Making Precious things Plain is a new series of gospel study guides for the four standard works of the Church. Dr. Randall S. Chase, a veteran CES and Institute instructor, provides insights to the background, meaning, and chronology of the scriptures in a relaxed and understandable style.

Dr. Chase publishes study guides for all of the standard works of the Church, 12 volumes in all. This is the first of three volumes on the Old Testament. Readers will find its information, clarifications, and quotes valuable assets in their personal study of the Old Testament, which is the "First Testament" of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Making Precious Things Plain, Vol. 4: A Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Study Guide

Chase, Randal S.

Reference

Cedar Fort Publishing, Inc.

The Christmas Story: Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus from a Personal Perspective is a touching and essential telling of the familiar Christmas story. Focusing on the personal lives of John the Baptist, Joseph, Mary, the prophet Nephi in America, and the Baby Jesus, it reminds us of the extraordinary faith and sacrifices of these key characters in the Nativity narrative. Readers will be amazed at the faith and charity of Joseph toward Mary before he knew anything at all about the divine source of her conception. They will be touched by the faith and obedience of the very young virgin Mary despite the threat of rejection and death. They will be inspired by the faith of Nephi as he prayed from the coming of the Messiah to save the lives of his people in the Americas. And they will gain a new appreciation of the condescension of the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, in allowing Himself to be born in such a mean and lowly and filthy place. Dr. Randal S. Chase, a veteran CES and Institute instructor, provides insights into these events that cannot be found anywhere else, and he does so in a relaxed and understandable style. Readers will find themselves gaining insights and understanding about this story of the Birth of Jesus that have eluded them before. The cover features the beautiful painting of the “Journey to Bethlehem” by Joseph Brickey.  The contents of this book on the Christmas Story are taken from Volume 10, New Testament Study Guide, Pt.1, and Volume 3, Book of Mormon  Study Guide, Pt. 3. Dr. Chase has also released 12 volumes under the series title Making Precious Things Plain, that includes 3 volumes each on the Book of Mormon, Church History, the Old Testament, and the New Testament.  Table of Contents:  Ch.    Title                                                                                 Scripture Refs                                                  1.  Introduction 2.  John the Baptist 3.  Joseph the Carpenter 4.  Mary the Mother of God 5.  Annunciation in America 6.  The Birth and Childhood of Jesus

The Christmas Story: Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus From a Personal Perspective

Religion & Spirituality

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Plain & Precious Publishing

1 Nephi through Mosiah. This volume is the first of three on the Book of Mormon. It covers 1st Nephi through the Book of Mosiah. This includes the journey of Lehi and his family across the Arabian Peninsula to Bountiful. It follows them on to the promised land, where the Nephites and Lamanites separated. It contains the marvelous prophesies of Lehi, Nephi, and Jacob. We then read remarks from the book’s editor in the words of Mormon, and follow the Nephites until their establishment in the land of Zarahemla under King Mosiah. In all, it covers 508 years of Nephite history up until about 92 BC when the book of Alma began. The cover features a beautiful photograph of the Land Bountiful taken by Scot Facer Proctor.Table of Contents:Ch. Title Scripture Refs 1. Intro to the Book of Mormon: Keystone 2. Revelation, Obedience, &amp; Brass Plates (1 Nephi 1–7)3. The Meaning of the Tree of life (1 Nephi 8–12, 15)4. Nephi’s Prophetic Visions (1 Nephi 12–14)5. The Journey to the New World (1 Nephi 16–22)6. Lehi’s Final Blessings and Teachings (2 Nephi 1–2)7. Joseph &amp; Restoration; Nephites Depart (2 Nephi 3–5)8. The Early Teachings of Jacob (2 Nephi 6–10)** Interpreting Isaiah (1Ne20–21;2Ne7–8;Isa48–51)9. Isaiah in the Book of Mormon (2 Ne 11–24; Isa 2–14)10. The Prophecies of Nephi (2 Nephi 25–30)11. The Doctrine of Christ (2 Nephi 31–33)12. Jacob’s Teachings at the Temple (Jacob 1–4)13. Zenos’ Allegory of the Olive Trees (Jacob 5–7)14. Prayer; God’s Foreknowledge (Enos,Jarom,Omni,W.Mormon)15. King Benjamin’s Final Sermon (Mosiah 1–3)16. The People’s Great Conversion (Mosiah 4–6)17. Zeniff &amp; Noah in the Land of Nephi (Mosiah 7-11)18. Abinadi’s Message and Death (Mosiah 12-17)19. Nephite Bondage and Liberation (Mosiah 18-24)** Special chapter providing additional information

Book of Mormon Study Guide, Pt. 1: 1 Nephi to Mosiah (Making Precious Things Plain)

History

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The Book of Alma. This volume is the second of three on the Book of Mormon. It covers the last chapters of Mosiah and all of the book of Alma. It begins with the story of the conversion of Alma the Younger. We learn of the beginning of the reign of the judges. Then we follow the missionary efforts of Alma and Amulek in the land of Zarahemla, followed by the missions of the sons of Mosiah to the Lamanites in the Land of Nephi. We follow the fate of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. We read Alma’s letters to his sons, including an in-depth discussion of the Great Plan of Happiness. Then we finish with the stories of Captain Moroni and Helaman’s stripling warriors. In all, it covers 67 years of Nephite history from 130 to 63 BC when the book of Helaman began. The cover features a beautiful painting of “The Title of Liberty,” by Joseph Brickey.Table of Contents:Ch. Title Scripture Refs 20. Alma’s Conversion (Mosiah25-28,Alma36)21. Reign of Judges Begins (Mosiah 29, Alma 1-4)22. Alma’s Spiritual Checklist (Alma 5-7)23. Alma &amp; Amulek in Ammonihah (Alma 8-12)24. Priesthood, Persecution, Prophecy (Alma 13-16)25. The Missions of the Sons of Mosiah (Alma 17–22)26. Book of Mormon Geography/Anti-Nephi-Lehies (Alma 22–29)27. Korihor and the Zoramites (Alma 30–31)28. Nourishing the Word with Faith (Alma 32–35)29. Alma’s Letters to His Sons (Alma 36–39)30. The Great Plan of Happiness (Alma 40–42)31. Captain Moroni and the Causes of War (Alma 43–52)32. Stripling Warriors/Moroni-Pahoran Letters (Alma 53-63)

Book of Mormon Study Guide, Pt. 2: The Book of Alma (Making Precious Things Plain)

Helaman through Moroni. This volume is the third of three on the Book of Mormon. It covers the Book of Helaman through the Book of Moroni. This includes the period of great wickedness just prior to the coming of Christ. We read of the missions of Nephi and Lehi, followed by Samuel the Lamanite. The signs of Christ’s birth and death are given, followed by their fulfillment. Great destruction occurs on the American continent, and only the righteous survive in the Land of Bountiful. Christ appears to the Nephites, teaches and heals them, organizes His Church and ordains 12 disciples to lead them. After His departure, a Zion people live in peace for many years, then decline again into great wickedness. We read of the final days of the Nephites in the writings of Mormon and Moroni. We also read about the Jaredites, who were the first to inherit the land, long before Lehi’s family arrived. In all, it covers 2,000 years of Jaredite history, and 469 years of Nephite history from 52 BC to 421 AD when the book of Moroni closes. The cover features a beautiful painting titled “Behold Your Little Ones,” by Del Parson.Table of Contents:Ch. Title Scripture Refs 33. Gadianton Robbers &amp; Ministry of Nephi/Lehi (Helaman 1–5)34. The Nephite Pride Cycle (Helaman 6–12)35. Samuel the Lamanite (Helaman 13–16)36. Nephi Departs; Christ Is Born (3 Nephi 1–7)37. Great Destruction &amp; Christ Appears (3 Nephi 8-11)38. Christ Teaches the Beatitudes (3 Nephi 12-15)39. Christ Heals, Blesses, and Prays (3 Nephi 17-19)40. Christ Teaches About the Gathering (3 Nephi 16,20-21)41. Christ Expounds the Scriptures (3 Nephi 22-26)42. Christ Departs; Zion Established &amp; Declines (3 Ne 27-30, 4 Ne)43. Mormon’s Final Teachings (Mormon1-6, Moroni9)44. Moroni Finishes Mormon’s Record (Mormon 7-9)45. The Brother of Jared (Ether 1-6)46. Jaredites in the Promised Land (Ether 7-15)47. Moroni’s Teachings &amp; Instructions on Ordinances (Moroni 1-6)48. Moroni’s Final Witness and Testimony (Moroni 7-8, 10)

Book of Mormon Study Guide, Pt. 3: Helaman to Moroni (Making Precious Things Plain)

Church History 1805 to 1832. This volume is the first of three on Church History and the Doctrine and Covenants. It covers Church history and the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants from the birth of Joseph Smith in 1805 through the beginnings of the Kirtland and Missouri periods. We learn concerning the First Vision, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of the priesthood, and many early revelations given to individual members of the Church. We study the organization of the Church in 1830 and the migration of the Saints to Kirtland, Ohio, where the law and order of the Church is given, the law of consecration begins, and spiritual gifts are manifested. We also read concerning the early events in Missouri, where the land of Zion is dedicated for the gathering of the Saints. In all, it covers 27 years of Church History, and covers sections 1-99 of the Doctrine and Covenants and the Joseph Smith History in the Pearl of Great Price. The cover features “Young Joseph,” a painting of the Prophet Joseph Smith pondering in the Sacred Grove, by Walter Rane.Table of Contents:Ch. Title Scripture Refs 1.Preface to the Final Dispensation(D&amp;C 1)2. D&amp;C Testifies of Christ(D&amp;C6;19;29;38;43;45;50;76;93;133;136)** NEW ENGLAND &amp; NEW YORK PERIOD3. Joseph Smith's First Vision (1820)(JS-History 1-25)4. The Book of Mormon (1820-30)(JS-H 26-68; D&amp;C 2-3;5;10;17)5. The Spirit of Revelation (1827-30)(JS-H 69-75; D&amp;C 6-9;13;17)6. Principles of Revelation(D&amp;C6;9;11;29;43;50; 60-62;88;98;109)7. First Principles &amp; Ordinances(D&amp;C8;11;14;18-20;22;27;29;31;35;39; 42;45;58;63;68;75;84;88)8. Priesthood Restoration (1829-30)(JS-H 69-75; D&amp;C 13)9. Organization of the Church (1830)(D&amp;C 19-24;26-28)10. Revelations to Individuals(D&amp;C23;25;29;38;61; 68;78;90;98;136)11. Revelation: Missions/Converts (1829-30)(D&amp;C 4;11-12;14-16;18;30-36)** KIRTLAND &amp; MISSOURI PERIOD12. Gathering to Ohio &amp; Missouri (1831)(D&amp;C 37-45; 29)13. Law &amp; Order of the Church (1831-32)(D&amp;C 41-59; 66-68)14. Law of Consecration (1832)(D&amp;C 82-83; 104)15. Gifts of the Spirit (1830-32)(D&amp;C 42; 46-50)16. Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy (1831)(D&amp;C 59)** Special chapter providing additional information

Church History Study Guide, Pt. 1: 1805-1832 (Making Precious Things Plain)

Plain and Precious Publishing

Church History 1831 to 1844. This volume is the second of three on Church History and the Doctrine and Covenants. It covers Church history during the Kirtland and Missouri periods, including a series of breathtaking revelations on temples, the Plan of Salvation, the three kingdoms of glory, the Second Coming, principles of priesthood power, the Word of Wisdom, and the Law of the Church. We also learn about fasting, tithing, missionary work, and enduring to the end. We go with the Prophet Joseph Smith and Saints through the crucible of trials in Missouri and Liberty Jail. Then we follow them on to Nauvoo, where the Kingdom rose again on the Mississippi River, work for the dead was introduced, and the law of celestial marriage was revealed. Again, persecution raised its ugly head, ending in the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith at Carthage. In all, it covers 11 years of Church History, and covers sections 100-135 of the Doctrine and Covenants. The cover features “Brother Joseph,” a beautiful portrait of the Prophet Joseph Smith, by David Lindsley.Table of Contents:Ch. Title Scripture Refs ** KIRTLAND &amp; MISSOURI PERIOD (Cont'd.)17. Law of the Fast &amp; Law of Tithing (1831, 1838)(D&amp;C 59;119;120)18. The Kirtland Temple (1835-36)(D&amp;C 95; 109-110)19. Our Father's Plan of Salvation (1830-1843)(D&amp;C 19;29;58;76;88;93; 128;131;137-138)20. Visions of the Kingdoms of Glory (1832-36)(D&amp;C 76;131-132;137)21. Looking for the Second Coming (1831-39)(D&amp;C 29;34;45;88;101;133)22. The Word of Wisdom (1833)(D&amp;C 89; 49)23. Learning by Experience &amp; Faith (1833)(D&amp;C 88)24. Avoiding Apostasy/Enduring to the End (1830-31)(D&amp;C 26;28;43;50;52)25. Principles of Priesthood Power (1830)(D&amp;C 84; 121)26. Taking the Gospel to the World(D&amp;C 42;88;112)27. Saints Must Be Tried Like Abraham (1829-30)(D&amp;C 101;103;105)28. Revelations from Liberty Jail (1831)(D&amp;C 121-122)** THE NAUVOO PERIOD29. The Kingdom Rises in Nauvoo (1839-42)(D&amp;C 124)30. Work for the Dead Begins (1840-42)(D&amp;C 2;124;127-128;JS-H 36-39)31. Eternal Marriage &amp; Sealings (1843-44)(D&amp;C 131-132)32. The Martyrdom at Carthage (1844)(D&amp;C 135)** Special chapter providing additional information

Church History Study Guide, Pt. 2: 1831-1844 (Making Precious Things Plain)

Latter-Day Prophets Since 1844. This volume is the third of three on Church History and the Doctrine and Covenants. It covers Church history during the administration of all of its Prophet-Prophets since Joseph Smith. It begins with the succession of the Apostles after Joseph Smith’s martyrdom, the building of the Nauvoo Temple, and the trek to the west of the Latter-day Saint pioneers. We follow them through Iowa, Winter Quarters, and on to Utah. We witness the colonization of the state of Deseret, while the rest of the country suffered from Civil War. Then we follow events through the administrations of all of the 19th-Century, 20th-Century, and 21st-Century prophets from John Taylor to Thomas S. Monson. We become familiar with the early lives, missions, marriages, and callings of each of these prophets, seeing how the Lord prepared them for the particular time that they led the Church. We finish with a look toward the future as we await the Second Coming of our Lord. The cover features a beautiful photograph of the Salt Lake Temple, taken at dusk during the Christmas season from the roof of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.Table of Contents:Ch. Title Scripture Refs ** THE NAUVOO PERIOD (Cont'd.)33a. Keys &amp; Apostolic Succession (1844-46)(D&amp;C 107)33b. The Nauvoo Temple (1846)** PIONEERS TO THE WEST34. Pioneers Across Iowa (1846)(D&amp;C 136)35. Winter Quarters &amp; the Trek West (1846-473)(D&amp;C 136)** REFUGE IN UTAH36. Colonization &amp; Refuge from War (1847-67)37. President Brigham Young's Final Decade (1867-77)38. President John Taylor (1877-87)39. President Wilford Woodruff (1887-98)(OD 1)40. President Lorenzo Snow (1898-1901)** THE 20TH CENTURY CHURCH41. President Joseph F. Smith (1901-18)(D&amp;C 138)42. President Heber J. Grant (1918-45)43. President George Albert Smith (1945-51)44. President David O. McKay (1951-70)45. President Joseph Fielding Smith (1970-72)46. President Harold B. Lee (1972-73)47. President Spencer W. Kimball (1973-85)(OD 2)48. President Ezra Taft Benson (1985-94)49. President Howard W. Hunter (1994-95)** THE 21ST CENTURY CHURCH50. President Gordon B. Hinckley (1995-2008)51. President Thomas S. Monson (2008- )** Special chapter providing additional information

Church History Study Guide Pt. 3: Latter-Day Prophets Since 1844

Genesis to Numbers. This volume is the first of three on the Old Testament. It begins with a discussion of the importance of studying the Old Testament, and the role of Jesus Christ in the Plan of Salvation and His selection as our Savior in the premortal council in heaven. We read concerning the process of creation, the placing of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and their fall into mortality. We learn briefly about Cain and Abel, followed by brief discussions of all the patriarchs from Adam to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We follow the story of Joseph in Egypt followed by the migration of Jacob’s family to that land for survival. We read of the rise of Moses, the Exodus, and the events at Mt. Sinai. Then we study the rebellion of the children of Israel and their wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. The cover features a beautiful image of Abraham’s Journey from Ur to Canaan, painted by Jozsef Molnar in 1880.Table of Contents:Ch. Title Scripture Refs ** Studying the Old Testament (D&amp;C 1)1. The Lord’s Work and Glory (Moses 1)2. The Council in Heaven (Abr 3; Moses 4:1-4)3. The Creation (Moses 1:27-42; 2-3)4. The Fall of Adam &amp; Eve (Moses 4:51-55; 6:48-62)5. Cain &amp; Abel; the prophet Enoch (Moses 5-7)6. Noah &amp; the Ark; Tower of Babel (Moses 8; Gen 6-9, 11)7. The Abrahamic Covenant (Abr 1-2; Gen 12, 17)8. Abraham’s Faithful Example (Gen 13-14, 18-19)9. Abraham &amp; Isaac’s Great Test (Abr 1; Gen 15-17, 21-22)10. Isaac, Jacob, &amp; Twelve Tribes of Israel (Gen 24-29)11. Joseph’s Captivity &amp; Integrity (Gen 34, 37-39)12. Joseph’s Greatness and Legacy (Gen 40-45)13. Moses, Passover, &amp; the Exodus (Exo 1-3, 5-6, 11-14)14. Israel’s Covenant Opportunity (Exo 12-20, 32-34)** 10 Commandments &amp; Laws of Moses (Exo 20-24, 32-34)** The Wilderness Tabernacle (Exo 25-31, 35-40)** Sacrifices and Carnal Commandments (Lev 1-18)15. Israel’s Wilderness Wanderings (Num 11-14, 21)16. True Prophets Do Only God’s Will (Num 22-24; 31:1-16)** Special chapters providing additional information

Old Testament Study Guide, Pt. 1: Genesis to Numbers (Making Precious Things Plain)

Deuteronomy to Solomon. This volume is the second of three on the Old Testament. It covers the Bible from the Book of Deuteronomy to the reign of King Solomon. We read Moses’ counsel to his people during the final days before his translation. We follow the children of Israel into the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, beginning at Jericho and ending with the total conquering of all the lands promised to Abraham. We are introduced to the Judge-Heroes, including but not limited to Gideon, Deborah, and Samson. We read of the rise of the prophet Samuel and reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. We thrill at the faith and gifts of David and mourn over his fall from grace. We are inspired by the wisdom of Solomon and the beauty of the House of Lord He built at Jerusalem, but are saddened by his idolatry in his old age. Along the way, we become familiar with the ministries and teachings of Elijah, and Elisha, and the courage and faith of Job. The cover features an extremely rare photograph of the rock (es-Sakhara) inside the Dome of the Rock, which at one time stood inside the Holy of Holies of Solomon's temple.Table of Contents:Ch. Title Scripture Refs 17. Moses’ Exhortations to Obedience (Deuteronomy)17a. Moses’ 1st Speech: Israel’s Experiences/Choices (Deut 1–4)17b. Moses’ 2nd Speech: Reviewing the Law (Deut 5–25)17c. Moses’ 3rd Speech: Prophesies,Blessings,Cursing (Deut 26–30)18. Joshua Leads Israel into the Promised Land (Joshua)19. Apostasy and the Judge-Heroes of Israel (Judges)20. Ruth and Hannah’s Examples of Righteousness (Ruth; 1 Sam 1)21. Samuel and Saul (1Sam 2–8;1Chr 9–16)22. King Saul and the Rise of David (1 Samuel 9–17)23. King David: Saul’s Hatred/Jonathan’s Friendship (1 Samuel 18–31)24. King David’s Rule, Fall, &amp; Remorse (2 Samuel)25. King David’s Artistic Legacy (Psalms)26. King Solomon’s Rise &amp; Fall (1 Kings 1–11)27. Israel Divided; Sinks into Apostasy/Captivity (1Kgs12–16;2Kgs 1–24;2Chr12–20)28. The Prophet Elijah (1Kgs 17–22; 2Kgs 1)29. The Prophet Elisha (2 Kings 2–13)30. The Temple of Solomon (1Kgs 5–9;2Chr29–34)31. The Wisdom of Solomon (Proverbs; Eccles)32. Job’s Adversity (Job)

Old Testament Study Guide, Pt. 2: Deuteronomy to Solomon (Making Precious Things Plain)

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