"Sunday Sermon" After baptizing Jesus, John the Baptist announced, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) John shared, by his teaching and example, an essential gospel principle. John had been in the limelight for years. He had lots of admirers and followers. But now, John had fulfilled his mission. His ministry was winding down. Christ’s … Continue reading “I must decrease”- John the Baptist
“Sunday Sermon” The "Temptations of Jesus" give great insights on confronting Satan and resisting sin. (Matthew 4: 1-11) Center your life in Christ and Follow the Savior’s Example Christ Resists Temptations The Savior “suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:22). When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, the Lord … Continue reading Resisting Temptation and Overcoming Sin – Scriptures and Quotes
In Honor of Thanksgiving Feasts The 5-Year-Old Who Called Me "Fat" I was waiting at the checkout stand in my grocery store when the five-year-old boy behind me shouted, “You’re fat!” (I love children’s honesty.) Me at the Beach, looking Happy and "Prosperous" His flustered mom tried to shush him by saying, “No, he’s not … Continue reading God made me Fat
"Sunday (On Monday) Sermon" Importance of Hearing and Obeying the Voice of the Lord One of the major themes of the scriptures is the admonition to listen, hearken, hear, and heed the voice of the Lord. This is a divine mandate. Significantly, “listen,” “hear,” “hearken,” and “heed” are mentioned over 4,100 times in the standard … Continue reading General Conference: A Time to Hear the Voice of the Lord (Scriptures and Quotes)
"Sunday Sermon" "A friend loveth at ALL times." (Proverbs 17:17) The Prophet Joseph Smith cherished friendship. He declared, "Friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of Mormonism." (Teachings, p. 316.) “If my life is of no value to my friends, it is of no value to me.” (Essential in Church History, p. 374) C.S. Lewis, … Continue reading Friendships are Sacred – “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother”
"Sunday Sermon" The Prophet Elisha grew up in the desert. When his mentor, the Prophet Elijah was translated, Elisha became the prophet and adviser to the kings of Israel. He performed mighty miracles during his ministry. Renaissance Painting - Mocking Children in "Modern" Attire: Even the Lord’s “anointed” isn’t always treated with respect. As Elisha went up to … Continue reading Prophet Elisha Sends Bears to Attack Annoying Children
After becoming president of the church, Harold B. Lee was asked by an annoying reporter, “What qualifies you to be prophet?” President Lee responded, “I am just a good listener.” One of the major themes in the scriptures is to “hear,” “hearken,” “heed,” and “listen” to the voice of the Lord. These words are found … Continue reading Hear the Lord: 3 S’s
"Teach the doctrine, from the scriptures, by the Spirit" The key to gospel teaching has been, is, and will always be the same: “Teach the doctrine from the scriptures by the Spirit.” I remember classes where the teacher so focused on secondary sources about history and culture, that we never mentioned the scriptures. When we … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #9: Teach “From the Scriptures”
Antagonists' Major Allegation: The LDS Church Conspires to Cover-up Truths The Internet is full of anti-LDS articles and videos. Some are by former members who left the church, but who cannot leave the church alone. Most of the anti-LDS websites make the following allegation: “The Mormon Church hides, and does not want you to know, … Continue reading Major Anti-LDS Allegation #1: My Personal Reply
We all have a fight/flight response. Whenever we are threatened our adrenalin surges and we either confront the threat or we run away. This is human nature. The Bible contains three memorable stories of people who unsuccessfully tried to run away and hide from the Lord. Adam and Eve were the first people who tried to hide … Continue reading You Can’t Hide from the Lord
The London Edition 