The Fold, The Shepherd, and The Word: Expanding Our View of Revelation

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to live our lives as disciples—whether we're in the MTC, in a full-time mission, or right here in our living rooms as Internet missionaries—we are constantly being challenged to deepen our understanding of the restored gospel. We study the scriptures, we attend missionary discussions, and we feel the Spirit guiding us to deeper truths.

But what happens when the scriptures themselves seem to point to boundaries that we have historically been taught to respect? It can feel like standing at the edge of a vast field, looking out toward sheep we haven't yet seen, and wondering, "Where do we go from here?"

Recently, I was pondering a video that really got me thinking about the very nature of scripture—what the Bible is, and what other sacred writings might testify to the same Savior. It brought to mind that the gospel isn't confined to one geographical area or one collection of writings. It’s a message that transcends time and space.

Seeing the Whole Fold

The video we looked at discussed Jesus’ words in John, speaking of "other sheep" who were not of that fold. This concept, the idea of God’s ministry extending beyond the known historical record, is profound. It speaks to the boundless nature of the Atonement and the Savior's desire to gather *all* His children.

When we read the Book of Mormon, we are reading sacred records of people who lived in a place geographically distinct from the setting of the Bible. Yet, the overarching narrative—the need for a Savior, the pattern of prophecy, the coming of Christ—is beautifully consistent. It’s a powerful testament to the singular, divine scope of the work.

This isn't about picking sides; it's about recognizing the fullness of the covenant path. It's about seeing the pattern of revelation—the pattern that flows from the Father, through the Son, and is made manifest through prophets to us today.

A Skill for the Field: Thinking in Patterns

If you are preparing for missionary discussions, or if you are just trying to deepen your personal study, here is a small skill I want to pass along. When you encounter a seemingly disparate piece of scripture, don't just read it for its literal context. Instead, ask: What pattern of divine truth is this pointing to? Is it the pattern of covenants? The pattern of Atonement? The pattern of gathering Israel? Keeping your eyes on the *pattern* of the restored gospel helps you connect seemingly separate threads of revelation.

It reminds me of how the Spirit often guides us to see connections between the Book of Mormon, the Bible, and our own lives here today. The Spirit doesn't give us isolated facts; He gives us unified testimonies.

If you want to dive deeper into the mechanics of these sacred records, I highly recommend looking into the teachings of Iron Rod authors. They do a wonderful job of laying out the historical and doctrinal framework for us. For a gentle nudge toward deeper study, check out a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces!

We are all disciples anywhere, all the time. Whether you are studying the nuances of prophecy, or just sharing your testimony with a friend over coffee, remember that you are participating in the greatest work in the world. Keep pressing forward with faith, and don't hesitate to bring your toughest questions to Davee—he's ready to walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask!

P.S. If you'd like a free copy of the Book of Mormon to compare notes with, you can grab one here: https://tinyurl.com/jk8mhju5