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

Come Follow Me: More Than Just a Manual

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The Church’s new program invites us to become more converted in our love of Christ through teaching gospel truths. Christians everywhere recognize the phrase “Come, follow me” as Christ’s invitation to follow his example. In October 2016, Elder Robert D. Hales taught about this invitation to follow the Savior in his… Continue reading

Am I Ready for General Conference?

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General conference is an important worldwide event, and there are many ways for us to prepare. Twice a year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a general conference where leaders share uplifting and inspired messages. To help you get ready for a conference weekend full of wholesome… Continue reading

More than Divine Words on a Page

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I had been living far below my privileges when it came to scripture study. In a class I took on teaching seminary, I learned that there is a better way to study scriptures: by following the learning pattern. The learning pattern includes understanding the context and content, identifying and understanding… Continue reading

The Book of Mormon: Worth More than Gold

an image of a wooden box sitting on the ground in the woods

Oliver Cowdery explains in a letter the true worth of the gold plates that were translated into the Book of Mormon. In 1827, Joseph Smith learned from an angel named Moroni that a record of ancient inhabitants of the Americans was hidden in a hill in Manchester, New York. He… 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

Discover Your Own Path: Steps from Jesus Christ’s Young-Adult Years

group on top of mountain

Jesus doesn’t just understand young-adult life, he has lived it—perfectly. When we imagine the Savior, we typically visualize him as an adult––full beard, broad shoulders, and traces of wrinkles showing the joys and sorrows of 33 years. Kent F. Richards instead paints us a portrait of Jesus during his young-adult… Continue reading

Following Him at Home

an image of a woman reading a book to a child

 As we study Come, Follow Me with our families, the influence of the adversary will get weaker as we strengthen our testimonies together. As a part of the new emphasis on a “home-centered Church,” President Russell M. Nelson announced in October 2018 that Sunday services would be shortened by an… Continue reading

Using the Book of Mormon to Understand the Old Testament

A person turns a page on their bible

In his day, Nephi studied and cherished the Old Testament record. Because of what Nephi left behind, we can too. The Old Testament can be a difficult read for many, and it definitely is for me. Not only is it the oldest scripture in our canon, but it sometimes seems… Continue reading

Trusting in God’s Plan

A person holding a graduation cap with an institution building behind it.

When fear of the future blurs your faith, trusting God realigns your path. My last year at Brigham Young University has been strenuous as I’ve felt anxious about my future after college. At times, the thought of being without a secure job, a place to live, or a partner has… Continue reading