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Confessing sins at ward meetings, forgiving thousands of debts, and 8 other tidbits about Church history found in the second volume of ‘Saints’

By Jannalee Sandau

Editor's note: "Scenes from Saints" is a series of articles highlighting interesting facts from Saints volume 2. This is the fifth article in the series.

34: “I Will Declare What He Hath Done for My Soul” (Psalms 49–51; 61–66; 69–72; 77–78; 85–86)

Growing up, did you ever learn about the three Rs of education? They stand for three basic skills taught in school: reading, writing, and arithmetic—which is a little confusing as only one of those words actually starts with the letter “r.” But just as those three subjects are fundamental to education systems, there are six Rs that are fundamental to this week’s lesson. As we study Psalms chapters 49–51; 61–66; 69–72; 77–78; and 85–86, we’ll learn what those six Rs are and what they have to do with our relationship with Christ.

30: "The Great Plan of Happiness" (July 27—August 2)

Okay, let's take a second to send a big, heartfelt thank you to Corianton. It's not easy to have a parent call you out for the sins you've committed, let alone have those sins immortalized in the scriptures—ouch. But because of Corianton, and other teachings recorded in Alma 39–42, we learn very important lessons about what it means to be converted to Christ. In this week's study group, we are going to dig into those lessons and learn the foundational doctrines we need nourish our testimony of the gospel.

43: "I Speak unto You As If Ye Were Present" (Mormon 7–9)

It can be easy to look at the world today with devastating natural disasters, a sweeping pandemic, and horrifying social injustices and assume the day of miracles has passed. But that’s simply not the case. In this week’s study group, we’ll dig into Mormon 7–9 to find that not only do miracles still exist today, but we can experience them in our lives as we seek to come closer to Christ.

47: “Be Ye Doers of the Word, and Not Hearers Only” (James)

Sometimes just one verse or two of scripture will change you or someone you love. In our study of the book of James this week, you may find verses that help you figure out your mission in life. Or you may find encouragement to be more patient or speak with more kindness. Whatever inspires you, let’s dive in and let these words “enter … into every feeling of [our] heart[s].” And then, as we “receive with meekness the … word,” as James wrote, let's be a doer of the word, not a hearer only.

5: "The Lord Called His People Zion" (Moses 7)

What is something you are super dedicated to? Maybe you love exercising every day or practicing a musical instrument. Or maybe there is a good cause you feel strongly about and want to spread awareness of. Whatever it is you’re dedicated to, we all know that those feelings of commitment don’t just come out of the blue; there is a reason for them. This week we'll dig into Moses chapter 7 to learn all about what it means to be dedicated to the Lord, and how that dedication can support us—no matter what trials come our way.

14: “Remember This Day, in Which Ye Came Out from Egypt” (Exodus 7–13)

What is it about the heart? Phrases like, “bless your heart,” “cross my heart,” “young at heart,” and more pepper our everyday speech. But other than the obvious fact that a beating heart is essential for life, what compels us to so often speak figuratively about it? In this week’s lesson, we’ll dive into that question as we study Pharaoh’s response to the ten plagues of Egypt in Exodus 7–13. And we’ll learn what actually softened his heart enough to let the Israelites go.

37: “Arise and Come Forth unto Me” (September 14–20)

Imagine you are gathered at the temple in the land of Bountiful after Christ’s Crucifixion. You have seen fires, tempests, earthquakes, whirlwinds, floods, and so much more destroy the land. You’re exhausted, homeless, and just trying to survive. And then you hear a voice. But it’s not just any voice. It’s His voice. In this week’s study group, we’re going to dig into 3 Nephi 8–11 to learn more about Christ’s visit to the Americas and what His first words were to the people.

Find full episodes of the Sunday on Monday study group here. Start your free trial of Deseret Bookshelf PLUS+ here.

32: "Stand Ye in Holy Places" (Doctrine and Covenants 85–87)

The parable of the wheat and the tares is pretty well known, and odds are you've sat through multiple lessons and talks that expound on it. But let's be real here while learning about this subject have you ever wondered whether you are a wheat or a tare? As we study this week's lesson in Doctrine and Covenants 85–87, we'll dig into the many applications of this parable that you might not have thought of before and what it has to do with members of the Church today.

Ardeth Kapp: Tried and True Marriage Advice

Former Young Women General President Ardeth Kapp and her husband Heber went through a lot during their 67 years of marriage before Heber passed away in May 2017. They worked together as president and matron of the Cardston Alberta Temple, were mission leaders of the Canada Vancouver Mission, and dedicated their lives to serving God in every calling in between. The Kapps also faced plenty of ups and downs in their marriage as they struggled with infertility and were never able to have children. In this episode, we speak with Ardeth about true partnership in marriage and learn from her example of how to choose faith and grace through thick and thin.