Sunday School Bonanza – LDS Gospel Doctrine Review

Genesis 37-39—After being enslaved by the Egyptians, Joseph goes on to thrive as a leader of slaves. But Potiphar's wife has different ideas. What do we learn about evading temptation from this episode?

Genesis 24-20 Abraham expresses his concern that Isaac find a worthy wife with whom to enter into the marriage covenant. Rebekah receives revelation about her unborn twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Esau later sells his birthright to Jacob, like a dork. Esau later marries out of the covenant, saddening his parents. Jacob, however, is blessed to rule over all nations by Isaac. He later marries Leah and Rachel in the covenant. Lot to break down here, but the best question is, why such an emphasis on covenants? Why do covenants matter? We've seen modern-day apostles given entire sermons on the power of covenants - not just as something eternal, but as something that actually strengthens you and your relationship with God. Why is that? How have your covenants blessed you? Geoff's hot wife, Danielle, is with us.

Abraham experiences miracles as the once-barren Sarah bears Isaac, but years later, the Lord commands Abraham to do something unfathomable - sacrifice the recipient of the birthright, the one through whom the covenant would continue.

Genesis 13, 14, 18—Abraham settles in Canaan, pays tithes to Melchizedek, and his nephew, Lot, needs to get the heck out of Dodge before the Lord destroys Sodom and Gomorrah.

Abraham seeks to be righteous and live worthy of the blessings of God. God covenants with Abraham, promising that he will have a numerous posterity who will receive a promised land and the blessings of the priesthood and the gospel.

In the year's final lesson, we reflect on what it means to be a Zion people and what remains to achieve that.

Kurt Francom of LeadingLDS is here to talk about the wonders of the family. But why are families so important to God’s plan?

What do Mormons believe about civic duty? We can't sit on the sidelines! Inasmuch as your country allows it, get involved and make a difference!

Revelation is not restricted solely to the restoration era. This lesson deals with prophetic examples from the 20th and 21st centuries. Also, Correlation!

Missionary work is the dream! So let's talk about it in ways that aren't cliche.

Dustin Homer joins us for a discussion on temple work. What can you do to get more engaged in this work? Why is having a current temple recommend important?

D&C 2; 110; 138—What does it actually mean to have the hearts of the children turn to their fathers? How can you be better at family history work?

D&C 38;42;104—Patricia Auxier returns to discuss spiritual and temporal welfare. How do we develop self-reliance? How do we help others with their needs?

Why do we need a prophet? Are prophets perfect? Was Joseph Smith perfect? In this lesson we will get into the ins and outs of latter-day prophets.

The Saints begin settling the Salt Lake Valley, including the construction of the Salt Lake Temple. What lessons do you learn from these pioneers?

D&C 4; 18; 52; 81, 138—Just as Brigham Young sent many to said the Martin and Willie handcart company, the Savior rescues us. But how?

D&C 136—Steve Pierce joins us for a discussion on the Saints’ journey to the Salt Lake Valley. How did the Lord guide Mormons during this period?

D&C 107—The death of Joseph Smith results in a succession crisis, with various parties vying for the mantle to lead the Church. Where would you have fallen?

D&C 135—Events in Illinois culminate in the assassination of Joseph Smith. What did Joseph Smith’s ministry mean to you? What do we learn from his example?

D&C 131; 132—Join us for a discussion on the doctrine of eternal marriage. How do we prepare for eternal marriage? How do we discuss this with single folk?

D&C 4; 124;127; 128—This week we are focusing on ordinances on behalf of the dead as performed in LDS temples. How have temple ordinances blessed you?

D&C 124; 126—The Saints flee to Nauvoo, Illinois and build the Church there. The Relief Society is organized. Temple ordinances occur for the first time.

D&C 121, 122—What can we learn about adversity from Joseph Smith's experiences in Liberty Jail?

D&C 101; 103; 105—More about the early saints’ efforts to establish Zion in Missouri, including the many trials they went through, even Zion's camp.

Dustin Homer joins us for a discussion on how missionary work functioned among the early saints, and how missionary work can benefit us today.

D&C 84; 107; 121—What have we gained through the restoration of the priesthood? Many priesthood offices came well after the Church was organized. Why?

D&C 26; 28; 43—This lesson deals with personal apostasy. How do we recognize Satan’s deceptions? How do we avoid taking offense?

What was the School of the Prophets? How are secular and spiritual learning related, and why are they so important?

D&C 89—The Word of Wisdom is ostensibly straightforward and simple, but how can we better live such a simple law and focus on the proactive parts?

D&C 29; 34; 88; 101—Let´s discuss the doctrine of the Second Coming. How can we prepare? Why is as Second Coming an important part of the plan of salvation?

D&C 76; 131—We must understand the eternal promises and blessings offered us so long as we live the gospel, and the kingdoms of glory are part of that.

This lesson goes into many other scriptures to talk about God’s plan for us, and it's crucial that we understand the plan of salvation for our growth.

How is the temple the house of God? Through Joseph Smith we have learned a great deal about temples. How can the temple bless you?

Doctrine & Covenants 59; 119; 120—What is the history of tithing in both ancient and modern eras? How are tithing and fast offerings distributed?

D&C 59 – A lesson on—you guessed it—the sacrament and the Sabbath. Why are these two items so important and why do we honor them to this day?

D&C 46; Articles of Faith 1:7—Patricia Auxier sits down with us to talk about the gifts of the Spirit – how we identify them and cultivate them?

D&C 42; 51; 78; 82; 104—Why was the law of consecration revealed to the saints? How did they struggle to live it and what were the consequences?

Jared Gillins joins us for a discussion on Joseph Smith’s role as a prophet and revelator. What truths were restored via Joseph Smith?

How was Israel gathered in the early days of the restored Church? How does it relate to the ongoing gathering of Israel as foretold in the Bible?

Missionary work! How do we serve God with all our “heart, might, mind and strength”? We have great desires for missionary work, but sometimes we need help.

D&C 25—Emma Smith was called to do many important works in support of the restoration of the gospel and her husband. How do God's revelations help you?

D&C 20—We discuss the organization of the Church on April 6, 1830. Section 20 deals exclusively with Church organization and governance.

By seeking answers to questions they had during the translation of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the restored priesthood.

Kurt Francom of LeadingLDS.org sits down with us to talk about faith, repentance, baptism, and the receipt of the Holy Ghost. Why do these come first?

D&C 6, 8, 9, 11—Part II on personal revelation, but in this lesson we discuss how to receive revelation and interpret the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

D&C 6, 8-9—What is personal revelation and how do we prepare ourselves to receive it? Let's learn from Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith.

Bill Doolittle joins us to talk about the wonderful origins of the Book of Mormon and what went into its translation, including new resources!

We know the classic account of the First Vision, but the Church has taken great steps in recent years to highlight other accounts, so let's dive in.

The Doctrine and Covenants gives us a better understanding of Christ. In this lesson we will cover many scriptures that testify of the Savior.

We're off to the faces to study Doctrine and Covenants and Church History, including new materials!

Moroni 7-10—Mormon discusses how to choose between good and evil. He later discusses how little children are pure. Moroni teaches us about how to exercise faith and find truth in all things.

Moroni 1-6—Moroni continues his discourse, discussing gospel ordinances and our need to strengthen one another. Bill Doolittle is with us for the penultimate lesson of the year.

Ether 12-13—Faith! Moroni gives a great treatise on faith in one of the landmark chapters of the Book of Mormon. How can we become humble and exercise faith? Brad Lammi is here.

Ether 1-6—Moroni recounts the story of the Jaredites, in particular the brother of Jared. The brother of Jared demonstrates incredible faith—some of the greatest in all of scripture—and we can learn much from these passages. Mackenna Gallacher is with us.

Mormon 7-9—The Nephite nation has been destroyed, and these chapters cover Mormon’s final exhortations to them and to us. What prophecies are in these chapters that resonate with you? Bill Doolittle is in the studio.

Mormon 1-5—Mormon becomes the leader of the Nephites and the Nephites suffer in battle because of their wickedness. How do we develop contrite hearts and spirits? What does that mean? Brad Lammi is in the studio with us.

3 Nephi 27-28; 4 Nephi—Why did Christ concern himself with the naming of His church? Should we concern ourselves with “Mormon Church” in the post-Mormon Moment era? The Savior grants his twelve disciples the desires of their hearts, including the three Nephites, who wished to avoid death. Dustin Homer is with us, yo.

3 Nephi 22-26—The Savior quotes Isaiah to the Nephites, encouraging them to enlarge their stakes. He also teaches them to keep records. These are ostensibly simple ideas, yet we spend an entire lesson on them because they are awesome! Mackenna Gallacher is with us.

3 Nephi 16-21—This lesson deals entirely with the gathering of Israel. Why did the Savior spend time explaining this to the people? Why does the gathering of Israel matter to us today? What role do Gentiles play in the scattering and gathering of Israel. Brad Lammi is back in the saddle with us.

3 Nephi 17-19—Jesus continues his ministry among the Nephites, healing them and blessing their children. The Lord has his disciples baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. Do we ponder what the Lord has taught us? Do we truly know how much we have?

3 Nephi 12-14—The Savior continues his ministry to the Nephites, teaching them the Beatitudes and announcing the law of Moses fulfilled. These are incredible chapters and the culmination of hundreds of years of Nephites prophecies. Our buddy Al Doan decided to hop in and join us for this episode.

3 Nephi 8-11—Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecies come true regarding the death of Christ and the ensuing calamity. Christ appears to the Nephite people and ministers to them, setting off an incredibly set of chapters of the Savior’s teachings. Dustin Homer is back.

3 Nephi 1-7—Signs appear marking the Savior’s birth. The Gadianton robbers surround the Nephites, and many Nephites fall into pride and wickedness in the ramp-up to the crucifixion of the Lord. How can we protect ourselves from spiritual robbers and pride? Dustin Homer is with us.

Helaman 13-16—Samuel the Lamanite preaches repentance to the Nephites, foretelling their destruction if they do not turn to the Lord. He also discusses the signs of Christ’s birth and death, setting in motion the climax of the Book of Mormon. Mackenna Gallacher is with us.

Helaman 6-11 – Pride cycle for days. The Lamanites become more righteous than the prideful Nephites. Nephi calls the people to repentance and prays for rain. How do we keep ourselves in check? How do we avoid pride? Dustin Homer is with us.

Helaman 1-5—Internal strife weakens the Nephites and the Church. Do we se parallels to that in our day? How can we avoid contention in our wards and stakes and promote unity? How is Christ our rock as described in Helaman 5? Brad Lammi is with us.

Alma 53-58—Stripling warriors! Basically, the armies of Helaman provide us with a pretty awesome case study in the exercise of faith against a backdrop of calamity and bellicosity. How is it that not one of the 2,600 Ammonite warriors perishes? What do we learn from the great faith of these young men?

Alma 43-52—War chapters! Why did Mormon dedicate so much of the Book of Alma to chapters on the atrocities of war? What do we learn of attrition and liberty? Don’t miss Captain Moroni and the title of liberty! What makes a good leader? There are some surprisingly interesting lessons here given the current election climate in the United States. Joseph Peterson is with us.

Alma 40-42—How does a failure to understand the plan of salvation make us weaker in the face of temptation? How did understanding death and resurrection help Corianton? How will it help you? How does understanding the atonement change our course? Also, an attention activity we actually like! Bill Doolittle is with us.

Alma 36-39—Alma sits down with his three sons, Helaman, Shiblon, and Corianton, to bear testimony and offer encouragement before he disappears. What can parents learn from Alma’s counsel? Too often we lean solely on Corianton’s experience to inform our view of parenting, but even parenting “untroubled” kids requires tact and finesse. Brad Lammi joins us to talk about these great passages.

Alma 32-34—Alma gives his great treatise on faith and the nurturing of testimony. How can we “experiment” on the word of God? How can the word of God take root in our hearts? Frankly, there’s more material here than one lesson can handle, and for our part, far more material than we can discuss in a quick podcast. Still, amazing stuff!

Alma 30 & 31—It’s a lesson on some of the darker corners of the kingdom! Korihor comes and stirs up trouble. What exactly is an anti-Christ? Alma leads a delegation to the Zoramites. While we harp on Rameumptom and the like, what about how the Zoramites do not speak of the things of God unless they are at church? That’s a very interesting bit of their theology that we don’t talk about. Dustin Homer is here to make sense of all of it for us. He’s smarter than Geoff.

Alma 23-29—The sons of Mosiah teach thousands of Lamanites and witness great changes in heart, becoming the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. They put down their weapons, sacrificing themselves rather than shed blood. How do we become truly converted? What is implied by “truly” vs plain ol’ “conversion”? Bill Doolittle is back!

Alma 17-22—Classic stories of the sons of Mosiah’s missionary efforts among the Lamanites, including Ammon and Lamoni, Aaron and Lamoni’s dad, and other stuff. But how did they go about this work? With a rubric? With a checklist? No. They did it through service and love. There are powerful lessons to take home from this discussion if we get past surface-level stuff. Cameron Poulter is with us.

Alma 13-16—Alma and Amulek continue their preaching among the people of Ammonihah, discussing the power of the priesthood and the doctrine of foreordination. Eventually, once-enemy Zeezrom is converted and baptized. The Lamanites destroy Ammonihah.

Alma 8-12—Alma visits the people of Ammonihah to mixed results, but he meets Amulek, a pivotal actor throughout the Book of Alma. Why is it important to have more than one witness? Amulek and Alma tag-team the people and make it rain. Amulek contends with Zeezrom. Cameron Poulter is with us.

Alma 5-7—Alma explains how we can experience a “mighty” change of heart, but what does that entail? How difficult is it to change our nature? There’s a lot to learn about the process of conversion from these chapters. Remember, our road to exaltation is not littered with singular events, but with ongoing efforts and processes. Al Doan is with us, yo!

Mosiah 29; Alma 1-4—Mosiah teaches principles of good government. Your teacher might talk about different forms of government. Push for the plutocracy, folks. It’s the only way! Alma the Younger becomes chief judge and rejects priestcraft. How does living righteous principles help us to be effective citizens and shun wickedness and priestcraft?