James – An Overview The letter of James takes its name from the attribution of authorship in 1.1; the letter itself does not otherwise identify its author. Some scholars suggest that the author is the brother of Jesus (Matthew 13.55; Mark 6.3) and the head of the church in JerusalemContinue Reading

Matthew 15 details the discussion Jesus has with the Pharisees regarding the traditions of the elders (Matthew 15:1-15).  At issue is the condition of our heart.  Why do we do the things that we do? The second section of this chapter deals with the policy the Savior put in placeContinue Reading

A teaching that is relevant to teenagers in Matthew 18 has to do with the God that we worship.  Teenagers worry about how their actions affect their relationship with Jesus Christ.  They sometimes have the feeling that they are not worthy of His love. Part of this stems from theContinue Reading

Matthew 14 illustrates to young people the fact that there are times when we associate with the wrong people, we put ourselves in positions that can quickly spiral out of control.  Herod and Herodias are in an unlawful relationship, and when John calls them out on this, Herod has himContinue Reading

The parable of the Sower The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the asea side.  And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.  And he spake many thingsContinue Reading

Jesus calls the Twelve Apostles, commanding that they heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out devils.  I can imagine the weight they must’ve felt, being first hand witnesses to the power that the Savior had to do great miracles.  From the text we read: These twelve Jesus asentContinue Reading

James 5 deals with issues such as: 1. How to handle wealth 2. Holding grudges 3. Keeping your word 4. When you are sick Doctrine and Covenants 59 has this to say about how the Lord feels about the goods of the earth and wealth: Verily I say, that inasmuchContinue Reading

How you communicate should reflect who you are as a son or daughter of God. Clean and intelligent language is evidence of a bright and wholesome mind. Good language that uplifts, encourages, and compliments others invites the Spirit to be with you. Our words, like our deeds, should be filledContinue Reading

Much of the discussion in 1st Thessalonians has to do with becoming converted to Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10, 2:12, 3:12-13, and 4:1-5 all emphasize the importance of Christians “walking the walk” of a Christ-centered life. As it is stated in the Book of Mormon: “Marvel not that all mankind,Continue Reading