The Divine Origin of the Family Proclamation

Not all families look alike

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

In his October 2025 General Conference address, Elder Ronald A. Rasband commemorates the 30th anniversary of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." He reminds us that this document is not merely a policy statement or a cultural reflection but a revelatory text with a divine origin. By treating these words with reverence, we can find a steadying influence in a world that often seeks to redefine the fundamental unit of society.

The Process of Revelation: From Council to Conference

The creation of the Family Proclamation was a meticulous and prayerful process involving the highest councils of the Church:

• Inspiration: In 1994, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observed a shifting global landscape regarding marriage and gender. They felt a divine urgency to summarize the Church’s position.

• Preparation: The Apostles, acting as seers, prayerfully drafted the document, seeking the Lord’s guidance on "what [they] should say and how [they] should say it."

• The Approval: The draft was presented to the First Presidency (Presidents Hunter, Hinckley, and Monson) for their consideration.

• The Timing: After President Howard W. Hunter’s passing, the document came to President Gordon B. Hinckley. In September 1995, during a meeting with the Relief Society General Presidency, President Hinckley felt prompted that the upcoming General Relief Society Meeting was the right setting.

• The Publication: On September 23, 1995, President Hinckley introduced the proclamation to the women of the Church as a warning and forewarning against the "sophistry that is passed off as truth."

Key Principles and Divine Doctrines

Elder Rasband highlights several core truths found within the text:

• Divine Identity: "Each of us is ... a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents … [with] a divine nature and destiny."

• The Foundation of Happiness: "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of … Jesus Christ."

• The Formula for Success: The proclamation lists specific virtues: "Faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."

• Equal Partnership: "Fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners." Elder Rasband emphasizes that "equal" is a word that matters, noting that "preside" does not mean dominate, and "nurture" does not mean a secondary role.

Application for Families Today

The proclamation serves as a compass for modern challenges. Elder Rasband acknowledges that many individuals may feel their personal circumstances do not mirror the "ideal" described in the document. He offers comfort by stating:

• Universality: Regardless of your current family structure—whether you are single, a grandparent, or part of a family that "doesn't look like that"—you are a vital part of Heavenly Father's family.

• The Path to Peace: Applying Christlike principles improves any life. As President Hinckley famously advised, we simply need to "do the very best [we] can."

• Refuge: In times of gender confusion and shifting values, the proclamation provides clarity and stability, helping us maintain our "eyes single to the glory of God."

Questions to Ponder

1. How does understanding the "divine origin" of the proclamation change the way I study its words?

2. Which of the nine principles for happiness (faith, prayer, work, etc.) does my family need to focus on most this week?

3. How can I better support the "equal partnership" in my marriage or help others understand this divine pattern?

4. In what ways can I turn to the Savior when I feel like my family situation "doesn't fit" the traditional mold?

Reference: Ronald A. Rasband, "The Family Proclamation—Words from God," Liahona, Oct. 2025.

Labels: Divine Nature, Equal Partners, Family Proclamation, Marriage, Parenting, Revelation

// posted by John Fisher @ February 08, 2026 0 Comments

Lesson Plan: Moses 7 — "Zion is Fled"

This lesson focuses on the ministry of Enoch, the nature of God’s love, and the establishment of Zion. It is designed to help students see God not as a distant observer, but as a Father who is deeply involved in our lives.

I. The Story of Enoch: A Summary

Enoch began his ministry as a man who felt "slow of speech" and unworthy (Moses 6:31). However, through faith, he became a powerful prophet. In Moses 7, we see the culmination of his work. He led the people of God against their enemies, and his faith was so great that "he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled" (Moses 7:13).

His greatest achievement was not military, but spiritual: he founded the City of Holiness, called Zion, which was eventually taken up into heaven because the people lived in perfect righteousness.

II. The Weeping God (Moses 7:28–40)

One of the most profound moments in scripture occurs when Enoch sees the God of Heaven weep.

• The Surprise: Enoch was astonished. He asked, "How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?" (v. 29).

• The Reason: God wept because of the wickedness of His children. He explained that He gave them agency and the commandment to love one another, yet they were "without affection" and hated their own blood (v. 32–33).

• The Lesson: This teaches us that God is not a stoic, unfeeling being. He is moved by our choices and feels "bitterness" when we suffer or reject His love.

III. Key Prophecies: Ancient and Modern

Enoch’s vision spanned the history of the world. He prophesied:

1. The Coming of the Son of Man: Enoch saw the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (v. 47). This title reminds us that the Atonement was central to God's plan before the earth was even formed.

2. The Restoration and the Book of Mormon: God promised that in the last days, "righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth" (v. 62). This refers to the ministry of angels and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon to gather the elect.

3. The Second Coming: Enoch saw the earth "rest" when Christ returns in the latter days (v. 64–65).

Application: These prophecies apply to us today because we are living in the era of the "gathering." Just as Enoch prepared a people for Zion, we are tasked with preparing the world for the Savior’s return by sharing the "truth sent forth out of the earth."

IV. Jesus Christ: The King of Zion (Moses 7:53)

In verse 53, the Lord declares, "I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven."

• The Gate: To "come in at the gate" means to enter the covenant path through baptism.

• Climbing up by Him: This suggests that salvation is an upward journey. We do not reach the "Rock of Heaven" on our own strength; we use His Atonement as the means to ascend.

• King of Kings: Having Christ as our King means we submit our will to His, seeking His laws above the laws of the world.

V. Building Zion in Our Day

The scriptures define Zion as a people who are "of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them" (Moses 7:18).

VI. Clarifying the "Seed of Cain"

The text mentions that the "seed of Cain were black" (Moses 7:22). Within the context of Moses 7, this is described as a result of their own withdrawal from God. In verse 8, it notes they lived in a land of "darkness."

Important Perspective: As modern prophets have taught, God "denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female" (2 Nephi 26:33). The "darkness" or "blackness" mentioned in ancient texts is often a symbolic representation of a spiritual state—being separated from the light of the Spirit—rather than a commentary on race as we define it today.

VII. Discussion Questions

1. How does knowing that God weeps for us change how you pray to Him?

2. What "bitterness" in the world today makes you feel like Enoch (v. 44), and how does the promise of the Second Coming give you hope?

3. What is one specific way our family/class can become more "of one heart" this week?

Labels: covenants, Enoch, Jesus Christ, Noah, Zion

// posted by John Fisher @ February 08, 2026 0 Comments

Elder and Sister Gong and friends in Pristina, Kosovo

Choosing Christ Means Helping Others Feel Like They Belong

by John Fisher (assisted by AI)

In his October 2025 general conference address, Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Council of Twelve Apostles delivered a simple, piercing message: no one should ever sit alone. In a world shaped by isolation, comparison, and quiet exclusion, his invitation was not merely to notice loneliness—but to act decisively to relieve it. The talk reframed belonging as a core expression of discipleship, grounded in the character of a loving God and lived out through ordinary, intentional choices.

For those of us worshipping in large wards of hundreds—and for Saints gathering in small branches such as Pristina, Kosovo—the message lands with equal force but different application. The scale may change; the responsibility does not.

Summary of the Message

Elder Gong taught that the gospel of Jesus Christ creates communities of inclusion rather than spectatorship. Belonging is not automatic; it is cultivated through seeing, welcoming, and staying with one another—especially those on the margins. The Savior’s ministry consistently crossed social, cultural, and emotional boundaries, and Elder Gong reminded us that covenant communities are healthiest when no one is overlooked, unseen, or left to worship alone.

This invitation is not a call to grand programs or new initiatives. It is a call to personal conversion. Discipleship is expressed in small but consequential acts: noticing who is missing, who is quiet, who arrives late, who leaves early, and who may be uncertain whether they truly belong. These everyday observations, followed by simple acts of care, are the building blocks of gospel culture.

Elder Gong described gospel culture not as a social style, demographic pattern, or set of unwritten expectations, but as a way of living that reflects the character of Jesus Christ. It is measured less by how efficiently meetings run and more by how people feel when they arrive, participate, and leave. In a true gospel culture, individuals are not valued for visibility, confidence, calling, age, or background. They are valued because they are known, seen, and loved.

At the center of this culture is intentional belonging. Gospel culture rejects exclusion by neglect, silence, or assumption. Instead, it is proactive, relational, and deeply personal. It requires disciples to notice others, make room for them, and remain with them—not as an obligation, but as an expression of love.

This culture also reflects a correct understanding of God. As Elder Gong taught through both word and example, we worship a loving Heavenly Father, not a distant or fear-based authority. That understanding shapes how we treat one another. When God is understood as loving, His Church becomes a place of refuge rather than performance. People are welcomed before they are evaluated, and belonging precedes growth.

Ultimately, gospel culture is not created by policies or programs alone. It is created through daily, quiet choices—who we sit with, who we speak to, who we follow up with, and who we refuse to let sit alone. Elder Gong’s message makes clear that gospel culture is lived one relationship at a time.

Five Short Quotes from the Address

1. “No one sits alone.”

2. “Belonging is a sacred responsibility.”

3. “The Savior notices those on the margins.”

4. “We reflect God’s love when we include.”

5. “Christ’s Church is a place of refuge, not fear.”

(Brief excerpts used for reflection; see full address for complete context.)

What This Looks Like in a Large Ward

In a ward of hundreds, loneliness can hide in plain sight. People can attend faithfully and still feel invisible. Elder Gong’s counsel invites deliberate, relational ministry rather than passive friendliness.

Concrete commitments may include:

• Ministering with purpose. I can recommit to my assigned families—not as a checklist, but as relationships.

• Ministering as a companionship. I can fully involve my ministering companion, who is a 14-year-old teacher, modeling that meaningful service is not age-dependent. Together, we can learn how to listen, show up, and follow through.

• Seeing beyond circles. Sitting with someone new, introducing others across age or social lines, and noticing who might be standing alone in the hallway.

• Following up. A text, a call, or an invitation after Sunday can make the difference between attendance and belonging.

Large wards require intentionality. When everyone assumes “someone else” will notice, people are left unseen. Elder Gong’s message places responsibility back where it belongs—on each of us.

What This Looks Like in a Small Branch

In a small branch like Pristina, the challenge is different but no less real. Numbers are few, but vulnerability can be high. Every absence is felt. Every new face matters.

In that setting, belonging looks like:

• Shared responsibility. Everyone helps everyone—because there is no one else.

• Deep relationships. Meals, conversations, and testimony meetings become intimate spaces of trust.

• Cultural sensitivity. Inclusion requires understanding local histories, faith backgrounds, and lived experiences.

A friend who attended Elder Gong’s talk in Pristina shared a powerful observation afterward:

“The difference between the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other churches is that you teach of a loving God, whereas other churches teach you to fear God.”

That insight captures the heart of Elder Gong’s message. Where God is feared, people withdraw. Where God is loving, people gather—and make room for one another.

Questions to Ponder

1. Who in my ward or branch might be “sitting alone” in ways I have not noticed?

2. How can I move from friendliness to meaningful inclusion?

3. What does it look like to minister with someone—especially someone younger or less experienced?

4. How does my view of God shape how I treat others?

5. What simple action can I take this week to ensure no one sits alone?

Conclusion

“No One Sits Alone” is not merely a memorable phrase; it is a covenantal charge. Elder Gong reminded us that belonging is one of the clearest signals of Christ’s presence among His people. Whether in a crowded chapel or a small rented room in Pristina, the measure of our discipleship is found in who feels seen, welcomed, and loved.

I can do better. I can notice more. I can minister more intentionally—with my companion, with humility, and with consistency. When we choose inclusion, we do more than fill seats. We reflect the character of a loving God—and ensure that, truly, no one sits alone.

Reference

Gong, G. W. (2025, October). No one sits alone. General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/25gong?lang=eng

Labels: belonging, community, discipleship, gospel culture, inclusion, ministering

// posted by John Fisher @ January 20, 2026 0 Comments

Understanding the Lord’s Promise to Remember Our Sins No More and the Role of Repentance in Forgetting

Labels: assurance, atonement, forgiveness, healing, repentance

// posted by John Fisher @ January 11, 2026 0 Comments

Understanding Jesus Christ as the God of the Old Testament and what that truth means for covenant discipleship

The Last Judgment by J.W. Scott - mural in Washington D.C. temple

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

One of the most significant doctrinal truths restored in modern times is the clear understanding that Jesus Christ is Jehovah, the God who spoke and acted throughout the Old Testament. This knowledge reshapes how we read scripture, understand God’s dealings with humanity, and view our own covenant relationship with Him. Far from being distant or abstract, the God of the Old Testament is the same loving Redeemer who walked the roads of Galilee and invites us today to “hear Him.”

President Dallin H. Oaks summarized this doctrine succinctly, teaching that when scripture records words spoken by “God” or “the Lord,” those words are “almost always the words of Jehovah, our risen Lord, Jesus Christ” (Oaks, 2023).

Jesus Christ as Jehovah

President Oaks explained:

“The Father introduced His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior and Redeemer and gave us the command to ‘hear Him.’ From this direction we conclude that the scriptural records of words spoken by ‘God’ or the ‘Lord’ are almost always the words of Jehovah, our risen Lord, Jesus Christ.”
(Oaks, 2023, p. 102)

This teaching provides a unifying lens for scripture study. The God who covenanted with Abraham, delivered Israel from Egypt, and spoke through prophets was Jesus Christ acting under the direction of the Father.

This truth is powerfully illustrated in the New Testament. When Jewish leaders challenged Jesus’ authority, He declared, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). This statement provoked outrage because Jesus was directly invoking the divine name revealed to Moses.

In Exodus, when Moses asked whom he should say had sent him, God replied, “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14). Later the Lord clarified, “I am the Lord, and I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob” (Exodus 6:3). By using the phrase “I am,” Jesus unmistakably identified Himself as Jehovah—the covenant God of Israel.

Why This Doctrine Matters

Knowing that Jesus Christ is Jehovah makes the Old Testament deeply personal. The same Savior who invites the weary to come unto Him (see Matthew 11:28) is the God who led Israel through the wilderness, showed mercy again and again, and patiently taught His people through covenants.

This understanding strengthens faith, especially when encountering difficult or complex Old Testament passages. Rather than seeing two different Gods, we see one consistent divine character—perfectly just, infinitely merciful, and unwaveringly committed to the salvation of His children.

Restoring “Plain and Precious” Truths

The Lord foresaw that essential truths about His identity and covenant relationship would be lost over time. Nephi recorded that “many plain and precious things” would be taken from the Bible (1 Nephi 13:26). However, God promised to restore them through additional scripture and revelation.

The Book of Mormon plays a central role in this restoration. According to 2 Nephi 3:12, the Bible and the Book of Mormon “shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines, and establishing peace.” Together, they testify that Jesus Christ is Jehovah and clarify His role across dispensations.

Other restored texts deepen this understanding:

• The Book of Moses, restoring truths from Genesis 1–6

• The Book of Abraham, revealing premortal councils and divine purpose (see Abraham 3:22–28)

• Joseph Smith Translation passages, such as the account of Melchizedek (JST Genesis 14:25–40)

Accounts like Enoch’s Zion (Moses 7:18–19) and Abraham’s vision of the premortal life are “plain and precious” because they reveal the eternal scope of Christ’s ministry and His role as Jehovah before mortality.

Jehovah and Covenant Relationship

The Old Testament is fundamentally a covenant record. The Lord declared to Israel, “Ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me” (Exodus 19:5). That covenant relationship—initiated by Jehovah—continues today.

Understanding Jesus Christ as Jehovah clarifies that He is the covenant-making and covenant-keeping God. Through Him, the “new covenant” promised by Jeremiah—where God’s law is written in our hearts—is fulfilled (Jeremiah 31:31–34).

As we study the Old Testament, important questions naturally arise: Why are covenants essential to my spiritual life? What blessings of love, mercy, and guidance come as I remain faithful to them? The answers consistently lead back to Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Recognizing Jesus Christ as Jehovah transforms how we read the Old Testament. It becomes not merely a historical account, but a living testimony of the Savior’s ongoing relationship with humanity. From burning bush to Sinai, from covenant promises to prophetic warnings, it is Christ who speaks, leads, and redeems.

As we study the Old Testament, restored scripture, and modern prophetic teachings together, we gain a clearer, more unified witness of Jesus Christ—the same yesterday, today, and forever. Knowing Him as Jehovah deepens reverence, strengthens covenant commitment, and anchors faith in the eternal Redeemer.

Reference (APA Style)

Oaks, D. H. (2023, May). The teachings of Jesus Christ. Liahona, 100–105.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2023/05/51oaks?lang=eng

Labels: covenants, Jehovah, Jesus Christ, Old Testament, restored scripture

// posted by John Fisher @ January 04, 2026 0 Comments

 How symbols, types, and prophetic narratives in ancient scripture testify of Jesus Christ and invite us to center our faith and daily discipleship on Him

Moses and the Brazen Serpent - Sebastien Bourbon c. 1653-4

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

From its opening chapters to its prophetic promises, the Old Testament consistently bears witness of Jesus Christ. While His mortal ministry is recorded in the New Testament, the foundation of His mission, identity, and redeeming power is woven throughout the earlier scriptures. As the Savior Himself declared, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). One fruitful way to find spiritual nourishment in the Old Testament is to look for symbols, types, and narratives that point to Christ—the true Bread of Life (John 6:48). These accounts not only prepare the way for His coming but also deepen our understanding of who He is and what He offers to all who follow Him.

Types and Symbols of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament

Manna: The Bread of Life

When the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness, the Lord provided manna from heaven to sustain them daily. The Lord declared, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you” (Exodus 16:4). Each morning the people gathered this miraculous food, described as “a small round thing…like coriander seed” (Exodus 16:14–15), sufficient for their immediate needs.

Jesus later revealed the deeper meaning of this provision: “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger” (John 6:35). Just as manna sustained Israel physically, Christ sustains us spiritually. The daily gathering of manna teaches dependence upon God and reminds us that enduring spiritual life comes only through continual reliance on the Savior.

The Sacrificial Lamb

At the time of the Passover, Israel was commanded to select “a lamb without blemish” (Exodus 12:5) and to apply its blood as a sign of deliverance. This act preserved them from death and marked their liberation from bondage.

John the Baptist later identified Jesus as the fulfillment of this symbol: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The Passover lamb prefigures Christ’s perfect, sinless sacrifice. Through His atoning blood, all who follow Him are delivered from spiritual death and freed from the bondage of sin.

The Brass Serpent

When Israel murmured in the wilderness, fiery serpents afflicted the people. The Lord instructed Moses to raise a brass serpent so that “every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live” (Numbers 21:8). Healing came not through human effort, but through faithful obedience and trust in God’s appointed means.

Jesus explained the symbolism plainly: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up” (John 3:14). This account teaches that salvation comes by looking to Christ with faith. His crucifixion, like the raised serpent, offers healing and life to all who turn to Him.

Jonah: Death and Resurrection

Jonah’s experience in the depths of the sea—spending “three days and three nights in the whale’s belly” (Jonah 1:17)—became a powerful sign of Christ’s future resurrection. Jesus Himself declared, “As Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40).

Jonah’s deliverance foreshadows Christ’s triumph over death. This parallel testifies that Jesus is the promised Redeemer who would conquer the grave and offer resurrection to all mankind.

What These Examples Teach about Jesus Christ

Together, these Old Testament witnesses teach that Jesus Christ is our sustainer, redeemer, healer, and conqueror of death. They show that God’s plan of salvation was established from the beginning and consistently revealed through inspired symbols and prophetic events. Beyond these examples, many readers are familiar with additional references—such as the messianic prophecies of Isaiah, the promised Seed of Abraham, and the righteous King foretold by the prophets—all pointing forward to Christ.

Living the Invitation to Seek Christ

In his message “Jesus Christ Is the Treasure,” Elder Dale G. Renlund encouraged us to “remember and always focus on Jesus Christ.” Studying the Old Testament with this purpose in mind transforms scripture reading from a historical exercise into a deeply personal act of discipleship. As we seek Christ in ancient texts, we become more attuned to recognizing His hand in our own lives—guiding, sustaining, and redeeming us today.

Conclusion

The Old Testament is far more than a record of ancient Israel; it is a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ. Through symbols such as manna, the sacrificial lamb, the brass serpent, and the experience of Jonah, the scriptures consistently point to the Savior’s mission and divine identity. As we study with intent to find Him, we are nourished spiritually and drawn closer to the living Christ. By remembering and focusing on Him—in scripture and in daily life—we discover that He truly is the greatest treasure.

Reference 
Renlund, D. G. (2023, November). Jesus Christ is the treasure. Liahona. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2023/11/57renlund?lang=eng

Labels: Jesus Christ, Old Testament symbolism, redemption, scripture study, types of Christ

// posted by John Fisher @ January 04, 2026 0 Comments

For part of the translation, Joseph Smith used a seer stone. He placed it in a hat so he could see more clearly.

Labels: Book of Mormon, evidence of faith, Jeffry R. Holland, Jesus Christ, miracles

// posted by John Fisher @ December 14, 2025 0 Comments