FAIR

Jesus Christ

The Triumph of Hope: Finding Light Through Christ in Times of Darkness

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What sustains us when life feels unbearably heavy or when answers to our prayers seem delayed? The answer lies in a living, vibrant gift—hope in Jesus Christ.

In his General Conference talk, The Triumph of Hope, Elder Neil L. Andersen invites us to anchor ourselves in the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement as the ultimate source of light and joy. Elder Andersen reminds us that hope is not passive wishfulness; rather, it is a divine gift that grows as we strengthen our faith. This talk is particularly relevant for those grappling with questions about faith, adversity, and God’s plan, offering profound insights for overcoming the trials and uncertainties of mortality with confidence in the Savior. Hope, as Elder Andersen teaches, is the antidote to despair and the promise of peace amidst the storms of life. [Read more…] about The Triumph of Hope: Finding Light Through Christ in Times of Darkness

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.

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65 – Autumn Dickson

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What is Required of Us

by Autumn Dickson

Like last week, I’d like to dive into Joseph’s story and find parallels to our own stories. We were not given the responsibility to restore the church in the last days, but we do have responsibilities given to us by the Lord. Every single one of us will hold callings, but even beyond that, every single one of us has more to give. When I speak of responsibilities given by the Lord, I am expanding that definition beyond formal church service. There are other labors you have been given to perform in this life. Some of those labors may include things like career choices and hobbies. We all have gifts to give. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65 – Autumn Dickson

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 – Joseph Smith—History – Mike Parker

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Joseph Smith’s childhood; the First Vision; Moroni, & the gold plates

(Joseph Smith—History)

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 – Joseph Smith—History – Mike Parker

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26 – Autumn Dickson

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Turn to God

by Autumn Dickson

For this week, we read the account of the First Vision of Joseph Smith. It is nearly impossible to overestimate the gravity of this event in the backdrop of the history of mankind, and we have it readily available to read and learn about it. When we read about what Joseph learned through this experience, we can learn a lot of direct truths that had been lost over time. There were doctrines that were explicitly laid out. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26 – Autumn Dickson

The Credibility of Modern Critics

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by Ron C. Rhodes

Critics of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints aggressively publish negative information about the Church in large volumes.  This article explores the facts to determine if the critics of our faith are coming from a place of honesty and integrity, without disparaging individuals.  The goal of the paper is to help members become better inoculated against misinformation, and to use faithful resources such as those found on FAIR to answer their questions about the Church.

Modern LDS Critics – Credibility or Contempt?

In a court of law, witnesses matter.  A witness’s testimony can hold the power to either convict or exonerate an individual.  There are instances, however, when a witness’s testimony is not credible.  Perhaps they have lied under oath previously, or perhaps they have an ax to grind against the defendant.  In such cases, a skilled attorney will seek to expose these vulnerabilities, helping the jury or the court disregard unreliable testimony. [Read more…] about The Credibility of Modern Critics

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

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 1 – Autumn Dickson

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He Cannot Allow Sin

by Autumn Dickson

By the time Doctrine and Covenants 1 was written, Joseph had already written 60 revelations. In my mind, I imagine Joseph receiving communication from the Lord and writing it down so that he could try and follow and teach it. As time went on and more and more were received, it became clear that the Lord had plenty to say and that these sacred revelations should be made available to others. It hadn’t been originally considered that these words could be considered scripture; it wasn’t until later that the revelations were recognized for what they were. Joseph Smith and other church leaders decided to put them together in a book; this was obviously an inspired decision because the Lord stood ready to write the preface to His own book. This preface is Doctrine and Covenants 1. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 1 – Autumn Dickson

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