Which Cross is Mine and How Do I Bear It?

an image of a man standing on a rock looking at the mountains

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” —Matthew 16:25  Jesus Christ had a heavy cross to bear. His divine mission on earth was to provide eternal salvation for the souls of all mankind. In Matthew 16,… 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

Faith in the Future

girl looking to left

How can we overcome our fear of the future and avoid looking longingly at the past? Elder Jeffrey R. Holland implores us to “Remember Lot’s Wife,” to avoid looking back, and to instead look toward the future with faith in the Lord. In a Brigham Young University devotional, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland… Continue reading

What Is Your Spiritual Superpower?

an image of a couple of kids wearing costumes on a bed

Discovering and developing our spiritual gifts, or spiritual superpowers, will help us recognize our heroic identities and purposes. We are all superheroes. How? As Doctrine and Covenants 46:11–12 states, “There are many gifts, and to every man [and woman] is given a gift by the Spirit of God …. that… 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

Facing Doubts about Modern Revelation

an image of a man sitting on a ledge looking out at the water

Learn how to reconcile your doubts about revelations from the Lord’s prophets.  Revelation is often given in response to a certain question or situation. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland recounts how the first section of the Doctrine and Covenants, also known as the Lord’s Preface, was given after a man accused… Continue reading

Getting to Know Christ’s Women Disciples

an image of a painting of angels and a woman kneeling down

Though women are mentioned less frequently than men in the New Testament, they were very important to Christ and his ministry. Camille Fronk Olson, chair of the Department of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University, explains little-known treasures about New Testament women in her article “They Ministered unto Him of… Continue reading

The Pearl of Great Price…and Mummies?

an image of a painting of a boy reading a book

With the publication of the Joseph Smith Papers, we can better understand the history of the Book of Abraham and thereby gain greater faith in it. The Pearl of Great Price is perhaps the least-mentioned book in the Latter-day Saint canon. We know that some parts of the book are… Continue reading

Ancient Witnesses of Joseph Smith

Drawing of the Gold Plates

Just as we are blessed with knowledge of the past, ancient prophets were blessed with knowledge of the future. Joseph F. McConkie (1941–2013) was an emeritus professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University when he researched the connection between ancient prophets and Joseph Smith. Through revelation, ancient prophets learned… Continue reading

Judging to Save, Not Destroy

an image of a group of people sitting on a wall looking at a boat

As future leaders of the rising generation, we must learn how to judge in Christ’s way, which is “merciful, loving, and redemptive, not condemning.” When speaking to young adults, President Russell M. Nelson has said, “you are the future leaders of the Lord’s Church!” It is thus our sacred opportunity to… Continue reading