"Sunday Sermon" Boyd K. Packer and the Transgressing Missionary In 1971, Elder Boyd K. Packer visited our mission in Bristol, England. He shared the following experience. Soon after being called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, he was sent to a foreign mission, where a missionary faced excommunication for having had sexual relations with a … Continue reading Rules versus Revelation (2 Stories)
"Sunday Sermon" The Lord has repeatedly warned: “Be not deceived!” We are admonished to “Be as wise as serpents and yet without sin.” (D&C 111:11) Use Multiple News Sources News sources are not only biased in their writing, but in their selection of stories. They “cherry-pick” and “card stack” their articles. To guard against news … Continue reading “Be Not Deceived” – Misinformation and Conspiracies
"Sunday Sermon" We don’t need to “feel” the Spirit to have the Spirit. We can be guided by the Spirit without “feeling” it. Sometimes, we don’t even recognize that we have been led by the Spirit until we look back years later. One day, just before lunch, on impulse, I decided to walk outside the … Continue reading “You don’t need to ‘feel’ the Spirit, in order to have the Spirit” – A Story
“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
(Based, in part, on a talk by Elder James E. Slaughter, of the Seventy, Santa Margarita Stake Conference, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022) 1. The sacrament is for renewing all our covenants, not just baptism We often hear that, by partaking of the sacrament, we “renew our covenants of baptism.” That is true. However, it is … Continue reading 8 Special Insights on the Sacrament
"Sunday Sermon" (Long Article-13 min: You may want to skim, and then download for future reference.) The Book of Job "Hast thou considered my servant Job." (Job 1:8) The entire Book of Job is in devoted to one issue: human suffering. The book gives insights into the causes of adversity, and emphasizes the importance of … Continue reading Understanding Human Suffering Pt 1 (Eternal Progression, Nature of God, Book of Job)
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
The key to gospel teaching has been, is, and will always be the same: “Teach the doctrine from the scriptures by the Spirit.” 1 Cor 2:4-5 “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing word of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit of power; “That your faith should not stand in … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #10: Teach “By the Spirit”
The best gospel lessons include class discussions. Edifying uplifting discussions are an integral part of a good lesson. We all learn best when we are actively involved. We can all learn from others. No teacher has a monopoly on gospel knowledge and insights. Only God is omniscient. Every student has something to contribute. Pure lectures … Continue reading Tips for Talks and Lessons #7: Lead Meaningful Class Discussions
Joseph Smith: No one can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelation No man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelation. The Holy Ghost is a revelator. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith p 328) Joseph Smith: Receiving revelation is a privilege of the priesthood One great privilege of the priesthood is to obtain … Continue reading Personal Revelation (Pt 5/5) – Prophetic Insights
The London Edition 