having-faith-in-christ

THE PLAN OF SALVATION

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 02:35:09 GMT

My Study of God's Plan Of Salvation

Brothers and Sisters,

Today, I would like to speak about one of the most beautiful and hope-filled doctrines we have— The Plan of Salvation , sometimes called The Plan of Happiness .

This plan answers life’s 3 greatest questions:

- Where did I come from?

- Why am I here?

- Where am I going?

The Plan of Salvation teaches us not only who we are, but how deeply God loves us, and how intentional our lives truly are.

1. Our Premortal Life: Children of Heavenly Parents

The Plan of Salvation begins before we were born.

We lived as spirit children of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. We were known, loved, taught, and prepared for mortal life.

The Lord declared:

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee.”

Jeremiah 1:5

Abraham learned:

“Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was… and God saw these souls that they were good.”

Abraham 3:22–23

In that premortal council, God presented His plan—a plan that would allow us to come to earth, receive bodies, experience agency, face opposition, and grow to become more like Him.

2. The Great Council in Heaven: Choosing Christ

At that council, Jesus Christ volunteered to be our Savior.

He said:

“Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.”

Moses 4:2

Lucifer also proposed a plan—but it would have destroyed agency and taken God’s glory for himself.

Agency mattered so much to Heavenly Father that a war in heaven followed. One-third of God’s children chose Lucifer and lost the opportunity to come to earth.

The rest of us—we chose Christ.

That means something important:

We are here because we chose righteousness before we ever took our first breath.

3. Mortal Life: A Time to Choose and Grow

Earth life is not random. It is a carefully designed classroom.

Lehi taught:

“Men are, that they might have joy.”

2 Nephi 2:25

Mortality gives us:

- A physical body

- Agency—the power to choose

- Opposition, without which growth would be impossible

Lehi explained:

“It must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things.”

2 Nephi 2:11

This life includes pain, disappointment, sin, loss, and heartbreak—but none of it is wasted. God uses mortality to shape us, refine us, and prepare us for eternal life.

4. The Fall of Adam and Eve: A Necessary Step Forward

Sometimes the Fall is misunderstood as a tragedy. In reality, it was a necessary and courageous step in God’s plan.

Because of the Fall:

- We can have children

- We can experience joy

- We can progress

The Book of Mormon teaches:

“Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”

2 Nephi 2:25

The Fall made the Atonement of Jesus Christ essential—and that is where the heart of the Plan of Salvation truly lies.

5. The Atonement of Jesus Christ: The Center of the Plan

Jesus Christ is the center of the Plan of Salvation.

He suffered in Gethsemane:

“Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain.”

Doctrine & Covenants 19:18

He died on the cross and rose again on the third day, conquering both sin and death.

Because of Christ:

- All will be resurrected

- All can be forgiven

- All can be healed

The Savior declared:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

— John 14:6

There is no part of the Plan of Salvation that works without Jesus Christ.

6. The Spirit World: Life Continues After Death

Death is not the end—it is a transition.

The spirit world is divided into:

Paradise, for the righteous Spirit prison, where the gospel is taught to those who did not have the opportunity in mortality

Peter taught:

“For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead.”

— 1 Peter 4:6

Temple work and family history are part of God’s mercy, ensuring every soul has a fair chance to accept Christ.

7. Resurrection and Judgment

Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ:

“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

—1 Corinthians 15:22

Every person who has lived will be resurrected—body and spirit reunited, perfected and immortal. After resurrection comes final judgment, where Christ—who knows our hearts, intentions, and efforts—will judge us with perfect justice and perfect mercy.

8. The Three Degrees of Glory

God desires to save, not to condemn.

Paul taught:

“There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars.”

— 1 Corinthians 15:41

The Doctrine and Covenants reveals three kingdoms:

Celestial – for those who accept Christ and make and keep sacred covenants

Terrestrial – honorable people who did not fully accept the gospel

Telestial – those who rejected Christ but are still redeemed through His mercy

Even the lowest kingdom is described as a glory beyond mortal understanding.

This tells us something profound:

God’s plan is generous. God’s mercy is vast.

9. Why the Plan of Salvation Matters Today

The Plan of Salvation gives meaning to:

Suffering – because pain has purpose.

Repentance – because change is real.

Hope – because death is not the end.

Covenants – because families can be eternal.

When we understand the Plan, we stop asking “Why me?” and begin asking “What is the Lord teaching me?”

My Personal Witness

I want to bear my personal witness of the Plan of Salvation.

I know this plan is true and provides real power. I know it is not abstract meaningless doctrine because I’ve studied it, and because I have lived long enough to see God’s hand patiently working in my life, even when I didn’t recognize it at the time.

There have been seasons when I made very bad choices. Yet, looking back now, I can clearly see that Heavenly Father never stopped knowing me, never stopped loving me, and never stopped preparing a way back for me. That truth alone tells me this plan could not be man-made—it is too merciful, too real, too patient, and too personal. I have felt its correcting influence, its healing peace, and its ability to change hearts, including my own. There is no depth we can fall to that He cannot reach, and no weakness He cannot strengthen. I know that life is not random. Our joys and our sorrows are not meaningless. God uses this mortal experience to shape us into something eternal—if we will let Him. The more I understand the Plan of Salvation, the more confident I am that God is trying to exalt us.

I testify that we are literal children of Heavenly Parents, that this life has divine purpose, that death is not the end, and that through Jesus Christ, we can return home changed, refined, and redeemed. I know the Savior lives. And I know that choosing Him—again and again—is the sure and only path back to our Heavenly Father.

I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Rock and Redeemer, Amen.

RACISM: What Do The Scriptures State?

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 23:16:40 GMT

How Does God See His Children?

The scriptures teach—clearly, repeatedly, and powerfully—that God shows no favoritism based on race, nationality, or lineage, and that we are all equal before Him.

The scriptures also teach that we are meant to be united, interdependent, and loving toward one another.

We Are All Alike Unto God!

Brothers and sisters,

I would like to begin by asking a question for each of us to consider in our hearts:

How does God see His children?

Does He see divisions the way the world does? Does He see race, nationality, status, or outward differences as measures of worth? Or does He see something deeper—something eternal?

In Acts 10:34–35 we read, “God is no respecter of persons. In every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

This is one of the most direct statements in all scripture. God accepts people from every nation equally. All are alike unto God. This verse explicitly removes racial and ethnic hierarchy.

In 2 Nephi 26:33 we find, “For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men… and he inviteth them all to come unto him… and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female… and all are alike unto God.”

This verse is extraordinary in its clarity. Black and white are explicitly equal before God. We are all one in Christ! Earthly divisions—including race—have no spiritual superiority.

In Galatians 3:28 we read, “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

In Paul’s time, Jew and Greek represented deep ethnic division. The message applies universally:

Ethnic identity does not determine spiritual worth. God created all nations from His Children. This establishes shared origin and equality. Man made division, not God!

The scriptures give us a clear and unmistakable answer.

In Acts 17:26 we read, “He hath made of one blood- all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.”

This simple but profound truth teaches us that all human beings share a common, divine origin. We are not separate creations. No race is inherently superior. We are not divided in our eternal worth or our eternal path. We are literally and spiritually part of the same human and spiritual family—the family of God. That means every person on this earth is our brother or sister. Not figuratively. Literally. If that is true—and I testify that it is—then there can be no justification for believing that any race, nationality, or group is superior to another.

I testify that, "God commands us to love one another, which clearly means racism directly violates this commandment."

One of the most powerful and direct statements on this subject comes from the Book of Mormon.

In 2 Nephi 26:33 we read, “The Lord… inviteth them ALL to come unto him… black and white, bond and free, male and female… and all are alike unto God.”

ALL are alike unto God. Not some. Not most. ALL!

God does not rank His children by outward appearance. He does not measure their worth by the color of their skin, the country they were born in, or the language they speak.

He measures that which is inside each of us-

- Our conscience

- Our spirit

- Our faith

- Our heart

In 1 Samuel 16:7 we are reminded, “For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”

Race is outward appearance. God judges righteousness, humility, and faith. I declare, "Those living in the flesh look only at the flesh. The world looks at outward differences. God looks at inward devotion. The world creates division. God invites unity. "

During His mortal ministry, Jesus Christ demonstrated this truth over and over again.

He spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, even though Jews and Samaritans had deep cultural divisions. He healed the servant of a Roman centurion, even though Romans were seen as oppressors. He ministered to the poor, the outcast, the sinner, and the forgotten. He saw people not as categories—but as souls. In short, God invites unity among His children and all nations.

John 13:34–35 sites, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you… By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Notice He did not say to love only those who are like you. He said to love one another as He loves us. Hatred, prejudice, and racism are incompatible with discipleship. Every part of humanity is needed — we depend on each other. Paul uses the body analogy to show interdependence.

In 1 Corinthians 12:21–22, Paul taught a powerful analogy, “T he eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee… Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary.”

This teaches us that every part of the body is necessary. No group is irrelevant or superior. Every part has value. In the same way, every person matters, and contributes to the whole. We literally need each other. We strengthen each other. We learn from each other. We support and lift each other. He created us to live in unity, to love one another, and to support one another. God never intended for His children to walk alone. Loving others fulfills God's law!

How does Christ love us?

Perfectly. Completely. Without prejudice. Without condition.

I invite each of us to consider these three question:

Do I see others the way Christ sees them?

Do I see a child of God?

Do I see their differences first?

How we see others shapes how we treat them. How we treat others reveals how closely we are following Christ. The adversary seeks division, wanting people to see differences as barriers rather than blessings. He wants comparison, pride, and prejudice to replace humility and love. Division weakens while unity strengthens.

In Mosiah 18:21, the Lord commanded His people:

“That there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye… having their hearts knit together in unity and in love.”

Hearts knit together, interdependent- That is God's vision for His children.

Not separated. Not divided. But united in love. True discipleship requires more than believing in Christ. It requires becoming like Him.

In 1 John 4:20, we read, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar.”

This verse is direct and sobering. Hatred of others—including racial hatred—is incompatible with loving God. God judges by the heart, not outward appearance. Our love for God cannot be separated from our love for each other- His children. We cannot claim to follow Christ while rejecting those He died to save. Because He did not suffer for only some. He suffered for all. He did not bleed for only one race. He bled for the entire human family. Every person who has lived. Every person who lives now. Every person who will live. All are precious to Him.

Brothers and sisters, one of the great purposes of our time on earth is to learn Christlike love.

- Love that sees beyond appearance.

- Love that sees beyond differences.

- Love that reflects the way our Savior sees us.

- Because when we begin to see our brothers and sisters the way Christ sees them, something changes inside us. Our hearts soften. Our pride diminishes. Our compassion grows. We begin to feel what it means to be truly converted.

I would invite each of us to ask ourselves:

- Who in my life needs to feel seen?

- Who needs kindness?

- Who needs understanding?

- Who needs Christlike love from me?

Because often, the answer to someone else's prayer is not an event. It is a person.

Sometimes, that person is us.

I testify that God is the Father of us all.

I testify that every human being is His child- our brother or sister in Christ.

I testify that He does not see race, status, or outward appearance as measures of worth.

He only sees our eternal souls and faith.

I testify that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and I testify that He suffered and died for ALL people. Not for one group. Not for one nation. But for everyone.

I testify that when we follow Him, He changes our hearts. He removes pride. He replaces judgment with compassion. He teaches us to love as He loves.

I have seen this change in my own life. I testify that as we come unto Christ, our hearts can be knit together in unity and love.

Furthermore, I testify that one day, we will ALL stand before Him—not as divided groups—but as one family- His family.

Our scripture makes this unmistakably clear:

- No race is superior!

- Racism is contrary to God's will!

- All people are equal before God!

- We are meant to be unified!

- We need one another!

I further testify that:

- He lives.

- He loves us, ALL of us.

- Without exception.

- Without condition.

In the loving and sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

THE NATURE OF GOD AS DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK OF ABRAHAM

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 23:03:38 GMT

DOES GOD EXIST? WHAT IS GOD LIKE? I AM A CHILD OF GOD!

The Nature of God

The Book of Abraham Teaches Us About the Nature of God.

One of the most important questions any person can ask is not only 'Does God exist,' but 'What is God like.' Our understanding of God shapes how we worship, how we pray, how we live and experience life, and ultimately how people feel about and experience us.

The Book of Abraham—especially chapter 1—offers profound insight into the true nature of God by contrasting Him with the false idyllic Gods of Abraham’s day. In doing so, it teaches us who God is and isn't; how He works; and how He relates to His children. Let us consider Abraham’s World of idols and false gods. Abraham lived in a society dominated by false worship.

“My fathers… were wholly turned to the worship of the gods of the heathen.” Abraham 1:5

These gods were man-made and powerless. Their worship was marked by fear, control, and even human sacrifice.

“They offered up children unto these dumb idols.” Abraham 1:7

False gods always demand much but give nothing. They cannot save. They cannot speak truth. They do not love. False Gods reflect human ambition—not divine character.

By contrast, in Isaiah 45:5, the Lord declares:
“I am the Lord, and there is none else.”

Abraham Sought the True God. Abraham refused to accept the gods of his fathers. Instead, he actively sought the Lord.

In Abraham 1:2, Abraham

“I sought for the blessings of the father… desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge.”

This verse reveals an essential truth about God’s nature: Heavenly Father invites sincere seeking of Him. Our God is not threatened by questions that originate in our heart. He responds to THE righteous desires and contemplations of our heart.

In Jeremiah 29:13, God is quoted,

“Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

Our God Is a Deliverer, Not a Destroyer! Abraham’s devotion to God placed him in mortal danger. He was bound and laid upon an altar to be sacrificed.

But at the critical moment, as we are told in Abraham 1:15,

“The angel of the Lord… loosed my bands.”

This scripture reveals the heart of Our God. False gods demanded Abraham’s life, while Heavenly Father intervened to save it. Our God does not delight in suffering or death.

Moses 1:39

“This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”

The nature of our loving Heavenly Farher is to preserve, renew, redeem, and lift us up—not to destroy us or leave us broken and hurt. God’s Authority Is Rooted in Truth and Love. The false gods claimed authority through fear. God’s authority is different.

In Abraham 1:16, the Lord declares

“I am more intelligent than they all.”

God’s power flows from eternal truth and intelligence—not coercion and deception.

In Doctrine & Covenants 121:36 we are taught, “The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven,”which operate only through righteousness: “Persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, and love unfeigned.”asdefi ed in D&C 121:41.

This teaches us that God governs through love, not compulsion. God Is Personal and seeks a relationship with each of us. This relationship is founded on making and keeping Covenants with Him.

After delivering Abraham, God made a covenant with him. In Abraham 1:19, the Lord covenants with Abraham: “I will take thee… and make of thee a great nation.”

God knows each of His children individually. He works through covenants to strengthen individuals, their families, and their generations.

In Doctrine & Covenants 130:22, we are told, “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s.”

God is not distant or abstract. He is our Father. He invites us into relationship with Him, but He is patient and waits until we are ready. The Nature of God is revealed in His son, Jesus Christ. That is, everything Abraham learned about God is fully revealed through the love and earthly ministry of His son, Jesus Christ.

In John 14:9, Jesus enlightens us

“He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.”

Jesus Christ redeems and delivers us rather than leaving us to condemnation. Heavenly Father sent us His son Jesus who offering Him for our Atoning Sacrifice.

“He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world.”

2 Nephi 26:24.

The God who saved Abraham is the same God who saves us today through His Son.

My take home message is to ask ourslves, "Whom Do We Worship?"

Abraham 1 invites us to examine our own lives. Modern idols may not be carved images, but anything that replaces God—pride, wealth, control, or fear.

“Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15

The true God frees us, teaches us, and invites us to become more than we are.

I testify that the God revealed in the Book of Abraham is our living, loving Heavenly Father. He is the One God revealed throughout all Judeo-Christian Scripture. He is a God of truth, Redemption, Deliverance, and Covenant. I testify that He responds to our needs in times of sincere seeking, just as He did for Abraham. I believe that Jesus Christ perfectly reveals the nature of our Heavenly Father and that through Him we are delivered from bondage—both spiritual and temporal. As we choose to worship the Our Lord God and seek Him with our whole mind, might and being, we will find Him where He has always been- patiently waiting for us at home in our souls.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

HOW DO I KNOW GOD KNOWS ME AND LOVES ME?

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 20:13:32 GMT

To Know God is to Love God! This is learned, not automatic!

Brothers and sisters, today, I want to explore a question that is both deeply personal and eternally significant:

How do we know that God knows and loves each one of us—individually?

This question matters because how we answer it shapes how we live, if we repent, how we forgive ourselves, and if we truly trust God with our future.

First, we know God knows and loves us because He reveals Himself to us .

God restored the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith, not as an abstract act of history, but as a personal expression of love. The Restoration tells us that God is not distant or silent—He is actively involved.

The Lord declared:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
— Jeremiah 29:11

A God who restores truth and His Gospel is a God who cares deeply about His children finding their way back to Him.

Second, we know God loves us because He gave His Only Begotten Son .

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the clearest, most powerful evidence of God’s love. Christ did not suffer for humanity in general—He suffered for each of us personally .

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.”
— John 3:16

“Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”
— Doctrine & Covenants 18:10

That includes your soul. My soul. Every soul in this room. In fact, every soul on earth.

I know God loves me because He never gave up on me .

He patiently waited for me to recognize the wrongs in my ways and to repent. And it wasn’t until I truly understood that I am a child of God that I was finally able to forgive myself—for my transgressions against my covenants, myself, and others.

Moreover, once we understand who we really are… that we are children of a kind, loving, patient, omnipotent and omniscient God, repentance stops feeling like punishment and starts feeling like coming home .

Repentance is cleansing and empowering.

“I will arise and go to my father.”
— Luke 15:18

For some of us recognizing God’s hand in our lives is often the first step toward change and in our spiritual growth. You’ve probably heard the story of the man stranded on his roof during a flood. He refuses help, saying, “God will save me.” A life jacket comes—he refuses it. A boat comes—he refuses it. A helicopter comes—he refuses it. He dies and asks God why He didn’t save him.

God replies, “I sent you a life jacket, a boat, and a helicopter.”

Brothers and sisters, God is constantly reaching out to us —often through very ordinary means, circumstances and people. We are given chances, again and again, to wake up and change course. When we realize we are children of a real, living God, life begins to make sense—not because it becomes easy, but because it becomes purposeful .

When we learn to listen to and feel the inspirations of the Holy Ghost, we recognize God’s guidance; we begin to nurture a relationship with Him and the Holy Ghost.

Listening to Him requires hearts and minds that are not weighed down by guilt or fear.

Are you thinking about switching careers but hesitating?
Are you continually postponing an important decision?

Sometimes those quiet nudges are not coincidence. Sometimes they are God inviting us to change course, move forward and take control of our life’s path.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
— Proverbs 3:5

When God feels silent, maybe we have to repent, to pray, to change our prayer, to be patient, to open the scriptures….

Let’s go a little deeper.

Have you ever felt like you don’t know what God’s plan is for you?
Have you wondered if everyone else seems to have a clearer connection with God than you do?

Here is something I have learned since joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints:

God has always loved me and been present— but He was silent because I wasn’t ready to listen and act upon what I heard and felt.

When our agency moves out of alignment with His will, the Holy Ghost may withdraw—not as punishment, but as an invitation to us to pause, reflect, reconsider and repent.

“My Spirit shall not always strive with man.”
— Genesis 6:3

Yet, the moment there is heartfelt repentance—true contrition and humility—the Spirit returns. When we submit our will to God, we make room again for the Holy Ghost to reside within us.

“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you.”
— Doctrine & Covenants 88:63

So again I ask, how do we know God knows and loves each one of us?

Because we are His children and knowing our divine identity is the cornerstone of our journey to change and finding inner peace.

Understanding that we belong to the Creator of the Universe restores a deep sense of meaning and belonging. Knowing and embracing God’s love is truly life-changing.

I used to describe myself as a God-fearing Christian . Now, I say I am a God-loving Christian —because I know our Heavenly Father unequivocally loves me and does not hold my past, for which I have repented, against me! Thank you Jesus!

Elder Alan T. Phillips taught:

“We shouldn’t misunderstand or devalue how important we are to our Father in Heaven… Where there is design, there is a designer.”
— October 2023 General Conference

Our lives are not accidental. Our existence is intentional.

Our Covenants, Our Christ, and Rest for Our Souls

The gospel of Jesus Christ gives us divine identity and individual purpose.

God’s gift of His Son for our Atonement is His supreme expression of love. It provides for our redemption, healing, and a clear path back to Him— through Christ , our Redeemer and Rescuer.

“Come unto me… and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28–29

When we make and keep sacred covenants, we yoke ourselves to Christ—and that yoke brings strength, peace, and rest to our souls. Please stop and consider a parent’s love and God’s Perfect Love. I often tell my children that I love them with all my heart and soul. If you are a parent, you understand that kind of love—immense and immeasurable… that you would take a bullet for them without hesitation.

Now consider this:
If imperfect, earthly parents can love their children so deeply, how much greater must the love be of a perfect, omniscient, omnipotent Heavenly Father- He who manufactured the entire universe?

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.”
— 1 John 3:1

When you initiate your spiritual journey, it is very important to understand faith is learned before it takes root in our heart and soul. Faith requires effort. We live in a world that often believes only what can be seen. Yet some of the most real things in a Christian’s life—God’s love, divine guidance, joy and peace—are felt , not seen.

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
— Hebrews 11:1

God’s design may not always be visible, but its manifestations, with time and our endurance, become obvious through changed hearts, changed lives, and redeemed souls.

I testify that Jesus Christ wants each of us to know our Heavenly Father and to develop a real relationship with Him. I testify that He is patiently waiting for us to come unto Him.

I testify that God’s love is what we first experience. Then, as we we do our personal work,repentance, reading scripture, helping others, etc., this relationship, His love for each one of us and our growing love for Him slowly become exemplified and expressed through how we speak, how we act, and how we live.

I testify that our relationship with Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, evolves and grows not because they change, but because, hopefully, we do .

I further testify:

- God knows us.
- He loves you.
- He has not forgotten you.
- Through Jesus Christ, He has provided a way home for each of us.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

HEALING FROM WITHIN- CANCER, SIN, REPENTANCE and SPIRITUAL REMISSION

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 01:26:02 GMT

HEALING FROM WITHIN-
CANCER, SIN, REPENTANCE and SPIRITUAL REMISSION

A friend said he had recently heard a podcaster comparing cancer and sin. My friend said it was interesting and provoked a lot of thought. I never found this podcast. I have successfully gone through treatment for stage 3 throat cancer and was inspired to ponder the topic. Putting my thoughts on paper was quite an introspective few days for me.

In 2018 when my wife and I received my throat cancer diagnosis, she asked, "What about you and our business, Honey?" My response was bold and emphatic, "Please don't worry, we tithe, God will take care of us and the business!"

SIN: THE CANCER OF THE SOUL
CANCER is one of the most feared diagnoses in mortality. WHY? Because it is internal, progressive, and—if untreated—fatal.
SIN is remarkably similar.

BOTH CANCER and SIN often begin small and unnoticed, spread quietly if ignored, and
require intervention, not denial.

CANCER weakens our entire physical body while SIN weakens our spiritual relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ separating us from the Holy Spirit.
The scriptures repeatedly teach that God is the Master Healer and Jesus Christ possesses His great healing powers. While CANCER and SIN can both be deadly, complete healing is possible through complex treatment provided by a team of medical doctors, not through denial and avoidance. Similarly, one's soul can be spiritually cleansed, healed and redeemed through sincere repentance. The treatment plan for our souls was given to us by the Atoning Sacrifice of the Savior, and the Power of the Gospel- all provided by our loving God. He is the master physician who cares for our souls!

CANCER IS A DISEASE TO OUR BODIES. SIN IS A SPIRITUAL CANCER.

CANCER begins at the cellular level, changes and corrupts healthy tissue, multiplies and spreads if untreated eventually overtaking the body causing our physical death.

SIN:
Begins in our mind and soul corrupting our righteous desires; then, through repetition, it grows and corrupts our thinking, happiness and joy eventually separating us from God, Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. Sin is not merely bad behavior; it is a progressive, self-defeating, lethal condition of the soul. Without turning to and Having Faith In Christ thereby repenting, the sin is left untreated and allowed to permeate our souls eventually damaging ourselves and everything we care about.

Old Testament
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
— Jeremiah 17:9
Book of Mormon
“For the natural man is an enemy to God… unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit.”
— Mosiah 3:19

DENIAL and AVOIDANCE vs. DIAGNOSIS
A CANCER patient who refuses diagnosis does not avoid disease—
he or she simply delays healing allowing the cancer to progress.
Likewise, SPIRITUAL HEALING requires honest self-assessment.
Old Testament
“Search me, O God, and know my heart… and see if there be any wicked way in me.”
— Psalm 139:23–24
Book of Mormon
“Ye shall search yourselves, and if ye do not repent ye must perish.”
— Alma 5:31
Both passages require us to surrender to God and Jesus Christ. Repentance begins with honesty and truth, not shame. Surrendering to Him is not weakness of character but strength in one’s faith and the realization that repentance nurtures and strengthens our relationship with Heavenly Father.

The Treatment — Chemotherapy and Repentance
Chemotherapy and radiation are aggressive and sometimes painful. They target the cancer that has invaded and is trying to take over and kill our body. No one enjoys chemotherapy and radiation, but no one doubts its purpose. Successful cancer treatment requires a strong desire to live, consistency of treatment and trust in the competence of your medical team.
Repentance is very humbling, can be emotionally painful, and requires obedience and endurance. Repentance is cathartic to the soul! However, it requires honesty, being openminded and willing to change. Repentance destroys sin at the root of our being. Just as chemotherapy attacks cancer cells, repentance targets our sins, pride, addiction, resentment, and rebellion. Repentance is not punishment; it is Heavenly Father’s treatment for our souls.
Old Testament
“Come now, and let us reason together… though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
— Isaiah 1:18
Book of Mormon
“By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”
— Moroni 10:5

The Physician — Christ as the Master Healer
A patient does not heal themselves.
They submit to a physician who knows more than they do.
Old Testament
“I am the Lord that healeth thee.”
— Exodus 15:26
Book of Mormon
“He shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind… that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people.”
— Alma 7:11–12
Christ does not merely prescribe repentance; for us, he absorbed the pain of it.

The Outcome — Remission and Being Born Again
When cancer is in remission, it is no longer flourishing, thriving and dominating us.
Our bodies regain strength, and life continues with gratitude and vigilance.
When we repent, our souls are cleansed of the stains of sin. The repented sin lives no longer, and our spiritual rebirth begins. Sin no longer rules, and our heart is changed. Life continues with humility and faith.

New Testament
We are redeemed by the blood of the lamb, the word of our testimony, (Revelation 12:11) and our works (The Epistle of James).
Old Testament
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.”
— Ezekiel 36:26
Book of Mormon
“Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances?”
— Alma 5:14

Repentance is not cosmetic change. It is deep transformative change that encompasses our personality, motivations and soul. I testify that only the Power of the Restored Gospel can change us in these ways.

Cancer untreated leads to death. Sin untreated leads to spiritual death. However, both are treatable. Diagnosis of both cancer and sin brings hope.
Through Jesus Christ, faith brings new life. Repentance brings cleansing. Endurance brings healing.

In John 5:6 of the New Testament, John asks, “…fulfilled in power through the Restoration… Wilt thou be made whole?”

I testify that repentance works, that Christ heals, and that through Him we can experience true spiritual remission from the inevitable self-destruction caused by sin. Through our honesty and contrition, we are not just forgiven of our sin, our soul is transformed and our relationship with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are renewed and strengthened. Amen

SELF-REFLECTION
Since I prepared the above talk, self-reflection has inspired me to develop these personal questions that relate in order directly to each section above.

Recognizing the Disease (Self-Awareness)
What sins or spiritual weaknesses in my life tend to hide quietly rather than announce themselves?
Have I mistaken “functioning” for being spiritually healthy?
What patterns in my thoughts or behaviors suggest something is spreading rather than healing?
“Search me, O God, and know my heart…” — Psalm 139:23

Willingness to Be Diagnosed (Honesty Before God)
Am I willing to ask the Lord to show me what needs healing—even if the answer is uncomfortable?
What am I avoiding confessing because I fear pain, embarrassment, or change?
Do I confuse guilt (which paralyzes) with godly sorrow (which motivates)?
“If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love…” — Alma 5:26

Submitting to Treatment (Repentance in Action)
What part of repentance feels most like “chemotherapy” to me—confession, restitution, abandonment, or endurance?
Have I tried to reduce the dosage of repentance rather than follow it fully?
Do I trust the Lord enough to stay the course even when repentance feels painful?
“For I, the Lord, cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.” — D&C 1:31

Trusting the Physician (Reliance on Christ)
Do I truly believe Christ understands my specific struggle, or do I treat my sin as an exception?
When healing feels slow, do I blame the Physician—or do I continue to trust Him?
How often do I turn first to Christ rather than to self-justification or distraction?
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden…” — Matthew 11:28

Living in Remission (Conversion and Vigilance)
After past forgiveness, have I returned to old habits that invite relapse?
What daily spiritual disciplines help me remain spiritually cancer-free?
Does my life reflect someone who has been healed—or someone still flirting with the disease?
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” — Matthew 26:41

Evidence of Rebirth (Change of Heart)
Has my relationship with sin changed, not just my behavior?
Do others see Christ’s image more clearly in my countenance?
Am I more humble, teachable, and loving than I was before?
“And the Lord said unto him: Marvel not that all mankind… must be born again.” — Moses 6:59
If the Lord were to ask you today, “Wilt thou be made whole?”—what would your honest answer be?

CONTINUING REVELATION- CAN I SPEAK WITH GOD?

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 17:42:42 GMT

CONTINUING REVELATION- CAN I SPEAK WITH GOD? Sunday, 12/14/2025

My dear brothers and sisters, good morning. I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to speak today about a doctrine at the very foundation of our restored gospel of Jesus Christ— Continuing Revelation .

Everything we cherish in the Restoration—scriptures, priesthood authority, temples, covenants, spiritual gifts, and the very organization of the Church—exists because God does live and still speaks. We are not a people who believe that heaven is silent. We are a people who believe, as the Articles of Faith teach, that revelation is ongoing and essential.

The Ninth Article of Faith states:
“We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”

This one sentence captures our doctrine perfectly: God has revealed, God does now reveal, and God will yet reveal. Hallelujah! Praise be to Him forever and ever!

God Has Always Revealed His Will to His Children

Revelation is not something new. This pattern of heaven has always been the same. Whenever the Lord has a covenant people on the earth, He communicates with them through prophets.

In Amos 3:7 we read:
“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants, the prophets.”

Brethren, this verse clearly states that revelation is inseparable from God’s work among His children.

The Fifth Article of Faith reinforces this pattern in modern times:
“We believe that a man must be called of God… by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority.”

Prophecy is the mechanism through which God calls and directs His servants.
Authority comes through priesthood. Revelation is what guides that authority.

President Russell M. Nelson has taught:
“In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

The Restoration Happened Because of Continuing Revelation

One of the most important truths restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith is that God still speaks —just as He always has. It just took some of us much longer to figure that out.

The First Vision is a moment of pure revelation. Joseph Smith, a young boy with a searching sole and mind, asked a question, and the Father and the Son answered. This single event opened the last dispensation, “the dispensation of the fulness of times.”

Our Restoration is a testimony that revelation did not end with the Bible. God continues to guide His Church and reveal His will. God continues to guide His Church and reveal His will. We are not alone on this journey!

The Lord declared in D&C 1:38:
“Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”

That is continuing revelation . We must be mindful, obedient and repented to receive it! We all know it, but that and a quarter may get you a cup of coffee at the corner, but it won’t get you revelation if you aren’t trying to live righteously (I did not say perfectly), if you aren’t trying to keep your covenants and grow your relationship with God. For the day will come for us all, and we don’t want God to say, “I knew ye not!” and for any of us not to be worthy of His Celestial Kingdom.

Revelation Through Living Prophets and Apostles

Heavenly Father guides His Church today just as He guided ancient Israel and the early Saints. Revelation continues “line upon line, precept upon precept.”

President Nelson’s ministry has been filled with revelation:

Adjustments to ministering
Changes in priesthood quorums
Home-centered, Church-supported gospel learning
New temple construction at an unprecedented pace
Missionary and youth program enhancements
Sacred temple instruction adjustments

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once said:
“This Church is founded on the principle of continuous revelation. Absolutely nothing is more important to us than continuing revelation.”

The Seventh Article of Faith also confirms that spiritual manifestations—including revelation—are alive today:
“We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.”

Brothers and Sisters, these are not relics of the ancient Church. They are gifts of the Spirit given to guide, strengthen, and bless us today.

Spiritual Gifts as Evidence of Ongoing Revelation

Moroni teaches us that spiritual gifts are a sign that the heavens are open. In Moroni 10:8–18 , Moroni lists these gifts:

Wisdom
Knowledge
Faith
Healing
Working of miracles
Prophecy
Discerning of spirits
Speaking and interpreting tongues

And then he adds a critical warning:
“All these gifts come by the Spirit of Christ… and they come unto every man severally, according as he will.”
(Moroni 10:17)

Moroni then declares that if these gifts ever cease, it is because people “dwindle in unbelief” (v. 19).

In other words, may it be clearly understood, the Holy Ghost, His spiritual gifts, and continuing revelation are provided only to His faithful, covenant-keeping, repented believers. To that I say, Amen!

Personal Revelation Is a Promise to Every Member

While prophets receive revelation for the entire Church, each of us may receive personal revelation through the Holy Ghost. Joseph Smith taught that ‘it is the privilege of the children of God to come to God and get revelation.’

President Nelson has pleaded with us to learn how to receive revelation. He said,
“The greatest skill you will need in the coming days is the ability to receive revelation.”

Revelation can come as:

Peace
Warning
Promptings
Quiet impressions
Sudden understanding
Confirmation of truth

In D&C 8:2 Joseph Smith revealed that the Lord said,
“I will tell you in your mind and in your heart.”
Joseph Smith is telling us that Revelation should engage both our thoughts and feelings.

How Do We Invite Revelation

To receive revelation, we must prepare ourselves spiritually:

We must Ask.

Confirmation of truth Revelation begins with a sincere question.

The answer to which we must Obey.

The Spirit dwells in clean and willing hearts.

Clearly, we must Study the scriptures.

Revelation also provides answers to questions we haven’t yet asked.

This may occur when we Pray with real intent and in God’s omniscient time.

If these truths are not exciting enough, we receive more revelation when we commit to act on what we receive.

Record your impressions

God often gives more to those who treasure what He has already given.

Be patient

Revelation is often “line upon line” and provided in God’s omniscient time.

Isn’t this exciting?!?! Well, I am not done. Revelation Will Prepare the World for the Second Coming!

President Nelson told us, “We are living in a remarkable time. The pace of revelation is accelerating. God is preparing His Church and His covenant people for the return of His Son! Temples are being announced in record numbers. Nations are opening to the gospel. Missionary work is expanding. Family history tools are advancing. The Restoration is ongoing.”

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf notes:
“Revelation is the engine that powers His Church.”

And that engine is running at full speed!

Brothers and Sisters let me bring it home for you!

Revelation Is an Expression of God's Love for His obedient, covenant keeping, repentant children!!!

If we can wrap our minds and hearts around the truths I have discussed this morning, then we also know the following truths to be reality:

God does not leave us alone.
He does not leave His prophets without direction.
He does not leave families without guidance.
He does not leave individuals without answers.
Revelation is proof that God knows us and loves us.

President Nelson also said:
“Our Heavenly Father wants to speak to each of us… and the heavens are open.”

Brothers and sisters, I testify that we live in His true Church guided by His Continuing Revelation. The Articles of Faith , the teachings of Moroni, and the words of ancient and modern prophets all witness that God lives and continues to speak.

I testify that:

President Russell M. Nelson was God’s living prophet.
The Holy Ghost continues to reveal truth to those who seek it.
Spiritual gifts are real and active today.
The heavens are open and God desires to rain His blessings upon us and our families.
And the Savior Jesus Christ continues to lead His Church.

In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, our Rock and our Redeemer, Amen.