Did you hear about the deal between the Church and the NBA over Jabari Parker's mission service? And are you prepared for the extra Sunday session of conference this weekend? Before you get too excited, make sure that you check our comprehensive list of LDS pranks pulled yesterday by media outlets from around the web:

While speaking to Church members in Boston, Massachusetts, President M. Russell Ballard shared how his ancestor's near-death shows the hand of the Lord in his life and American history.

One question we hear people say all the time is, “How is it possible that a story this good was out there, but I’ve never heard of it?” Surely, with our great love and interest in our Church’s history—and the fact that these events take place in Palmyra—you would expect we would all know and be familiar with Willard and Rebecca Bean.

Several of the titles given to the Savior are obvious, and to those who accept the scriptural description of Jesus’s birth, Son may be the most obvious of all. It is the belief of the faithful that this baby boy born in Bethlehem was the son of Mary, a mortal woman more highly favored by that role than any mother could possibly be favored in any other way. But more singular than the motherhood of a mortal woman was the fatherhood of an immortal, divine, glorified Man—Elohim, God the Eternal Father, the Man of Holiness. In the New Testament Gospels alone, as written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the title “the Son of Man” appears eighty-three times. Furthermore, throughout all scripture this title for Jesus is by far the most common. “Son of God,” used less often but sometimes with more impact, was so sacrosanct that His claim of that relationship was used against Jesus in the people’s condemnation of Him as a blasphemer.

Editor’s note: “This week from the pulpit” highlights recent messages from General Authorities, General Officers, and leaders of the Church. This story has been updated throughout the week. Find summaries of remarks below or use the menu to jump to a specific section.

When we understand the relationship between Christ's grace and our own good works, religion can positively influence our lives.

When we long for blessings that seem to come easily to others, we can find peace by better understanding exactly what the Lord has promised.

This article is republished with permission from Book of Mormon Central. For more inspiring and instructive content on the Book of Mormon visit Book of Mormon Central, subscribe to our mailing list, see our YouTube videos, and follow us on Facebook.

As Americans wait to see what Donald Trump will say to the nation on Inauguration Day, here is a look back to see what every past U.S. president has said about God in their own inaugural addresses. With only two exceptions, every president acknowledged our Heavenly Father. And two presidents—Dwight D. Eisenhower and George H.W. Bush—even began their inaugural addresses with prayers. What did your favorite presidents say about the divine? See below to read related excerpts from their speeches.

This article is republished with permission from Book of Mormon Central. For more inspiring and instructive content on the Book of Mormon visit Book of Mormon Central, subscribe to our mailing list, see our YouTube videos, and follow us on Facebook.