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48: He “Has Sealed His Mission and His Works with His Own Blood” (Doctrine and Covenants 135–136)

Few things could have been more discouraging for the early Saints than the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. But although it was a somber time in Church history, the Saints showed remarkable perseverance and faith in the Lord. This week we dig into Doctrine and Covenants 135–136 to put the martyrdom in context as well as look at thoughts from early Saints that will help us see how we too can persevere through our darkest moments.

J. David Pulsipher: Making Peace with Book of Mormon Violence

Millions around the world have found peace within the pages of the Book of Mormon; beautiful teachings about the Prince of Peace and His atoning sacrifice calm our fears and instill hope. But the Book of Mormon also covers a great deal of contention and violence. Why were such graphic events included and what are we supposed to learn from all the accounts of war and conflict? In this week’s episode, we talk with J. David Pulsipher, PhD, who has spent the last decade exploring the answer to this question.

Bonus: Lean In to God

With family traditions, festivities, and gifts galore, the holidays can be a really exciting, happy time. But not everyone always feels that way. For Amber, the first Christmas after her divorce wasn't coming together for her as she'd hoped. As a mom of young two boys, Amber felt alone with the weight of the world on her shoulders as the early Christmas hours began to tick by. That is, until she did something she'd never done before and offered up a desperate prayer for peace.

Mary Holland McCann: Characteristics of the Mother of the Son of God

A National Geographic headline in 2015 read, “How the Virgin Mary Became the World’s Most Powerful Woman.” Our world is full of people seeking power and influence, but two millennia ago it was a young girl’s choice to have faith in the Lord and become a mother that left the greatest everlasting impact on all mankind. Some may cheapen the value of a mother, but on this week’s episode, Mary Holland McCann helps us look closer at the characteristics that made Mary who she is and how the example she set for her son changed our world.

50: “We Believe” (The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2)

If you’re thinking, “Wait, didn’t we just finish the Doctrine and Covenants? Why are there more lessons this year?” Well, yes, we did technically finish the sections, but did you know there are three very important documents included at the end of the Doctrine and Covenants? And so this week, we’re going to study those three documents: Official Declarations 1 and 2 and the Articles of Faith. But we also have a little something extra for you that is going to set up the discussion so well for these documents and we can’t wait to share it with you. So friends, grab your scriptures and let’s dig in.

Eric Huntsman: Christmas in the Holy Land

Eric Huntsman had an opportunity some of us only dream of—spending Christmas in the Holy Land. A former teacher at the BYU Jerusalem Center, Huntsman gives listeners an idea of what Christmastime in the Holy Land was like for him and his family. He also helps us dig deeper into some of the characters and traditions we celebrate at Christmas, and shares how autism has forever changed and blessed his family’s holiday season.

52: The Matchless Gift of God’s Divine Son (Christmas)

Merry Christmas! What better way to celebrate the birth of our Savior than by studying “The Living Christ?” In this document, apostles and prophets testify that Jesus is the Christ and that He lives. By studying their words, can find our own witness of the matchless love and infinite grace the Savior has for us. So grab your markers and a copy of “The Living Christ,” and let’s dig into this week’s lesson.(Find the new "Let's Dig In" journal here.)

All Things New

Stories in this episode: Jolene fully expects a lecture from her father when he invites her to lunch, but is surprised when the conversation takes an unlikely turn; Steven's hopes for a bright future are thrown for a loop when his college football career comes to a sudden stop, causing him to spiral into his addictions until he finds God where he least expects it—an isolated jail cell.

Kerry Muhlestein: The Grand Adventures of the Book of Abraham

When Kerry Muhlestein received a PhD in Egyptology from UCLA, he had no plans to research the Book of Abraham. But when people kept asking him about the scripture’s origins, he decided to devote his time to finding the answers. Years later, Dr. Muhlestein is considered an expert on all things Old Testament and the Pearl of Great Price. He joins us on this week’s episode to help us get excited for this year’s Come, Follow Me study.

25: "The Battle Is the Lord’s" (1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18)

Have you ever heard that part of “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” where the lyrics read, “Here I raise my Ebenezer” and wondered what it was talking about? It turns out "Eben-ezer" was the name Samuel gave a stone as a token of gratitude for deliverance. In Hebrew, the word also means "stone of help." So when we think about David and Goliath, we see how crucial a stone of help is—and not just in slaying giants. As we study 1 Samuel chapters 8–10, 13, and 15–18 we'll discover how the Savior is our personal Ebenezer, and how He helps us face our own Goliaths.