Are we truly ready for the Savior’s return? President Russell M. Nelson’s recent General Conference talk, The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again, challenges us to examine our discipleship and deepen our spiritual preparation. As the world grows more complex and faith questions arise, President Nelson offers guidance for navigating today’s uncertainties with hope and dedication. His focus on temple worship, gathering Israel, and the powerful role of the Atonement speaks directly to those who may wonder, How do we hold fast to our faith in a turbulent world? [Read more…] about Preparing for the Second Coming: Insights on Faith, Hope, and Temple Worship
Apologetics
The Gift of Redemption: Embracing Christ’s Power to Heal and Restore
What happens when you feel your mistakes are beyond repair? Sister Kristin M. Yee’s powerful message offers hope and guidance for those questioning their worthiness and potential for redemption. She shares personal experiences that illustrate how Christ’s love can help us overcome our struggles and find joy in the healing process. For those facing doubts about their faith or personal worth, Sister Yee’s words bring profound reassurance: our Savior has already made a way for us to be made whole again. [Read more…] about The Gift of Redemption: Embracing Christ’s Power to Heal and Restore
Trusting God’s Boundaries: Faithfully Navigating Modern Challenges
Can faith and trust in God’s guidance coexist with personal doubts?
Elder David P. Homer’s recent General Conference address, “Trusting Our Father,” explores a fundamental question: How can we fully trust God’s will, even when it challenges our own understanding? Drawing on historical and scriptural examples, Elder Homer emphasizes that God’s boundaries are eternal and defined by His love for us. As we seek to understand these divine truths, this talk offers valuable insights for those facing doubts or challenges to their faith. [Read more…] about Trusting God’s Boundaries: Faithfully Navigating Modern Challenges
Aligning Our Will with His: Finding Purpose and Peace through Submission to God
What does it mean to align our will with God’s? Elder Ulisses Soares’s recent General Conference address, “Aligning Our Will with His,” offers profound insights into the nature of discipleship, obedience, and the eternal rewards of yielding to God’s will. For many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—and those curious about the faith—questions surrounding submission to God, eternal life, and following His plan surface frequently. Elder Soares’s teachings provide a rich perspective, particularly for those experiencing faith-related concerns or questioning the principles of obedience, agency, and the balance between personal and divine will. [Read more…] about Aligning Our Will with His: Finding Purpose and Peace through Submission to God
Seeking Divine Guidance: Finding Answers to Spiritual Questions in an Age of Doubt
How can we find answers to spiritual questions in a world full of doubt and uncertainty? For many, questions about the gospel, Church history, and personal faith can be complex and emotionally charged. Sister Tracy Y. Browning’s talk, “Seeking Answers to Spiritual Questions,” offers profound insights into navigating spiritual curiosity with patience, trust, and a willingness to follow God’s guidance, even when answers seem elusive. [Read more…] about Seeking Divine Guidance: Finding Answers to Spiritual Questions in an Age of Doubt
Turning Our Hearts Toward God: Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion
What might we each consider as “weapons of rebellion” in our own lives? Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s talk, “Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion,” invites each of us to lay aside any resistance we feel toward God’s will. Rebellion, whether active or passive, can manifest in ways we might not immediately recognize (see Rebellion, Rebel). For those struggling with doubts, questions, or a tendency to disregard divine direction, Elder Christofferson’s words offer a path back to peace through repentance, humility, and surrender to God’s guidance. His talk draws on powerful stories from the Book of Mormon and Church history, reminding us that no one’s past is beyond God’s reach. [Read more…] about Turning Our Hearts Toward God: Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion
Choosing Joy in a Troubled World: The Power of Worship and Christ-Centered Living
In a world where “happiness” often seems fleeting, Elder Patrick Kearon’s talk “Welcome to the Church of Joy” offers a profound answer to one of life’s biggest questions: How can we find lasting joy? His talk addresses foundational gospel principles like the Plan of Salvation, agency, and the essential nature of organized worship as pathways to joy. Elder Kearon asserts that true joy flows from understanding God’s plan, reverencing Christ, and gathering as an organized church to partake of the sacrament. Let’s explore how these principles answer common questions and critiques about the Church’s teachings on worship, joy, and mental well-being. [Read more…] about Choosing Joy in a Troubled World: The Power of Worship and Christ-Centered Living
Living as Children of the Covenant: Understanding Our Birthright and Responsibility
“Why are Latter-day Saints so different?” This is a question many young members of the Church find themselves facing. In a world that values conformity, living differently can feel daunting, even isolating.
In his talk, “O Youth of the Noble Birthright”, Brother Brad Wilcox speaks to the youth of the Church, reminding them of their noble birthright as covenant children of God. He emphasizes that this identity calls for a distinct way of life, not because they are better than others but because they have a greater purpose to fulfill. Brother Wilcox’s words don’t just offer comfort but also a deeper understanding of how living differently aligns with God’s trust in His children and how it impacts their divine mission. This talk speaks directly to questions of identity, purpose, and divine trust, making it relevant for anyone encountering questions about faith, doctrinal beliefs, or the demands of discipleship.
Common Questions, Misconceptions, and Criticisms
Holding Up the Light of Christ: Sustaining Leaders and Each Other
In a world that seems to thrive on contention and division, it’s natural to wonder: How can I hold onto light in the midst of it all? Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s talk, “Behold I Am the Light Which Ye Shall Hold Up,” invites us to do just that—find, hold, and share the light of the Savior. His message calls on us to strengthen our commitment to Jesus Christ by sustaining our leaders and lifting each other. But what does “holding up” the light really mean? And how do we fulfill this call in today’s complex world?
Elder Rasband’s talk offers a clear apostolic witness of Jesus Christ as the Light of the world and reaffirms the sacred role of prophets in guiding us through spiritual challenges. He emphasizes that sustaining leaders isn’t passive; it’s a call to action. By holding up those called to lead, we strengthen our own resolve and align ourselves with divine purposes. Elder Rasband’s counsel is especially relevant for those facing questions about the role of modern prophets, the fallibility of leaders, and how best to support others in a world often skeptical of faith. [Read more…] about Holding Up the Light of Christ: Sustaining Leaders and Each Other
FAIR 2024 Virtual Conference is streaming free this weekend (Oct. 11-12)
FAIR is having a free virtual conference this weekend entitled “Understanding and Defending the History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” Friday evening, the keynote speaker will be Matthew McBride talking about Saints, Vol. 4 (which is coming out later this month). Saturday there will be other speakers talking on church history topics throughout the day. It will be streamed on the FAIR YouTube channel. More information is here.