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Parables of Jesus: Prophecy for Our Day     By Elder Carl B. PrattOf the SeventyCarl B. Pratt, "Parables of Jesus: Prophecy for Our Day", Ensign, Jan. 2003, 60  Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith help us understand that we are living in the time when several of Jesus’ parables are being fulfilled.   The parables of the Savior have more meaning to us if we have “lived” them or seen them lived or fulfilled by others close to us. When this happens, they become more than just a beautiful and simple instructive device; they become real to us. For example, the parable of...

Parables of Jesus: The Priceless Parables     By Frank F. Judd Jr.Frank F. Judd Jr., "Parables of Jesus: The Priceless Parables", Ensign, Jan. 2003, 56   So simple a child can understand yet profound enough for the sage, the parables of Jesus are a priceless source of gospel principles.    Jesus Christ was the greatest teacher who ever taught,” declared President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985). 1 One of the Savior’s most striking teaching methods was His use of parables. Concerning the parables of Jesus, President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) said: “They are so simple a child can understand, yet profound enough for the sage...

Teaching, Preaching, Healing     By Elder Jeffrey R. HollandOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesJeffrey R. Holland, "Teaching, Preaching, Healing", Ensign, Jan. 2003, 33  Adapted from an address given at a Church Educational System religious educators conference at Brigham Young University on 8 August 2000.   We quickly and rightfully think of Christ as a teacher—the greatest teacher who ever lived or ever will live. The New Testament is full of His teachings, His sayings, His sermons, His parables. One way or another, He is a teacher on every page of that book. But even as He taught, He was consciously doing something...

Carefully Schooled in the First Principles and Ordinances     By Richard E. BennettRichard E. Bennett, "Carefully Schooled in the First Principles and Ordinances", Ensign, Mar. 2001, 50  Young Joseph Smith gained understanding of the first principles and ordinances by revelation from God, and sometimes by painful experience.   “Who among us knew the first principles of the Gospel of Christ until we heard them from the Elders of Israel? Who told us that it was right to be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins? Who taught us it was right to receive the Holy Ghost by the laying...

 Jacob and Esau      By David H. MadsenDavid H. Madsen, "Jacob and Esau", Ensign, Jan. 2002, 42  The story of these rival twins reminds us of the importance of resolving conflicts in family relationships.   Rivals for much of their lives, Esau and Jacob were fraternal twins who competed for spiritual blessings, land, money, and family preeminence. Parental feelings regarding the bestowal of the birthright blessing widened the distance between them. Their story is one of intense feelings and bitter rivalry, yet it has a joyous resolution. It prompts us to evaluate our own family relationships and suggests some ways we may attempt...

The Family A Proclamation to the World  The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints   We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such,...

Mom, Are We Christians?     Elder Gary J. ColemanOf the SeventyGary J. Coleman, "“Mom, Are We Christians?”", Ensign, May 2007, 92–94  I am a devout Christian who is exceedingly fortunate to have greater knowledge of the true “doctrine of Christ” since my conversion to the restored Church.  Christianity celebrates the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God the Eternal Father. Christian churches with great variations of doctrine dot the land the world over. When 14-year-old Cortnee, a daughter of a mission president, entered a new high school as a freshman, she was asked by classmates if she...

To Bear Testimony of Mine Only Begotten      Elder L. Aldin PorterOf the Presidency of the SeventyL. Aldin Porter, "“To Bear Testimony of Mine Only Begotten”", Ensign, May 2001, 30  A spiritual witness of the Nephite scripture will always bring the certainty of the Savior’s existence.   We of the Seventy would like to extend a hearty welcome to the brethren who this day were sustained to the five quorums of Seventy.We are blessed, brothers and sisters, to live in a world filled with almost daily announcements of progress against disease and other threats to mankind. There seems to be a never-ending march...

To Walk Humbly with Thy God     Elder Marlin K. JensenOf the Presidency of the SeventyMarlin K. Jensen, "“To Walk Humbly with Thy God”", Ensign, May 2001, 9  True humility will inevitably lead us to say to God, “Thy will be done.”  One of the memorable themes of last October’s general conference was that, in addition to being concerned about what we do, we Latter-day Saints ought also to pay attention to what we are and are striving to become. 1 With that principle in mind, I listened attentively last November to President Gordon B. Hinckley’s address to the youth of the...

A God of Miracles     Sydney S. ReynoldsFirst Counselor in the Primary General PresidencySydney S. Reynolds, "A God of Miracles", Ensign, May 2001, 12  I believe that all of us can bear witness to these small miracles.  With Moroni of old, I believe in a God of miracles. Moroni wrote to the people of our dispensation, “Behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, … and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are” (Morm. 9:11). Moroni proclaimed that Jesus Christ did many mighty miracles, that many mighty miracles...

Born Again   President James E. Faust Second Counselor in the First PresidencyJames E. Faust, "Born Again", Ensign, May 2001, 54    The full benefit of forgiveness of sin through the Savior’s Atonement begins with repentance and baptism and then expands upon receiving the Holy Ghost.   My dear brothers, sisters, and friends, the responsibility of speaking to all of you is a matter of great concern to me. I pray for your understanding.My baptism into this Church was one of the highlights of my life. I was eight years of age. My parents taught me and my brothers the significance of this great...

Faith in Jesus Christ     By James O. MasonJames O. Mason, "Faith in Jesus Christ", Ensign, Apr. 2001, 22  Faith in Jesus Christ takes us beyond mere acceptance of the Savior’s identity and existence. It includes having complete confidence in His infinite and eternal redemptive power.   Great faith in Jesus Christ led to abundant blessings for those who associated with the Savior during His mortal ministry. For example, a centurion begged Jesus to heal his servant who was sick. The Savior observed, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel,” and the servant “was healed in the selfsame hour”...

Special Witnesses of Christ    Thomas S. MonsonThomas S. Monson, "Special Witnesses of Christ", Ensign, Apr. 2001, 4  Following is the text from a video presentation by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The presentation was broadcast by satellite between general conference sessions on 1–2 April 2000.    President Gordon B. HinckleyThis great and ancient city of Jerusalem—it has always been an inspiration to me. It is so because this place bears the imprint of the Son of God. Two thousand years ago, the Savior of mankind was born in Bethlehem,...

Jesus, the Perfect Mentor      By Elder Neal A. MaxwellOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesNeal A. Maxwell, "Jesus, the Perfect Mentor", Ensign, Feb. 2001, 8 From a talk given at a Church Educational System fireside at Brigham Young University on 6 February 2000.  He who is our Great Redeemer was fully qualified to become such, because He was and is the Great Emulator! We, in turn, have been asked to emulate Him.   Jesus said, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9). When we read this we usually think of Their physical appearances, but He was also speaking of...

A Latter-day Testament of Biblical Truth      By Rex C. Reeve Jr.Rex C. Reeve Jr., "A Latter-day Testament of Biblical Truth", Ensign, Jan. 2001, 24  The Doctrine and Covenants testifies of biblical prophets, their doctrinal teachings, historical events, and fulfillment of ancient prophecy.   When the Bible was first written, it contained the plain and precious truths of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nephi saw that many of these plain and precious truths, as well as the covenants of the Lord, were taken from the Bible (see 1 Ne. 13:24–29). In this dispensation the Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “We believe the...

His Grace Is Sufficient     By Kimberlee B. GarrettKimberlee B. Garrett, "His Grace Is Sufficient", Ensign, Feb. 2011, 13   Like many people, I have struggled for much of my life to recognize my self-worth. I have fought weight problems for many years, which have contributed to my negative feelings. Even though I have lost weight and lead a healthy lifestyle now, occasionally I still find myself fighting off those negative thoughts and feelings.One morning I felt particularly low and was wondering how to make the situation better. I began to pray and ask for Heavenly Father’s help to overcome these feelings of...

From Rescued to Rescuer      By Betsy DoaneBetsy Doane, "From Rescued to Rescuer", Ensign, Feb. 2011, 60–61  My life was a downward spiral until I met a man who claimed to have the solution to my troubles.   One evening in 1978, I was at the Logan Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, waiting for some friends to arrive. A man struck up a conversation with me, and we talked a little about our lives. I told him I had returned three months earlier from a trip to Central America.I had gone to escape the painful realities of my life, I told him. Nine...

Learning to Hear and Understand the Spirit   By David M. McConkie First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency David M. McConkie, "Learning to Hear and Understand the Spirit", Ensign, Feb. 2011, 40–43   One of the most important things we can do is learn to hear and follow the promptings of the Spirit.   My father grew up in the small town of Monticello, Utah. When he was seven, one of his daily chores was to bring the family’s cows in from their pasture. His prized possession was his pocketknife, which he always kept with him. One day as he was riding his horse...

The Atonement Makes Repentance Possible   "The Atonement Makes Repentance Possible", Ensign, Feb. 2011, 10–11    We come to earth for the purpose of growing and progressing. We are slowed in our progress when we sin. Except for Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life, everyone who has lived upon the earth has sinned (see Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8).To sin is to break God’s commandments. Sometimes we sin by doing something we know is wrong, but sometimes we sin by failing to do what we know is right (see James 4:17).Every commandment from God blesses us if we obey it (see...

The Historical Context of the New Testament    By Thomas A. WaymentAssociate Professor of Ancient Scripture, Brigham Young UniversityThomas A. Wayment, "The Historical Context of the New Testament", Ensign, Jan. 2011, 50–55  Understanding the origins of this remarkable book of scripture can inspire our study.  Each volume of sacred scripture has its own unique history and bears testimony to the gospel of salvation in its own distinct way. The New Testament has the distinction of being the volume of scripture that preserves the words of individuals who knew Jesus personally or who followed Him shortly after His Resurrection—making the New Testament an invaluable...