here’s why.

Jacob and Esau embrace each other while their households look on; painting by Francesco Hayez, 1844.

Esau Ended Up with the Birthright (Kind Of)

When we examine the full arc of Jacob and Esau’s story, Jacob’s underhanded obtaining of the blessing becomes a powerful polemic against strife and deceit.

The remains of the White Temple of Uruk, a mound of half-melted bricks several dozen feet high, towering over the surrounding desert

Uruk: A Possible Historical Setting for the Tower of Babel

Does the Tower of Babel story recount an actual historical event? The city of Uruk in early Mesopotamian history bears striking parallels to this biblical tale.

A pie chart showing that 87% of Latter-day Saints surveyed never or almost never use non-KJV translations

Data: Use of Modern (Non-KJV) Bible Translations among Latter-day Saints

The results of a (very ad hoc) study I conducted on how often Latter-day Saints use non-KJV translations of the Bible, and the main reasons they do or do not.

A shelf of different Bible translations

The King James Version vs. Modern Bible Translations: Pros and Cons

Why is the King James Version (KJV) the official English Bible used by Latter-day Saints? What are its advantages? What are the advantages of supplementing it with a more modern translation? If I do, which modern translation should I use?

A variety of tools set out on a workbench

4 More Troubleshooting Questions for Prayer

Four self-assessment “troubleshooting” questions to ask ourselves when we’re petitioning the heavens with faith but seem to be getting no response.

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Recent Posts

  • How Can I Trust the Bible When Its Origins Are So Complex?
  • No Calling Is Only Temporal: Stephen’s Example in Acts 6
  • How to Respond When We Feel that God Discriminates: Lessons from the Canaanite Woman of Matthew 15
  • 7 Keys for Finding Abundance: Lessons from Jesus Feeding the 5,000
  • Why the SEC/Ensign Peak Advisors Settlement Doesn’t Trouble Me (or, Why I Don’t Mind that Christ’s Church Has Money)

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Hello! I am a fantasy novelist and copyeditor with a degree in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from Brigham Young University. I like capes. You can reach me at jeremypmadsen@preceptsofpower.com.

 

This blog explores principles of success in light of my life experiences, the words of great minds and thinkers, and the scriptures and prophetic teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 

Copyright © 2023 Jeremy P. Madsen.

Ideas and interpretations in this blog are strictly my own and do not represent the official doctrines or teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or any other entity. (But please let me know if I’m outside the bounds of true doctrine.)