The Plan of Salvation: Doctrinal Notes and Commentary


Matthew B. Brown - 2002
    This time Brown takes a "readable" takes an in-depth look at such topics as: How did the plan of slvation originate? Where did the premortal Grand Council take place? What was the premortal status of Lucifer? What actually happened to Adam's and Eve's bodies when they partook of the forbidden fruit? Why didn't the Lord create a fallen world to begin with? Why did we need to get physical bodies? Why do children need to be sealed to their parents? What gifts or abilities will we have in the Spirit World? What are the prerequisites for exaltation? Can a person progress between degrees of glory after resurrection has take place? What will happen to the sons of perdition once they are cast into outer darkness? And much more. AN opened minded and courageous study of [God] and His divine plan with respect to our salvation will be the most interesting and permanently rewarding of all ventures. Hugh Brown How much do we really know about the plan of salvation? What have ancient and modern prophets revealed about the great plan of deliverance? Matthew Brown discusses the doctrines associated with the creation, the fall, and the atonement. A thought-provoking, in-depth, and thoroughly readable book on the plan of salvation

The Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier: Part 1: Sections 1-42


David J. Ridges - 2004
    From beloved gospel scholar David Ridges, this valuable book contains the complete text of the Doctrine and Covenants, sections 1-42, including Brother Ridges's classic in-verse notes, and additional insights and commentary. Bring your family together and master latter-day scriptures with this helpful study companion.

The Garden Tomb


Andrew C. Skinner - 2005
    Consumer with grief, his disciples did not realize that within three days, as the Jews measure time, earthshaking events would culminate in Jesus' resurrection, the which they would all become eyewitnesses. The Garden Tomb tells the story of the Savior's burial, mission to the world of the spirits, and triumph over death - all of which constitute the third act in the singular drama that was and is the Atonement of Jesus Christ.About the AuthorAndrew C. Skinner is dean of Religious Education and a professor of ancient scripture at BYU. He has served as a bishop and as a member of the Church Materials Evaluation Committee. He holds a master's degree from Harvard University and a Ph.D. from the University of Denver. A popular speaker known for his thought-provoking ideas, he is the author or co-author of many books, including Gethsemane and Golgotha, the first two books in his Atonement trilogy.

Savior & the Serpent: Unlocking the Doctrine of the Fall


Alonzo L. Gaskill - 2005
    Many Christians assume it was an evil, unnecessary act. Even among Latter-day Saints, there are competing views and questions about what happened in Eden: Why did God give Adam and Eve conflicting commandments in the Garden? How much of the story is literal and how much is symbolic? Relying on scriptures and statements from the prophets, Alonzo Gaskill carefully distinguishes between settled LDS doctrine on this subject and popular interpretations. He teaches that the Fall was foreordained to be part of the Plan of Salvation and shows how insights we have gained about the Fall help us find our bearings in dealing with the challenges of everyday life.

Pure in Heart


Dallin H. Oaks - 1988
    But what does it really mean to be pure in heart, and how does one attain such a state of righteousness? In this book Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, addresses these paramount questions, sharing insight and enrichment from the scriptures, from modern prophets, and from personal experiences. Emphasizing the significance of thoughts rather than of actions alone, the author examines the interdependent mental processes that make up the inner man: motives, desires, and attitudes. Stimulating chapters on motives and desires stress that "we must not only do what is right. We must act for the right reasons." Why? Because "we will ultimately be judged and rewarded for what we are. And what we are is the sum total of our good and our evil actions and desires." Materialism, pride and spirituality- all formed from attitudes- are examined in a discussion that strongly emphasizes the need to place spiritual considerations above temporal ones. In the same vein Elder Oaks searchingly describes the mental attitude necessary to true worship of God. His final chapter focuses on what we must do to become pure in heart- to "cleanse the inner vessel," as President Ezra Taft Benson put it. Pure in Heart is a clear, forthright book that offers authoritative penetrating commentary on this prerequisite to eternal life and helpful guidelines on how to attain it.

Things As They Really Are


Neal A. Maxwell - 1978
    Unlike portions of the author's previous books that focused on various dimensions of the gospel with discussions of the many insights it provides to us that are essential for coping with reality, this book attempts to probe reality itself-the very center of the gospel plan-the things that matter most, on which everything else hangs, and around which everything else must assemble.

The Savior Heals Without a Scar


Sheri Dew - 2008
    Sometimes change is necessary when we are broadsided by events such as an unexpected financial crisis, an unrepented sin, a relationship problem, or the premature death of a loved one. Because the Savior has engraven our image on the palms of his hands, he can heal us--emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. In this insightful talk on CD, Sister Dew and Sister Nelson teach us how to receive God's aid in making meaningful change and help us understand the power of the Savior to heal without a scar.

Face to Face


S. Michael Wilcox - 2013
    For Moses that may have meant an actual physical encounter, but for most of us it is an expression that suggests friendship, open communication, honesty, and the conversations of familiarity. But how is that done? And how can we learn how God speaks to us individually? Bestselling author S. Michael Wilcox explores the scriptural expressions and concepts of “pouring out,” “wrestling,” being “filled with desire,” and “knocking” at the door Jesus promised would open to us— particularly in those times when we deeply need heaven to hear us and to confirm to our souls that more than our words are being received.

Trails to Testimony: Bringing Young Men to Christ Through Scouting


Bradley D. Harris - 2009
    Hinckley said, "There is no more significant work in this world than the preparation of boys to become men . . . who are qualified to live productive and meaningful lives." And President Thomas S. Monson underscores this thought when he says that "It's easier to build boys than to mend them." Bradley D. Harris, professor of recreational management and youth leadership at Brigham Young University, and past member of the LDS Young Mens General Board, challenges parents and youth leaders alike to rediscover the spiritual dimensions of Scouting-to focus on the close relationship that should exist between Scouting and the Aaronic Priesthood. The author's 22-year professional career with the Boy Scouts of America, combined with extensive experience within the Church in various priesthood leadership capacities, gives him invaluable insights into the responsibilities that parents and leaders have in bringing young men to Christ. "The family is the first institution charged with bringing young men to Christ. . . . Working in harmony, the family and the Aaronic Priesthood should create an atmosphere where young men's individual testimonies can . . . flourish." Trails to Testimony is a powerful guide for families and leaders entrusted with the sacred responsibility of teaching and guiding the young men of the Church.

Endowed from on High: Understanding the Symbols of the Endowment


John D. Charles - 1998
    It is literally a gift - a gift of God's power. While carefully maintaining the sacred confidentiality of the temple ordinances, this book provides scriptural correlations which will open up rich new areas of understanding. Once you read this inspired information, you will be better informed about the scriptural authority and symbolism of the sacred ordinances. You will be better prepared and motivated to apply scriptural symbols in your life and strive to become more like Christ. Within these pages are more than twenty scriptural symbols which correlate with the temple service. The central focus of these symbols is found in Brigham Young's oft-quoted statement of the ceremony's ultimate purpose: to enable recipients to pass by the angelic sentinels who guard the entrance to God's kingdom as they "walk back to the presence of the Father." Endowed from on high teaches that revelation occurs during the endowment, that promises are required before blessings are granted, that covenants are the channels through which blessings flow, and that the Lord is voluntarily "bound" when we obey His commandments. This is a unique and reverential guide to growth in the most sacred of all areas of our relationship with the Savior and our heavenly Father. Reading and pondering Endowen From On High will be a choice experience for all Church members.

Be Thou An Example


Gordon B. Hinckley - 1981
    Hinckley, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, tells how we each can be an example of the believers and outlines some of the basic beliefs of the Latter-day Saints. Chapters for the book have been adapted from addresses delivered by President Hinckley in general conferences of the Church, and deal with such basic subjects as honesty, forgiveness, self-discipline, avoiding contention, and opposing evil. "Paul never hedged nor quibbled when setting for the requirements of the gospel of Jesus Christ," he writes. "It is so today." He writes as he speaks with forthrightness and with conviction.

Daughters of God


M. Russell Ballard - 2009
    "While women live in homes under many different circumstances--married, single, widowed, or divorced, some with children and some without--all are beloved of God, and He has a plan for His righteous daughters to receive the highest blessings of eternity," writes Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve. Elder Ballard's respect and love for women are evident in the way he speaks about them, which he has done in several landmark addresses in recent years. Daughters of God presents three of those classic messages to and about women, accented with inspirational images. A perfect gift, this meaningful book will lift and encourage women in all of life's circumstances.

The Promise of Enough: Seven Principles of True Abundance


Emily Belle Freeman - 2009
    Perhaps you are lonely and long for an abundance of love. Maybe you suffer from an illness and long for an abundance of health. Some may long for an abundance of peace, or an abundance of comfort. Others may find that they long for an abundance of time or an abundance of joy.Welcome to a spiritual journey that will lead you to realize that the Lord is aware of you and He has miracles in store for you. Through this step- by-step process you will discover seven principles of abundance, each with an explanation of how the Lord can take what you already have and make it more. With an emphasis on making the most of every day, this book will encourage you to seek the gift that only He can bring — the promise of enough, with the miracle of some to spare.

Teachings of the Book of Mormon: Part 2


Hugh Nibley - 2004
    The subject of the class is The Book of Mormon. Professor Nibley has an unequaled knowledge of ancient scripture and their translations.

The Unexpected Deliverer


David Butler - 2021
    We know how it all turns out. But imagine if you were the people living it. If you didn't know He was coming back. If you were Mary and Martha after Lazarus died, you would have thought He came too late. If you were Peter, you would have been appalled that the Master would lower Himself into your mess to wash your feet. If you stood at the foot of the cross and heard it was finished, you would have believed it was.What shifted? What allowed them to discover hope within the hopelessness? The witness of their change in perspective teaches us of an unexpected Christ. One who shows up, turning defeat into victory, and despair into deliverance.If He did it for them, He will do it for you. The story of Easter teaches us the truth of Jesus in every unexpected season. Through Him, you can expect hope in unlikely places.