Christ in Every Hour

by Anthony Sweat

A favorite hymn of the Latter-day Saints supplicates Christ for His help in ''every hour.'' And while that's certainly true, how is it true? Are we such sinners that we need constant access to Christ's Atonement? Or is there something more to the Atonement, something in addition to forgiveness for our sins? What help does Christ offer in moments when we may not need His forgiveness but do need help beyond our own capacities? We know Christ's Atonement can save us from death and sin, but we may not always remember that we can draw on His Atonement for help in other ways. In Christ in Every Hour, gospel educator Anthony Sweat explores six of Christ's divine powers, explaining what they mean, why they're relevant, and what they can do for us as we live life each day. Discover more about Christ's power to cleanse, heal, restore, identify with, strengthen, and transform us, and learn how to draw upon the Lord's grace and power in every hour of your life. Which power of Christ's Atonement do you need today? Or in this very hour?

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Church, Inspirational, Christian

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2016

About the author

Anthony Sweat is an Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University. He received a BFA in painting and drawing from the University of Utah and his MEd and PhD in curriculum and instruction from Utah State University.

Before joining the religion faculty at BYU, he worked for thirteen years with Seminaries and Institutes of Religion. Dr. Sweat is the author of several books and articles related to the teachings and history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His research centers on factors that influence effective religious education. As a practicing artist, his paintings center on religious themes, including underrepresented events in Church history. Anthony and his wife, Cindy, are the parents of seven children and reside in Springville, Utah.

Reviews

[Linda Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and deeply comforting. I enjoyed this little book so much I read it twice before returning to library, then purchased the audio book to which I've listened multiple times and will be loaning to friends and family and giving as gifts to many.

[Jordan Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of my favorite books on Christ. Sweat has a way to make the reading simple but so powerful. Definitely would recommend.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those who have had classes from Anthony Sweat will tend to agree; he is a gifted teacher and passionate communicator. I was excited for this book and for his take on how to include the gifts of our Savior in every day life.

This book is an excellent resource of stories, quotes and scriptures that will clarify just how real our Saviors grace and power is in our lives. Touching on such topics and being restored, healed, and transformed by the power of the atonement, the book is full of inspiring reminders to tap into the gifts offered us. It would be a great study guide or resource for personal study on how to rely on Christ more, day in and day out.

I am huge fan of anyone who can teach with enthusiasm and inspire those in the room to learn more- Dr. Sweat does this (while pushing to think a little deeper and expand your thinking), however his book will feel different than a lecture will. The book is very structured and very 'cut and dry', and at moments I wished I could hear his personality and interjections with an expounding of a story. A good solid read and one that I will go back to for inspiration, readers will be satisfied with the content...but those who have heard him speak will wish they had learned his ideas face to face.

[LeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was worth the purchase price at page 8.

I cleaned up the family room for company and put the book away. It wasn't conveniently located anymore so I stopped reading it. However, it has been (metaphorically) calling my name. I picked it up this morning, and my heart immediately lifted in the first paragraph. While this book is not scripture, it helps the reader understand and apply scriptural principles, and true principles always lift the heart.

Finished this book on October 12, 2016:
While this book is a short book, it is worth taking time to read and think about each concept. Each chapter illuminated a principle so I constantly experienced Ah-hah moments and felt like I was being filled with light and understanding. Now I want to buy copies of this book for each of my children.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since President Nelson has said, "Sisters, you have the right to draw liberally upon the Saviors power to help your family and others you love," and has also asked us to prayerfully study ALL the truths you can find about priesthood power, this book and it's content have come to mean more. This was also one of those books when after listening I knew I needed in my library. Sweat is a gifted teacher!
Some excerpts from the book:
--Each chapter of this book discusses one of the Lord's more encompassing divine powers, addressing how the Savior has that power, why we need it in our daily lives, and how we can begin to access that power today. While grace is free, we nonetheless must "access by faith into his grace."
It is both my experience and my testimony that the Savior has something to offer every person every day, every hour. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is gratefully there for all of us who are stained by sin and long to be spotless. But it is also there for those who are hurt, holding out for healing for those who have faith in a God that is fair but who innocently suffer in a world that often isn't; for those burdened believers who seek strength to meet their daily challenges for those who think that nobody understands their particular situations but wish that someone would; for those who yearn for personal growth and transformation, for their characters to be more like Christs for each of us who, in our unique situations, need Jesus's divine grace and power this very hour--and every coming hour. p. 4
--How do I RETAIN the Lords continual cleansing power?" That is what King Benjamin was getting at when he said to his covenant people that they--and therefore we--could "always RETAIN a remission of your sins". I can depart from the Lord just as I can depart from my wife if I am not consistently showing heartfelt love and loyalty. Just as my spouse doesn't expect perfection from me nor I from her, we do expect loyalty to one another, manifest daily through thoughts, words, and deeds. For example, I promise my wife I will call her at least once a day. When I come home there is usually a "How was your day? followed by a lovingly pointed, Was it too busy to all your wife?" To all the married men in the world who are reading these lines, and who want to remain happily married, we know what our response should be and shouldn't be. it should be a confession. A recognition. A commitment to do better. A phone call the next day. chocolate. Those kind of actions help us remain married and retain oneness with our spouse. In marriage we call this an apology. In the gospel we call this repentance.
Thus, if the key to ATTAINING the Lord's continual cleansing power is covenant, then the key to RETAINING his continual cleansing power is consistent repentance. REAL REPENTANCE IS A PRODUCT OF THE HEART. IT'S WHEN WE'VE ARRIVED AT AN INNER CONCLUSION AND COMMITMENT TO FOLLOW CHRIST. p. 19
--Because Jesus seemed to heal everyone in the gospels every time, sometimes when we ask the Lord to be physically healed we assume it should happen no matter what. But that's a bit like a foreigner learning about America on a holiday; It can create unrealistic assumptions. The Lord will heal according to the persons' faith and the Father's will. We understand that disease and death--including untimely occurrences--are a necessary part of God's work and glory, and to heal every hurt upon every asking would counteract he eternal purposes of God. As the Lord himself said, unless the seed of the body dies an dis planted into the ground you cannot have the fruit of resurrection spring forth from it. Sometimes physical healings don't happen because there is something to learn from the suffering or the death of a loved one. Sometimes there infirmities give us a purer and deeper faith,a faith that, as a father who lost his teenage daughter to cancer once said, "is in Jesus Christ and is not dependent on outcomes."
To understand how Christ can offer his power of healing today regardless of whether someones physical infirmity remains may require us to redefine our understanding of healing and therefore reimagine what is meant by Christs everyday healing power. Dr. Wendy Ulrich's explanation can help: "Let me first distinguish between healing from cure. Cure returns us to our previous state of wellness, which is usually what we long for. But the scriptures never speak of the gift of cure. They speak of the gift of healing. Healing is a different process from cure. healing involves a spiritual and emotional reweaving of our life story to incorporate, not merely remove, our injuries. It involves growth and personal change, maturation into a new state of deeper trust in God despite, not in the absence of suffering. p. 33
--WHOLENESS IS A UNITY BETWEEN BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, AND GOD. WHOLENESS ALIGNS WITH GOD AND ACCEPTS "THY WILL BE DONE" SINCERELY. Wholeness says that although we have an uncured physical limitation or pain or problem, our heart has become softened, our spirit attuned to Gods Spirit, our faith fortified, and something sweet from heaven above has whispered peace to our troubled soul.
This concept of wholeness is exemplified in the story of the ten lepers. All ten were healed physically, but only the one Samaritan who came back and gave thanks did the Lord pronounce as being whole". The Lord used that same phrase with Enos, when he had repented of his sins. "Thy faith hath made thee whole," the Lord proclaimed, implying an internal healing--spirit-centered, not bodily. Enos and the Samaritan leper had achieved a peace with God--a unity of body, mind, and spirit, and with it a deeper, more lasting healing. p.35
--Through the influence of the Holy Ghost, wholeness is given: a gift of oneness and unity with God through body, mind, and spirit--a healing that can influence a believer daily and last much, much longer than a healed joint or cell, sinew, or bone.
But what do the scriptures and prophets--and the Lord himself--mean by "have faith"? TRUE TO THE FAITH informs us, "Faith is much more than passive belief. You express your faith through action--by the way you love. The following are six faith based actions that we can do to help receive the daily healing power of Christ in our lives:
1. BE OBEDIENT If healing is wholeness, and wholeness is oneness with God, then disbelief and disobedience disrupt wholeness and healing. Jesus was never stumped by difficult problems, only by difficult hearts.
2. BE PRAYERFUL Elder Shane Bowen of the Seventy, speaking in general conference about his struggles with his young son's tragic death, said, As I felt the guilt, anger, and self-pity trying to consume me, I prayed that my heart could change. Through very personal sacred experiences, the Lord gave me a new heart...I have learned that the bitter, almost unbearable pain can become sweet as you turn to your Father in Heaven and plead for His comfort.
3. BE BLESSED THROUGH THE PRIESTHOOD The oil with which we are anointed represents Jesus Christ's Atonement and signifies his healing power. When that oil is administered and received by those who have faith, it facilitates the internal and external healing power of Christ, regardless of the words that are or are not spoken by the one sealing the anointing.
4. BE ACTIVE IN WORSHIP Ultimately, the Lords holy house is a house of healing. Hezekiah's people were healed because of their temple worship, and we can be as well. There is an unmistakable application in Ezekiel's vision of waters flowing out from under the Jerusalem temple eastward and healing the Dead Sea.
5. BE PATIENT Elder Maxwell taught, faith in God also implies faith in his timing, which faith also applies to patience with the process of healing through Christ.
6. BE STILL If true healing is wholeness--a oneness with God in mind, body, and spirit--then healing can take place only as we obey the scriptural injunction to "be still, and know that he is God" When you pray, instead of only asking God to cure you, ask him also to teach you. p. 42
--Through his divinity, Christ gives healing by providing patience, sending strength, accelerating acceptance, unveiling understanding, and giving eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to feel. He gives his divine gift of peace even when our troubles remain. This spiritual healing lasts even when physical problems persist or return. Thus, Jesus can consistently heal us even if he doesn't yet cur us. p. 43
--In Joel 2:25 the word I is important; God says, "I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm." The person who has delt us an injustice may not want to--or be able to--ever recompense us. BUT JESUS'S RESTORING HANDS ARE BOTH WILLING AND ABLE, AND OPENING OUR HANDS TO GOD'S MAKE IT EASIER TO UNCLENCH OUR FISTS TOWARDS OTHERS. I've often marveled at how Christ himself could so calmly and patiently endure his injustice: being spit upon, buffeted, beaten, and afflicted, yet he "opened not his mouth" and "held his peace". What peace was he hold onto? Perhaps the peace and hope that comes from restoration. notice how Jesus told those that were beating him, "Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power." He knew that, although he was suffering a staggering injustice, he shortly would be resurrected to his position of power in the Godhead. Might the law of restoration have influenced--even been the basis for--the perfect virtues of the Redeemer?
Without restoration, meekness and temperance and forgiveness and other Christlike attributes are nearly impossible. With Christs restoring power, however, everything changes. We find the gift of hope that leads us to abound in good works. Because of the power of restoration, the seeds of Christlike characteristics shoot out their branches within us, allowing us to live under the shade of their blessings of peace. p. 59
--To make the blessing of Jesus's restoring power available in our lives, it is necessary to understand and live certain fundamental truths related to it. Two of these truths are the SOWING and the GROWING seasons.
THE SOWING SEASON This foundational lesson of the law of restorations sowing season is summarized perfectly in the Book of Mormon: "The meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again...good fro that which is good righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful. Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again. For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored" (Alma 41:13-15)
THE GROWING SEASON A second foundational truth in the law of restoration is that sowing and reaping are always separated by a growing season. This space called the growing season gives us opportunities to change and repent. p. 62
--One of the divine powers of Christ centers on the profound truth that our Savior identifies with us because he intimately felt WITH us. p. 72
--Jesus not only experienced mortal life as we do but also experienced temptation as we do. We are wrong when we think that Jesus was only grandly tempted of the devil on one occasion. Luke adds the important detail that the devil departed Jesus 'for a season' (Luke 4:13) after this experience. in reality his varied temptations continued day after day during his mortal life and ministry.
I believe that Jesus's perfect sinlessness doesn't mean he never made any mistakes. There is a difference between sin and error. THE SAVIOR HAD TO LEARN LINE UPON LINE LIKE US ALL, WHICH IMPLIES AT CERTAIN POINTS HE MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN ALL THE LINES HE SHOULD FOLLOW. Where there is no law, there is no sin. Jesus may have made mistakes he didn't realize were wrong until he was later taught, line upon line. Indeed, the Savior "LEARNED...obedience by the things which he suffered:. As Jesus learned he always perfectly obeyed, and thus through his perfect obedience exponentially grew in more light and truth until he eventually received a fullness of light, truth, understanding, intelligence, and glory, and power after his resurrection. p. 77
--What is it that enabled Christ to identify with EVERYONE as Savior, and not just Jewish males in the meridian of time? The scriptures teach us that Jesus 1. descended BELOW all things, that 2. he might ascend ABOVE all things. Understanding each of these truths is key to unlocking the divine identifying power of Christ in our individual and varied daily lives.
When speaking with Robert Millet, on this subject, he said to me, "Did Jesus really suffer delivery pains in Gethsemane? Did he suffer and ACL tear? Did he receive a rejection letter from Stanford? Or, rather, is it the case that his perfect empathy comes out of his perfect love? That is a great question.
Here's a case in point. When my son Eli was three years old he split his brow wide open. When the doctor began cleansing my sons' wound I suddenly felt my legs go limp and my head get light. I literally felt a hurt inside my heart, feeling pain WITH my son. Although I didn't have my eye split open, in some way I was experiencing it too. My deep love for my boy caused e deep feelings of pain. p. 81
--The scriptures are clear that Jesus suffered for all of us so he can empathetically guide us SUCCOR is the word often used, meaning to give assistance or aid. Paul says, "For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted"
Thus, because Jesus has successfully suffered and overcome ALL things, he can help us in OUR things. That is why his day-to-day mortal experience became as necessary part of his day-to-day saving divinity; it makes the Lord our ultimate counselor. p. 83
--Like a good writer Nephi provides a thesis statement in his introductory chapter of 1 Nephi "I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, TO MAKE THEM MIGHTY EVEN UNTO THE POWER OF DELIVERANCE" (1 Nephi 1:20) His general theme is not just obedience to God, but what obedience provides us; divine power to overcome obstacles. In the subsequent chapters of his first book, Nephi provides no less than five examples--fleeing from Jerusalem obtaining the brass plates, God freeing him from his brothers' murderous plot, success and failures with the Liahona, and the women being made strong like unto the men--to illustrate and support his thesis that God gives divine strength and enabling power to the faithful to overcome difficulties. p 94

[Brianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The perspective it gave in all the different areas of the Atonement was eye opening for me. I love how Anthony Sweat took doctrine from apostles and prophets and put it into an excellent read. I started reading it as a check out from the library, but after one chapter, I ordered one for me to read and underline. I will definitely be going back and reading this one periodically.

[Natalie Scherck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book that expounds on the various roles of Christ, including cleansing, healing, restoring, identifying, strengthening, and transforming. Also a great commentary on how the Holy Ghost helps us access Christ in the every day experiences of life. I especially loved the chapter on how Christ transforms us.

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Shannon Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be refreshing and inspiring. It offers great insights on how we can become closer to Christ and transform our lives into something beautiful.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I really enjoy Anthony Sweat, I knew that I would like this book. As I started to read the first chapter however, I was afraid it might be a repeat of other books written on Grace, but I was mistaken! This book has been really eye opening for me and I learned so much about hands on practical applications of how the Savior and His Atonement and power can be accessed in our daily lives. I found so many insights to highlight, that my copy became more highlighted than not! Brother Sweat describes 6 different powers of Christ, one of my favorites illustrating His healing power. The things he taught have helped me look at my challenges in a more faith focused way and has given me greater peace.

[MaryKay]

"It is both my experience and my testimony that the Savior has something to offer every person, every day, every hour. The atonement of Jesus Christ is gratefully there for all of us who are stained by sin and long to be spotless, but it is also there

for those who are hurt holding out for healing
for those who have faith in a God who is fair but who innocently suffer in a world that isn’t
for those burdened believers who seek strength to meet their daily challenges
for those who think nobody understand their particular situations but wish that someone would
for those who yearn for personal growth and transformation for their characters to be more like Christ’s
for each of us who in our unique situations need Jesus’ divine grace and power this very hour and every coming hour."

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This book offered me insights and time to ponder how to access the many aspects of Christ’s atonement into my life. It is centered on the C.H.R.I.S.T. acronym - receiving His Cleansing, Healing, Restoring, Identifying, Strengthening, and Transforming power. While the Savior has something to offer every person, every day, we access this power through our humility/weaknesses, by recognizing our daily need for Him. I liked the comparison of cure vs healing (see quote below), the reminder of the enabling power that is available to us daily, and the discussion on how our hearts and natures are changed through the love of God. I also appreciated the clarification of the Holy Ghost’s role as the agent of Christ’s atonement – cleansing and sanctifying us. “If the Holy Ghost’s influence is present in your life, then the gifts, powers, and promises of the atonement of Jesus Christ are also in operation in your life.”

Notes and Quotes:

-I’m married into you - our covenant metaphorically marries us to him Jesus as the bridegroom - we obtain access to all his gifts, powers, and virtuous; our offering + infinity = infinity

-Key to attaining the Lords cleansing power is covenant, the key to retaining his cleansing power is consistent repentance; sacrament is a weekly ceremony of forgiveness
-Not perfection but loyalty

—Healing power of Christ that is available to all, even if we aren’t cured

—The restoring power of Christ, he will make all things right, all injustices and inequities;
Not just give things to us, but to grow things in us—growing season

—Identifying power of Christ; He chose to be mortal to be a perfectly empathetic Savior, to be able to identify with us

—Strengthening power of Christ - grace is loving help from god, Christ’s enabling power;
“In His strength I can do all things” - Ammon’s reminder of what is available to me everyday

—Transforming power of Christ; literally changes our nature/heart, like miracle of water to wine —we are changed through Christ’s love—through charity; The power of Jesus Christ is more powerful than our natures
-The agent of Christ’s atonement- the Holy Ghost; Cleanses and sanctifies us

-Pew Study of 32,000 “found that 36% of those surveyed had experienced or witnessed a divine healing. The group with the highest percentage were Latter-day Saints, with 69% of them saying they were part of a divine healing.” (50-60% of other Christians expressing the same)

-Dr. Wendy Ulrich explanation of healing - “Let me first distinguish between healing from cure. Cure returns us to our previous state of wellness, which is usually what we long for. But the scriptures never speak of the gift of cure, they speak of the gift of healing. Healing is a different process from cure. Healing involves a spiritual and emotional reweaving of our life story to incorporate, not merely remove, our injuries. It involves growth and personal change, maturation into a new state of deeper trust in God despite, not in the absence of, suffering. Thus in spite of uncured physical difficulties, we can yet experience the miracle of healing.”

-Enabling power of Christ – 1-Strength to faithfully endure trials and challenges, 2-Strength to overcome sin and temptation; 3-Strength to perform work beyond our own natural capacities

-George Q. Cannon “If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections. If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which suffereth long and is kind. Am I an envious man? It is my duty to seek for charity, which envieth not. So with all the gifts of the gospel. They are intended for this purpose. No man ought to say, “Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.” He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them.”

-“The primary role of the Holy Ghost is to deliver the blessings and powers of the atonement of Jesus Christ into our daily lives. In fact, when the Holy Ghost is with us and we feel His divine influence, the atonement of Jesus Christ is operating within us. President Henry B. Eyring taught, ‘If you have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost today, you may take it as evidence that the atonement is working in your life. For that reason and many others, you would do well to put yourself in places and in tasks that invite the promptings of the Holy Ghost.’”

-Parley P. Pratt – “The gift of the Holy Spirit…quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It develops and invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, invigorates, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being.”

[alisonwonderland (Alison) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this one!

Brother Sweat addresses the question Why do I need Jesus every day? He answers that with an acrostic: Cleansing power, Healing power, Restoring power, Identifying power, Strengthening power, and Transforming power. His explanations include a good balance between scriptural analysis, quotes from spiritual leaders, and personal experiences.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think any book could beat Brad Wilcox's series on the atonement. But this one is close, that's for sure. It is simple and easy to understand, without dumbing it down. It's beautifully written. I really recommend it!!!

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memorable Quotes

1. “When Jesus detects a contrite and repentant heart, the Lord’s cleansing power is not just given freely, it is also given frequently.”
2. “[I]f the key to attaining the Lord’s continued cleansing power is covenant, then they key to retaining his continual cleansing power is consistent repentance.
3. “Repentance is at heart coming to a realization that our actions are contrary to the Lord’s desires, humbling ourselves, turning to and dedicating ourselves to him – realigning our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that are not in harmony with His will.”
4. “Real repentance is a product of the heart. It’s when we’re arrived at an inner conclusion and commitment to follow Christ.”
5. “Jesus was never stumped by difficult problems, only by difficult hearts.”
6. “If we desire to reap God’s fruits tomorrow, we can’t plant Satan’s seeds today” for “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
7. “Jesus’s goal isn’t just to give things to us, it is to grow things in us. Ironically, because the growing season does what it does to us, often the greater reward isn���t what we reap eventually in recompense but what we’ve become in the process.”
8. “At its heart, receiving the restoring power of Christ is accomplished through the gift of hope.”
9. “[I]f the Holy Ghost’s influence is present in your life, then the gifts, powers, and promises of the Atonement of Jesus Christ are also in operation in your life. The members of the Godhead are inseparably linked. If you receive the one, you will receive the other” (see John 13:20; D&C 84:37). (Summarized by Sweat from Pres. Henry B. Eyring)

Essential Notes

1. The book’s chapters form a memorable acronym - CHRIST: (a) Cleansing power of Christ; (b) Healing power of Christ; (c) Restoring power of Christ; (d) Identifying power of Christ; (e) Strengthening power of Christ; (f) Transforming power of Christ

2. Sweat noted that when the scriptures talk about the Savior being “long-suffering,” that phrase could be translated as “Constantly unwearied.” My margin note: If he never wearies in succoring us, why should we grow weary of trying to improve?

3. Christ calmly endured injustices and injuries, even death, and yet “he opened not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7) and “held his peace” (Matthew 26:63). To his apostles, he also said “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27). From those who chose not to believe in him or follow his teachings, he withheld his peace, but to those who were his disciples, he gave his peace. So, how do we obtain peace? Follow him.

4. Charity is often thought of as service to another, some sort of gift or effort on behalf of another person or group. That is not how it was defined or used in the scriptures. The Greek word translated as “charity” is agapē, which meant “the love of God for man, and of man for God.” In nearly all cases where the word charity is used in the New Testament, it was translated from the Greek agapē. Thus, charity is a two-fold reciprocal gift. “We love him because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). The spiritual gift of charity is a condition, not an action. It is something we receive, not give. Charity is not what we do to others, it is what God does to us.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christ is/should be an intricate part of our every day lives and has power to bless us in many ways.
Anthony Sweat addresses the following ways that Christ can bless us:

Cleansing
Healing
Renewing/restoring
Identifying with us, extending empathy
Strengthening
Transforming our nature and changing us into children of God and children of the covenant.

I loved this part. He told of the Provo Tabernacle being destroyed by fire. It was a pile of rubble. Nearly a year later, President Monson announced that it would be rebuilt and restored as a temple. Something that seemed to have been a tragic loss was now going to be given back ...what was broken and lost was going to be restored and made even better than before. "In the midst of our telestial burns stands our celestial Savior who reminds us our lives are in His hands." In his own time and in His own way, He will redeem and He will restore. Not just from sin and death but from every sorrow and every suffering, every burn, every unfairness.

Strengthening power promises at least 3 types of help from the Savior:...1. To help us bear our trials and burdens. 2. Help us resist temptation and overcome sin. 3. Help us do good works beyond our normal capacity.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever taken a visitor around your town and listened to them exclaim over sights and offerings you've taken for granted...

If you've ever watched a toddler's eyes as they open a brand new box of crayons...

If you have ever looked at your family after overhearing a stranger compliment them and can now see them with a perspective you hadn't considered before...

That's what listening to this book was like for me. The concepts, ideas and principles were some I've heard all my life. But grouping them into the chapters as they were and hearing them presented from another point of view opened my own perception more to see how Christ truly is and wants to be a part of our lives every hour.

Also, there was so much of the good new ideas presented I will need to listen to it again. This is a good thing. And I don't need to be Martha Stewart to know it.

[Kiersten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always liked what I’ve heard or read by Anthony Sweat and this was no different. He has a way of explaining things that make them easier to grasp. I also love how he gives examples and tells stories to help with understanding.

A couple of my favorite quotes

If we desire to reap God’s fruits tomorrow, we can’t plant Satan’s seeds today.

Regardless of our circumstances, we should deal out goodness, truth, kindness, and fairness to others, for sowing those good seeds today will enable a future reaping of good fruits.


*On a personal side note: I have had this book for years and finally decided to pick it up and start reading. I didn’t know then that in a day or two I was going to have a really hard day. This book helped me keep perspective and stay focused on Christ. I do not believe it was an accident that I was reading it when I was.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After hearing Sweat speak last November at TOFW, I had to get this book. (He’s hilarious, btw) He just makes it so simple through this small book - the whole reason I can be a better person, mother, wife, daughter, friend, etc. is through Christ and His Atonement. Through His grace - which none of us have earned, but is so freely given - He cleanses us, heals us, restores all things to us, identifies with us, sanctifies us, and transforms us. His power does so much more than just erases our sins, and for all of those things, I am so very, very grateful and full of hope!

Also loved his study suggestions at the end of each chapter. It’s definitely a book that I’ll return to, use the study guides, and take notes.

[Gable Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a time when I was in the MTC where my district sang "I need thee every hour" in our tiny classroom. It is one of the times that I have noticeably felt the strong influence of the spirit. I think all the missionaries in that room knew how much we needed Christ in every hour at that time.

Since that time I still believe that I need Him every hour but I don't always feel it as much as I did then. This book is a good reminder of this fact. Not to say that we are necessarily weak, but more to the point that we can be empowered by allowing Christ into every hour of our lives. Not only that but every minute and every second as well. It is a crazy world and Christ can help and strengthen us if we allow Him to.

[LMoody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a powerful book where Anthony Sweat explores several of Christ's powers. I like how he organizes the book so that each of the letters in Christ's name stand for one of his powers:
C=Power to Cleanse
H=Power to Heal
R=Power to Restore
I=Power to Identify
S=Power to Strengthen
T=Power to Transform
I especially enjoyed the chapter about Christ's power to identify with us and help us have an identity in this world as we stay close to Him and choose to be defined by Him.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I thought there were a lot of great insights and things that got me thinking about the Savior. It was also very applicable at this time in my life which made it even more meaningful. My favorite section was the one about the healing power. I thought the author had wonderful thoughts about Christ's healing power. I'd recommend this book for anyone that wants Christ in their life.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good that I wanted to buy a copy for all of my family, friends and myself (I borrowed it from the library). I wish that it came in paperback because I just can’t afford to buy multiple copies. I loved everything about it and felt the Spirit confirm truth. I learned so much and recognized Christ’s power in my life. This also gave me a greater understanding of the role of the Holy Ghost.

[Amy Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Most often you can’t be cured by trying harder. But you can be made whole by being softer” - Anthony Sweat (Pg 42)

Such a faith inspiring book! The power of Christ’s atonement put in simple words that reaches to the soul. 😇🥰

This is a an easy read but also provides scripture references for more in-depth study. If you are looking for a spiritually uplifting book, this is the book for you!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author took the time to delve into the different ways Christ can help us every day. In particular I liked the strengthening and transforming chapters. I also appreciated how he delved into the purpose and jobs of the Holy Ghost and all he does for us as part of the Godhead. Great read. Will come back to it again.

[Summer Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was studying grace before reading this book and I came away with so many good insights.

“Transformation is a spiritual gift from God, not an accomplishment earned by our efforts. That’s an important lesson that Christ wanted not just Nicodemus to understand, but all of us. It causes us to be humble seekers and receivers, not prideful earners and accomplishers” (p. 126).

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. Maybe 3.5 stars. It was just a little too . . . simple? I felt like maybe the author had been challenged by someone to be more Christ-centered and so this is his approach. That's a fabulous thing to be, but this book wasn't anything necessarily transformational. It was almost a review of Christ.

[Emily Craythorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is INCREDIBLE. A must read for all humans on this earth. It simplifies the atonement so perfectly and literally let’s you know how christs atonement can actually have an effect on your life every hour of every day. It doesn’t matter what struggle you are going through this book will apply to your life perfectly. I want to read it again right now.

[Mackenzie McCoy Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I give this a 10/5 ?! Its excellent. I wish I had this book to study from and learn as a young woman. I will be coming back and referencing this book for forever. Seriously, so so good. Wish I had taken a class from Anthony Sweat while I was at BYU because he has such RICH insight + knowledge of the Gospel.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much! I have been studying the gospel of Jesus Christ for 25 years, but I still learned so much for this book. I had many epiphanies about how to better apply and live the gospel. I would recommend this book to everyone wanting to know their Savior better. I a different person than when I started this book.