Merry Christmas to all of my beloved Unshaken Saints! In this video, I share a Christmas message I wrote as a 19-year-old missionary, linking my first Christmas in Puerto Rico to the first Christmas in Bethlehem. May this beautiful holiday season bring you a greater measure of "peace on earth, good will to men."
When "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" was issued in 1995, some called it a "duh document". Today, it is a subject of controversy, dismissed by some as outdated and praised by others as a powerful, prophetic anchor. This lesson breaks down the nine paragraphs of this crucial declaration, understanding why the family is central to the Creator's plan. The Plan of God: Marriage between a man and a woman is "ordained of God" and the family is "central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal de...
How does a church navigate change, controversy, and continuing revelation while staying true to its foundation? The Articles of Faith lay the groundwork, but the two Official Declarations provide proof of a living church, led by a living prophet. We'll analyze the deep counsel given in these landmark sections. Official Declaration 1: The End of Plural Marriage President Wilford Woodruff faced a devastating dilemma: adhere to the law of plural marriage and lose the temples, ordinances, and leader...
Imagine seeing your brother, who died before being baptized, standing as an heir of the celestial kingdom. This profound experience, recorded in D&C 137, opens the door to understanding God's infinite mercy. Decades later, another prophet received a vision (D&C 138) that dramatically expanded our knowledge of the work for the dead. D&C 137: The Desire of the Heart In January 1836, Joseph Smith beheld the celestial kingdom. He "marveled" to see his deceased brother, Alvin, there. The ...
June 27, 1844. Carthage Jail. The greatest tragedy and the ultimate triumph of the Restoration. How does the Church move forward after the Prophet seals his testimony with his blood? D&C 135 and 136 answer with a powerful statement on sacrifice and a direct revelation on how to build a Zion people. Summary: This episode explores the final, foundational sections of the Doctrine and Covenants: D&C 135: The Martyrdom. Written by John Taylor, this section seals the testimony of the Book of M...
If the Doctrine and Covenants is the capstone of the Restoration, how does it conclude? It ends with a booming warning and an urgent political declaration. D&C 133 provides the final marching orders for the Church: prepare for Christ's return. Summary: In this episode, we analyze the urgent call to action in the Appendix (D&C 133) and the foundational principles of religious liberty (D&C 134). D&C 133: The Prophetic Appendix. This section is a restatement of the urgent warnings i...
Discerning spirits, the nature of God, glorious sociality, the timing of the Second Coming, eternal marriage, and plural marriage. In this pivotal lesson, we jump into the deep end of Restoration doctrine, covering Joseph Smith's most profound teachings on the nature of God, our eternal potential, and the covenants that bind us forever. Summary: This episode explores D&C 129–132, revelations containing foundational and high-level doctrine for the Church. D&C 129: Discerning Spirits. The ...
While in hiding from enemies, a prophet writes two of the most doctrinally explosive letters in scripture. How can we make sense of the work of salvation for the dead, and what does it have to do with the "fullness of times"? D&C 127 and 128 reveal the magnificent scope of God's work, which binds heaven and earth together. Summary: This episode explores D&C 125–128, focusing on lessons in discipleship, divine priorities, and the eternal cause of redemption. D&C 125: Saints in Deed. T...
Imagine starting over, driven from your home, betrayed by friends, and attempting to build a city and a temple in a malaria-infested swamp. The sheer audacity of the Nauvoo project required a powerful new revelation. D&C 124 provides the blueprint for healing the past, trusting the present, and embracing a grand future. Summary: This episode analyzes D&C 124, a pivotal revelation received in Nauvoo in 1841. Proclaiming Zion (D&C 124:2-11): The Saints are commanded to issue a solemn p...
Imagine being unjustly imprisoned for months, watching your family and people suffer, and asking the piercing question: "O God, where art thou?" The revelations given to Joseph Smith in the darkest dungeon of his life are some of the most beautiful and powerful in all scripture. Summary: In this profound episode, we explore the transcendent revelations of Doctrine and Covenants 121, 122, and 123, written from the confines of Liberty Jail. D&C 121: The Power of Righteousness. We delve into Jo...
When a people face "fightings without" and "fears within", what keeps them standing? Is it possible to serve God without constantly worrying about your property, or even your family? D&C 115–120 answers these questions, providing counsel for a Church struggling to survive. Summary: In this episode, we explore revelations given as the Saints faced intense persecution in Missouri and internal apostasy in Kirtland. D&C 115 renames the Church, emphasizing that "thus shall my church be called...
Joseph Smith and his counselors were deep in debt, so they went searching for buried treasure in Salem, Massachusetts, leading to one of the most remarkable sections of the Doctrine and Covenants! Did God really approve of their "follies," and what did they find that was "more treasures than one"? SUMMARY: Join us as we explore D&C 111–114, covering a pivotal and often misunderstood moment in early Church history and the profound doctrinal answers God gave in response to conflict and confusi...
When Joseph Smith dedicated the Kirtland Temple, he said the first word that came to his mind was "Thanks". But why? He and the Saints had built the temple through "great tribulation" and "out of our poverty". This act of faith, however, was about to unlock a cascade of blessings that would change the world forever. Summary: Join us as we dive deep into the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple (D&C 109) and the incredible heavenly visitations that followed (D&C 110). This isn't just ...
Do you feel like your sins are unforgivable, or that you're not doing enough? What is the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and how did it get its name? D&C 106-108 offers answers that will bring peace to your soul and deepen your understanding of the Lord’s kingdom. Summary: In this episode, we explore D&C 106-108, beginning with two lesser-known members, Warren A. Cowdery and Lyman Sherman. Their personal revelations provide powerful insights into scrupulosity and toxic perfectionis...
What do you do when you do everything you're asked, and it all falls apart? This is the powerful and often misunderstood story of Zion's Camp, and it teaches us timeless lessons about faith, finances, and preparing a people for Zion. Summary: In this episode, we dive into four pivotal sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. We begin with the organization of the Kirtland High Council in D&C 102, which provides a divine pattern for resolving "important difficulties" through "counsel in council...
Have you ever felt wronged and wanted justice? Do you struggle to balance family and Church callings? And what is the real reason for suffering in our lives? D&C 98-101 offers profound and often surprising answers to these questions, giving us a blueprint for peace in a world of contention. Summary: In this episode, we tackle four remarkable revelations. We start with D&C 98 and the "Lord's Law of War," learning when to patiently endure and when to stand. We'll explore the difference bet...
Is Zion a geographical location or a state of being? Can you be "walking in darkness at noon-day"? And what does it mean to be chastened by a loving God? D&C 94-97 answers these questions and more, offering powerful lessons on building God's kingdom—and ourselves—according to His patterns. Summary: In this episode, we explore four short but impactful sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. We begin with D&C 94, focusing on the Lord's emphasis on following His "pattern" for our lives and ...
This episode explores the profound theology of Doctrine and Covenants Section 93. It covers the promise of seeing God's face, the principle of 'grace for grace' exemplified by Jesus's growth, and how emulation is the highest form of worship. The discussion delves into the doctrine that 'the glory of God is intelligence,' examining its implications for knowledge acquisition and our eternal nature, along with the innocence of man at birth. Finally, it emphasizes the counsel to 'set in order your own house' and prioritize family.
Is the Word of Wisdom just a list of "don'ts"? What does the Lord really expect of us when it comes to what we consume, spiritually and physically? D&C 89-92 answers these questions and more, offering a powerful blueprint for health, wisdom, and eternal progression. Summary: In this episode, we'll dive deep into four brief but impactful sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. We begin with a fresh look at the Word of Wisdom in D&C 89, revealing it as a "principle with promise" for the "w...
What if there's a divine "olive leaf" of peace from God, revealing profound truths about Christ, our eternal potential, and how to prepare for His glorious return? This video unlocks D&C 88! Summary: Doctrine & Covenants 88, often called the "Olive Leaf" plucked from the Tree of Paradise, is a comprehensive revelation offering God's message of peace and preparation for the last days. This video delves into its multifaceted teachings: The Light of Christ (88:3-13, 40): Discover Jesus Chri...
What does it truly mean to be "enrolled with the people of God"? And what happens when the world around us descends into chaos? D&C 85-87 delivers stunning prophecies and profound counsel for our challenging times. Tune in to discover critical insights that will strengthen your resolve! Summary: In this powerful Unshaken"episode, we dive deep into Doctrine and Covenants Sections 85, 86, and 87. We begin by confronting the serious implications of "name removal" from Church records, contrastin...
Have you ever truly grasped the immense power and sacred promises embedded within the Priesthood? This video unlocks the profound truths of Doctrine & Covenants 84! Summary: In this powerful exploration, we delve into D&C 84, a foundational revelation given to elders returning from their missions, revealing the grand scope of the Restoration. It's not just about restoring the Gospel, Priesthood, or Church, but ultimately about the restoration of God's people to a right relationship with ...
Have you ever felt called to serve, wondered about true forgiveness, or questioned how God provides for His people? This video unlocks divine principles from Doctrine & Covenants Sections 81-83! Summary: In this comprehensive lesson, we delve into three powerful revelations that lay foundational principles for God's organized kingdom. First, in D&C 81, we explore the sacred calling of a counselor, using the example of Frederick G. Williams. Learn that being a counselor is a divine assign...
Have you ever felt lost trying to understand the Book of Revelation? Or wondered how God guides us, step by step, even when we feel like "little children"? This video reveals profound answers from Doctrine & Covenants 77-80! Summary: This comprehensive lesson unpacks the rich teachings of Doctrine & Covenants 77-80, offering insights into God's methods of revelation, personal development, and church organization. We begin by tackling the symbolic language of the Book of Revelation (D&...
What if everything you thought you knew about heaven, salvation, and Christ's power was just the beginning? Get ready to have your understanding expanded. Summary: In this deep dive into Doctrine & Covenants 76, "The Vision," we explore an expansive understanding of Jesus Christ and His infinite reach. Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon experienced visions that revealed Christ's ability to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think," showing His wisdom, marvelous ways, and the unima...
An in-depth study of D&C 71-75, revelations given during a time when the Church was facing anti-Mormonism in Ohio, requiring Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to pause their work on the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible to confront the falsehoods being spread by apostate Ezra Booth. Also, insights into mixed-faith marriages, dealing with rejection, and the origins of membership records and temple recommends. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 3:55 Confronting Anti-Mormonism 17:17 Temple Recomme...
An in-depth study of D&C 67-70, revelations regarding the publication of what would eventually become the Doctrine and Covenants. What is the worth of the word? What does it mean to be stewards over the revelations of God? What do we have in the scriptures before us? 0:00 Introduction and Overview 4:19 The Divine Dare 19:45 Seeing God and What He Has Given 34:34 Speaking Scripture 44:08 Raising Children 56:44 Mission Companions 1:06:30 Responsible for Revelation 1:19:19 Stewardship Interview...
An in-depth study of D&C 64-66, revelations given as elders are preparing to go to Zion and are looking for direction from heaven, along with an inspired prayer God wants us to offer, and some specific counsel given to someone with specific questions. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 2:37 Imperfect Leaders 20:22 Forgiveness, Love, & Law 38:20 Tithing 47:58 Slow and Steady 56:42 City on a Hill 1:07:02 Zion Below and Zion Above 1:19:44 Personal Guidance 1:33:54 One-Liners...
An in-depth study of D&C 60-63, revelations given as various Church members are traveling back to Kirtland from Missouri. A daylight vision of the destroyer upon the waters troubles the Saints, who are taught how to navigate more than the river they happened to be traveling on. How do we traverse the currents of culture? How do we find solid "gospel ground" to build upon? These revelation offer powerful clues. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 5:14 Buried Talents 17:05 Faster or Slower 27:43 Ca...
An in-depth study of D&C 58-59, a revelation laying out the "welcome mat" to the Saints who first began gathering to Zion, and a revelation offering a paradigm shift on commandments, and specifically speaking of the Sabbath Day. In many ways, the early Saints had no idea what they were stepping into when they arrived in Zion, yet they also had no idea how much "power was in them" to make a difference there. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 5:21 Rough Road Ahead 18:20 The Wedding Feast 26:30 An...
