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Saints Volume 4 is now available

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A few weeks ago, FAIR held a virtual conference focusing on church history. Because “Saints, Volume 4: Sounded in Every Ear, 1955–2020” was about to be published, we invited Matt McBride to give a presentation on it as the keynote speaker.

On October 29, a press conference was held at the Church History Library to announce the release of the book. It is the fourth and final book in the series, and the series is the third multi-volume official history of the Church. This volume spans the years 1955 to 2020 over 831 pages. [Read more…] about Saints Volume 4 is now available

Asking Big Questions: Why Should I Do Family History?

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by Michelle Pack

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

Time is at a premium these days. Between school, homework, sports, jobs, and so much more, it seems like there isn’t extra time to do something like family history work. But what if doing family history work were easy or came with a blessing? Well, it can be, and it does.

Why is family history work important?

When we do family history work, we find names of our ancestors who need temple blessings. When we find those names, we can take them to the temple so their ordinance work can be done. It is our covenant obligation as members of the Church to give those who have not heard the gospel the opportunity to receive the ordinances necessary to live with God again.

CONTINUED HERE

Choosing Joy in a Troubled World: The Power of Worship and Christ-Centered Living

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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

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Mormon 1–6 – Autumn Dickson

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Irreplaceable to Him

by Autumn Dickson

When I read Mormon, I feel as though I’m reading his journal. He had been commanded by Ammaron to find the records that had been hidden and add his own observations. These sacred writings were always meant to come to us, the House of Israel in the latter days, and yet, Mormon also seemed to simply write about his own experiences and life. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Mormon 1–6 – Autumn Dickson

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – 4 Nephi, Mormon 1–7 – Mike Parker

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Mormon led his people; the end of Nephite civilization

(4 Nephi, Mormon 1–7)

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 – 4 Nephi, Mormon 1–7 – Mike Parker

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi – Autumn Dickson

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A Utopian Society

by Autumn Dickson

Fourth Nephi describes a people who were all converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ together. It talks about what their lives looked like and how they felt. Fourth Nephi also describes how everyone was wicked again within three hundred years. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi – Autumn Dickson

Living as Children of the Covenant: Understanding Our Birthright and Responsibility

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“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

[Read more…] about Living as Children of the Covenant: Understanding Our Birthright and Responsibility

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – 3 Nephi 20–26 – Autumn Dickson

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Keeping a Sacred Record

by Autumn Dickson

Christ continues His teaching and prophesying amongst this portion of the House of Israel. He teaches about the sacrament, keeping records, and the last days. He teaches them to study and appreciate the words of Isaiah. There is a lot of content here. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – 3 Nephi 20–26 – Autumn Dickson

Holding Up the Light of Christ: Sustaining Leaders and Each Other

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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)

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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.