LDS BOOK REVIEW: Yesterday, Today, and Forever by M. Russell Ballard

YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER

Timeless Gospel Messages

by M. Russell Ballard

with insights from his grandfathers Melvin J. Ballard and Hyrum Mack Smith

Deseret Book, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-62972-042-5

LDS Nonfiction

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The scriptures proclaim that "God is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Mormon 9:9). In his latest book, Elder M. Russell Ballard attests to the truth of that statement by combining his words with teachings from his grandfathers, Hyrum Mack Smith and Melvin J. Ballard. What makes this combination unique is that all three of these men have served as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"In preparing this work," writes Elder Ballard, "I have seen anew that the course of the Lord truly i 'one eternal round' (Alma 37:12) and that the doctrine of the gospel is timely and timeless. It is forever relevant to disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ."

These never-before-published talks from Elder Ballard, paired with doctrinal statements from his grandfathers, will be a valuable resource for readers and a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in October 1985. Prior to that, he served in the first Quorum of the Seventy and in the presidency of that quorum. A successful businessman, he has engaged in various enterprises, including automotive, real estate, and investments. He has also served as a bishop twice and as president of the Canada Toronto Mission. Elder Ballard and his wife, Barbara Bowen Ballard, are the parents of seven children and grandparents of forty-three.

REVIEW

This previously unpublished talks are truly inspirational.  The inclusion of the quotes from Elder Ballard's grandfathers reinforces and adds to the doctrines and ideas he discusses.  To me it was a powerful reminder that gospel doctrines haven't changed, the God truly is 'the same yesterday, today, and forever'. The topics covered include: faith, anchoring ourselves to Christ, the importance of each soul, building understanding, building better homes, the law of sacrifice, the purpose of trials, being happy now, and keeping an eternal perspective.  All topics that I find very important.  So if you are looking for an inspiration, well-written book about important gospel topics, I can heartily recommend this one.