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Doctrine

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 20–22 – Autumn Dickson

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Nuances of Baptism

by Autumn Dickson

Let’s talk about historical context again quickly so that we can have a reference for what we read this week. Chronologically, Section 21 came before Section 20. Section 21 came on the day the church was organized, and it talks a lot about how Joseph was called as a prophet and the importance of listening to the prophets. Section 20 came in between the day that the church was organized and its first conference held in June. Section 20 had a lot of administrative tasks explained as well as core doctrines that are found in The Book of Mormon. Section 22 came last as people were wondering whether they needed to get rebaptized. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 20–22 – Autumn Dickson

I Am He: The Power of Christ’s Divine Love and Obedience

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Who is Jesus Christ to You?

Throughout history, people have asked, Who is Jesus of Nazareth? Was He merely a wise teacher, a moral philosopher, or something more? In a world filled with conflicting views of Christ—some simplifying His teachings, others distorting His mission—it’s crucial to return to His own words and example.

President Jeffrey R. Holland, in his powerful General Conference address, “I Am He,” brings us to a pivotal moment in Christ’s mortal ministry: His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. In this sacred scene, Jesus steps forward to meet His captors, declaring with divine authority, “I am He.” At these words alone, the soldiers stagger backward and fall to the ground. What does this moment teach us about the nature of Christ, His unwavering obedience, and His boundless love? [Read more…] about I Am He: The Power of Christ’s Divine Love and Obedience

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 19 – Autumn Dickson

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Truths About Eternal Punishment

by Autumn Dickson

My message this week is given through a couple of verses in Section 19, but it’s also given through a couple of quotes that are found in the institute manual. These quotes expand our understanding of the verses found in this week’s section. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 19 – Autumn Dickson

Firmly Rooted in Christ: How to Strengthen Your Testimony and Overcome Doubt

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Are You Focusing on the Roots or Just the Branches of Your Faith?

Faith can flourish or fade depending on where we place our focus. While outward expressions of belief—such as Church programs, cultural traditions, or community involvement—can be meaningful, they are not the foundation of a lasting testimony. What happens when challenges come? Can a testimony built only on surface-level elements of the gospel endure the storms of life?

Strengthening the Roots of Our Faith

In his General Conference address, Nourish the Roots, and the Branches Will Grow, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf emphasizes that a strong testimony of Jesus Christ must be nourished at the root. He draws from his own life experiences—reflecting on his baptism 75 years ago in Zwickau, Germany, and the memories of his childhood chapel. Though that beloved building is now gone, his testimony has only deepened over time. [Read more…] about Firmly Rooted in Christ: How to Strengthen Your Testimony and Overcome Doubt

Teaching with Power: The Simplicity of Christ’s Doctrine

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Why Does Simple Truth Have the Greatest Power?

In a world overflowing with opinions, interpretations, and debates, it can be easy to assume that complexity equals depth. Yet, time and again, we see that the simplest, most fundamental doctrines of Jesus Christ carry the greatest power to transform lives. Why is this? And how can we embrace simplicity in a way that strengthens our faith and the faith of our loved ones?

The Power of Pure Doctrine

In his General Conference address, Simple Is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ, President Henry B. Eyring testifies of the profound influence that teaching the doctrine of Christ has in overcoming doubt, fear, and the adversary’s influence. He emphasizes that faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end are not just principles to be understood—they are the power of God unto salvation. [Read more…] about Teaching with Power: The Simplicity of Christ’s Doctrine

The Cause for Christ Episode 1: “Uncovering the Truth About Grace” by Ryan Sorensen ft. Brent Schmidt

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We are pleased to introduce a new podcast series that will be hosted by Ryan Sorensen. In this first episode, he talks with Brent Schmidt about “Uncovering the Truth About Grace.”

Brent’s book may be downloaded here.

Brent J. Schmidt earned degrees in history and classics from the University of Utah and a Ph.D. in classics from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He teaches in the religion and humanities departments at BYU-Idaho. He specialized in Greek and Latin moralistic literature and he wrote and later published his dissertation on ancient utopian communities. He has published works on Biblical subjects including word studies about grace and faith. He is an author and editor of the BYU New Testament Commentary series. He enjoys reading, especially the Book of Mormon and Bible, gardening, collecting ancient coins, world travel, skiing and learning ancient and modern languages. For fifteen years now he has read at least one academic book a day. He and his wife, Judith, are the parents of one son.

Ryan Sorensen is a native of Cache Valley, Utah. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at BYU-Idaho and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Abilene Christian University, with plans to become a chaplain after graduation. Ryan previously hosted a podcast called The Whom Shall We Go? Podcast. In his spare time, he enjoys being involved in interfaith work, reading about Latter-day Saint theology and history, training for triathlons, and spending time with friends and family.

Sacred Scriptures: The Original Handheld Device of Faith and Guidance

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Have you ever considered that books, especially sacred scriptures, are the most enduring “handheld devices” in history?

Elder Quentin L. Cook, in his General Conference address Sacred Scriptures—the Foundations of Faith, highlights the eternal significance of sacred scriptures like the Bible and the Book of Mormon in providing divine guidance, comfort, and doctrinal clarity. He emphasizes their role in strengthening faith amidst modern challenges and the increasing digital noise of our era. Elder Cook’s reflections resonate deeply with those grappling with questions of faith, showing how scriptures can illuminate the path to truth and joy. [Read more…] about Sacred Scriptures: The Original Handheld Device of Faith and Guidance

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 1 – Mike Parker

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Introduction; reception, editing & publication of Joseph Smith’s revelations

(D&C Section 1)

by Mike Parker

(Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don’t conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so they will be shared here where they fit best.)

Class Notes [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 1 – Mike Parker

Be the Wind: Supporting Others on the Covenant Path

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How often do we feel “forgotten” in a world that measures our value by appearance, status, or wealth? Or perhaps we know someone who, despite their faith and goodness, remains unseen and unrecognized.

In his General Conference address, The Wind Did Never Cease to Blow, Elder Aroldo B. Cavalcante reminds us of our divine mandate to seek out and support the unseen, misunderstood, and overlooked as we progress along the covenant path. Using powerful examples of selfless service and divine assistance, Elder Cavalcante’s message aligns closely with key teachings in Come, Follow Me this week, where we explore how The Restoration offers personal access to divine blessings and guidance. [Read more…] about Be the Wind: Supporting Others on the Covenant Path

Apostate Patterns Show Our Need for Prophetic Proclamations

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by Matthew Sailors

Introduction

Church history provides many cautionary tales of people who apostatized for various reasons. Today in the Church, the adversary is stirring up apostate movements similar to their historical predecessors, threatening the spiritual lives of some Church members.  Yet God has not left us defenseless against the adversary’s counterfeits, such as the philosophies of men mingled with scripture.1 By learning from Church history and nurturing our testimonies of the restored truths contained in official Church proclamations, we can avoid deception and lay a firm foundation for our faith on the “rock” of Jesus Christ (see Helaman 5:12).

I take my definition of “apostasy” from the Church’s General Handbook: [Read more…] about Apostate Patterns Show Our Need for Prophetic Proclamations