Acts 16–21

In this episode we'll talk about Acts 16-21. After Peter received instruction that the gospel was to be preached to both Jew and Gentile, a massive missionary effort began within the ancient church. Paul, formerly Saul, and his associates were some of those first Christian missionaries. We'll talk about the many trials and difficulties and Paul and his cohorts went through as they tried to preach about Jesus Christ. We'll discuss the mistaken belief that if we are obedient, we will not experience major trials and difficulties. We'll review how even though obedience yields blessings, some of those blessings don't come until later. And we'll discuss how suffering and adversity may play a large role in our spiritual development.

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Acts 10–15

In this episode we'll talk about Acts 10-15. We'll review the theme of change and how learning to accept change is a critical piece of our spiritual and emotional development. We'll talk about the account of Cornelius, a gentile, who received a vision to seek out Peter. Peter has a vision of unclean beasts that he eventually understands is heavenly direction to preach the gospel to everyone, regardless of whether they are Israelites or not. We'll talk about the challenges we sometimes face to adjust to unexpected or significant changes in life. We'll review some teachings from President Russell M. Nelson that reinforce the power of change and how it is essential to becoming more like the Savior.

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Acts 6–9

In this episode we'll talk about Acts 6-9. We'll focus on the story of Saul. Saul was a hater and persecutor of believers of Jesus Christ, causing damage and destruction to the church as a whole and to individual lives of members. Eventually he is visited by Jesus Christ who rebukes him and commands him to repent. Saul heeds the call and is eventually healed by Ananias, a faithful disciple. The story of Saul invites introspection to the idea of forgiveness. Did he deserve forgiveness? How would others react to his changed ways? We'll discuss the commandment to forgive and review how forgiveness can improve our spirituality and increase our mental and emotional health.

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Acts 1–5

In this episode we'll talk about Acts 1-5. We'll review the account of Ananias and Sapphira in chapter five. Their story is a cautionary tale about many things, including doing good things for the best reasons. We'll discuss how our motivation is important when we are striving to walk the covenant path. Although doing good things is commendable, we should strive to do them for noble reasons. We'll talk about how being overly concerned about the perceptions of others can be a detriment to our mental health and also our patterns of obedience. We'll review how as we increase our feelings of self-confidence, we can become less dependent upon the opinions of others.

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Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20–21

In this episode we'll talk about Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20-21. We'll talk about the Savior’s resurrection and appearance to many. We’ll review the story of the apostle Thomas, who did not believe the testimony of his cohorts that Jesus had risen. We’ll talk about the importance of faith, the need to move forward despite having immediate results, and how this relates to the improvement of mental and emotional health. We’ll also discuss the Savior’s teachings to Peter about his identity and purpose. We’ll review how increasing our own understanding of identity and purpose can help us better deal with the emotional challenges we’ll face.

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Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19

In this episode we'll talk about Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19. We'll talk about the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. We’ll review the account of Pilate and how his best instincts were to release Jesus without punishment. But as he was influenced by the voice of the people, he delivered the Savior to His death. We’ll talk about the problems that can happen from listening too much to the opinions of others and not exercising agency in righteousness. We’ll also discuss the concept of interpersonal boundaries. We’ll review how having good boundaries is critical to healthy relationships, and how increasing self-confidence can help improve boundaries with others.

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Luke 22; John 18

In this episode we'll talk about Luke 22 and John 18. We'll talk about the ordinance of the sacrament and what makes it unique from other gospel ordinances. We'll discuss the idea of being "willing" to do something and how that impacts the process of change. We'll further address how being willing to change is a necessary element in making mental health progress. We'll also talk about the Savior's power and how He has the ability to heal us from our mental and emotional issues. This healing usually takes place by Him providing needed supports in our lives, encouraging our diligence, and having us walk a path that ultimately leads to a better situation.

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John 14–17

In this episode we'll talk about John 14-17. We'll review how the gospel of John is often different than the other three gospels, focusing on unique events and providing deep insights for our spiritual and emotional development. We'll talk about the Savior's counsel during the Last Supper for his apostles to fear not and to have comfort. In the Savior's teachings, there are many suggestions that can help us increase peace and reduce anxiety in our lives. We'll talk about several of these suggestions and how they can be implemented. We'll further discuss how the gospel of Jesus Christ holds many keys to help us improve our mental and emotional health.

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