TILM - New Years Message 2026 - (LDS - Old Testament)
Hi ALL,
Happy New Year! As we move into 2026, we wanted to share what's happening and why it matters to the Christian looking to point to Christ in their conversations.
This year, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) will be studying the Old Testament—both personally and in their weekly church and youth studies. This means many of your LDS friends and neighbors will be spending a whole year with some of the most foundational books of the Bible.
For Christians who care about sharing Jesus, this is an incredible open door!
Why This Is A Big Deal
The Bible has real power. When people read the Word, the Spirit is at work. Even when someone reads the Old Testament through an LDS lens, the stories still point to our need for rescue and the hope found in the promised Messiah.
This is a rare, natural opportunity to begin conversations about sin, grace, and the heart of the gospel.
In other words, you don’t have to force these conversations. The Old Testament will already be on their minds. So let’s get ready to talk about it.
In other words, you don’t have to force these conversations. The Old Testament will already be on their minds. So let’s get ready to talk about it.
How You Can Walk Alongside Your LDS Friends This Year
You don't have to be an Old Testament scholar to begin meaningful conversations. It can start with a simple question:
“I heard your church is focusing on the Old Testament this year. Is that true?”
Then, every week for the rest of the year, you have an easy follow-up:
“What did you read in the Old Testament this week?”
This question shows interest, invites them to share, and opens the door for natural, ongoing faith conversations about things like:
- Why the Bible matters
- How they see God in these stories
- How the Old Testament points to Jesus
- How Christians and Mormons read the same text through different lenses.
Prepare Your Own Heart As You Read
As you read the Old Testament this year—individually, as a neighbor, friend, co-worker, or family member—you will be strengthened and encouraged by God's powerful Word. As you read, ask yourself these simple study questions:
- Law: What does this story reveal about human sin, failure, or brokenness? How does it show our need for the Messiah?
- Gospel: How does this passage point to Jesus? What glimpses do I see of the Redeemer who was promised from the very beginning?
These simple questions will help you offer thoughtful, gospel-centered responses in your conversations.
Resources for You
You're not alone! All year long, we'll be posting shareable content to help you in your witness.
- Sign up for weekly Old Testament devotions written specifically with LDS readers in mind at BeYePerfect.org.
- Watch for shareable content on Facebook and Instagram designed to spark gentle, meaningful conversations with LDS friends.
- Visit this page on TILM.org throughout 2026 for new articles exploring well-known Old Testament accounts and how they point to the coming Messiah.
- Subscribe to the Witnessing Christ podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Our evangelist interns have launched a brand-new series called Christ in the Old Testament. In the kickoff episode, they dive into Genesis 1–2, asking a bold but biblical question: Is Jesus really present in the very beginning?
Be sure to check out the Witnessing Christ from the Old Testament resource page for insights into reading the Old Testament, how your LDS friends might view it through a different lens, and why these differences matter.
May God bless you and your LDS friends this year as you walk through God's story together!
