On Fire

Satan wants all of Father's children to be under condemnation. He wants us to be miserable. He wants to draw attention to our sins and our weaknesses. He wants to exploit us and to destroy us. He constantly accuses us and the purpose of accusing someone is to cause a punishment to be enacted upon them. Jesus, on the other hand, does the opposite. He gave His blood and His life so that you and I could escape condemnation. He wants us to be found innocent. He wants to draw the Father's attention to Himself and away from our sins and our weaknesses. He desperately wants to help us avoid eternal punishment. "Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him" (Doctrine & Covenants 45:3). Lucifer is called "the accuser of our brethren" (Revelation 12:10) while Jesus is called "the advocate with the Father". Which will we be---an accuser or an advocate?

Jesus taught the people in the Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." In part 2 of the series focused on the Preach My Gospel missionary manual, we look at the section titled “How Do I Study Effectively and Prepare to Teach?" This episode focuses on increasing our desire for learning and seeking sacred knowledge through the Holy Ghost.

This episode is the first in a series of studies of the Preach My Gospel missionary manual. A missionary's purpose, conversion to Jesus Christ, and teaching by the Spirit are discussed.

The war in heaven produced many battle-seasoned veterans. The conflict continues here in mortality and warriors are needed. This episode discusses the need for courageous disciples to stand out and speak up, while taking into account recent prophetic counsel to avoid contention. The goal of righteous warriors is to establish peace and to serve the Lord and His children with strength and compassion.

"I urgently plead with each one of us to live up to our privileges as bearers of the priesthood. In a coming day, only those men who have taken their priesthood seriously, by diligently seeking to be taught by the Lord Himself, will be able to bless, guide, protect, strengthen, and heal others. Only a man who has paid the price for priesthood power will be able to bring miracles to those he loves" said President Russell M. Nelson. Is the day President Nelson spoke of today? This episode reviews several prophetic invitations and pleas for God's covenant men and women to rise up and receive the power He is anxious to bestow upon the faithful in order to navigate through these last days.

Who is Joseph Smith Jr. really? What is his significance in world history and in the eternities? “I feel like shouting Hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith, the Prophet whom the Lord raised up and ordained, and to whom he gave keys and power to build up the Kingdom of God on earth and sustain it” --Brigham Young This episode explores the role of the prophet Joseph Smith as the head of the dispensation of the fullness of times.

The Lord declared to his church in 1831: For all flesh is corrupted before me; and the powers of darkness prevail upon the earth, among the children of men, in the presence of all the hosts of heaven— Which causeth silence to reign, and all eternity is pained ... and, behold, the enemy is combined. ... wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness ... but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear. And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless— (Doctrine and Covenants 38:11, 12, 30,31) This episode discusses who "the enemy" is and how we can recognize and oppose the powers of darkness.

Have you ever been told to put your difficult question about church history or doctrine on a shelf? This episode addresses how to approach receiving answers to troubling questions without losing our faith and how building a foundation of experiences with Jesus Christ can help us avoid tripping up when presented with information we don't yet understand.

In 2009, Sister Julie B. Beck, former Relief Society General President, taught: “"The Family: A Proclamation to the World' was written to reinforce that the family is central to the Creator's plan. Without the family, there is no plan; there is no reason for mortal life. In addition to understanding the theology of the family, we all need to understand the threats to the family. If we don't, we can't prepare for the battle. Korihor was an anti-Christ. Anti-Christ is antifamily. Any doctrine or principle our youth hear from the world that is antifamily is also anti-Christ. It's that clear. If our youth cease to believe in the righteous traditions of their fathers ... if our youth don't understand their part in the plan, they could be led away." This episode discusses the doctrine of the family and need to defend it in our day.

Our world is in serious turmoil. Nuclear war is being threatened and is as real a possibility as it's been since the Cuban Missile Crisis. Food shortages are threatening millions of people with starvation. Energy shortages and costs are threatening a miserable and possibly deadly winter in Europe and elsewhere. Social and political issues are tearing the United States and other countries apart. We are possibly on the brink of an economic collapse of massive scale. Opposition toward Christianity broadly and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints specifically is increasing. What recent counsel have church leaders given about being physically and spiritually prepared?

"When we dare to be different, we choose to engage fully in the restored Church", President Dallin H. Oaks taught. "We keep our covenants. We have the courage to follow all the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ". In an ever-darkening world, it can be difficult to be a light--to stand out. Do we have the faith and the courage to stand up for what is right? Do we have the courage to be different?

Are we truly keeping the Sabbath Day holy? What is our covenant obligation and what are the blessings associated with keeping this ancient--yet remarkably relevant--commandment? This episode discusses the blessings and the consequences of how each of us personally approach the Sabbath Day.

"Light dispels darkness. When light is present, darkness is vanquished and must depart. More importantly, darkness cannot conquer light unless the light is diminished or departs. When the spiritual light of the Holy Ghost is present, the darkness of Satan departs. "Beloved young men and young women of the Church, we are engaged in a battle between the forces of light and darkness. If it were not for the Light of Jesus Christ and His gospel, we would be doomed to the destruction of darkness. But the Savior said, 'I am come a light into the world.' 'He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.'" - Elder Robert D. Hales This episode discusses the importance of generating and accumulating spiritual light and the power of light to dispel darkness and protect us from the adversary.

On May 15, 2022, President Russell M. Nelson gave a talk he called "Choices For Eternity" at a worldwide devotional for young adults. This episode breaks down the content of his talk and discusses why President Nelson felt like talking to young people about their identity and the labels they use to describe themselves and others was significant and timely.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who have made sacred covenants in temples have the opportunity to wear a physical reminder of their covenants. We are taught: "The temple garment is a reminder of covenants made in the temple and, when worn properly throughout life, will serve as a protection against temptation and evil. It is a sacred privilege to wear the garment and doing so is an outward expression of an inner commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ." Some church members are finding it difficult to follow the church's counsel on wearing the garment and are forfeiting important blessings. This episode discusses the significance of properly wearing and honoring the Garment of the Holy Priesthood.

***edit*** In this episode, I read the summary a blogger made of chapter 23 of Spencer W. Kimball's book Faith Precedes the Miracle and attributed it to President Kimball. They aren't President Kimball's exact words, but present a fairly accurate restatement of his words. If the Savior's second coming was getting close, the brethren would tell us. Right? What have members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve said recently about preparing ourselves and the world for the second coming? This episode is a compilation of statements from general conferences and devotionals from church leadership on the topic of our proximity to and need to prepare for the Savior's return.

How does a person know if he or she has felt the influence of the Holy Ghost? How do we recognize communication from the Holy Ghost and receive personal revelation? The Lord told Oliver Cowdery "Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation;" (D&C 8:2-3). This episode explores the variety of ways in which the Holy Ghost can communicate with us and how we can recognize revelation when it comes. We also discuss things that might interfere with or block the spirit from influencing our lives.

There is a new (or maybe old) religion taking hold of our society. Its followers know that indoctrinating children and youth is essential if the movement is going to grow. They are having much success, even among Christians and Latter-Day Saints. The principles and philosophies of this new religion are not compatible with the gospel of Jesus Christ. An angel told the Book of Mormon prophet Nephi as he was experiencing a vision of our day, "Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth. (1 Nephi 14:10) This episode compares some of the popular philosophies and trends of our day with the words of modern prophets and ancient scriptures and issues a challenge to make a choice between the two.

What goes into writing a book? How feasible is it that Joseph Smith could have written or dictated the Book of Mormon as a fraud or a work of fiction? Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught "For 179 years this book has been examined and attacked, denied and deconstructed, targeted and torn apart like perhaps no other book in modern religious history—perhaps like no other book in any religious history. And still it stands. Failed theories about its origins have been born and parroted and have died—from Ethan Smith to Solomon Spaulding to deranged paranoid to cunning genius. None of these frankly pathetic answers for this book has ever withstood examination because there is no other answer than the one Joseph gave as its young unlearned translator." This episode looks at what goes into authoring and publishing a book and poses a challenge to the viewer/listener to attempt to write their own version of the Book of Mormon.

The dispensation of the fullness of times (our current dispensation) will gather together all doctrine, priesthood, keys, truth, and power of all previous dispensations of this earth, including the doctrine of translation. We read in the scriptures about Enoch, Melchizedek, Moses, Elijah, John, the three Nephite disciples and many others being translated. What does this mean? What does it have to do with the last days? Who are the 144,000 spoken of by John in the book of Revelation? This episode seeks to explore these questions.

“We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object. When wars come, we shall have to flee to Zion. The cry is to make haste. (Joseph Smith Jr. - History of the Church, 3:390) This episode examines successful and unsuccessful efforts throughout the history of mankind to establish Zion--a holy city, a peaceful society who are of one heart, one mind, and who have no poor among them. The commandment from the Lord to build the latter-day Zion remains in effect. How can we in our day become Zion individuals, families, and communities?

“Sadly enough, my young friends, it is a characteristic of our age that if people want any gods at all, they want them to be gods who do not demand much, comfortable gods, smooth gods who not only don't rock the boat but don't even row it, gods who pat us on the head, make us giggle, then tell us to run along and pick marigolds." -- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland In our day, some try to portray God as one who expects very little of His people and who winks at sin. While our Savior Jesus Christ is the very definition of love, he cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. This episode examines some false ideas about God and Identifies the true way to be reconciled to Him.

For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. (2 Nephi 2:11) In order for muscles to grow and gain strength, they must be broken down through strain. Likewise, we must pass through affliction and face opposition in order to grow and develop. This episode discusses the principle of opposition and why it is necessary for us to experience it in this life.

And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. (Book of Mormon - Mosiah 27:25-26) This episode discusses the essential doctrine of spiritual rebirth and experiencing a mighty change of heart.

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved." (The Book of Mormon - 2 Nephi 10:24) Through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, we have been given a miraculous gift--the gift of repentance. Rather than justice enacting the punishment affixed to it, the mercy of Christ allows us to escape eternal punishment and to be forgiven and healed. This episode explores the life-changing experience of a young man and how you and I can obtain similar blessings.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. The Savior promised His disciples that He would not leave them comfortless, but would come to them and that He and the Father would make their abode with them. This episode explores the available blessing of the Second Comforter or the personal appearance of Jesus Christ to a person, as well as how one can qualify through keeping their temple covenants to be a member of The Church of the Firstborn.

What kind of higher blessings are attainable in this life? Once someone has received the temple endowment and is sealed to a spouse, is there anything else to strive for or do we just hold on until we die? This episode discusses some of the higher blessings the Lord has hidden in plain sight that He wants us to strive for.

The previous three episodes sought to answer the question: what is the second coming? Now that we know a little bit more about that, what can we do to prepare ourselves? Doctrine and Covenants 87:8 reads "Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord". What does it mean to stand in holy places? How can we make the places we stand in holy? This episode seeks to answer those questions.

"He comes! The dead Saints burst forth from their tombs, and ‘those who are alive and remain' are ‘caught up' with them to meet him. The ungodly rush to hide themselves from his presence, and call upon the quivering rocks to cover them. He comes! with all the hosts of the righteous glorified" (Charles W. Penrose). This episode is part three of the series. After Christ's coming to New Jerusalem and old Jerusalem, He will come in clouds of glory and appear to all people. His coming cleanses the earth and initiates His long awaited millennial reign.

This is part 2 of the series. The second major preliminary appearance of Jesus Christ as part of His Second Coming is to the Jews in Jerusalem. This episode reviews the narrative of how what is known as the the battle of Armageddon will go down and how the Savior will appear and save the Jews.

What is the second coming of Jesus Christ? Is it a sudden blasting of trumpets and clouds opening? Is it Jesus setting his foot on the Mount of Olives? Is it fire and destruction? This episode seeks to organize the preliminary appearances of the Savior in a way that makes the second coming more understandable, putting the scriptural prophecies in sequence.

The parable taught by Jesus in the New Testament referred to as "the eleventh hour laborers" or "the laborers in the vineyard" teaches us that Jesus is less concerned about our past than He is about our present and our future. He is full of mercy and will reward all who will repent and place their faith in Him, despite past sins or current bad habits. This episode reviews two wonderful discourses by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and Brother Brad Wilcox that illustrate these principles. If you feel like you are a black sheep, are too far gone, or are a lost cause, this episode is for you. If that doesn't describe you, please share this podcast with someone you know who might feel that way and who can be blessed by a greater understanding of the mercy, the patience, and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is the basic purpose of the gospel and church of Jesus Christ for an individual? This episode discusses that question and its implications. When the gospel, the scriptures, and the church are operative in our lives, they facilitate the creation of a personal and meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ that results in our salvation and exaltation, an increase in the joy we experience, and greater purpose to mortal life. Many of the challenges for individuals experiencing a "faith crisis" are due a lack of personal connection to the Savior. If we can learn to commune with Him, we will know the truth, experience peace, and be guided through the chaos and confusion of these last days. The gospel works!

In a world full of confusion, chaos, and contention, we need all the help we can get. The Lord has called and given priesthood keys to prophets and apostles who act as watchmen on the tower. With inspired foresight, a prophet can warn us of impending danger, and our living prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, has done just that! This episode reviews some of the prophetic warnings issued over the past few years. It also addresses the need to trust in prophetic counsel, rather than trusting in our own wisdom and short-sightedness.

The Lord uses metaphors and parables throughout the standard works to help us learn principles. In this podcast episode, we discuss the wedding customs of ancient Israel in order to better understand the parable of the ten virgins. We also look to modern prophets to help us understand how to prepare to meet the bridegroom when he comes and be among the five wise virgins--in other words, how to prepare for the Savior's second coming.

Jesus asked his disciples "whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" and the disciples told him what other people were saying. Then, Jesus asked them, "but whom say ye that I am?". Then Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Simon Peter knew through personal revelation that Jesus was the Christ. What other people said about Jesus didn't sway his testimony. Today, there are libraries of literature, blogs, podcasts, websites, and YouTube videos that criticize the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the prophet Joseph Smith, The Book of Mormon and so on. Their purpose is to destroy faith. Reading or listening to this material is like asking the leaders of Iran or North Korea to tell you the truth about the United States of America. It's going to be negative, biased, and untrue. We can know what is true by studying reliable sources and asking God our questions. The witness we receive from the Holy Ghost can--like it did for Simon Peter--give us confidence in what we know to be true, regardless of the opinions of others.

Many people believe in Jesus Christ, but how many of us really understand why we need Him and what He has actually done for us? What would our future look like if He had not atoned for our sins? What would our future look like if we rejected Him? In this episode, we'll take an in-depth look at justice and mercy, the fall of Adam and Eve, and the atonement of Jesus Christ. By so doing, we can obtain a greater appreciation for the unspeakable gift He has given us as well as a deeper love for Him and our Father in Heaven.

In the premortal world, Lucifer rebelled against God and war ensued. That war did not end, but the venue changed to earth. We are still at war with Satan and his minions. Many of us are not even conscious of the battles raging around us. How effective can we be in this conflict if we don't understand who the enemy is, we don't know how to protect ourselves, and we don't know how to fight back? This podcast discusses the nature of the war, who the enemy is and how we can effectively combat them with Jesus Christ's help.

How does God give personal revelation to His children? Where do spiritual promptings come from and how can I distinguish them from my own thoughts? This podcast episode explores what the Light of Christ or Holy Spirit is and how Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost use this channel to send us promptings and revelation.

"Whom say ye that I am?" Jesus asked his apostles. "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God", Simon Peter answered. Who are the youth and young adults of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints? Let's find out what a living prophet has to say about that.