General Conference Roundup: April 2019

an image of a woman smiling while standing on a balcony

“May [Heavenly Father] bless us to strive with patience and persistence toward the ideals we have heard proclaimed this conference weekend.” —Elder Jeffrey R. Holland The 189th Annual General Conference has come to an end. But that doesn’t mean the learning and loving that happens during this sacred weekend has… Continue reading

Tackle the Book of Isaiah with These Strategies

Bible with pink tulips

At the Lord Jesus Christ’s recommendation, learn to understand the lessons, prophesies, and beauty of Isaiah’s writings by using these strategies. In the Ensign article “Ten Keys to Understanding Isaiah,” Elder Bruce R. McConkie explains that Isaiah was “known [for] the abundance, beauty, and perfection of his prophetic utterances.” Yet… Continue reading

What Is True?

Man grabbing head in frustration

When you are flooded with conflicting messages and instructions, faith it ‘til you make it. Discerning truth can be difficult. Years ago, Elder Bruce R. McConkie shared some valuable insights that are just as relevant today as they were then. In his Brigham Young University devotional discourse “The Seven Deadly… Continue reading

War, Politics, and Power of the Book of Mormon

an image of a painting of a man in armor holding a flag

The Book of Mormon includes details and principles of war that would have been impossible for young Joseph Smith to make up. Although the Book of Mormon was published by Joseph Smith, a young man with little education and no war experience, it is remarkably accurate in its portrayal of… Continue reading

The Creation Account and the Seed in Alma’s Sermon

yellow flowers in a valley

If you don’t think of Genesis 1–2 when you read Alma 32, you’re missing powerful Creation imagery that emphasizes fundamental Christian teachings. The sermon on faith in Alma 32 is among the most iconic passages found in the Book of Mormon. In it we read that God’s word is a seed… Continue reading

Seeing Samson as a Messianic Prototype

an image of a painting of a man standing on a pillar

Archaeological digs have uncovered mosaics and prayers suggesting Samson as an important messianic prototype in ancient Galilee. Samson of the Old Testament is revered for his strength and wit in his endeavors to deliver Israel from the Philistines. But his affair with Delilah made the biblical judge a controversial character,… Continue reading

3 Dos and Don’ts for Asking Effective Questions

a teacher in a gospel class, in spanish

Do you use effective questions when teaching the gospel at church or at home? Imagine you are in Sunday School. Your teacher wants the discussion to go a certain direction that works with his or her notes, but also wants to ask a question to get people involved. In order to drive the discussion,… Continue reading

Engage in the Wrestle: Seeking Spiritual Answers

an image of a couple of men holding hands in a fist

What is the difference between a doubter and a seeker? The answer is all in the wrestle. The world today seems to draw questions out of dark corners, blurring the lines of morality and casting shadows on the light of faith. When these questions arise, many people may feel uncertain… Continue reading

Ready for Revelation

an image of a man sitting in a chair reading a book

Hearing from prophets, seers, and revelators can be more meaningful if we are spiritually prepared to receive their messages. Twice a year, the world has the opportunity to hear from leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a two-day conference that is broadcast across the globe. Men… Continue reading

Understanding the Book of Mormon’s Translation

an image of a wooden ball on a cloth surface

Though translating with a seer stone may seem odd, what matters most is that the Book of Mormon was translated by the power of God. Never-before-seen pictures of Joseph Smith’s first seer stone are found in “Joseph the Seer” in the October 2015 Ensign and Liahona. Assistant Church Historian Richard… Continue reading