Building the Kingdom of God in Nauvoo, Illinois   The Nauvoo period of 1839-1846 proved both productive and tumultuous. This episode will explore this critical segment of Church history with an emphasis on the following points: Why the Nauvoo period is so important historically Establishment of the Relief Society Establishment of temple ordinances Nauvoo immigration… Continue Reading

Building the Kingdom of God in Nauvoo, Illinois   The period the Saints lived in Nauvoo was one of cooperation and outpourings of revelation and spiritual blessings. In addition to covering this history, this update addresses our relationship to history itself–it isn’t everyone’s passion, which is why it is important for us all to teach… Continue Reading

“O God, Where Art Thou?” Why? Why me? Why my loved one? Why any of us? Where is God? There are no more poignant questions in life. This may prove to be the most important episode we even produce, as it explores our deepest question–why life is so hard. So unfair. So painful. This lesson… Continue Reading

“O God, Where Art Thou?” Why is life so hard? Why do we hurt so much? Is there any way to suffer less? These are important questions to answer… but we can only answer for ourselves. When it comes to the suffering of others, our covenental obligation is clear: to show up, sit with them,… Continue Reading

“They Must Needs Be Chastened and Tried, Even as Abraham” This lesson doesn’t waste any time striking to the heart of difficult issues.  This lesson will discuss such important topics as: What role does God play in our “chastening” and trials? In what ways is the idea that God “chastens and tries us” helpful? In what… Continue Reading

“They Must Needs Be Chastened and Tried, Even as Abraham”   Have you ever noticed that we almost never hear about failure in the Church? The stories we do hear are uplifting, because the mistakes or seeming-failure lead to even better outcomes. Yet the gospel teaches us there is power, even necessity, in acknowledging our… Continue Reading

“Go Ye into All the World, and Preach My Gospel”   So first, look at our last missionary work episode with abundant awesome links: We are going to look at this lesson from two primary angles: First, what can we learn from the sacrifices of missionaries who have gone before us, especially the example of… Continue Reading

“Go Ye into All the World, and Preach My Gospel”   We know that we need to “treasure up the word” before we preach the word, but there is a deeper truth as well: We need to live the gospel fully before we work to share it. Paradoxically, the best missionary work happens when that… Continue Reading

Priesthood: “The Power of Godliness”   We have already talked about the Restoration of the Priestood, and this lesson is the chance to dig into the nature of the priesthood. What exactly is it? What principles govern “the power of godliness”? During this lesson and discussion we will address: The role of the priesthood in… Continue Reading

Priesthood: “The Power of Godliness” The concept of priesthood is central to the LDS faith, but what *is* it exactly? Priesthood is the presence and power of God, manifest on earth. I break it down into Presence of God Power of God Authority of God How do each of us experience these elements of divinity?… Continue Reading