When it comes to the value of our human existence, there is a doctrinal contradiction which deserves some dialog. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the doctrine is commonly taught that all of Heavenly Father’s children are literally the sons and daughters of God with the sameContinue Reading

When we establish relationships of trust with others, we have a greater ability to affect change in society.  In the Book of Mormon, when Ammon established with King Lamoni that he really meant to serve the king, that he (Ammon) had Lamoni’s best interest in mind, Lamoni trusted him. ByContinue Reading

The Sermon on the Mount teachings principles which have many applications in the lives of young people.  Matthew 5 outlines 4 important ideals that we examined in class.  They are: 1.  Adultery & Divorce 2.  Honesty 3.  Retaliation & Violence 4.  How to deal with your adversary In each instance,Continue Reading

Matthew 4 deals with the conflict between Satan and the Savior.  A great question to ask in the beginning of class is, “How can I be strong when temptation comes?” After some time to reflect and write their responses, (hopefully) a class discussion will result.  I had students write aContinue Reading

I have used some of the following stories to emphasize the importance of letting our light shine.  The savior taught, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see yourContinue Reading

I had a great conversation yesterday amongst my colleagues.  We were discussing what wisdom means when we looked at a scripture that I have read many times before, but this time I saw it in a whole new light. Alma 48:11 reads, “And Moroni was a strong and a mightyContinue Reading

I recently taught the war chapters (Alma 43-63) in Gospel Doctrine in my ward, and as I prepared, I thought how these chapters parallel our day.  We live in a time when it is difficult to discern between truth and error.  There are forces at work attempting to eradicate aContinue Reading

The story of the birth of the Savior has many practical applications for young people.  As we examine the narrative, we find principles which teach us many life lessons. At the very beginning of the events surrounding the miraculous birth of the Savior, we read the following: And in theContinue Reading

After Cyrus conquered the Babylonians in 539 B.C. he issued a decree allowing the Jewish captives to return to the land of Israel. He also encouraged the rebuilding of the temple at Jerusalem and offered financial assistance (see Ezra 1:1-4). By 520 B.C. the Jews had stopped working on theContinue Reading

1 Behold, I will asend my bmessenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly ccome to his dtemple, even the emessenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.  But who may aabide theContinue Reading