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Mauli Bonner and Paul Reeve: Understanding the History of Blacks in the Church

In 1830, the same year the Church was organized, a former slave named Peter became the first documented Black member of the Church. Nearly 200 years later, Mauli Bonner first heard Peter's story when he started exploring his own faith as a Black member of the Church. This journey led him to Paul Reeve, a professor at the University of Utah who has studied Blacks in Church history extensively. On today's episode, Mauli and Paul explain not only the importance of the stories of early Black Latter-day Saints, but also how their stories can strengthen our faith and our testimonies of the restored gospel.

27: “He Is Risen” (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20–21)

The story that follows the events after Christ’s death tells of those who loved Him most. There were the women who prepared His body with spices and oils, wrapping Him in linen before He was placed in a tomb. And there were His disciples who rejoiced when they realized that the Savior of the world had risen. While thousands of years have passed since that time, the joy and love that these witnesses of Christ experienced is felt by us today. So while we may not have the opportunity to be at the same tomb as they did, our study of Matthew 28, Mark 16; Luke 24; and John 20–21, will help you feel like you're there—and, we hope, help remind you of your love for Him.

Kate Lee: Overcoming Paralyzing Self-Doubt

It was just a normal temple recommend interview but it changed Kate Lee’s life. It was a simple question, “Is there anything else that you need to talk about?” On this week’s episode, Kate Lee shares in detail the transformative experience that allowed her to see herself through God’s eyes.

28: “Ye Shall Be Witnesses unto Me” (Acts 1-5)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once said that a more complete title for the book of Acts could be “The Acts of the Resurrected Christ working through the Holy Spirit in the Lives and Ministries of His Ordained Apostles.” Isn’t that interesting? According to Elder Holland, the “acts” we refer to were Christ’s—not solely those of the Apostles left behind after His death. In today’s lesson, we will dive into Acts 1–5 and see how from the very beginning, the Holy Spirit was influencing the Apostles, and we will also be reminded of the active role the Savior desires to have in our lives.

Meekness Is Strength with Shima Baughman

Being meek doesn’t have to equal being timid and quiet. What if we saw meekness as a principle of power that actually brings more peace into our lives?

36: “Ye Are the Body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 8–13)

Charity never fails—now that’s a powerful promise. And it’s a truth that can especially be helpful to remember when you are unsure how to move forward. This week, we will read what Paul taught the Saints about charity’s power in 1 Corinthians 8–13. And perhaps one of the most important takeaways is this: we all have a place in Christ’s church, and charity is how we will help everyone feel just how much they belong.

The Healing Power of Forgiveness with Corrine Stokoe

Have you ever felt like forgiveness is a much easier gift to give than to receive? It can be really hard to accept that we are forgiven and move on past our mistakes. But the Lord promises in the Doctrine and Covenants that he will remember our sins no more when we sincerely ask for forgiveness. So why is it so hard?

38: “Be Ye Reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 1–7)

It’s a situation we’ve all been in—wanting to comfort someone but not wanting to sound trite. How do we find the right words when a friend or family member is really going through it? We want to inspire hope for the future, while not invalidating the difficulty of today. In this week’s lesson, we find Paul in just that situation. As we study 2 Corinthians 1–7, we’ll discover what Paul chose to say to comfort the Saints, and perhaps find inspiration on how we, too, can point others to Christ.

39: “God Loveth a Cheerful Giver” (2 Corinthians 8–13)

How is everyone doing today—like, right now? Before starting this week’s episode, let’s take a moment to think about or write down a sentence or two about how you are. Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians 8–13 is for those of us who maybe aren’t doing so well. For those carrying a tremendous load with no rest stop in sight. In these comforting chapters, Paul reminds us there are prayers being said in our behalf and that God has given us an indescribable gift to rely on—His surpassing grace.

The Risk to Trust God with Barbara Morgan Gardiner

We’ve spent the last few months really digesting and taking in President Nelson’s message “Peacemakers Needed.” As we have talked about the attributes of a peacemaker, one comes to mind that seems to encompass the others: trust. Trust can help us feel all the other attributes of a peacemaker working in our lives when we can learn to trust the Lord, trust ourselves, and trust that peace will come from our total dependence on the Savior. So what can we do to find that trust and let it work in our lives?