Every Day Conversion

If you're like me, when you read 1 Timothy 4 when Paul talks about the latter-day apostasy, you point to it and say, 

"See!! It's happening now! It's terrible! Our society is horrible! Our culture is horrible! We're all going to hell in a hand basket!"

But is that REALLY what we should be focusing on from that chapter? 

I don't think it is...and in today's episode, I'll share what I think we SHOULD be focusing on. 

Listen now.

Get all the resources mentioned in this episode at https://www.everydayconversion.com/108

In 1 Timothy 3, Paul lays out the qualifications for a bishop and a deacon...and I REALLY dug deep into those qualifications in my study. 

As you may, or may not, know, I have served as a bishop...which means that I still hold the office of bishop, even though I'm not actively serving as one anymore. 

So these qualifications hit close to home for me...because these are the qualifications that Heavenly Father expects of me. 

But then I realized, there isn't a single one of those attributes that Heavenly Father doesn't ask ALL priesthood holders and ALL members of the Church to have and develop as well. 

So, these are not just qualifications for me and other bishops...these are qualifications for EVERYONE - from the newest member of the Church to the prophet himself! 

Take a listen as we dig into each of these qualifications and what each of them mean...as well as how you can support and help YOUR bishop to live up to these requirements. 

Get all the resources mentioned in this episode at https://www.everydayconversion.com/107

It's been quite awhile since we've had a new episode...but today we're BACK! 

Thank you for being patient... life has been busy and I've been trying to figure out the BEST way to keep sharing insights with you to assist in your personal and family scripture study! 

...and I THINK I've figured it out! 

In today's episode I share what the new format will be, as well as some encourage from ancient and modern apostles to pray for our leaders. 

Listen now! 

Get the links to everything mentioned in this episode here: https://www.everydayconversion.com/106

There is a lot of evil in the world, and a lot of practices that I definitely don't want my children seeing or taking part in. 

But the thing that scares me more than any of those things is them having to deal with being called "intolerant", "prejudice", etc. because of their religious convictions. 

I don't know how a teen or pre-teen child can be expected to have the maturity to handle those kind of attacks from their peers and adults around them. 

In today's episode we'll talk about that, as well as the Savior's counsel that is completely missing from the conversations and dialogue we see all around us in society, on social media and in the news. 

Questions: 

1. What does it mean to you to "love your enemies?"

2. How do you teach your children to be Christlike in today's culture? 

Get all the resources mentioned in this episode at https://www.everydayconversion.com/105

It seems like whenever a theological discuss breaks out, the question of whether we are saved by grace or by works always comes up. 

And the discussions can become quite militant and heated! 

But the comment of noted Christian writer C.S. Lewis on the matter is very insightful. 

He said, "It [seems] to me like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most necessary." 

The fact of the matter is that both are necessary components, but each for very different reasons. 

In today's episode we discuss some of the reasons, as well as sharing some insights I gathered while teaching the Gospel Doctrine class in my ward this past Sunday. 

Questions: 

1. How do you view the relationship between grace and works? 

2. What can you do to recognize God's grace more in your life? 

Get all the resources mentioned in this episode at https://www.everydayconversion.com/104

One of the major undertakings of the prophet Joseph Smith was his translation of the Bible. 

As a matter of fact, he regarded it as "a branch of his calling" as a prophet. 

And as you try to read and understand Romans 7, I'll bet you'll be glad he did! 

In this episode we'll dig more into what the Joseph Smith Translation is, why it's important as well as looking at how it clarifies and corrects Paul's teachings in Romans 7. 

Questions: 

1. Why do you think the Lord commanded Joseph Smith to do a translation of the Bible? 

2. How important do you think living prophets and apostles are to help us understand and interpret scripture?  

Get all the resources mentioned in this episode at https://www.everydayconversion.com/103

Romans chapter 5 is the pivotal chapter in the book of Romans. 

Chapters 1-4 build up to chapter 5, and chapters 6-16 build upon the foundation laid by chapter 5. 

Viewing the book of Romans in this way completely changes the way you read every chapter. 

Listen to this episode to learn more about looking at Romans in this way. 

Questions: 

1. How does comparing Adam and Christ help you understand the purpose of the Savior better? 

2. Have you looked at the Book of Romans as centering on Romans chapter 5? How does this viewpoint affect how you read the book of Romans? 

Get all the resources mentioned in this episode at https://www.everydayconversion.com/102

Earlier today I recorded a live study session on the Every Day Conversion Podcast Facebook page. 

I was joined by my kids, Brooklynn and Cash...as well as a few cameo appearances from my youngest, Carsten. 

Listen in as we discuss this week's Come, Follow Me lesson. 

This really is live and unscripted...there are all sorts of distractions, just like there probably is when your family studies the scriptures! 

That's part of life! 

You can watch the video of the lesson by clicking here. 

Questions: 

1. Why did Heavenly Father save Paul from the poisonous snake? 

2. What role did Paul's faith play in his being protected?

Get all the resources mentioned in this episode at https://www.everydayconversion.com/099