Melvin J. Ballard’s Vision of the Savior

"Faith on Friday" Visions and Visitations of the Savior Countless Latter-day Saints, especially the apostles and prophets, have received visions of the Jesus Christ. I personally know church members who have had night dream-visions of the Savior or the more rare day visions. Generally, these experiences are too sacred and too personal to share publicly. … Continue reading Melvin J. Ballard’s Vision of the Savior →

We Hurt Ourselves, and Those Around Us, by Not Forgiving Others

"Sunday Sermon" "I can understand your hurt, but I cannot understand your hate." The Church Leader Who Wouldn't Forgive As a new missionary, I was assigned to a small branch in Wales. The branch president was a very diligent man who spent countless hours administering the branch. Also in the branch was the branch president’s … Continue reading We Hurt Ourselves, and Those Around Us, by Not Forgiving Others →

Double “Verily,” Triple “Wo,” and Quadruple “For”

"Faith on Friday" I taught my early morning seminary students that they should watch out for “Double Verily’s” or “Triple Wo’s” in the scriptures. When the Lord or His prophets want to really get our attention, or emphasize a point, they use “double verily’s” or “triple wo’s.” “Double Verily” “Verily” means “truly.” In other words, … Continue reading Double “Verily,” Triple “Wo,” and Quadruple “For” →

“Cheap Grace” – Accepting Jesus as “Savior” but not “Lord”

"Sunday Sermon" "Cheap Grace" Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a prominent German pastor and theologian who was executed in 1943 because of his opposition to Hitler. When asked why the Christian church sat back and let Hitler seize power, he replied: “It was the teaching of cheap grace.” “Cheap grace” means the “belief that once you have … Continue reading “Cheap Grace” – Accepting Jesus as “Savior” but not “Lord” →

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 →

“The Book of Mormon is the Work of the Devil”

"Sunday Sermon" Joseph Smith: Translator or Creator The Book of Mormon is either a divinely inspired translation of ancient scripture, or it is a work of fiction. Joseph Smith either translated the book by the “gift and power of God,” or he made it up. It is that simple. Those who knew Joseph Smith personally, … Continue reading “The Book of Mormon is the Work of the Devil” →

Satan’s Strategies: “Do your own thing.”

"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.” →

The Sacrament – A Time to “Remember”

"Sunday Sermon" The Highlight of My Week Attending church is a pain - literally. I am convinced that the pews and chairs were designed by the devil himself. My wife observes the sweat on the back of my head as the barometer of my back pain. Sometimes, it takes days for my back pain to … Continue reading The Sacrament – A Time to “Remember” →

If we are saved by grace, why keep the commandments?

"Sunday Sermon" I. Background A. Ancient and modern scriptures declare that we are saved by divine grace and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Salvation and redemption come only through the Savior and Redeemer - Jesus Christ. We are saved through the His grace and His merits, not ours. "Works without faith is dead." … Continue reading If we are saved by grace, why keep the commandments? →

“Examine Yourself” & “Consider Your Ways”– 4 Soul-Searching Questions from the Bible

"Sunday Sermon" "Know Thyself" The Bible counsels and commands: “examine yourselves” and “consider your ways.” Likewise, Socrates proclaimed: “Know Thyself!” He added, “the unexamined life is not worth living.” Lao Tzu also declared: “He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.” “Examine Yourself” (1 Corinthians 11:28) “Let a man examine himself.” … Continue reading “Examine Yourself” & “Consider Your Ways”– 4 Soul-Searching Questions from the Bible →