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Our Day Star Rising: Exploring the New Testament with Jeffrey R. Holland LDS Apostle Hardcover – November 28, 2022
In his decades as a teacher and an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has often shared remarkable insights gleaned from his study of the New Testament. Our Day Star Rising compiles these those about the history and context of the New Testament as well as teachings from the New Testament, wherein he uses its verses to cast new light on various doctrinal themes. Among the many names of Christ is the Day Star—the sun—that “shineth in a dark place until the day dawn . . . in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19). Our lives will have difficult periods, which may go on for days, months, or even years. But in all of it, somehow, not only when He comes again but also during the anticipation of His coming, we can rest assured that His light will guide us unfailingly through. This book reminds us of the promise that, if we wait for it and watch for it and want it badly enough, our Day Star will most certainly arise in our hearts.
306 pages, Hardcover
Published November 26, 2022
142 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey R. Holland
44 books337 followersElder Jeffrey R. Holland was ordained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 23 June 1994. At the time of this call, Elder Holland was serving as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, to which he had been called on 1 April 1989. A native of St. George, Utah, he has spent most of his professional life in Church education. He received his bachelor and master degrees from Brigham Young University and a master degree and Ph.D. from Yale University.
From 1980 until his call as a General Authority in 1989, Elder Holland served as president of Brigham Young University. He is a former Church commissioner of education and dean of the College of Religious Education at BYU.
Elder Holland is the author of several books, one of which he co-authored with his wife, Patricia. They were married in 1963 and are the parents of three children and the grandparents of 12 grandchildren.
From 1980 until his call as a General Authority in 1989, Elder Holland served as president of Brigham Young University. He is a former Church commissioner of education and dean of the College of Religious Education at BYU.
Elder Holland is the author of several books, one of which he co-authored with his wife, Patricia. They were married in 1963 and are the parents of three children and the grandparents of 12 grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
January 9, 2023
I especially loved listening to this audio book with commentary for the New Testament because Elder Holland was the reader. Great insights and a great companion to personal study. It is a compilation and reorganization of previous talks organized by the scripture reference. Very easy to find specific topics or scriptures.
January 4, 2023
What a great book to start the year with. I love Elder Holland. I read through this quickly but I hope to go back, as we study the individual chapters throughout the year in Sunday School, and review what Elder Holland has said.
December 21, 2022
Brilliant in every way. I will be revisiting this book time and time again as I study the New Testament. I love the stories and application to modern life provided by the author. Our day star is one thing we can always count on and will remain consistent throughout our mortal lives. Love this book!!
January 6, 2024
I love Elder Holland and felt like I could understand the New Testament and my Savior so much better with this book as my companion.
May 19, 2025
This may be my all time favorite book!! Elder Jeffery Holland is a great teacher and helps me to understand and love Jesus Christ.
August 13, 2023
Learned the deeper meaning of so many commonly used phrases. Super insightful. I was highlighting something on practically every page. 11/10 recommend. Also made me appreciate Elder Holland even more. His insights and wisdom truly increased my testimony of the divinity and blessing of the scriptures.
December 23, 2023
I loved this book by Jeffrey R. Holland. He has such a beautiful way of expounding on the teachings of the New Testament.
May 21, 2023
This one is one to have and own in HARD COPY! BUY IT and read it often! Especially as the last of the Last Days continue to crush in all around us!
Wow. This one is like sitting down with Elder Holland, an actual, current, real and true Apostle and Disciple of Jesus Christ, and listening to his impressions, thoughts, experiences, stories, testimony and points of doctrine that he shares regarding several scriptures from throughout the New Testament.
Absolutely amazing - and SO. MUCH. TO. UNPACK. from within it's pages! Just wow!
One note to show how stupid I am: I just learned from Elder Holland in this book that the correct pronunciation for the name Philemon is: fy-LEE-muhn. WHO KNEW!?
Trust me - if you want stuff to ponder, swallow, learn, and study for many months, buy this book and study it!
If you wish to share your strong, anchored-in-Christ testimony with someone, gift them this book. Absolutely amazing!
Just ONE sample quote:
Philemon 1: Anyone could be pleasant, patient and forgiving on a good day. A Christian has to be pleasant, patient and forgiving on all days. Christ's forgiveness of His tormentors was perhaps the quintessential moment of His ministry. Pre-figuring eternal forgiveness He would offer all of us, this specific act on the cross was as perfect in its example as it was difficult to endure. Is there someone who needs forgiveness from YOU? In a more personal way, is there someone in your home, someone in your family, someone in your neighborhood who has done an unjust, or an unkind, or an unchristian thing? Is it possible that even this very moment, in the rush to get to work or to some meeting, some unkind word was spoken, and the vault of human pain increased yet again? All of us are guilty of such transgressions, so there surely must be someone who yet needs your forgiveness. And please don't ask if that's fair. If the injured should have to bear the burden of forgiveness for the offender. Don't ask if "justice" doesn't demand that it be the other way around. No, whatever you do, don't ask for "justice." You and I know that what we plead for is mercy. And that is what we must be willing to give.
"This is exactly what the Apostle Paul asked of one of his converts, Philemon. When "justice" would have demanded punishment for Onesimus, a runaway slave, Paul sent him back to his owner with the plea to treat him not now as a servant but above a servant, a brother, beloved. Mercy, was what Paul said, for love's sake I rather beseech thee.
"My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify that forgiving and forsaking offenses old or new is central to the grandeur of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I testify that ultimately such spiritual repair can come only from our Divine Redeemer, He who rushes to our aid with healing in His wings. We thank Him, and our Heavenly Father who sent Him, that renewal and rebirth a future free from old sorrows and past mistakes are not only possible, but they have already been purchased, paid for at an excruciating cost, symbolized by the blood of the Lamb who shed it. We can almost hear the Savior say, as did the Apostle Paul, 'If he hath wrong thee or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account. I have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it, albeit I do not say to thee, how thou owest unto me, even thine own self besides.'
"With the Apostolic authority granted me by the Savior of the world, I testify of the tranquility to the soul that reconciliation with God and each other will bring if we are meek and courageous enough to pursue it. Cease to contend one with another. If you know of an old injury, repair it. Care for one another in love."
Wow. This one is like sitting down with Elder Holland, an actual, current, real and true Apostle and Disciple of Jesus Christ, and listening to his impressions, thoughts, experiences, stories, testimony and points of doctrine that he shares regarding several scriptures from throughout the New Testament.
Absolutely amazing - and SO. MUCH. TO. UNPACK. from within it's pages! Just wow!
One note to show how stupid I am: I just learned from Elder Holland in this book that the correct pronunciation for the name Philemon is: fy-LEE-muhn. WHO KNEW!?
Trust me - if you want stuff to ponder, swallow, learn, and study for many months, buy this book and study it!
If you wish to share your strong, anchored-in-Christ testimony with someone, gift them this book. Absolutely amazing!
Just ONE sample quote:
Philemon 1: Anyone could be pleasant, patient and forgiving on a good day. A Christian has to be pleasant, patient and forgiving on all days. Christ's forgiveness of His tormentors was perhaps the quintessential moment of His ministry. Pre-figuring eternal forgiveness He would offer all of us, this specific act on the cross was as perfect in its example as it was difficult to endure. Is there someone who needs forgiveness from YOU? In a more personal way, is there someone in your home, someone in your family, someone in your neighborhood who has done an unjust, or an unkind, or an unchristian thing? Is it possible that even this very moment, in the rush to get to work or to some meeting, some unkind word was spoken, and the vault of human pain increased yet again? All of us are guilty of such transgressions, so there surely must be someone who yet needs your forgiveness. And please don't ask if that's fair. If the injured should have to bear the burden of forgiveness for the offender. Don't ask if "justice" doesn't demand that it be the other way around. No, whatever you do, don't ask for "justice." You and I know that what we plead for is mercy. And that is what we must be willing to give.
"This is exactly what the Apostle Paul asked of one of his converts, Philemon. When "justice" would have demanded punishment for Onesimus, a runaway slave, Paul sent him back to his owner with the plea to treat him not now as a servant but above a servant, a brother, beloved. Mercy, was what Paul said, for love's sake I rather beseech thee.
"My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify that forgiving and forsaking offenses old or new is central to the grandeur of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I testify that ultimately such spiritual repair can come only from our Divine Redeemer, He who rushes to our aid with healing in His wings. We thank Him, and our Heavenly Father who sent Him, that renewal and rebirth a future free from old sorrows and past mistakes are not only possible, but they have already been purchased, paid for at an excruciating cost, symbolized by the blood of the Lamb who shed it. We can almost hear the Savior say, as did the Apostle Paul, 'If he hath wrong thee or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account. I have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it, albeit I do not say to thee, how thou owest unto me, even thine own self besides.'
"With the Apostolic authority granted me by the Savior of the world, I testify of the tranquility to the soul that reconciliation with God and each other will bring if we are meek and courageous enough to pursue it. Cease to contend one with another. If you know of an old injury, repair it. Care for one another in love."
January 5, 2023
We enjoyed listening to the audiobook version in Elder Holland's voice. It kept our interest, and was an excellent preparation for studying the New Testament this year with "Come Follow me"
June 29, 2023
Wish JRH was my Sunday School teacher.
July 7, 2025
Reviewing a book written by a General Authority is always risky. If there are a few things you don't like about it and mention those you run the risk of being called an apostate. If you gush too much about it, then you risk being accused of drinking the Kool-Aid.
President Jeffrey R. Holland has long been a favorite of mine. He has a way of getting his point across precisely and clearly in the same vein as Bruce R. McKonkie and Neal A. Maxwell. Simultaneously, he has a folksy, cheerful way of delivering it so that it is accessible to everyone.
President Holland makes his way through the New Testament, from Matthew to Revelations. He doesn't go verse by verse, or even chapter by chapter. He skips many chapters all together. Overall his purpose here is to draw our attention to the Savior--our daystar--with a hopeful message. I quite liked it and the deeper I got into the book, the more I enjoyed it.
President Jeffrey R. Holland has long been a favorite of mine. He has a way of getting his point across precisely and clearly in the same vein as Bruce R. McKonkie and Neal A. Maxwell. Simultaneously, he has a folksy, cheerful way of delivering it so that it is accessible to everyone.
President Holland makes his way through the New Testament, from Matthew to Revelations. He doesn't go verse by verse, or even chapter by chapter. He skips many chapters all together. Overall his purpose here is to draw our attention to the Savior--our daystar--with a hopeful message. I quite liked it and the deeper I got into the book, the more I enjoyed it.
November 21, 2023
Fantastic! I would recommend this to everyone. Elder holland narrates the audiobook which is great but now I want to read the hard copy. So many good nuggets such as… Let not your heart be troubled may be one of the most seriously disobeyed instructions. ❤️ Jesus is the set of bookends of everything I hold dear. 📚. The part about our dispensation and the temple are powerful! A must read.
January 1, 2024
I’m so happy to have read this, but it was especially special to have read this in a year that no talks were given by Elder Holland. An entire book of his thoughts on the New Testament was just what my 2023 needed!
April 3, 2025
The subtitle hooked me--who doesn't want to explore the New Testament with Jeffrey R Holland? This book is a compilation of statements and talks that Elder Holland has given and is arranged based on the book of scripture he quotes/describes. As such, it took me a very long time to read it because I wanted to absorb and ponder each nugget of wisdom. I marked several bits of wisdom and loved his remarks as I always do.
(This says Kindle version, but I actually read and marked a physical copy.)
(This says Kindle version, but I actually read and marked a physical copy.)
January 10, 2023
We truly enjoyed listening to Elder Holland read this book on our way to AZ. He has such great insights into the New Testament. This will be a good preparation for this year's Come Follow Me lessons.
January 23, 2023
Such a beautiful commentary on the New Testament. I listened to the audiobook which was read by Elder Holland himself. I loved hearing his words in his voice.
March 4, 2023
A nice compilation. Something you'd need to own to really use. Some quotes that are harder to find. And lovely pictures/ photos.
May 22, 2023
Some good insights. I enjoyed the audio version and would probably prefer that over reading.
June 13, 2023
This book contains sermons given by Elder Holland on the New Testament. The book is beautiful and made me happy every time I picked it up. I highly recommend reading to learn more about our Savior.
July 17, 2023
Nobody does it quite like Jeffrey R Holland! Such beautiful insights into the New Testament.
January 5, 2024
It was like Pres. Holland was right there helping you to understand what you are reading and sharing his thoughts with you! Love it
December 29, 2024
I loved hearing Elder Hollands insights to the new testament.
August 20, 2023
The perfect addition to studying the New Testament. Elder Holland has an easy, encouraging, understandable way of teaching about Jesus Christ. Each section builds knowledge and understanding, and boosts testimony and conversion. I love Jesus Christ more than I did when I began the book.
January 29, 2023
Just love this author. He teaches who we are and where to be going.
May 7, 2023
This book is a series of insights by Elder Holland on several chapters of the New Testament. One of the chapters was an answer to a question that I had been pondering recently. This is a great read to enhance New Testament study.
March 5, 2023
This book is a beautiful treasure. One I will re-read often
October 16, 2023
Audiobook review
SYNOPSIS (@deseretbook)
"In his decades as a teacher and an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has often shared remarkable insights gleaned from his study of the New Testament. Our Day Star Rising compiles these insights: those about the history and context of the New Testament as well as teachings from the New Testament, wherein he uses its verses to cast new light on various doctrinal themes.
"Among the many names of Christ is the Day Star—the sun—that 'shineth in a dark place until the day dawn...in your hearts' (2 Peter 1:19). Our lives will have difficult periods, which may go on for days, months, or even years. But in all of it, somehow, not only when He comes again but also during the anticipation of His coming, we can rest assured that His light will guide us unfailingly through. This book reminds us of the promise that, if we wait for it and watch for it and want it badly enough, our Day Star will most certainly arise in our hearts."
BRIEF REVIEW
Oh my goodness. Loved, loved, loved, LOVED. This book is so wholly focused on Jesus Christ, our Savior. There are so many amazing insights and uplifting thoughts.
If you have listened to Elder Holland give sermons or devotionals, you will recognize a number of quotes included here, but there are still so many more that were new to me. (And the book is cohesive, not just a list of quotes.)
Elder Holland boldly declares that Jesus Christ is our Savior and boldly defends the faith. He also gives practical guidance for living righteously.
CONTENT
😘🙊🍷🤕All mild or N/A
BOTTOM LINE
If you want to add powerful apostolic testimony to your study of the New Testament, this is an amazing resource. I believe that any Christian (or any person in general!) can find useful, relevant, and uplifting insights from this book. This will especially appeal to members of @churchofjesuschrist
SYNOPSIS (@deseretbook)
"In his decades as a teacher and an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has often shared remarkable insights gleaned from his study of the New Testament. Our Day Star Rising compiles these insights: those about the history and context of the New Testament as well as teachings from the New Testament, wherein he uses its verses to cast new light on various doctrinal themes.
"Among the many names of Christ is the Day Star—the sun—that 'shineth in a dark place until the day dawn...in your hearts' (2 Peter 1:19). Our lives will have difficult periods, which may go on for days, months, or even years. But in all of it, somehow, not only when He comes again but also during the anticipation of His coming, we can rest assured that His light will guide us unfailingly through. This book reminds us of the promise that, if we wait for it and watch for it and want it badly enough, our Day Star will most certainly arise in our hearts."
BRIEF REVIEW
Oh my goodness. Loved, loved, loved, LOVED. This book is so wholly focused on Jesus Christ, our Savior. There are so many amazing insights and uplifting thoughts.
If you have listened to Elder Holland give sermons or devotionals, you will recognize a number of quotes included here, but there are still so many more that were new to me. (And the book is cohesive, not just a list of quotes.)
Elder Holland boldly declares that Jesus Christ is our Savior and boldly defends the faith. He also gives practical guidance for living righteously.
CONTENT
😘🙊🍷🤕All mild or N/A
BOTTOM LINE
If you want to add powerful apostolic testimony to your study of the New Testament, this is an amazing resource. I believe that any Christian (or any person in general!) can find useful, relevant, and uplifting insights from this book. This will especially appeal to members of @churchofjesuschrist
May 18, 2023
Amazing insights and testimony of Jesus Christ's life and doctrines in the New Testament.
July 14, 2023
I started this book on audio and have listened to multiple parts multiple times. That lead me to purchasing a hard copy. I appreciate so much the real life application to the ancient scriptures and the wisdom that feels perfect for me right now. Will it be perfect for you? Who knows. Give it a try.
January 16, 2023
Jeffery R. Holland is known for his ability to teach scripture stories in his conference talks and BYU speeches. This is a collection of those stories combined in one volume. However, without the teaching or lesson that goes with the scriptural story this book falls flat. I would much rather just have his full sermons in print (which I can get for free elsewhere) than this book of partial discourses. Since I heard the stories when the talks were originally given, they aren’t as impactful here. I did want to like this book but alas, it falls short for me.
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews