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Latter-day Saint Life

The ‘crowning jewel’: Lesser-known stories behind the building of the Las Vegas temple

By Fred E. Woods

Editor's note: This article appears in the November/December 2020 issue of LDS Living magazine.

Feature Stories

Why do pandemics come and what is God’s role in them? Church historians discuss the topic

By Matthew J. Grow and Matthew C. Godfrey

Pandemics perplex. Long after the anxiety has receded, the suffering has subsided, and the dead have been buried, troubling questions remain. Epidemic disease often seems to strike indiscriminately, taking the young and the old, the healthy and the vulnerable, men and women, the righteous and the wicked.

Latter-day Saint Life

5 Tips to Better Understand Temple Symbols

By Jack M. Lyon

Why do temples have symbols? Where do symbols come from? Is all temple symbolism unique to Latter-day Saints? These and many more questions like them are answered in Jack M. Lyon's new book, Understanding Temple Symbols Through Scripture, History, and Art. Following is an excerpt that gives five tips to help Latter-day Saints better understand temple symbols.

11: “Strengthen the Church” (Doctrine and Covenants 23–26)

Imagine giving up your home, your family, and, at times, your safety. Then imagine losing children, seeing loved ones beaten and imprisoned, and enduring unrelenting persecution. This is just a glimpse into the life one of the Restoration’s greatest heroes. And as we study Doctrine and Covenants 23–26, we’ll come to understand how sacred revelation given to this individual can be related to us as we go through our own trials and triumphs.

Earthly Father, Heavenly Father - New Mormon Message

Latter-day Saint Life

What Does It Mean to "Come Forth in the Morning of the First Resurrection"?

By Alonzo L. Gaskill

Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote, “Nothing is more absolutely universal than the Resurrection.”[1] Though all people will be resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:22), not all will be resurrected at the same time. Technically speaking, there are four resurrections.

Fun

Quiz: How Well Do you Know the Book of Revelation?

By Eric D. Richards

A seven-headed beast? Four beasts with six wings? A man eating a bitter little book that was as sweet as honey? Twenty-four elders and 144,000 servants? A great red dragon and a woman in the wilderness? The number 666? The Book of Revelation can be captivating, if not a bit bewildering. Yet a careful look at the interpretations and applications of these symbols and prophecies is one key to preparing for the Second Coming and enjoying a study of John’s panoramic vision.

How Women Have Been Witnesses to the Most Significant Events in Church History

By LDS Living Staff

Yesterday, the First Presidency announced historic changes in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that allow women and children to serve as witnesses for the sacred ordinances of baptism and baptism for the dead and for endowed women to serve as witnesses to temple sealings. President Russell M. Nelson rejoiced over these adjustments, saying, “Adjustments allow for covenants to be planted in the hearts of people living in different times and circumstances. . . . We are joyful about these changes. Imagine a beloved sister serving as a witness to the living baptism of her younger brother. Imagine a mature couple serving as witnesses in the temple baptistry as their grandson baptizes their granddaughter for and in behalf of a dear ancestor.”

44: "Rend That Veil of Unbelief" (Ether 1–5)

Imagine an entire nation formed by a single prayer. That’s how the book of Ether begins, and it only picks up the pace from there. Barges built after the manner of Noah, stones touched by God, sea creatures threatening to dash boats to pieces—there’s no doubt Ether 1–5 is one fast-paced adventure. But it’s also chock-full of spiritual moments that teach us what it means to pray with faith and rely on the Lord, which are lessons we need today more than ever. So grab your scriptures and let’s dig into some of the most incredible moments in scripture.

27: "If the Lord Be God, Follow Him" (1 Kings 17–19)

One definition of the word destitute is to be “without basic necessities.” Has there ever been a time where you felt spiritually destitute? Like you were missing the basic necessities? If so, this week’s lesson 1 Kings 17–19 is for you because if there is anyone who understands the feeling of being destitute, it’s Elijah the prophet and the widow of Zarephath. Through their examples of faith, we’ll learn who we should turn to in our greatest moments of need and learn how all things can be restored through the Savior.