this is kingdom

In this episode of This Is Kingdom, we dive into the September 20 For the Strength of Youth lesson and discuss what it means to be blessed by priesthood keys and authority. Together, we explore how priesthood keys help guide the Lord’s Church, why they matter in our everyday lives, and how understanding God’s power and authority can strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether you’re studying the lesson on your own, preparing for Sunday, or looking for a little extra inspiration throughout the week, we hope this conversation helps you recognize God’s hand in your life. Thanks for listening to This Is Kingdom! Be sure to like, subscribe, and join us each week as we talk about the gospel of Jesus Christ and how it applies to real life.

What blessings are we actually receiving when we take the sacrament each week? In this episode of This Is Kingdom, Grace, Talon, TJ, and Hollis dive into Lesson 2 of Chapter 9, “You Are Blessed by Priesthood Power and Authority.” After kicking things off with some Labor Day stories (including terrible high school jobs 😂), the conversation turns to a question we may not think about very often: How does the Savior bless us through the Aaronic Priesthood? Doctrine and Covenants 13 teaches that the Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of: • The ministering of angels • The gospel of repentance • Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins Those blessings can completely change the way we think about the sacrament. Rather than simply going through a weekly routine, what if we recognized the incredible access to Jesus Christ, repentance, forgiveness, and even the ministering of angels that He offers us? The crew talks about what these blessings actually mean, why they matter personally, and how understanding the priesthood can help us see the sacrament—and the Savior—in a whole new way. 🎙️ This Is Kingdom is a Good News Brand podcast about finding Jesus Christ in everyday life, asking real questions, and discovering the good news of the gospel. Subscribe for new episodes and join us each week as we learn, laugh, and try to come a little closer to Christ.

What if the call you’ve been waiting for is already coming from God? In this episode of This Is Kingdom, Grace, Talon, TJ, and Hollis dive into the For the Strength of Youth lesson, “You Are Blessed by Priesthood Keys and Authority,” and explore what it really means to answer God’s call. From accepting and investing in Church callings to recognizing the small “errands” God places in our lives, the conversation is a reminder that service isn’t just about what we accomplish for others—it’s also about who we become in the process. The crew shares personal stories about callings, serving in wards, experiences in Tonga, and finding closeness to God during busy seasons of life. Sometimes God’s call can feel like one more thing on an already-full schedule, but stepping into His work may be exactly where we find Him. This week’s challenge: If you have a calling, invest a little more into it. If you don’t, look for an opportunity to serve. When God calls, answer. This Is Kingdom is a Good News Brand podcast. 🎙️ Grace • Talon • TJ • Hollis #ThisIsKingdom #GoodNewsBrand #ForTheStrengthOfYouth #LDS #ChurchOfJesusChrist #ComeFollowMe

What does it really mean to become a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ? In this episode of This Is Kingdom , Grace, Talon, TJ, and Hollis share a big change coming to the podcast. Instead of following General Conference talks each week, the show will begin studying the For the Strength of Youth guide alongside the Church’s youth schedule—not because these principles are only for teenagers, but because discipleship doesn’t end when you graduate, come home from a mission, get married, or enter a new stage of life. Talon shares the story of Gideon in Judges 6 and a powerful response from the Lord: “Have not I sent thee?” When we see people struggling and wonder where God is, maybe part of the answer is that He has sent us to help. The group discusses why choosing Jesus is a lifelong decision, how our everyday choices shape who we become, and why the principles in For the Strength of Youth can help people of every age navigate an increasingly complicated life. Whether you're a youth, leader, returned missionary, young adult, parent, or simply someone trying to build a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ, this new chapter of This Is Kingdom is for you. This week's challenge: Send this episode to someone you want to study and grow with. Find people you can gather with, talk about Jesus with, and encourage as you work together to become lifelong disciples. 🎙️ This Is Kingdom — a Good News Brand podcast

Sometimes the strongest opposition comes right before God does something incredible. In this episode of ThisIsKingdom , we discuss Elder Renlund's General Conference message "Because of Jesus Christ" and share personal experiences about temptation, preparing for missions, trusting God, and remembering that every trial is an opportunity to rely more fully on Jesus Christ. If you're facing doubt, discouragement, temptation, or wondering why life feels especially difficult right now, this conversation is for you. Because of Jesus Christ, you are never fighting alone. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 Big church changes & exciting announcement 2:32 Introducing this week's episode 3:07 Hollis' mission call story (Thailand) 5:12 "Every temptation is an opportunity to depend on Jesus." 8:02 Temptation doesn't mean you're failing 10:15 Why Satan fights hardest before something good 13:06 Learning to rely on Christ instead of yourself 15:37 Alma 7 — Jesus knows exactly how to help you 17:50 Looking for evidence that God is working 20:35 "Something good must be coming." 22:48 Joshua 3:5 — God is preparing miracles 25:22 "Mission is all that matters." 28:18 What should your sticky note say? 31:18 Weekly Challenge 32:48 Closing testimony & music 📖 Scriptures & References • Mosiah 3:7 • Alma 7:11–12 • Joshua 3:5 • "Because of Jesus Christ" — Elder Dale G. Renlund 🙏 Weekly Challenge Write a sticky note that ends with: "__________ is all that matters." Prayerfully ask God what He wants you to focus on during this season of your life, and let that purpose guide your daily choices. If this episode encouraged you, we'd love for you to: 👍 Like the video 💬 Share your biggest takeaway in the comments 📲 Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder today 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode. Thanks for watching. We'll see you next week.

What if the greatest evidence that Jesus Christ can help you today is the fact that He already conquered death? This week on This Is Kingdom, Talon, TJ, Grace, and Hollis discuss Elder Ronald A. Rasband's General Conference message, "He Is Risen!" Together they explore the Savior's visit to the Nephites after His Resurrection, what it means that He ministered to 2,500 people one by one, and why no burden, loss, or trial is too great for the risen Christ to overcome. Whether you're carrying grief, searching for hope, or wondering if Jesus really understands what you're facing, this episode is a reminder that because He lives, your story is never over. 📖 Featured Talk: He Is Risen! — Elder Ronald A. Rasband 💬 Challenge of the Week: Bring the biggest burden on your heart to Jesus Christ this week. Pray every day and ask Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, to help you overcome what feels impossible. Trust that nothing is too great for the risen Savior. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 - Planning the ultimate This Is Kingdom trip 02:10 - Welcome to This Is Kingdom 02:40 - Jesus ministers to 2,500 people 05:25 - Why every person mattered to the Savior 08:15 - Experiencing Jesus one-on-one in a crowd 11:10 - Led by love, not logistics 13:25 - Jesus can reach all 8 billion people 16:05 - Why Jesus prayed so often 19:15 - Bringing impossible burdens to Christ 23:10 - The Resurrection changes everything 27:10 - "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" 29:30 - Challenge of the week 30:20 - Closing hymn & farewell If this episode strengthened your testimony of the risen Savior, we'd love to hear from you in the comments. What burden are you trusting Jesus Christ with this week? 👍 Like this video if it encouraged you. 📩 Share it with someone who needs hope today. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week.

What if the direction you've been searching for isn't found in a better plan—but in a better Guide? This week on This Is Kingdom, Talon, TJ, Grace, and Hollis dive into Elder Karl D. Hirst's General Conference message, "Choose Jesus Christ as Your Guide." Together they discuss what it means to follow Christ's footsteps, trust His direction, embrace repentance without shame, and become the kind of disciple others can confidently follow. Whether you're feeling lost, overwhelmed by life's decisions, or simply trying to stay on the covenant path, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to create your own way—Jesus Christ has already prepared it. 📖 Featured Talk: Choose Jesus Christ as Your Guide — Elder Karl D. Hirst 💬 Challenge of the Week: Spend this week intentionally walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Ask yourself each day, "What would following Him look like in this situation?" ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 - Summer updates & Talon's hot dog eating competition 03:05 - Welcome to This Is Kingdom 03:36 - Elder Hirst's powerful story about following a guide through a minefield 06:45 - Can your children safely follow your footsteps? 09:40 - Grace through Jesus Christ when we fall short 12:05 - Teaching repentance through example 15:45 - Why becoming a parent changes everything 18:45 - Grace's New York directions analogy 23:10 - Following Christ instead of creating your own path 27:10 - The courage to be a faithful follower 30:20 - Daily scripture study helps us see Christ's footsteps 31:30 - Challenge of the week 32:15 - "I Will Walk with Jesus" If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to hear from you in the comments. How has Jesus Christ guided your life when you didn't know where to go?

What do you do when life doesn't go the way you hoped? This week on ThisIsKingdom, Talon, TJ, Grace, and Hollis discuss President Emily Belle Freeman's General Conference message, "Best Days and Worst Days." Together they explore how Jesus Christ meets us in both our highest highs and our lowest lows—and why our response to life's hardest moments can shape who we become. From personal stories of moving across the country, humanitarian experiences, and unexpected trials, to powerful reminders that the morning comes and the shadows flee away, this conversation is for anyone who feels like they're walking through one of life's difficult seasons. No matter what you're facing today, there is hope. Christ doesn't waste our hardest days—He uses them to draw us closer to Him. 📖 Featured Talk: Best Days and Worst Days — President Emily Belle Freeman 💬 Challenge of the Week: When life gets hard, choose to turn toward God instead of away from Him. Ask Him what He wants to teach you through your current season, and trust that He can turn even your worst days into something meaningful. If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to have you join the conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and share this episode with someone who may be going through a hard time. 00:00 Summer updates & Grace's move to New York 03:07 Welcome to ThisIsKingdom 03:44 Best Days and Worst Days 05:12 How do we respond to hard things? 08:30 Why our worst days matter 11:05 The "second dart" and choosing our response 14:22 Grace's experience moving to New York 18:05 "The morning comes and the shadows flee away" 20:27 Choosing Christ in everyday moments 23:13 Turn to God, not away from God 24:29 Challenge of the Week 25:18 Closing hymn

What if the single most important question you'll ever answer is this: Is the tomb empty? This week on ThisIsKingdom, Talon, TJ, Grace, and Hollis discuss President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's General Conference message, Encounter at the Empty Tomb. Together they explore why Christ's Resurrection changes everything—from hope and forgiveness to purpose, healing, and the promise that Jesus walks with us today. If you've ever wondered how to strengthen your testimony of Jesus Christ or where to find Him in your own life, this conversation is for you. 📖 Featured Talk: Encounter at the Empty Tomb — President Dieter F. Uchtdorf 💬 Challenge of the Week: Ask yourself: What have you seen, felt, or experienced that helps you believe the tomb is empty? Write it down, reflect on it, and let it strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ. If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to have you join the conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and share this episode with someone who may be looking for Jesus. #ThisIsKingdom #JesusChrist #GeneralConference #LDS #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Hope #Resurrection #BookOfMormon #GoodNewsBrand 00:00 Mid-year update & rodeo memories 02:09 Welcome to ThisIsKingdom 02:45 The most important question: Is the tomb empty? 04:07 How do we discover the empty tomb today? 06:49 We don't fight our battles alone 08:17 "Because of Him" and finding purpose 10:20 Holding onto hope when doubts come 12:26 Jesus lives and walks with us today 13:43 What have you seen, felt, or experienced? 14:21 Grace's experience with repentance 17:00 The Savior never gives up on us 18:18 Challenge of the Week 19:03 Closing hymn

In this episode of This is Kingdom, we discuss Elder Suarez's General Conference message, Jesus Christ, the True Vine, and what it truly means to abide in Christ. What is the difference between liking Jesus and loving Him? Through personal stories, experiences from Thailand, marriage, fitness, and even an unforgettable New York Knicks comeback, we explore how discipleship isn't about convenience—it's about commitment. If you've ever felt distant from God, struggled to stay consistent spiritually, or wondered how to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ, this conversation is for you. We hope this episode encourages you to consciously choose Christ every single day.

What if remembering someone’s name is one of the simplest ways to help them feel truly seen? In this episode of This Is Kingdom: A Good News Brand Podcast, Grace, Talon, TJ, and Hollis begin with an emotional farewell to Kit, a beloved studio team member, who shares advice about “value mapping” and aligning life decisions with the things that matter most. They then discuss Elder Clement M. Matswagothata’s talk He Knows You by Name, exploring how God personally knows and values each of His children. Through personal stories from Walmart, Chick-fil-A, and mission experiences, they reflect on the power of names and the impact of making others feel recognized. The conversation highlights how small acts of attention and kindness can mirror the way Christ loves and sees each person. This week’s challenge is to learn one new person’s name every day. Whether it’s a friend, coworker, neighbor, or stranger, taking the time to remember someone can help them feel the love and care that God has for them. 00:00 Devastating News 00:59 Kit's Life Advice: Value Mapping 02:25 He Knows You by Name 04:08 The Power of Being Remembered 07:27 Learning Names Takes Practice 09:01 Two People Named Hollis 11:47 This Week's Challenge 12:30 Closing Song

In this episode of This Is Kingdom: A Good News Brand Podcast, Grace, Talon, TJ, and Hollis discuss Elder Gérald Caussé’s talk Love All; Love Each. They explore what it means to love others without limits and how choosing to see people with curiosity instead of judgment can create deeper connections and stronger communities. The conversation highlights how loving others can heal us, help us overcome loneliness, and remind us of our identity in Christ. Through stories, movies, and personal experiences, they discuss the importance of looking beyond differences and building meaningful relationships rooted in discipleship. This week’s challenge is to get to know someone who is different from you. Step into their world, learn about their interests, and choose to love your neighbor without conditions. 00:00 Weekly Challenges and Community 01:20 Love All; Love Each 04:41 Finding Confidence in God 06:54 Unity Through Christ 08:58 Overcoming Pre-Judgments 11:31 The "Beauty and the Beast" Example 12:08 The Challenge of the Week 13:38 Closing Song

What if you don’t need a different life, but simply need to live your life differently? In this episode of This Is Kingdom: A Good News Brand Podcast, Grace, Talon, TJ, and Hollis discuss Brother David J. Wunderli’s talk Jesus Christ Is Not Our Burden; He Is Our Relief. They explore what it means to truly walk with Jesus in everyday life, not just during spiritual moments, but through ordinary routines, goals, struggles, and seasons. The conversation highlights how inviting Christ into our daily lives brings greater purpose, excitement, and direction. Through stories about finding meaning, setting big goals, and choosing to be difference makers, they reflect on how walking with Jesus can transform even the most normal moments into something meaningful. This week’s challenge is to take a quiet walk with Jesus. Leave the distractions behind, spend time in prayer, and reflect on what your life could look like if you truly walked with Him every day.

What if the temple isn't just a place you visit, but a place where God equips you for everything you're facing? In this episode of This Is Kingdom: A Good News Brand Podcast, Grace, Talon, TJ, and Hollis discuss Elder Quentin L. Cook’s talk Keys, Covenants, and Easter. Grace shares how visiting Jerusalem and the Kirtland Temple deepened her faith, helping her realize that the Savior's promises are just as real today as they were in scripture. The group explores the idea that every temple around the world carries the same divine blessings and covenants found in Doctrine and Covenants 109. Together, they reflect on what makes a place truly sacred and how approaching temples, sacrament meetings, and even our homes with greater reverence can transform our spiritual lives. The conversation highlights powerful temple promises, including being armed with God's power, having His name upon us, and being watched over by angels. This week's challenge is to read Doctrine and Covenants 109:1–45 and mark every blessing and promise connected to the temple. By seeing what God offers through His house, listeners are invited to deepen their appreciation for sacred spaces and approach them with greater faith and intention. The episode closes with a tender children's hymn about preparing to meet the Savior.

In this episode of This Is Kingdom: A Good News Brand Podcast, Grace, Talon, TJ, and Hollis discuss Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s talk Lost Luggage, Redeemed Souls, exploring what it means to be more accessible and present in our relationships. Inspired by the story of an airport that hasn't lost a single piece of luggage in decades, they reflect on the simple but powerful idea of keeping your "handles facing outward" so others can more easily reach, connect with, and rely on you. Through personal stories and practical examples, they discuss answering unexpected phone calls, warmly welcoming people into your life, and overcoming the fear of being the one who reaches out first. The conversation highlights how genuine connection often begins with a simple act of initiation and why choosing to care is far more meaningful than trying to appear indifferent. This week's challenge is to perform one intentional act of initiation every day. Whether it's making a call, sending a text, extending an invitation, or starting a conversation, small efforts to reach out can strengthen relationships and reflect the way we connect with both people and God.

In this episode of This Is Kingdom: A Good News Brand Podcast, Grace, Talon, TJ, and Hollis discuss President Henry B. Eyring’s talk Prayers for Peace. They explore how elevating our prayers can bring greater peace, confidence, perspective, and trust in God, sharing personal experiences of prayers that have strengthened their faith and changed their lives. The conversation dives into what makes prayer more meaningful, from expecting God to answer, to remembering who we are truly speaking to, to replacing routine phrases with sincere and intentional communication. They reflect on how prayer doesn't always remove challenges, but often changes us and gives us the strength to move forward with faith. This week’s challenge is simple: find one way to elevate your prayers. Whether it's praying out loud, creating a dedicated place to pray, visualizing yourself approaching God, or turning stress into prayer, small changes can deepen your connection with Him and bring greater peace into your life. 00:00 Introductory 00:49 Prayers for Peace 03:10 Prayer Builds Confidence 05:37 Prayer Changes Your Perspective 07:02 Visualizing Approaching God's Throne 10:25 Avoiding Repetitive Prayer Phrases 12:54 The Weekly Challenge: Elevate Your Prayers 14:22 Closing Song

In this episode of This Is Kingdom: A Good News Brand Podcast, Grace, Talon, TJ, and Hollis discuss Elder Jorge T. Becerra’s talk Tithing: Putting God First. They explore the idea of being “double-minded” and how living with one foot in and one foot out can leave us stuck, confused, and searching for clarity. Through stories about relationships, faith journeys, and personal experiences, they talk about the power that comes from making a decision and fully committing. The conversation highlights how peace, purpose, and spiritual growth often come after choosing to go all in with God instead of staying on the fence. This week’s challenge is simple: write “God, I’m all in today” on a sticky note each morning and place it somewhere you’ll see throughout the day. Small daily choices can strengthen your relationship with God and help you live with greater intention and meaning.

In this episode of This Is Kingdom: A Good News Brand Podcast, Grace, Talon, TJ, and Hollis discuss Elder Michael John U. Teh’s talk Follow the Prophet; He Knows the Way. Using the analogy of athletes, from orange eaters to gamers to all-stars, they explore the difference between simply showing up and fully committing to living the gospel. They share practical ways to become "gospel all-stars," including daily repentance, acting quickly on spiritual promptings, and making time for God at both the beginning and end of each day. The conversation highlights that going all in with faith is not about appearances. It is about consistency, effort, and choosing discipleship every day. This week’s challenge is to start each morning with a spiritual "hype-up" message before beginning your day. Small intentional choices can help you get off the bench, step into the game, and experience the joy that comes from giving your all.

In this episode of This Is Kingdom: A Good News Brand Podcast, Grace, Talon, TJ, and Hollis reflect on Elder David A. Bednar’s talk All Who Have Endured Valiantly, sharing insights on fatherhood, discipleship, and the influence of living as an example for others. They explore how following Christ daily shapes not only our lives but also those who look up to us. The conversation reframes what it means to “endure to the end,” shifting it from something heavy or difficult into a life filled with the pure love of Christ. Instead of just getting through life, the hosts emphasize becoming “possessed” by Christlike love—where service, growth, and transformation happen naturally as we draw closer to Him. This week’s challenge: reach out to one person each day and check in on them. Through simple, intentional acts of love, we can move from being passive to truly living as disciples—giving love freely and, in turn, receiving it more abundantly.

In this episode of This Is Kingdom: A Good News Brand Podcast, Grace, Talon, TJ, and Hollis dive into Elder Gilbert’s talk “Come Home,” focusing on the power of returning to Jesus—and helping others do the same. TJ shares a personal story about a time he felt himself drifting and struggling to come back. What made the difference wasn’t a big moment, but a group of friends who simply welcomed him in. Their love and consistency helped him find his way back, showing how powerful it is to just be there for someone. That idea builds into a central theme: it’s not about calling people out, it’s about calling them up and calling them in. Small invitations, genuine friendship, and seeing the potential in others can change everything. Hollis shares a powerful story of a girl on the verge of leaving her faith who heard “I love you” at the exact moment she needed it, reminding everyone that God is aware of the details—and often works through simple moments and willing people. The episode ends with a clear challenge: pray for someone each day and look for a way to invite them closer to Jesus. Because sometimes, helping someone come home starts with something as simple as reaching out.