Of Disciples and Higher Education
The opportunity and promise of a higher education at BYU not only includes the highest quality instruction and meaningful research; it also includes the direct influence of heaven. The BYU experience aims to develop faith, intellect, and Christlike character in a quest that will ultimately—in the far distant future—lead to perfection.
Pointing Our Souls to Christ
It’s true that we usually have to shoulder our burdens and do hard work, but as we work through our trials and look with hope and love to Christ, we will be given compensating blessings that will bind us to Him in powerful ways—even if our challenge remains.
The Propinquity Effect
By exercising the propinquity effect, we can draw closer to those around us and the Savior and make the world a better place.
A Life Centered on Jesus Christ
True joy comes when we focus on what is within our control and then center and recenter our faith and life on Jesus Christ.
Christ’s Peace in Perilous Times
“What Christ knew is that despite the tumult we feel all around us, God will prevail in the end.”
Time for the Savior at Christmas
As you increase your efforts from now through Christmas, the desire to continue these habits beyond Christmas will stay with you, and your progress as one of the Savior’s disciples will grow.
An Immigrant’s Journey Toward God
Indeed, we “enter to learn,” but may we more fully embrace our calling to then “go forth to serve.” As the Lord Himself told us, it is in the service of others and in taking up our own crosses of suffering that we will find our own selves
There Must Needs Be a Christ
The Spirit will help you remember that our potential is beyond our present capacity. We cannot attain it in our current condition and we cannot attain it on our own. We need help. We need a helper. We need Jesus, who is our Helper.
“Broke” Hearts and Contrite Spirits
As we enter into a covenant relationship with [God], we will experience the joy and exhilaration of becoming one with Him. When we give Him the reins, He will make of our lives more than we could ever dream, more than we could ever do running wild through life on our own.
Deepening Discipleship
A disciple of Jesus Christ must be actively engaged, patient in the process, sufficiently humble, dedicated to the Savior, and filled with faith that the Master Teacher is leading us in the right direction.
The Power to Change
Perhaps we should reflect on what can and should happen to us as we link ourselves with the name of our Savior. As we do, we too can change.
Creating and Conveying a Christlike Culture: More Than a Job
Elder Dale G. Renlund reminds the faculty of BYU that their responsibility to help students draw closer to Christ is more than a job—it is a blessing.
“That They Might Have Joy”
Joy comes from exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, worthily receiving and faithfully honoring sacred ordinances and covenants, and striving to become deeply converted to the Savior and His purposes.
The Rock of Our Redeemer
If we have true faith in our Redeemer, we do something about it, because we have real intent.
The Doctrine of Christ: Our Daily Walk
I invite you to be serious about your study of God and your pursuit to truly know Him. He is revealed by His prophets and through the power of the Holy Ghost as we seek Him.
The Lord’s Pattern
This is the Lord’s way. He asks us to do things that seem impossible or even unwise. He asks us to build ships that no one has ever built before and to go places that no one has ever gone before.
“Daddy, Is Jesus Real?” Overcoming Fear through Faith in Christ
Faith leads to repentance of our past mistakes. But all of us need to follow up necessary repentance with belief—a belief in God and a belief that, though we all sin, the Atonement of Jesus Christ can and will save us.
The Return of the King
If we are prepared for His coming—if we are looking for it—that day will be a great time of reunion and rejoicing. Make your choice, brothers and sisters, to use your time in the cause that matters most—the one that leads to the millennial reign of Jesus Christ.
Walking in the Light of His Love
Christ invites us to come quickly unto Him. His love casts darkness away. We are protected from deception when we choose to walk in His light as we see ourselves as we really are and as we really can be.
Lessons from the Savior’s Young Adult Life
I suspect that even in Christ’s learning years He developed through a multitude of small choices rather than just through a few monumental decisions.
What’s in a Name?
I have sometimes thought of the experience of changing my name in relation to my baptism—an ordinance in which I took upon myself the name of Jesus Christ.
The Approachable Master
The Savior, both in His own recorded words and through the words of His holy prophets, has invited us to come unto Him, to experiment for ourselves on the truthfulness of His gospel, and to claim the attendant blessings.
Prophet, Priest, and King
It is my desire that all of us may get to know the Savior better, including his roles as the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King.
The Miracle of Forgiveness
I have seen some individuals who have confessed and forsaken their sins with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and yet are unable to accept the forgiveness that comes through the Atonement … They do not understand the miracle of forgiveness or the wonderful gift of grace that the Atonement is.
His Grace Is Sufficient
Grace is not achieved somewhere down the road. It is received right here and right now. It is not a finishing touch; it is the Finisher’s touch.
We Were the Greatest Generation
I challenge you to become “the greatest generation” by assisting our Father in Heaven’s children to return to their Christian faith and to the strong religious foundation that is so necessary to enjoy peace of mind and real happiness in this period of mortal probation.
The Sure Foundation
As we make and keep these sacred covenants with the Lord, He will keep His promises to us. Our lives will be built on that sure foundation, and there will be no need to fear.
Grow Toward Christ
We don’t have to be perfect—after all we can do, the Savior does the rest. When we repent we choose to be changed, to be spiritually stronger, and to come closer to the Savior.
A Child Is Born
Whatever it may be that binds us, whatever sins, circumstances, or past events hold each of us captive, the Lord Jesus Christ, the great Immanuel, has come to set us free.
Finding Strength in Christ
Accept Christ’s invitation to come to Him and begin your own journey and experience of seeing the Atonement’s influence on your weaknesses.
“Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ”
Things do work out in the end if we trust the Lord. We cannot control some events that cause us great pain, but we can always control how we respond to them. We have no lasting power over another’s agency, but we can control our own for eternity.
The Watchman on the Tower
We do not change. If it was wrong in Old Testament days, it is wrong today. If it was wrong in New Testament days, it is wrong today. All this because we have living prophets who “stand in holy places, and [are not] moved.”
Responding to the Savior’s Invitation: “Come”
As we desire to respond to the Savior’s invitation to come, we will have to leave behind our weaknesses and our sins.
Peace on Earth, Some Restrictions Apply
Having peace all of the time sounds like a noble project. Knowing that restrictions apply to having peace, though, means that you and I, who could use an additional measure of it in our lives, need to be striving to live in a way that qualifies us.
“The Very Root of Christian Doctrine”
When we come to have some sense of what Christ has done for us—and, in particular, what He has suffered for us—our natural reaction as children of God is to want to show our gratitude and love by giving our lives to Him, by obeying Him.
Moral Agency
It is because of the Atonement of Christ that we can recover from bad choices and be justified under the law as if we had not sinned.
“And Always Remember Him”
With the instruction to “always remember Him,” the Lord does not want some form of general, always-sort-of-in-the-back-of-the-mind kind of remembering.
Christ’s Healing Influence in the Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon does testify of Christ and His healing influence. I am grateful for the authors and the preservers of the plates who made it possible for us to read these marvelous accounts of the Lord extending the arms of His love to those in need.
Terror, Triumph, and a Wedding Feast
God not only lives, He loves us. He loves you. Everything He does is for our good and our protection. There is evil and sorrow in the world, but there is no evil or harm in Him.
Christ the Savior Is Born
Jesus descended below all things in order to rise above all things. He expects us to follow His example. Yoked with Him, we can rise above all challenges, no matter how difficult they may be.
How Knoweth This Man Letters
Can you sense the blessings that await if you drink deeply of Christ’s living water? Will you set aside a few minutes each day to read from the scriptures and then ponder the meaning of the verses read?
“In the Strength of the Lord”
As you and I come to understand and employ the enabling power of the Atonement in our personal lives, we will pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances rather than praying for our circumstances to be changed.
Feeling the Atonement
If we are constantly seeking to know the breadth and depth of His atoning love and how very personal it really is, our seeking will not be in vain.
To Know and to Be Known of God
Coming to know the Savior, learning to hear His voice, and allowing Him to be our Shepherd also requires commitment. This kind of commitment requires all that we have and are.
Centering the Arts in Christ
Art that is centered in Christ invites the Holy Ghost to be present during its creation and, again, as it is experienced by others in performance, exhibition, or publication.
Christ Is the Reason
Christ is the basis for all that we do. Without the Savior and His Atonement, there would be no good news to spread.
The Doctrine of Christ
Let us establish clearly our priorities in life. Let us go to the sacrament table repenting of our sins and renewing our covenants on a weekly basis. Let us serve others. Let us fast from critical talk and worldly behavior. Let us feast upon the Word.
The Living Water of Jesus Christ
I am convinced that we can find, know, and experience the tender, unconditional love of Jesus of Nazareth as we serve Him by serving our fellowmen.
Being One with Christ
It is my prayer, my young, valiant brothers and sisters, that we will seek to be one with our Savior, Jesus Christ, by applying the principles of the gospel in our lives and living obediently to his commandments...
Vast and Intimate: The Atonement in the Heavens and in the Heart
The Atonement is intensely individual, reaching to every single soul, and it is universal, reaching to all creation. In both of these aspects, planetary and personal, the Atonement overcomes separation of every kind.
Gratitude for the Mission and Ministry of Jesus Christ
"A commitment to endure to the end means that we will not ask for a release from a call to serve."
One by One
The Savior performed the Atonement for each of us, one by one. We can develop n individual relationship with Him through prayer, study, and loving others.
When Shall These Things Be?
Toward the end of the Savior’s ministry, His disciples came to Him with several questions all centered around one key prophetic event: “Tell us, when shall these things be?"
Between Two Gardens: The Law of Sacrifice
Today I wish to talk about significant events that occurred in the proximity of two gardens: the Garden of Eden and the Garden of Gethsemane. Those events, and the spiritual and doctrinal issues that connect the two gardens, are among the most important we could discuss. I, therefore, title this presentation “Between Two Gardens.” After Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden of Eden, they began to till the…
The Ultimate Paradox
When Nephi saw in vision the condescension of both the Father and the Son in offering the Son as the Lamb of God, he could only describe the love in superlative phrases as “beauty . . . exceeding of all beauty; . . . the whiteness of the driven snow. . . . Precious above all. . . . The most desirable above all things. . . . And the most joyous to the soul” (1 Nephi 11:8–9, 22–23). That…
“Another Testament of Jesus Christ”
The subject I believe we have neglected is the Book of Mormon’s witness of the divinity and mission of Jesus Christ and our covenant relationship to him.
“And Jesus Increased in Wisdom and Stature, and in Favour with God and Man”
Learn to appreciate the power and potential in your heads. Get out of your comfort zone! Expand your vision! Experience the satisfaction that comes from real, earned accomplishment.
Jesus the Christ—Our Master and More
Sinless and flawless as Jesus was in mortality, we should remember that he viewed his own state of physical perfection as being yet in the future (see Luke 13:32). Even he had to endure to the end. Can you and I be expected to do any less?
“In Him All Things Hold Together”
Oh, how we adore Jesus for his atonement! For his free gift of immortality to all!
Believing Christ: A Practical Approach to the Atonement
Many of us are trying to save ourselves, holding the Atonement of Jesus Christ at arm’s distance and saying, “When I’ve done it, when I’ve perfected myself, when I’ve made myself worthy, then I’ll be worthy of the Atonement.
The Children of Christ
"We must, like the prodigal son, arise and go to our father and be prepared for that resplendent reunion."
Come unto Christ
I bear you my testimony that God lives. He is your Father. You want to go home. You want to be with him. The only way you can be with him in the way you want to be is to become clean and spotless.
Leadership—Jesus was the Perfect Leader
Jesus Christ was the supreme leader about whom not enough can ever be said. His task was to lead all people back to their Father in Heaven, to give us all the unlimited potential of eternal life and its blessings.
Lessons from the Master
Not all of us may be called to positions of heavy and mighty responsibility. But it gives satisfaction to me—and I hope to you, too—to know that the final test is “are you continuing and will you continue?”
The Mystery of Godliness
If our vision is blurred where this doctrine and these concepts are concerned, or, if knowingly or unknowingly we have fallen prey to any of the false sectarian notions that abound with reference to them, our progress toward eternal life will be slow indeed.
Why a Savior Is Necessary, and Why Only Jesus Christ Could Qualify
Not to recognize and appreciate the atonement is the greatest of all ingratitude; to ignore Christ is the height of folly; to obey him is the greatest happiness. The greatest display of wisdom that we can demonstrate on this earth is to follow the Lord and to keep his commandments.
There Is Always Hope
Reverberating through all eternity, all creation exults: “In Christ there is always hope.” I know whereof I speak.
The Healing Power of Christ
I gained an appreciation for my value as a human being by realizing what it cost him to purchase my salvation.
Think on Christ
I testify to you that there is no greater, more thrilling, and more soul-ennobling challenge than to try to learn of Christ and walk in His steps.
Our Faith Is Centered on the Living Christ
Our Church, faith, and gospel have Jesus Christ for their foundation. The scriptures and the lives and witnesses of latter-day prophets testify of Him.
A Born-Again Christian
Theodore M. Burton speaks about the doctrine of baptism and discusses what our doctrine teaches on what it means to be born again.
The Olive Press
Drawing parallels between the olive press and the events in Gethsemane, Truman G. Madsen invites us all to reflect on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Our Relationship with the Lord
True and saving worship is found only among those who know the truth about God and the Godhead and who understand the true relationship men should have with each member of that Eternal Presidency.
The Gift That Matters Most
Tonight, I have come to testify in behalf of Jesus Christ. How you accept him and how valiant you are in your testimony of him will have an enormous compounding impact upon the Church.
Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
As we seek to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, we need to understand Him better. Ivan J. Barrett offers insights into the character of Christ.
Taking upon Us His Name
As we strive to take His name upon us and honor our sacrament covenants every day of the week, we will draw closer to Christ and serve and love as He does.
We Never Know Where Walking in His Steps Will Lead
To whom shall we go if not to him? Where in all the world? In whom could we put our trust? Where could we find the peace that surpasseth understanding?
A Testimony of Christ
Each has to receive his own witness concerning Jesus as the Christ. I wish this morning to set my seal upon this knowledge.
In His Steps
We follow a perfect leader—not just one who tells us to do what he thinks we should do, but the only one who can say that we should be as He is in everything. In the Book of Mormon, the Lord asked the question, “What manner of men ought ye to be?” And then He answered by saying, “Verily I say unto you, even as I am.”
Joseph Smith: A Revealer of Christ
[Joseph Smith] is one of the great dispensation heads, and a dispensation head is a revealer for his age and his period of the knowledge of Christ and of salvation.
The Christ of the Book of Mormon
The Christ of the Book of Mormon offers Christianity a clearer picture of the Savior, His plan for us, and His doctrine.
Jesus—Savior and Redeemer
Jesus Christ was and is uniquely qualified to be our Redeemer because of His pre-mortal foreordination, His mortal perfection, and His eternal atonement.
Christ the Creator
Christ is not only the miraculous baby of Bethlehem, or even the atoning Savior of Gethsemane. He is also our creator, the source of our existence.
What It Means to Establish a Relationship with Christ
We all have a divine potential to become like Christ, but to become like Him, we must develop a relationship with Him by praying, repenting, and obeying.
The Man of Christ
I would like, for a few moments with you this morning, to suggest what I think the man of Christ is—his integrity, his selflessness, his courage.
Jesus Christ and Him Crucified
Repentance means that we have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that we forsake our sins, that we come into the church and kingdom of God on earth and receive the Holy Ghost.
Who Shall Declare His Generation?
Elder McConkie offers his testimony of Christ's divine parentage. We, too, can testify of his identity as the Son of God; we can "declare his generation."
Developing a Personal Relationship with the Savior
Every ordinance in the gospel is a channel of power to us if, as we function in those ordinances, we develop in an ever-increasing way a personal relationship with the Lord.
As If They Would Ask Him to Tarry a Little Longer
Like the prophets and people of the scriptures, you can have a personal experience with the Savior. He will tarry with you, as He did with them.
Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations
Ezra Taft Benson teachs that Jesus Christ gave us the gifts of the Church, prophets, scriptures, our nation, and even His life. What can we give to Him?
The Real Christmas
If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God.
Christ—Jehovah—Messiah
Get to know your Shepherd, who can forgive you of your sins and teach you the truth. Evaluate your commitment to the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Knowest Thou the Condescension of God?
Christ’s mortal birth, life, and atoning sacrifice are evidence of the condescension of God and His incredible love for us.
God Is the Gardener
Whatever undertakings may demand of you and of your attention, I tell you, young men and young women, you cannot make a better resolution today than this: “I am going to keep close to the Lord. I am going to understand Him better, and, understanding Him, I will understand myself and will try to put my life into harmony with His.”
Jesus Christ, Man’s Greatest Exemplar
Jesus Christ was subject to pain, testing, and temptation. His very ability to sin is what makes his sinlessness so inspiring. He is our greatest exemplar.
Predicted Judgments
The calamities signaling the second coming and the judgments of the Lord are here for us to study in the scriptures. We need not fear if we are prepared.
Jesus—The Best Friend We Have
Jesus Christ is the best friend we have—but do we treat Him like the friend He is? Are we loyal to Him? Do we live the principles He taught?
The Trial of Jesus—Today
The trial of Jesus did not end 2,000 years ago when He stood before those who would condemn Him—it continues today in each of our hearts.
The Commanding Image of Christ
The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
Caesar, Circus, or Christ
By whose standards do we make the small decisions on which big consequences hinge? By the standards of the state (Caesar), the masses (circus), or Christ?
Be Ye An Exponent of Christ
It is your calling to be a witness, an example, and, in short, an exponent of Christ in a world that is moving further and further away from Him.
Humility
Let us not forget to be humble, to remember where our blessings, gifts, and accomplishments really come from. Humility will bring us closer to Christ.
Keeping Christmas
Gifts, traditions, lights—these are wonderful aspects of Christmas, but don't let them overshadow the true focus, our Savior Jesus Christ.
“And Be Not Faithless But Believing”
The Lord has commanded us to "be not faithless, but believing." Faith in Jesus Christ can help us overcome any challenge or obstacle in life.
“What Shall I Do Then With Jesus Which Is Called Christ?”
This Christmas season, ask yourselves, "How does my testimony of Jesus Christ influence my beliefs, my actions, and the way I treat others?"
Seek to Know the Shepherd
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Take the time to get to know the Savior, your Redeemer and Friend, and to emulate his love and example.
I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked
We don't all have the opportunity to travel and walk where Jesus walked. We can, however, do our best to walk as He walked.
For Ye Are Bought with a Price
The scriptures say that we are "bought with a price." We forever owe our love and devotion to Jesus Christ for His ransoming sacrifice.
Jesus the Christ—Creator and Redeemer
J Reuben Clark shares his deep and abiding testimony that Jesus Christ is our Creator and Redeemer—a testimony we all need to seek.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ
The atonement of Jesus Christ saves us from the effects of the Fall and from our own transgressions. Understanding it gives us hope to repent and improve.
Godhead
President Clark shares his testimony of the magnificence, love, and mission of each member of the Godhead: our Father, our Savior, and the Holy Spirit.
Accounting for the Lord Jesus Christ
History readily accounts for prominent historical figures, but often skips over the Savior. Accounting for the Lord means learning from his teachings.