“Sunday Sermon” I gave my Sunday School and Seminary classes the assignment to identify the single most important verse in the Book of Mormon. This is the criterion: “If you had only one verse to inspire and guide you and your family, what verse would you choose?” The Most Important Verse Each class came to … Continue reading The Most Important Verse in the Book of Mormon
"Faith on Friday" I grew up in a home of modest means. My father was an elementary school teacher, and my mother, although she had a teaching credential, chose to be a homemaker. I will always be grateful for her choice. Needless to say, we had “sufficient for our needs,” but little else. My parents … Continue reading I Ruined My First Church Suit on the First Sunday
Erich Fromm (1900-1980), a psychoanalyst and philosopher, coined the phrase “unconditional love.” He concluded, “The deepest need of man, is the need to overcome his separateness, to leave the prison of his aloneness. (Art of Loving, p. 9) Fromm described the difference between a mother’s love and father’s love. A mother’s love is unconditional. “Mother’s … Continue reading Justice (“His”) and Mercy (“Her”) – Alma 42:24
"Father’s Day Sermon" Our Three Fathers On “Father’s Day,” we celebrate our mortal father. When we think of the commandment to “honor thy father,” we also focus on our earthly father. However, this is inadequate. It is an oversite. We “forget” that we have two other, more important, fathers. Our Heavenly Father Our first father … Continue reading Our Three Fathers
"Sunday Sermon" Christ’s “motto” was manifest in the premortal Council in Heaven, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Garden of Gethsemane. “Thy will, not mine, be done.” “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” (John 6:38) Instead, Satan wants us to “do our … Continue reading Satan’s Strategies: “Do your own thing.”
"Sunday Sermon" Christians, Muslims, and Jews conclude prayers by saying “Amen.” This indicates agreement with what has been said. It literally means, “verily,” “truly,” “let it be so.” Interestingly, in every country, believers use the word "Amen" instead of local translations. For thousands of years, "Amen" has been used across multiple languages. At the end … Continue reading Be careful saying “Amen.” It is a name of God. (Is. 65:16; Rev. 3:14)
"Sunday Sermon" (Advice: when studying the Book of Revelation, focus more on the doctrinal gems, and less on the strange symbols.) In the Book of Revelation, John the Apostle wrote to the seven churches in Asia (Turkey). He listed seven glorious promises for those who “overcome.” We must "conquer" and be "victorious" over: The World … Continue reading 7 Glorious Promises for those who “Overcome” (Revelation 2-3)
"Fun Facts Saturday" "World History" In Medieval Europe, the “royals” often visited each other’s castles. Rich and powerful people frequently feel they are “above” the laws of man and God. So, on cold castle nights, the royals routinely violated the Sixth Commandment. Because of this, they could never be sure if they were actually related … Continue reading Who’s Your “Nuncle”?
"Sunday Sermon" Part 1 Several of the modern prophets and apostles struggled, and became discouraged, while serving missions in Britain. President David O. McKay became so discouraged and homesick in Scotland, that he and his companion spent much of their time sightseeing instead of proselyting. President Joseph Fielding Smith got so frustrated, he exclaimed, “Anyone … Continue reading Missionary Struggles Pt. 1 – Gordon B. Hinckley
"Easter Sunday Sermon" I believe in mottos. Mottos guide us and inspire us. Military organizations have mottos For example, the U.S. Coast Guard’s motto is: “Semper Peratus,” “Always Prepared.” The motto of the U.S. Marine Corps is: “Semper Fidelas,” “Always Faithful.” The story is told of a young couple attending a wedding at a … Continue reading The Savior’s Motto: “Thy Will Be Done”
The London Edition 