The Ask in Faith Podcast

Welcome to the Ask in Faith podcast with Justin Bates, a religion teacher, historian, and PhD candidate. In this episode, we explore three profound answers to the question, 'How can a loving God ask me to change who I am?' Discover the meaning of true love, our ability to change/grow over time, and how through the grace of God, we can transform into our divine potential. Tune in to hear insightful scriptures, parables, and quotes from modern-day apostles that reveal the deep love and eternal vision God has for each of us. 00:00 Introduction to the Ask in Faith Podcast 00:24 Exploring the Question: How Can a Loving God Ask Me to Change? 00:31 First Reason: True Love and Eternal Best Interest 03:04 Second Reason: People Change Over Time 05:43 Illustrative Parable: The Living House 07:00 Final Thoughts: Embracing Change Through God's Love

This episode's question is: "Why Can't I Forget About My Past Sins?" PLEASE COMMENT BELOW: - What other questions would you like us to address in future videos? As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I often get asked questions about our beliefs and practices. I can only speak for myself, not as an official Church representative, but here are my responses to some of those commonly asked questions. This short video certainly doesn't answer every question, so I'd encourage you to continue seeking truth on this subject, while also remembering that the Lord often asks us to obediently trust Him while we wait for further light and knowledge. Hope it helps! RESOURCES ON THIS SUBJECT: - Mosiah 26:30 - Doctrine & Covenants 58:42 - Alma 36:17-19 - Isaiah 49:14-16 FOR FURTHER RESOURCES ABOUT THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS: Please visit https://ComeUntoChrist.org or leave a comment below and I'll point you in the right direction. PLEASE NOTE: The opinions expressed on this podcast are my opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I refer you to official Church sources and the Church website to clarify any doctrinal questions https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ FAIR USE NOTICE: - This channel may make use of copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. - This constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. - Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. In such cases, fair use is permitted.

This week's question is: "Since God loves us and knows us perfectly, including our weaknesses and tendency to sin, is He okay with sin?" Find out in this week's episode of the Ask in Faith Podcast. Music in this video was composed by Alexis Bates (all rights reserved). PLEASE COMMENT BELOW: - What other questions would you like us to address in future videos? As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I often get asked questions about our beliefs and practices. I can only speak for myself, not as an official Church representative, but here are my responses to some of those commonly asked questions. This short video certainly doesn't answer every question, so I'd encourage you to continue seeking truth on this subject, while also remembering that the Lord often asks us to obediently trust Him while we wait for further light and knowledge. Hope it helps! RESOURCES ON THIS SUBJECT: - John 8 FOR FURTHER RESOURCES ABOUT THE RESTORED CHURCH: Please visit https://ComeUntoChrist.org or leave a comment below and I'll point you in the right direction. PLEASE NOTE: The opinions expressed on this podcast are my opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I refer you to official Church sources and the Church website to clarify any doctrinal questions https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ FAIR USE NOTICE: - This channel may make use of copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. - This constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. - Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. In such cases, fair use is permitted.

This week's question is: "How can I better understand/use the Atonement of Jesus Christ?" Find out in this week's episode of the Ask in Faith Podcast. Music in this video was composed by Alexis Bates (all rights reserved). PLEASE COMMENT BELOW: - What other questions would you like us to address in future videos? As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I often get asked questions about our beliefs and practices. I can only speak for myself, not as an official Church representative, but here are my responses to some of those commonly asked questions. This short video certainly doesn't answer every question, so I'd encourage you to continue seeking truth on this subject, while also remembering that the Lord often asks us to obediently trust Him while we wait for further light and knowledge. Hope it helps! RESOURCES ON THIS SUBJECT: - Mosiah 3:19 - President Russell M. Nelson, "Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives," April 2017 General Conference, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/drawing-the-power-of-jesus-christ-into-our-lives?lang=eng&id=p12-p14#p12. FOR FURTHER RESOURCES ABOUT THE RESTORED CHURCH: Please visit https://ComeUntoChrist.org or leave a comment below and I'll point you in the right direction. PLEASE NOTE: The opinions expressed on this podcast are my opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I refer you to official Church sources and the Church website to clarify any doctrinal questions https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ FAIR USE NOTICE: - This channel may make use of copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. - This constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. - Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. In such cases, fair use is permitted.

This week's question is: "How can I be righteous without becoming self-righteous?" Find out in this week's episode of the Ask in Faith Podcast. PLEASE COMMENT BELOW: - What other questions would you like us to address in future videos? As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I often get asked questions about our beliefs and practices. I can only speak for myself, not as an official Church representative, but here are my responses to some of those commonly asked questions. This short video certainly doesn't answer every question, so I'd encourage you to continue seeking truth on this subject, while also remembering that the Lord often asks us to obediently trust Him while we wait for further light and knowledge. Hope it helps! RESOURCES ON THIS SUBJECT: - Matthew 5:14-16 - Acts 10:38 - Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Waiting on the Road to Damascus," April 2011 General Conference, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2011/04/waiting-on-the-road-to-damascus?lang=eng - D&C 50:24-25 FOR FURTHER RESOURCES ABOUT THE RESTORED CHURCH: Please visit https://ComeUntoChrist.org or leave a comment below and I'll point you in the right direction. PLEASE NOTE: The opinions expressed on this podcast are my opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I refer you to official Church sources and the Church website to clarify any doctrinal questions https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ FAIR USE NOTICE: - This channel may make use of copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. - This constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. - Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. In such cases, fair use is permitted.

This week's questions are: "How can I learn to submit my will to God's will?" and "Why would I want to?" Find out in this week's episode of the Ask in Faith Podcast. PLEASE COMMENT BELOW: - What other questions would you like us to address in future videos? As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I often get asked questions about our beliefs and practices. I can only speak for myself, not as an official Church representative, but here are my responses to some of those commonly asked questions. This short video certainly doesn't answer every question, so I'd encourage you to continue seeking truth on this subject, while also remembering that the Lord often asks us to obediently trust Him while we wait for further light and knowledge. Hope it helps! RESOURCES ON THIS SUBJECT: - Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Willing to Submit," April 1985 General Conference, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1985/04/willing-to-submit?lang=eng#p10 - Matthew 26:39-42 FOR FURTHER RESOURCES ABOUT THE RESTORED CHURCH: Please visit https://ComeUntoChrist.org or leave a comment below and I'll point you in the right direction. PLEASE NOTE: The opinions expressed on this podcast are my opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I refer you to official Church sources and the Church website to clarify any doctrinal questions https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ FAIR USE NOTICE: - This channel may make use of copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. - This constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. - Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. In such cases, fair use is permitted.

This week's questions focus on Christ's baptism including: "How should I respond to someone who antagonizes or belittles me for my beliefs?" Find out in this week's episode of the Ask in Faith Podcast. PLEASE COMMENT BELOW: - What other questions would you like us to address in future videos? As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I often get asked questions about our beliefs and practices. I can only speak for myself, not as an official Church representative, but here are my responses to some of those commonly asked questions. This short video certainly doesn't answer every question, so I'd encourage you to continue seeking truth on this subject, while also remembering that the Lord often asks us to obediently trust Him while we wait for further light and knowledge. Hope it helps! RESOURCES ON THIS SUBJECT: - Elder James E. Faust, "What I Want My Son to Know Before He Leaves on His Mission," April 1996 G.C., https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1996/04/what-i-want-my-son-to-know-before-he-leaves-on-his-mission?lang=eng- Pres. Russell M. Nelson, "Peacemakers Needed," April 2023 G.C., https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/47nelson?lang=eng. - Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge, "Stand Forever," BYU Speech, Jan. 2019, https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/lawrence-e-corbridge/stand-for-ever/- Sister Sheri Dew, "Will You Engage in the Wrestle," BYU-I Devotional May 2016, https://ing.byui.edu/devotionals/sheri-dew.- 1 Peter 3:15- 2 Nephi 32:1 - Mosiah 4:9- Gospel Topic Essays: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/essays?lang=eng FOR FURTHER RESOURCES ABOUT THE RESTORED CHURCH: Please visit https://ComeUntoChrist.org or leave a comment below and I'll point you in the right direction. PLEASE NOTE: The opinions expressed on this podcast are my opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I refer you to official Church sources and the Church website to clarify any doctrinal questions https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ FAIR USE NOTICE: - This channel may make use of copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. - This constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. - Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. In such cases, fair use is permitted.

This week's questions focus on the Word of Wisdom, including: "Why was Jesus Christ baptized if He was sinless? Was it just to be an example?" Find out in this week's episode of the Ask in Faith Podcast. PLEASE COMMENT BELOW: - What other questions would you like us to address in future videos? As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I often get asked questions about our beliefs and practices. I can only speak for myself, not as an official Church representative, but here are my responses to some of those commonly asked questions. This short video certainly doesn't answer every question, so I'd encourage you to continue seeking truth on this subject, while also remembering that the Lord often asks us to obediently trust Him while we wait for further light and knowledge. Hope it helps! RESOURCES ON THIS SUBJECT: - Matthew 3:13-17 (Christ's Baptism) - Elder James E. Talmage's commentary in his book: "Jesus the Christ."(https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/jesus-the-christ/chapter-10?lang=eng&id=p9-p10#p9) - 2 Nephi 31:6-11 (Prophet Nephi's Commentary on the Event & Its Purpose) FOR FURTHER RESOURCES ABOUT THE RESTORED CHURCH: Please visit https://ComeUntoChrist.org or leave a comment below and I'll point you in the right direction. PLEASE NOTE: The opinions expressed on this podcast are my opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I refer you to official Church sources and the Church website to clarify any doctrinal questions https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ FAIR USE NOTICE: - This channel may make use of copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. - This constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. - Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. In such cases, fair use is permitted.

This week's questions focus on the Word of Wisdom, including: "Is alcohol inherently evil? Why can't I drink coffee, tea, and alcohol? Why are coffee and tea still against the WOW when they are actually better for us than sodas and energy drinks?" Find out in this week's episode of the Ask in Faith Podcast. PLEASE COMMENT BELOW: - What other questions would you like us to address in future videos? As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I often get asked questions about our beliefs and practices. I can only speak for myself, not as an official Church representative, but here are my responses to some of those commonly asked questions. This short video certainly doesn't answer every question, so I'd encourage you to continue seeking truth on this subject, while also remembering that the Lord often asks us to obediently trust Him while we wait for further light and knowledge. Hope it helps! RESOURCES ON THIS SUBJECT: - Text of the Word of Wisdom: Doctrine and Covenants 89: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89?lang=eng- Word of Wisdom on Church Website: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng- Boyd K. Packer, "The Word of Wisdom: The Principle and the Promises," Ensign, May 1996, 17-18, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89?lang=eng&id=p5-p9. FOR FURTHER RESOURCES ABOUT THE RESTORED CHURCH: Please visit https://ComeUntoChrist.org or leave a comment below and I'll point you in the right direction. PLEASE NOTE: The opinions expressed on this podcast are my opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I refer you to official Church sources and the Church website to clarify any doctrinal questions https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ FAIR USE NOTICE: - This channel may make use of copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. - This constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. - Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. In such cases, fair use is permitted.

This week's question: "How can I better understand the Isaiah chapters in the Book of Mormon?" Find out in this week's episode of the Ask in Faith Podcast. PLEASE COMMENT BELOW: - What other questions would you like us to address in future videos? As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I often get asked questions about our beliefs and practices. I can only speak for myself, not as an official Church representative, but here are my responses to some of those commonly asked questions. This short video certainly doesn't answer every question, so I'd encourage you to continue seeking truth on this subject, while also remembering that the Lord often asks us to obediently trust Him while we wait for further light and knowledge. Hope it helps! FOR FURTHER RESOURCES ABOUT THE RESTORED CHURCH: Please visit https://ComeUntoChrist.org or leave a comment below and I'll point you in the right direction. PLEASE NOTE: The opinions expressed on this podcast are my opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I refer you to official Church sources and the Church website to clarify any doctrinal questions https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/ FAIR USE NOTICE: - This channel may make use of copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. - This constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. - Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. In such cases, fair use is permitted.