Non-Fiction
THE PARABLES OF JESUS
Mirrors to the Soul, Windows to Eternity
Why did Jesus teach in parables? Because some will have eyes to see and ears to hear, and others will not (see Matthew 13:10-17).
That was clearly the case in His day, so how well do we really understand His many parable today?
In The Parable of Jesus, Elder Gerald N. Lund shares not only the ancient context and setting in which each parable was taught, but also illuminates the language and layers found within the parables, helping us see the application for our own lives today.
As we seek the divine truths often obscured by parables, the Lord can help us better understand ourselves and reveal to us eternal insights.
THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD
Principles and Patterns of Personal Revelation
Do we recognize the signs of the Savior’s Second Coming that are happening today?
Originally published in 1971, The Coming of the Lord, by Gerald N. Lund, became an instant bestseller and has remained continuously in print for nearly fifty years. Now this trusted resource has been fully updated and rewritten to reflect the latest prophetic teachings and a growing sense of urgency as the Lord hastens His work.
As Elder Lund explains, “God has spoken, is speaking, and will continue to speak to us through the Spirit and through His servants the prophets. This is a gift of inestimable worth to those who live in the last days. Though the title this book carries is The Second Coming of the Lord, it is much more than a book that focuses only on the actual return of Jesus Christ. It is an examination of the prophecies about the Second Coming and the events leading up to it.”
This new edition includes:
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Hundreds of the most recent statements from prophets, seers, and revelators on the signs of the times and the Second Coming, not available in the original publication.
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Extensive new commentary and scriptural insights gleaned from decades of the author’s gospel teaching and study.
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An in-depth examination of prophecies that have already been fulfilled, including those that have occurred since the original publication.
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An uplifting view on why we should look forward to the Lord’s return with anticipation rather than anxiety.
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A discussion on how to prepare ourselves and our families for what will be the greatest event still to come in this world.
As we study and come to understand the words of ancient and modern prophets, we can learn how to “abide the day of his coming” (D&C 61:39). More than simply “surviving” or “enduring” the day of His coming and the events leading up to it, we will be able to look forward to the Savior’s return with peace, calm, rest, and safety.
THE COMING OF THE LORD
Prophesies of the Second Coming
To Latter-day Saints there is probably no subject more significant than that of the Savior's second coming. That day is near at hand. And it will affect everyone.
In The Coming of the Lord , Gerald Lund brings into sharp focus the events both thrilling and threatening which are to precede and accompany the second coming. The United States in prophecy, the Adam-Ondi-Ahman Council, the coming of the Ten Tribes, the City and Temple of Zion, the “One Mighty and Strong,” the Millenium itself — all these and many other relevant facets are discussed clearly and forthrightly. Deliberately avoiding speculation, the author ties his commentary to significant scriptural passages and authoritative comment from modern prophets. Particularly important are the conclusions drawn as to where and how the righteous may find their security in the days ahead.
While the author does not attempt to minimize the troublesome times predicted by the scriptures, the tone of his book is positive. It indicates how a person may confidently prepare. It seeks to induce anticipation rather than anxiety, a sense of joyous partnership with God in the great events of the last days. As combined information and inspiration on a vital subject, this substantial, instructive book should be high-priority reading for everyone.
WHY ISN'T GOD ANSWERING ME?
It's a question we've all faced at one time or another. Why isn't God answering my prayers? We may seem to be doing everything right—going to church, fulfilling our callings, striving to strengthen our families, and, of course, praying. But still the answer doesn't come. If there are no serious sins blocking out the whisperings of the Spirit, why then do the windows of heaven still seem to be closed?
In his wise, conversational style, best-selling author Gerald N. Lund offers suggestions and solutions for all who are anxiously hoping to hear the voice of the Lord in their lives. He helps us to approach this timeless question with new perspective and insight that will help us realize the ways the Lord is answering our questions or the reasons He might not be—yet.
It could be that we just don't recognize God's answer when it comes. Perhaps we are unable to hear the still, small voice amid the commotion and distractions of life or are struggling with feelings of anxiety, fear, and doubt. Or maybe we haven't yet put in adequate effort to receive the answer God wants for us. Whatever the case, if you have felt out of tune with heavenly communication, you are not alone. Using real-life examples and expertise garnered from a lifetime of teachings, Gerald Lund turns our desperate plea—Why isn't God answering me?—into a question of hope that will ultimately draw down the powers of heaven in our behalf.
HEARING THE VOICE OF THE LORD
Principles and Patterns of Personal Revelation
How can we navigate safely through our turbulent times? Personal revelation is one key! Elder Gerald N. Lund, million-selling author of The Work and the Glory, offers profound insights about how personal revelation “works.” Learn how we can increase our ability to receive and recognize personal revelation, what we can do to avoid being misled, and many other ideas relevant to this tremendously important spiritual gift.
At the beginning of the Doctrine and Covenants we read of a timeless and universal truth: "The voice of the Lord is unto all men" (D&C 1:2). The heavens are not closed, God is not silent, and each of us can, individually, receive specific and personal revelation from God that can bless us with direction, insight, and comfort.
But though we may recognize the need to have personal revelation to guide us in our life, many of us struggle with some fundamental questions: Do we recognize the various methods God uses to speak to us? Are we familiar with the guidelines that govern receiving spiritual promptings -- and how can we really tell that it is the Lord speaking to us? How can we hear the voice of the Lord more clearly, more directly, and more frequently?
In Hearing the Voice of the Lord, Elder Gerald N. Lund provides reassuring and practical answers to these and many other questions. He discusses:
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Ways in which revelation comes
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Key principles that help us know how to "hear" and understand personal revelation
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What we can do to avoid being misled as we seak heavenly guidance
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How we can increase our sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Ghost
Hearing the Voice of the Lord provides profound insights into both the doctrine and the application of personal revelation. The Lord is speaking to us. Are we listening?
DIVINE SIGNATURES
The Confirming Hand of God
As Latter-day Saints, we know God exists, but sometimes we may wonder, “Heavenly Father, are you really there for me?”
When trials seem beyond our ability to bear, some people lose their spiritual bearings, while others are made even stronger. How can we strengthen our faith and deepen our testimony to the point that we can endure whatever life holds in store for us and emerge stronger than before?
In this unique book, Gerald N. Lund shows how having a correct idea of God's character, perfections, and attributes is essential to our ability to strengthen our faith and develop our testimony.
He also reminds us of how much God loves His children and that He “delights” to bless us, especially when we are striving to do His will. As and example, Elder Lund introduces the idea of a divine signature: “Sometimes blessings come in such an unusual manner and with such precise timing that they accomplish something in addition to blessing us. They so clearly confirm the reality of God's existence that they buoy us up in times of trials.”
Throughout the book, Elder Lund relates story after story — some from Church history, some from his own life, and some from acquaintances — that illustrate the inspiring and life-changing insights he shares.
This book is a powerful blend of personal reflection and deep doctrine that will help us identify the tender mercies and “divine signatures” that abound in our own lives and which will lead us closer to God.
LOOK UP, MY SOUL
The Divine Promise of Hope
Faith, Hope, and Charity are known as the three great Christian virtues. And while we may feel as though we know how to exercise faith or extend charity, too many of us are overlooking hope — even though it is exactly what we are seeking.
Hope is more than an attitude of good cheer or a generalized faith in God. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf defined hope as “the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to us.” In Look Up, My Soul, Elder Gerald N. Lund leads us through a discussion of the doctrine of hope in such depth and detail, and with such love, that we may be surprised at this unexpected and under-appreciated power that is available to us.
Elder Lund talks about the realities of life in our day, the reasons many of us lack hope, and the need for hope in our time. He shares his insights on such questions as:
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What is hope?
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How does hope relate to faith and charity?
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How do we gain, strengthen, and maintain our hope, especially in times of despair?
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What role does the Savior play in our efforts to develop hope?
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What are the divine promises that foster hope?
Included in the book are inspirational and enlightening stories — from Church history, the scriptures, Elder Lund's own life, and the lives of others who were willing to share their stories of hope — that invite us to look up and to find joy in the promises the Lord has made to us.
Hope is more than just a wish that things will get better; it is a power that makes things better. It is a spiritual gift from God, and with His help, we can make hope a vital and vibrant part of our everyday life and of our eternal spiritual survival.
IN TUNE
The Role of the Spirit in Teaching and Learning
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are all teachers. Not only do we have a glorious mandate to "teach all nations" the gospel (Matthew 28:19), we also have numerous charges to "teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom" (D&C 88:77). In formal and informal settings, as parents or leaders or friends, we are constantly teaching and learning.
Not only has the Lord commanded us to teach, but He has taught us what we are to teach and how we are to do it: diligently and by the power of the Spirit. But how do we know if we're "doing it right"? What signs can we watch for that the Spirit is actually present in a teaching setting?
In this insightful companion volume to Hearing the Voice of the Lord, bestselling author Gerald N. Lund brings his decades of experience working in the Church Educational System to the topic of teaching and learning by the Spirit. He discusses common misconceptions, important questions we should ask about our teaching, and the role of the Holy Ghost in the process.
"The Lord has given the responsibility to save His children to teachers," writes Elder Lund. "The charge is clear. It is specific. It is inspiring. And, gratefully, the Lord blesses us greatly when we strive to carry out His will."
JESUS CHRIST:
Key to the Plan of Salvation
"From the foundation of the world to the present day, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has been the central figure in the plan of the Father to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man," writes Gerald N. Lund.
In Jesus Christ, Key to the Plan of Salvation, Gerald Lund draws upon over a quarter century of teaching experience in the Church Educational System and a thorough knowledge of the Holy Land and the scriptures. He examines both the ministry of the Savior and the critical elements in the Father's plan. How did the Savior define the purpose of his ministry? Why was the Fall necessary? How does the Old Testament prefigure the Messiah? What does the Atonement do for God's children? What names and titles of the Savior reflect his Godhood and his work? How do grace, faith, and works fit into the plan? How can we keep the Savior's commandment to be perfect? These are just some of the questions Brother Lund answers.
"He it was who stepped forward in the Great Council in heaven," Brother Lund writes, "and offered his life as ransom for all. (See Moses 4:1-2.) He it was who, under the direction of the Father, created worlds without number. (See Moses 1:32-33.) He it was who directed men as Jehovah, God of the Old Testament. . . . He it was who put aside his godly glory, thinking it not unseemly to take upon himself the frail and corruptible body of mortality. (See Philip. 2:6-8.) He it was who sweat blood for us in a garden of olive trees; . . . who endured the lacerating pain of a Roman scourging and the unspeakable horror of death by crucifixion—all that he might save us from the results of our foolishness and rebellion. . . . He it is who will overthrow Babylon and make the kingdoms of the world become the kingdoms of our God and his Christ. (See Rev. 11:15.) He it is who will come again in such resplendent glory that the mountains will flow down at his presence and the sun will hide its face in shame."
Jesus Christ, Key to the Plan of Salvation is a clear and incisive look at the work and gifts of our Redeemer as they relate to our exaltation.
SELECTED WRITINGS:
Gospel Scholar Series
In recent decades, a number of exceptional Latter-day Saint scholars have expanded our understanding of many gospel subjects. In many cases, however, much of what they have written (or given as speeches) has been published for relatively small audiences, or it was published so long ago as to be unavailable or inaccessible to most readers; in some cases an article or paper has never been published at all.
Now Deseret Book is pleased to bring together some of "the best of the best" in the Gospel Scholars Series.An excellent addition to this series, this book features essays written by well-known Latter-day Saint scholar Gerald N. Lund. Brother Lund’s work is divided into four parts:
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“Insights from the Scriptures”
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“Jesus Christ and His Atonement”
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“Principles of Growth and Progression”
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“Excellence in Teaching”
He examines popular gospel topics as well as sharing stories and insights from his life.
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Insights into the Birth of Christ
Throughout the Christian world, there is probably no scriptural passage that is read more frequently or more widely than Luke chapter two. Read Gerald N. Lund's marvelous insights into the birth of Christ in this small booklet, The Light of the World, perfect for Christmas.