Topic

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are Christians. We believe that there is a God and that He is the Heavenly Father of all people on earth. We believe that His Son, Jesus Christ, performed a vicarious atoning sacrifice for the sins of all of God’s children, and those who believe in Him and repent will be able to return to God’s presence after this life. We believe that Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected three days later—and because of this, all people will live again one day with a resurrected, immortal, perfect body.

Latter-day Saints believe that following the death of Jesus’s apostles, the authority to act in God’s name was lost from the earth, and with it went the fulness of truth and the Church of Jesus Christ. Through the prophet Joseph Smith in the early 1800s, the Church of Jesus Christ was restored once again. Central aspects of that restoration include the authority to do God’s work as well as greater knowledge of God’s plan of salvation, which answers questions about the purpose of life. Another central aspect is the discovery and translation of the Book of Mormon, a record of some of God’s dealings with the ancient people of the Western Hemisphere.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by prophets and apostles who receive revelation from God as did the prophets and apostles of old. These prophets and apostles counsel members of the Church and people worldwide to keep the commandments of God so they can receive the blessings He has in store for them. With more than 17 million members worldwide, the Church encourages its adherents to better themselves and the world around them through their faith.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the sponsoring institution of Brigham Young University, and most of the students and faculty at BYU are Church members. The university seeks to provide a high-quality, competitive education in an atmosphere conducive to the beliefs and standards of the Church. The devotional addresses given on campus and housed here at BYU Speeches generally reflect Church beliefs and are part of Brigham Young University’s effort to blend learning by study and by faith.

Inspiring Shorts

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By Study & By Faith

Rev. Dr. Andrew Teal, Chaplain, Fellow, & Lecturer in Theology, Pembroke College

Andrew Teal October 26, 2021

Gary Browning, professor of Russian language and literature at Brigham Young University

Gary Browning November 2, 1993

Ezra Taft Benson - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Ezra Taft Benson December 1, 1952

Kevin S. Hamilton | January 24, 2023

The only way we can truly come unto Christ is through His restored Church upon the earth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

devotional 2023

Andrew Teal | October 26, 2021

We can build a “beloved community” daily by uniting with other Christians to face change together and invite all to come unto Christ.

forum 2021

Francis E. George | February 23, 2010

Cardinal George encourages Catholics and Mormons to work together to defend religious freedom and be advocates for human rights and dignity.

forum 2010

James E. Faust | March 1, 2005

Is the Church found in chapels? Temples? Homes? Only if it is first in the hearts of its members. "The kingdom of God is within you."

devotional 2005

Keith B. McMullin | October 21, 2003

As we increasingly love God and His kingdom and make them our primary focus, we will find that all of the "compartments" of our lives are blessed.

devotional 2003

Robert C. Freeman | July 25, 2000

Freeman shares the history of the Nauvoo Temple, sharing the Saint's sacrifices to complete it and the events regarding it after they left.

devotional 2000

Lee H. Radebaugh | January 19, 1999

“The Church may face different challenges now than it did at the time of Peter and Paul, but it still has to deal with converts from different countries with different languages and cultures, all struggling to get closer to their Heavenly Father.”

devotional 1999

Gary Browning | November 2, 1993

The emergence of the Church out of obscurity in Russia is shared, along with stories of faithful pioneers who made that possible.

devotional 1993

James E. Faust | September 24, 1989

Is the Church found in chapels? Temples? Homes? Only if it is first in the hearts of its members. “The kingdom of God is within you.”

devotional 1989

President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Gordon B. Hinckley | September 3, 1989

I have had opportunity this summer to marvel at the time in which we live. I've been especially touched by the dedication of four special Church sites.

devotional 1989

W. Grant Bangerter | August 4, 1985

Tolerance is a two-way street. If we want others to respect our beliefs, we must be willing to afford the same respect and appreciation to theirs.

devotional 1985

David B. Haight | January 29, 1983

Our Church, faith, and gospel have Jesus Christ for their foundation. The scriptures and the lives of latter-day prophets testify of Him.

devotional 1983

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ.

Neal A. Maxwell | November 8, 1977

Satan knows Christ for who He is, and he knows this Church for what it is. When all hell is moved in opposition, stand fast in your testimony of the truth.

devotional 1977

Spencer W. Kimball | September 26, 1971

We live in a troubled world, but the gospel has solutions to both temporal and spiritual problems—if we are humble enough to accept them.

devotional 1971

Spencer W. Kimball | November 11, 1959

It is easy, among so many different voices in the world, to be deceived. But if we are worthy of the Spirit and true to the Church, we won't be led astray.

devotional 1959

LeGrand Richards | January 21, 1959

The Lord's promises for His Church and Kingdom are great, and we are already beginning to see some of them fulfilled.

devotional 1959

J. Reuben Clark Jr. | June 17, 1958

Some aspects of church organization change as needed, and others are eternal. All, however, are based on the revelation of truth from God to man.

devotional 1958

LeGrand Richards | June 24, 1957

Elder Richards admonishes young members of the Church to make decisions now that will help them create a united Latter-day Saint home.

devotional 1957

Ezra Taft Benson | December 1, 1952

As a leader in both arenas, Ezra Taft Benson offers his perspective on the LDS Church and politics, including its turbulent history and hopeful future.

devotional 1952

Ezra Taft Benson | January 31, 1950