The Divine Gift

Jesus Christ IS the change agent! Today, Ryan and Gary discuss part 2 of Chapter 13 in The Divine Gift of Forgiveness book by Elder Neil L. Andersen. They discuss 2 common detours (myths) that we take in our journey of repentance; Detour #1 Repentance is the punishment of sin and Detour #2 Repentance alone saves us. Anytime we do anything that minimizes the role of Jesus Christ, we are on a detour. We hope you enjoy this episode and share it with others. Jesus Christ is THE WAY!

What is the hardest part of repentance? There are many answers but perhaps one answer is that the hardest part of repentance is not asking God to forgive us but accepting that He has already done so. Today we are joined by Jordan Oldham as we discuss repentance and how repentance is another term for love. In this episode we focus on Chapter 14 from The Divine Gift of Forgiveness book by Elder Neil Andersen of the Quorum of the 12. Repentance starts with finding your deep love of God and we invite you to listen to this episode, share it with others, and start with your deep love of your Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ.

How do we avoid treating repentance like a checklist? Is repentance just stopping the wrong behavior? Today on The Divine Gift, Ryan and Gary are joined by Cloe Anderson, a student at Utah Valley University as they discuss Chapter 13 in The Divine Gift of Forgiveness. Cloe shares, "where you turn for comfort in crisis becomes your Christ." We hope this Christ centered, relationship based repentance focus can help you draw closer to our Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Ryan and Gary are joined by Leah Little, as they discuss pride and how it acts as a bully in our lives. Elder Andersen in Chapter 12 of The Divine Gift of Forgiveness teaches that pride describes a swollen sense of self and a diminished view of God. Pride moves us away from the two great commandments. "Pride is your greatest enemy. Humility is your greatest friend." We hope this episode will help you in turning to Jesus Christ to overcome the bully of pride that we so often wrestle with.

Our guest, Brinley Arnold, shares her perspective as a young adult and how the Savior has helped her overcome fear. Fear can be a major barrier in our relationship with God, Jesus Christ and in our repentance. We hope this episode provides tools and help in hushing your fears and casting out fear with love. 1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear."

Do you worry that you are not good enough or that your sins are too much? Do you wrestle with perfectionism? In this episode, BYU Religion Professor Stephan Taeger enlightens us about justification. Justification is, "to be pardoned from punishment for sin and declared guiltless. A person is justified by the Savior's grace through faith in Him. This faith is shown by repentance and obedience to the laws of the gospel." Your relationship with God is your foundation and the deepest kind of security. Enjoy the episode!

Join Gary and Ryan as they discuss the devil's playbook and how Jesus Christ's power can lift us from the influences of the adversary. Remember that light ever and always, presides over darkness. You can find this material in The Divine Gift of Forgiveness book Chapter 11, The Devil's Throat. Enjoy and share with a friend!

Today we invite Mike Crestani onto the podcast as he shares his journey with Jesus Christ. In Chapter 11 of The Divine Gift of Forgiveness it says, "I promise you that no matter the emptiness and unworthiness you feel, our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son await you. The Atonement of Jesus Christ can lift you from the depths of your current condition." As you listen to this episode, we hope the Holy Ghost will confirm the truthfulness of the above quote and testify to you that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ await you and can lift you from your current condition." Please share this episode with someone who comes to your mind as you listen. Thanks!

Merry Christmas! As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this week join Gary and Ryan as they share some fun family Christmas traditions and insights about Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. We love and appreciate all of our listeners and thank you for your support in this podcast which is almost 1 year old. Thank you and Merry Christmas! Christ is born!

What does it mean to offer our whole soul to God? In this episode Ryan and Gary invite Gabby Adams onto the podcast to discuss this. Offering our whole soul means that we do not hold back. Offering our whole soul involves melding our will into God's will. Intentional, vocal prayer and spirit guided repentance, helps us to offer our whole soul. Whatever we can offer to God, He will accept. We invite you to consider what you can offer to God today and see how He takes your offering and creates something even more beautiful. Enjoy!

What does Faith in Christ unto repentance mean? Join Gary and Ryan as they dive into the story of Enos and discuss faith in Christ unto repentance. Elder Andersen says that we begin to receive the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives through our prayers. How can your prayers help you receive the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

The more we understand Jesus Christ and His atonement, the more our love for Him blossoms. Gary and Ryan invite John Hilton on to the podcast as we study the atonement and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Often when we study the atonement of Jesus Christ, we focus on the events in Gethsemane but John shares insights regarding the cross and crucifixion that will help us all deepen our understanding and love of Jesus' great sacrifice for us.

Gary and Ryan invite Mason Dillman on to the podcast to review talks from the October 2025 General Conference. We also discuss Service Missions and share a quote from Elder James Evanson, "If teaching missionaries are the Lord's mouth, then service missionaries are the Lord's hands, and you are not second class missionaries." What was your favorite talk from October 2025 General Conference? Enjoy the episode and we invite you to share this episode with someone!

Elder Neil L. Andersen teaches, "Our efforts to repent, and the marvelous gift of forgiveness, can come only through our relationship with God." Today we invite Lindy Winward on to the podcast as we discuss the impact of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, missionary work in Ukraine, and Chapter 10 in The Divine Gift of Forgiveness. Why do you think that repentance and forgiveness can come only through our relationship with God? We invite you as you listen to this episode to think of one small or simple thing you can do to strengthen your relationship with Father & Jesus Christ.

It is fearful to fall until you know God and Christ. Today we are in Chapter 9 discussing how faith in Christ brings the necessary power to ignite true repentance. Faith includes assurance, action, and evidence. We invite you to think about experiences that have helped your faith to grow. Elder Andersen teaches that our faith is either growing or diminishing, we hope that this episode will grow your faith in Jesus for He pulls us up each and every day.

Hello listeners! Thank you for your patience in getting our most recent episode published. Today we are joined by Natalie Hanks as we discuss Faith in Jesus Christ and that it all begins with a particle of faith, a desire to believe. Faith leads, repentance follows. Do we ever know about Jesus Christ or His gospel in our head but that knowledge hasn't sunk into our heart? Amulek said that he knew but he would not know. We invite you as you listen to this episode to ponder about your own faith in Christ and what you can do to act in faith in Christ!

Have you experienced the loss of a loved one? Can Jesus Christ help someone to change and for you to see them through a different lens? Join Ryan and Gary as they have Ben Lomu on the podcast and discuss the resurrection of Jesus Christ, His power to help change individuals and a tender story of a message from Heaven. Please share this episode with whomever comes to your mind that could benefit from it.

How can the Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement help me during my mortal experience? What lessons are you learning from mortality? Gary and Ryan invite Todd Simmons onto the podcast where he shares his personal experiences with Jesus Christ and His Atonement and his battle with leukemia. Just as Jesus Christ was strengthened during his experience in the garden of Gethsemane, we can be strengthened during our garden of Gethsemane's.

Would you like to better understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ? What happened in that upper room and later in the Garden of Gethsemane? In this episode Ryan and Gary study Chapter 8 in The Divine Gift of Forgiveness and explore the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Does Christ really understand what you are going through and what you've been through? Come listen!

Does Jesus Christ understand our temptations? How can a perfect, sinless being know my struggles? Join Gary and Ryan as they dive into Chapter 8 in The Divine Gift of Forgiveness. As we deeply consider our own sins and come to recognize our complete and utter dependence upon Jesus Christ, our love for God blossoms. How has your love for God blossomed as you rely upon Jesus Christ?

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your sins and mistakes? Would you like to know one of the greatest stumbling blocks to repentance? Join Gary and Ryan as they invite Guy Johnson, an instructor at Utah Valley Institute, on to the podcast and discuss these questions. Remember, while overcoming sin may appear to be an overwhelming mountain to climb, it was never meant to be scaled alone!

Repentance is God’s ever-accessible gift that allows and enables us to go from failure to failure without any loss of enthusiasm. Repentance isn’t His backup plan in the event we might fail. Repentance is His plan, knowing that we will. What has helped you not feel discouraged with mistakes and sins you've committed? Gary and Ryan discuss repentance and not losing enthusiasm with the mistakes we make. Remorse of conscience is a wonderful teacher. Also, thanks for your patience with the 2 week break we just had, we are back to dropping a new episode each week. Thanks!

President Russell Nelson has taught, "There is always a way back...You have not committed any sin so serious that you are beyond the reach of the Savior's love and atoning grace." Ryan and Gary invite EJ Deaton, who works with addiction recovery on to the podcast. EJ shares her story and walk with Jesus Christ. Today we are studying Chapter 7 in The Divine Gift of Forgiveness. EJ shares that we were never meant to do this earth life alone and how Jesus Christ has helped her throughout her mortal journey. Here is the link to EJ and her husband Danny Deaton's podcast, Your Living Proof. https://open.spotify.com/show/2mlrgfNphN6RoPk33CNtF8

While you have made mistakes, these sins do not describe who you are. Your identity is not defined by the sins of this world, but by the righteousness of another, (Jesus Christ). On this episode Gary and Ryan invite Josh Cheney on as they discuss identity and the fall. God is more invested in who we are becoming than where we've been. He cares more about where we are going than what we've done in the past. Remember, we are a work in progress! We invite you to ponder your various labels and be defined by Jesus Christ, not the mistakes of this world.

Would you like to understand the Fall of Adam and Eve better? Gary & Ryan invite Mike Harris onto the podcast to dive into the Fall of Adam & Eve and how the fall points us to Jesus Christ. The Fall does not define you, it refines you!

Heaven Father doesn’t just know who you are—He celebrates you. In this episode, Ryan & Gary discuss with Daniel Wendel how reclaiming your spiritual identity can shift the entire story of your life. They dive deep into what it means to be a child of God and how understanding our divine identity can transform the way we see ourselves and others. Come listen as they unpack how shame and self-doubt sneak in—and how to fight back with truth and purpose.

Your story didn’t start with your first breath. You lived in the courts of heaven before birth where you chose Christ and overcame the adversary through Christ’s atoning blood (Revelation 12:11). In this episode, we dive into the reality of our premortal life and how this eternal perspective helps us turn to Christ when we stumble in our mortal journey.

Life can feel like a blur, but what if you could break through the darkness and the noise to really live with greater purpose and awareness? Join Gary and Ryan as they share real-life stories of spiritual awakening, exploring the moments that spark deeper understanding of our connection with God. This episode invites you to reflect on your own journey (and those you love) to discover what it means to live more fully awakened to God.

Ryan & Gary invite Mark Miner, an addiction recovery missionary and disciple of Jesus Christ on the podcast. Mark shares his journey with addiction, prison, and learning that even at his very worst, the Savior was there. If you or someone you know is caught in addiction, we invite you or them to find healing through Jesus Christ and visit www.addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org

The recent General Conference was filled with insights and counsel to help us in our journey of repentance and forgiveness. Come listen as Ryan and Gary are joined by Dustin Spindler reviewing and celebrating conference gems that lead us to Christ. Here are just a few:·       Being made perfect and being made whole. ·       Wholeness & Healing: now and the long view.·       Is healing about fixing something or aboutchanging our hearts?·       Let’s not hide when we sin.·       How to not harden your heart. ·       Sitting with those that are hurting.·       Compassion with others and ourselves.·       Dealing with resentment when we are wronged.Thanks for joining us! Please share these episodes with your friends and family.

What if your repentance isn't a burden—but a blessing? In this special General Conference episode, Gary and Ryan are joined by guest Kate Dana to dive into Sister Tamara Runia’s powerful April 2025 talk, “Your Repentance Doesn’t Burden Jesus Christ; It Brightens His Joy.” Your worth is fixed. It doesn’t rise or fall with your choices.  This episode unpacks what it really means to turn to the Savior with confidence—not shame—and how repentance can be a joyful return, not a dreaded detour. The Savior’s joy in your return is real, personal, and full of love. Come join us and share it with a friend!

He is Risen! He is Risen! Join Ryan and Gary as they discuss Jesus Christ and this Easter season. Learn new insights into Holy Week and what happened in the final days of the Savior's mortal life and His resurrection. We testify that Jesus Christ is Risen!

What miracles is the Lord working in your life? Join Ryan & Gary as they discuss the miracle of the conversion of the people of Ammon with Mary Kate.

All of us face moments of undeserved hardship—sometimes because of others’ choices, and sometimes simply because we live in a fallen world. In this episode, Dr. BJ Allen shares powerful insights about a divine, compensatory power that flows through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This healing power doesn’t just help us cope—it helps us become whole. Join us as we explore how the Savior makes up the difference and offers blessings that counterbalance life’s trials.

When you hear the word “repent”, what does it cause you to feel? Do you ever experience feelings of shame or other negative emotions? Listen as Ryan and Gary explore how the origins of the word “repent” can at times unintentionally contribute to negative thoughts and feelings about repentance. Join us in turning to a more joyful repentance focused on the Savior. Enjoy and share this message with someone you care about.

What is your journey with Jesus Christ? Ryan and Gary invite Jade Bennett on to the podcast to discuss her journey with the Savior. Jade teaches us how she shares her light on social media and sees others through the Savior's eyes. We invite you this week to share your light with others.

Am I more concerned about God or man? Ryan & Gary invite Shad Martin back for part 2 as we discuss repentance and how God and Christ help us to change. It is amazing what God can do when we turn our life over to Him. How have you seen God & Christ change your life?

We learn from and are strengthened by our own experiences as well as those of others. Ryan and Gary invite Shad Martin on to the podcast as we hear his life experiences. What have you learned from your life experiences and the experiences of others ? How have they strengthened you?

How can I find healing when I feel so angry? Ryan and Gary invite Sara Deiner onto the podcast and discuss her journey with Jesus Christ. We explore finding healing and truth through challenges and trials in mortality. Sometimes the beginning of healing is having someone hear you and see your situation. Thanks for listening and we invite you to share this podcast with someone who could benefit.

How is Jesus Christ the master healer? In this episode Ryan and Gary welcome Adam Hartshorn on to the podcast as they discuss repentance, healing, and the Savior Jesus Christ. Don't miss Adam singing and playing the song, Healer. Sister Amy Wright said, "There is nothing in your life that is broken that is beyond the curative, redeeming, and enabling power of Jesus Christ."

Many of us are familiar with the parable of the Prodigal Son, but the scriptural text is silent about the details of the son’s long journey back home from the foreign country of sin and rebellion. Modern-day prodigal Danny Deaton and his wife E.J. share his long and difficult story of return and redemption. Though Danny felt completely unforgivable, a powerful and unmistakable message came to him, “How dare you decide who He forgives and who He doesn’t?”Join us on this episode and then share this story of God’s goodness with a friend.

Is your heart open to God? What is the condition of your heart towards God? Ryan and Gary invite Londan Duffin onto the show as we discuss how we open our heart to God and work on the condition of our heart.

What direction is your life headed in? Today we discuss the parable of direction and that more important than where you are, is the direction you are headed. William Bretey joins us as we discuss The Divine Gift of Forgiveness book by Elder Neil L. Andersen.

Do you ever feel that you have exhausted God's love? Today we invite Jordyn Bristol to share her experiences with God & Jesus Christ as we discuss God's priceless love. We invite you to pray and ask Heavenly Father how He feels about you

What does repentance mean to you? What has been your experience with forgiveness? Repentance and forgiveness are gifts of Jesus Christ that connect us, are relational and build us. Ryan and Gary provide a vision of the podcast. Enjoy!