Witnesses of Christ’s Resurrection

"Easter Sunday Sermon" “The most significant event in all human history was the discovery of the empty tomb.” Through his resurrection Jesus slew that "awful monster" death. (2 Nephi 9:10,26) New Testament Witnesses The New Testament contains a partial account of Jesus 40-day ministry after his death. During that time, “Jesus showed himself alive by … Continue reading Witnesses of Christ’s Resurrection →

Satan’s Strategies. “Know Your Enemy.” (Introduction)

"Sunday Sermon" Sun Tzu (371-256), the great military strategist, recognized that the key to victory is: “Know thy enemy.” (The Art of War) Satan is our eternal enemy. To avoid being outsmarted and outmaneuvered, we must know his strategies. Ignorance leaves us vulnerable. “Knowledge is power.” That is why Brigham Young taught, “We should not … Continue reading Satan’s Strategies. “Know Your Enemy.” (Introduction) →

When Prophets have a “Death Wish” – Moses, Job, Jeremiah, Jonah, Elijah, Paul

"Sunday Sermon" Prophets are sometimes so crushed by the crucible of their callings that they become discouraged and depressed. They become so overwhelmed by the burdens of leadership that they develop a "death wish." They reach wit's end, and plead, with the Lord, “Just kill me!” 1. Moses - crushed by the burdens of leadership … Continue reading When Prophets have a “Death Wish” – Moses, Job, Jeremiah, Jonah, Elijah, Paul →

The Doctrine of Perfection Through Suffering (Hebrews 2:7-10; 5:8-9)

"Sunday Sermon" “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matt. 5:48) "Toxic Perfectionism" - Satan's Tool Some people have misinterpreted “perfect” to mean: Flawless. Guiltless. Faultless. Spotless. Sinless. Blameless. Pure. This misguided, absolutist view causes chronic frustration, never-ending unnecessary guilt, and debilitating anxiety and depression. This is Satan’s tool. It is called … Continue reading The Doctrine of Perfection Through Suffering (Hebrews 2:7-10; 5:8-9) →

Paul’s War with False Doctrine and Apostate Groups

"Sunday Sermon" Paul the Apostle warned that “in the latter times,” there would be a “falling away.” This widespread apostasy would precede the restoration, the “dispensation of the fullness of times,” the “restitution of all things.” (See: 1 Tim. 4:1-3; Eph. 1:10; 2 Thess. 2:1-3; Acts 3:21) However, Paul had a more pressing and immediate … Continue reading Paul’s War with False Doctrine and Apostate Groups →

Appreciating “Galatians” – Paul versus Peter and the “Judaizers”

"Sunday Sermon" Apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians is both brilliant and beautiful. But it is also complicated. Even Peter recognized that Paul’s letters “are hard to understand.” (2 Peter 3:16) This is especially true using only the King James Version. Understanding the Background and Context of "Galatians" A. Pharisee Converts Cause Trouble in Gentile … Continue reading Appreciating “Galatians” – Paul versus Peter and the “Judaizers” →

How long after Paul’s conversion till his first missionary journey?

"Sunday Sermon" Most of us assume that Paul the Apostle started his first missionary journey within a few days, a few weeks, or a few months of his miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus. Not so. After Saul’s conversion, he entered Damascus, where he learned the gospel from Ananias and other disciples. Having faith … Continue reading How long after Paul’s conversion till his first missionary journey? →

Doctrine of the Pure Love of Christ – Agape (1 Corinthians 13)

"Sunday Sermon" The New Testament on the Pure Love of Christ (Agape) One of the major themes of the New Testament is the pure love of Christ (Gr. agape). (This is akin to the Old Testament theme of everlasting kindness (Heb. hesed). In the original Greek New Testament there are three major words for … Continue reading Doctrine of the Pure Love of Christ – Agape (1 Corinthians 13) →

“One-liners” of Saint Paul the Apostle

"Sunday Sermon" The scriptures contain a plethora of "one-liners." These are profound, inspiring, and memorable short phrases. Each, could be a motto or slogan to guide our lives. Each, could be a sermon. Here are some New Testament one-liners from Saint Paul the Apostle, the greatest Christian missionary. We are the offspring of God Lord, … Continue reading “One-liners” of Saint Paul the Apostle →

“Almost”- A Word of Regret

"Sunday Sermon" Saint Paul and King Agrippa Saint Paul, the Apostle, shared the account of his conversion, and his testimony of the gospel, with King Agrippa. Paul was one of the most persuasive missionaries in history. Sadly, King Agrippa responded, “’Almost’ thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:28) Paul replied that, “I wish … Continue reading “Almost”- A Word of Regret →