“Be Not Deceived, but Continue in Steadfastness” It is time to address the tricky topic of individual “apostasy”–falling away from God and the Church. Are the two the same? Can you do one without the other? What does “being deceived” mean in this context? What is the relationship between doubt and apostasy? The lesson and… Continue Reading

“Be Not Deceived, but Continue in Steadfastness”   “Apostasy” is a strong  word. It is used to separate friends from enemies, insiders from outsiders. Though there are certainly times we need to protect ourselves and our faith from toxic or combative individuals, sometimes “apostate” can just mean someone who believes differently. Then there is the… Continue Reading

Seek Learning, Even by Study and Also by Faith” In a sense, this lesson provides a foundation of all others. How do we understand ourselves, each other, and the world around us? How do we learn? What is the role of “study” and what is the role of “faith”? What are the strengths and limitations… Continue Reading

Seek Learning, Even by Study and Also by Faith” Combining study and faith actually is quite challenging. Without the right approach, study can indeed destroy faith. This episode explores what is most important for us to learn, how we learn, and how we can learn by study and faith in a constructive way.    … Continue Reading

The Word of Wisdom: “A Principle with Promise”   When asked in high school why I didn’t drink, I said “Because I am underage and it would be illegal.” Just kidding. I said, “Because I’m Mormon.” The “don’ts” in the World of Wisdom make members of the Church easy to recognize in social situations and… Continue Reading

“Looking Forth for the Great Day of the Lord to Come” I know I often use superlatives relating to these lessons, but this topic might deserve a few. Is there any topic more thrilling and discussion provoking as the Second Coming? When I subbed youth Sunday School and asked for questions, the Second Coming was… Continue Reading

“Looking Forth for the Great Day of the Lord to Come”   Looking for the “Signs of the Times” can be thrilling, but also misleading. Here is the secret: If we are prepared, it doesn’t matter when Jesus returns. If we embrace our responsibility to “bring the Kingdom”, to build Zion, Jesus will find us… Continue Reading

The Kingdoms of Glory One of the gospel’s great contributions is its expansive, detailed, and powerful description of the Plan of Salvation–encompassing more than simply the afterlife, the scriptures describe multiple steps–the pre-existence, earth life, the spirit world, and then the kingdoms of glory. In this episode we will Briefly touch on the history of… Continue Reading

The Kingdoms of Glory   Eternity is now. That isn’t just a nifty saying to etch on a crystal… it is a doctrine and principle of the gospel. This update explores theological insights relating to the Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial Kingdoms, and then I explain how hell and heaven, and damnation and salvation are all… Continue Reading

“The Plan of Salvation“   “The Plan of Salvation” broad in scope, puts this life in perspective. It places us as the main character in a cosmic drama and represents one of Mormonism’s greatest contributions to religious thought. We are eternal, spiritual beings at the crucial junction in our path to perfection. At the same… Continue Reading