2024 April General Conference - Saturday Afternoon Session (transcription by whisper)

2024-04-002-sat-afternoon.mp3.txt

[00:00.000 --> 00:04.200]  Elder Gary E. Stevenson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,
[00:04.200 --> 00:05.520]  will conduct this session.
[00:20.800 --> 00:23.560]  Brothers and sisters, we welcome you to the Saturday
[00:23.560 --> 00:29.880]  afternoon session of the 194th Annual General Conference
[00:29.880 --> 00:32.840]  of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[00:32.840 --> 00:35.400]  President Russell M. Nelson has asked
[00:35.400 --> 00:38.280]  me to conduct this session.
[00:38.280 --> 00:41.360]  We extend our greetings to all who are in attendance
[00:41.360 --> 00:45.560]  or who are participating by means of television, radio,
[00:45.560 --> 00:46.800]  or the Internet.
[00:46.800 --> 00:50.800]  We likewise welcome those who are viewing the proceedings
[00:50.800 --> 00:54.280]  in stake centers in various parts of the world
[00:54.280 --> 00:56.000]  where conference is being carried
[00:56.000 --> 00:59.400]  by satellite transmission.
[00:59.440 --> 01:01.000]  The music for this session will be
[01:01.000 --> 01:05.000]  provided by a combined choir from Brigham Young University,
[01:05.000 --> 01:09.480]  Idaho, under the direction of Paul Busselberg, Randall
[01:09.480 --> 01:15.520]  Kempton, Ida Ashby, and Atina Coates, with Joseph Peoples
[01:15.520 --> 01:19.760]  and Linda Margetts at the organ.
[01:19.760 --> 01:22.640]  The choir will open this meeting by singing
[01:22.640 --> 01:26.000]  All Glory, Laud, and Honor.
[01:26.000 --> 01:29.680]  The invocation will then be offered by Elder Ryan K.
[01:29.680 --> 01:31.160]  Olson of the Seventy.
[01:31.160 --> 01:56.160]  All glory, laud, and honor to thee, Redeemer, King!
[01:57.160 --> 02:03.160]  To whom the lips of children make sweet hosannas ring!
[02:03.160 --> 02:10.160]  Thou art the King of kings, and thou David's loyal son,
[02:10.160 --> 02:16.160]  who in the Lord's name promised a king and blessed one.
[02:17.160 --> 02:22.160]  All glory, laud, and honor to thee, Redeemer, King!
[02:22.160 --> 02:28.160]  The company of angels are praising thee on high,
[02:28.160 --> 02:35.160]  and morsel men and all things creative may reply.
[02:35.160 --> 02:42.160]  The people of the Hebrews with palms before thee wept
[02:42.160 --> 02:47.160]  of praise and love and anthems before thee we present.
[03:01.160 --> 03:08.160]  To him we bore thy passion, their sanguine hymns of praise.
[03:08.160 --> 03:14.160]  To him, now high exalted, our melody remains.
[03:14.160 --> 03:21.160]  Thou didst accept their praises, accept the love we bring,
[03:21.160 --> 03:27.160]  who in all good delight is a good and gracious King.
[03:28.160 --> 03:45.160]  Who in all good delight is a good and gracious King,
[03:45.160 --> 03:56.160]  a gracious King, our God, our God and King,
[03:56.160 --> 04:01.160]  our King, our gracious King.
[04:17.160 --> 04:21.160]  Our dear Heavenly Father, we humbly
[04:21.160 --> 04:24.160]  come before Thee in prayer, so grateful to be gathered
[04:24.160 --> 04:27.960]  at this second session of general conference.
[04:27.960 --> 04:31.360]  There is no place that we would rather be,
[04:31.360 --> 04:34.360]  and our hearts are filled with joy.
[04:34.360 --> 04:39.560]  We are so very grateful to have President Nelson with us.
[04:39.560 --> 04:42.360]  We pray that he and his family and those
[04:42.360 --> 04:46.360]  who serve with him will know how much we love and sustain
[04:46.360 --> 04:49.960]  and support him, even with all of our hearts.
[04:50.760 --> 04:55.660]  We are grateful for the children of the world and of the Church
[04:55.660 --> 04:58.860]  and of our amazing youth of this rising generation.
[04:58.860 --> 05:02.460]  We pray that Thou would bless them.
[05:02.460 --> 05:06.860]  We are grateful for our dear missionaries scattered
[05:06.860 --> 05:10.760]  throughout the world, serving in whatever capacity
[05:10.760 --> 05:12.760]  that they have been called to labor.
[05:12.760 --> 05:15.260]  We pray that Thou would bless them
[05:15.260 --> 05:17.660]  to know of our love and appreciation for them,
[05:17.660 --> 05:20.360]  that they will become disciples of Thee and of Thy Son.
[05:21.260 --> 05:23.960]  We pray for those who have been called to lead them,
[05:23.960 --> 05:28.260]  even these great mission leaders who have sacrificed their time
[05:28.460 --> 05:30.960]  and are leading this great battalion.
[05:32.160 --> 05:36.160]  Heavenly Father, we pray for peace upon the earth.
[05:36.160 --> 05:39.360]  We pray for Thy Spirit to be with us this day
[05:39.460 --> 05:44.060]  during these proceedings, especially for those who have
[05:44.060 --> 05:46.860]  prepared messages that we will feel in our hearts
[05:46.860 --> 05:49.760]  all that they would desire for us to know and feel,
[05:50.360 --> 05:53.360]  that we might draw nearer unto Thee and unto Thy Son.
[05:54.260 --> 05:55.460]  We love Thee.
[05:55.860 --> 05:57.760]  We are so grateful for the Savior.
[05:58.360 --> 06:01.360]  We love Him and pray that we might become a little bit more
[06:01.360 --> 06:02.460]  like Him this day.
[06:03.260 --> 06:05.460]  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[06:05.960 --> 06:06.460]  Amen.
[06:15.160 --> 06:18.660]  We will now be pleased to hear from Elder David A. Bednar
[06:18.960 --> 06:20.760]  of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
[06:21.460 --> 06:25.460]  He will be followed by Elder Massimo De Feo of the Seventy.
[06:26.160 --> 06:28.560]  After his remarks, the choir will sing
[06:28.960 --> 06:31.760]  God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son.
[06:32.760 --> 06:36.660]  We'll then hear from Elder Brent H. Nielsen
[06:36.960 --> 06:41.560]  of the Presidency of the Seventy and Elder Jose L. Alonso
[06:41.860 --> 06:42.660]  of the Seventy.
[06:50.160 --> 06:53.560]  During a recent open house and media day for a new
[06:53.560 --> 06:54.560]  House of the Lord,
[06:55.460 --> 06:57.960]  I led a group of journalists on a tour through
[06:57.960 --> 06:59.160]  the sacred structure.
[07:00.160 --> 07:03.460]  I described the purposes of temples in The Church of Jesus
[07:03.460 --> 07:07.260]  Christ of Latter-day Saints and responded to their many
[07:07.260 --> 07:08.460]  excellent questions.
[07:09.760 --> 07:13.860]  Before entering the Celestial Room, I explained that this
[07:13.860 --> 07:19.160]  particular room in the House of the Lord symbolically represents
[07:19.160 --> 07:23.160]  the peace and beauty of the heavenly home to which we can
[07:23.160 --> 07:24.960]  return after this life.
[07:25.360 --> 07:30.160]  I indicated to our guests that we would not speak while
[07:30.160 --> 07:33.660]  in the Celestial Room, but I would be happy to answer any
[07:33.660 --> 07:36.960]  questions after we move to the next stop on the tour.
[07:38.960 --> 07:42.860]  After exiting the Celestial Room and as we gathered at the next
[07:42.860 --> 07:47.660]  location, I asked our guests if they had any observations
[07:47.660 --> 07:48.760]  they wanted to share.
[07:49.860 --> 07:53.560]  One of the journalists said with great emotion,
[07:54.560 --> 08:00.160]  I have never experienced anything like that in my life.
[08:01.160 --> 08:04.860]  I did not know quiet like that existed in the world.
[08:05.260 --> 08:10.160]  I simply did not believe such stillness was possible.
[08:12.260 --> 08:16.960]  I was struck by both the sincerity and the starkness of
[08:16.960 --> 08:21.960]  this person's statement, and the journalist's reaction highlighted
[08:21.960 --> 08:27.260]  one important aspect of stillness, overcoming and tuning
[08:27.260 --> 08:29.760]  out the commotion of our external environment.
[08:31.460 --> 08:35.660]  As I later pondered the journalist's comment and reflected
[08:35.660 --> 08:40.960]  on the often hectic pace of our modern lives, the busyness,
[08:41.060 --> 08:46.260]  noise, diversions, distractions, and detours that so often seem
[08:46.260 --> 08:50.360]  to demand our attention, a scripture came to my mind.
[08:51.160 --> 08:54.060]  Be still and know that I am God.
[08:55.460 --> 08:59.560]  I pray the Holy Ghost will enlighten each of us as we consider
[08:59.560 --> 09:04.860]  a higher and holier dimension of stillness in our lives, an
[09:04.860 --> 09:10.360]  inner spiritual stillness of the soul that enables us to know
[09:10.360 --> 09:14.260]  and remember that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His
[09:14.260 --> 09:17.760]  children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.
[09:18.760 --> 09:22.760]  This remarkable blessing is available to all Church members
[09:23.260 --> 09:27.060]  who are striving faithfully to become covenant people of
[09:27.060 --> 09:32.660]  the Lord. In 1833, the Saints in Missouri were the targets of
[09:32.660 --> 09:34.260]  intense persecution.
[09:35.760 --> 09:39.760]  Mobs had driven them from their homes in Jackson County, and
[09:39.760 --> 09:43.260]  some Church members had tried to establish themselves in other
[09:43.260 --> 09:48.060]  nearby counties. But the persecution continued, and the
[09:48.060 --> 09:53.060]  threats of death were many. In these challenging circumstances,
[09:53.060 --> 09:55.960]  the Lord revealed the following instruction to the Prophet
[09:55.960 --> 09:58.760]  Joseph Smith in Kirtland, Ohio.
[10:00.060 --> 10:05.860]  Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion, for
[10:05.860 --> 10:07.960]  all flesh is in mine hands.
[10:08.860 --> 10:12.960]  Be still and know that I am God.
[10:14.260 --> 10:19.360]  I believe the Lord's admonition to be still entails much, much
[10:19.360 --> 10:22.360]  more than simply not talking or not moving.
[10:23.660 --> 10:28.360]  Perhaps His intent is for us to remember and rely upon Him and
[10:28.360 --> 10:33.460]  His power at all times and in all things and in all places
[10:33.460 --> 10:34.460]  that we may be in.
[10:35.860 --> 10:40.560]  Thus, be still may be a way of reminding us to focus upon
[10:40.560 --> 10:45.760]  the Savior unfailingly as the ultimate source of the spiritual
[10:45.760 --> 10:50.760]  stillness of the soul that strengthens us to do and overcome
[10:51.060 --> 10:51.960]  hard things.
[10:54.060 --> 10:59.260]  True faith is always focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ,
[10:59.960 --> 11:04.660]  in Him as the divine and only begotten Son of the Eternal
[11:04.660 --> 11:09.560]  Father, and on Him and the redemptive mission He fulfilled.
[11:11.160 --> 11:15.160]  For He hath answered the ends of the law, and He claimeth all
[11:15.160 --> 11:19.460]  those who have faith in Him, and they who have faith in Him
[11:19.460 --> 11:21.560]  will cleave unto every good thing.
[11:22.460 --> 11:25.960]  Wherefore, He advocateth the cause of the children of men.
[11:27.860 --> 11:33.360]  Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, our Mediator, and our Advocate
[11:33.360 --> 11:37.860]  with the Eternal Father and the rock upon which we should build
[11:37.860 --> 11:40.660]  the spiritual foundation of our lives.
[11:41.860 --> 11:47.660]  Helaman explained, Remember, remember that it is upon the rock
[11:47.660 --> 11:52.460]  of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must
[11:52.460 --> 11:59.060]  build your, that ye must build your foundation, that when the
[11:59.060 --> 12:03.160]  devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in
[12:03.160 --> 12:07.660]  the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall
[12:07.660 --> 12:11.960]  beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you
[12:11.960 --> 12:16.660]  down to the gulf of misery and endless woe, because of the
[12:16.660 --> 12:21.760]  rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation,
[12:21.760 --> 12:25.260]  a foundation whereon if men build, they cannot fall."
[12:27.160 --> 12:31.760]  The symbolism of Christ as the rock upon whom we should build
[12:31.760 --> 12:36.160]  the foundation of our lives is most instructive.
[12:36.960 --> 12:42.460]  Please note in this verse that the Savior is not the foundation.
[12:43.460 --> 12:47.560]  Rather, we are admonished to build our personal foundation
[12:47.860 --> 12:53.260]  upon Him. The foundation is the part of a building that connects
[12:53.260 --> 12:54.260]  it to the ground.
[12:55.160 --> 12:59.260]  A strong foundation provides protection from natural disasters
[12:59.260 --> 13:01.460]  and many other destructive forces.
[13:02.460 --> 13:06.560]  A proper foundation also distributes the weight of a structure
[13:06.960 --> 13:12.160]  over a large area to avoid overloading the underlying soil
[13:12.560 --> 13:15.460]  and provide a level surface for construction.
[13:17.060 --> 13:22.160]  A strong and reliable connection between the ground and a foundation
[13:22.160 --> 13:27.160]  is essential if a structure is to remain sturdy and stable over
[13:27.160 --> 13:33.460]  time. And for particular types of construction, anchor pins
[13:33.860 --> 13:38.560]  and steel rods can be used to attach the foundation of a building
[13:38.560 --> 13:44.660]  to bedrock, the hard, solid rock beneath surface material such
[13:44.660 --> 13:46.060]  as soil and gravel.
[13:48.060 --> 13:53.460]  In a similar way, the foundation of our lives must be connected
[13:53.460 --> 13:58.360]  to the rock of Christ if we are to remain firm and steadfast.
[13:59.460 --> 14:02.760]  The sacred covenants and ordinances of the Savior's restored
[14:02.760 --> 14:08.660]  gospel can be compared to the anchor pins and steel rods used
[14:08.660 --> 14:11.360]  to connect a building to bedrock.
[14:12.860 --> 14:17.060]  Every time we faithfully receive, review, remember, and renew
[14:17.060 --> 14:21.960]  sacred covenants, our spiritual anchors are secured ever more
[14:21.960 --> 14:27.460]  firmly and steadfastly to the rock of Jesus Christ.
[14:29.060 --> 14:32.460]  Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a
[14:32.460 --> 14:37.560]  better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which
[14:37.560 --> 14:42.460]  hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men,
[14:43.560 --> 14:47.460]  which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in
[14:47.460 --> 14:51.060]  good works, being led to glorify God.
[14:52.860 --> 14:58.360]  Incrementally and increasingly in process of time, virtue
[14:58.860 --> 15:00.860]  garnishes our thoughts unceasingly.
[15:01.660 --> 15:05.360]  Our confidence waxes stronger and stronger in the presence of
[15:05.360 --> 15:09.360]  God, and the Holy Ghost is our constant companion.
[15:10.260 --> 15:15.360]  We become more grounded, rooted, established, and settled.
[15:16.360 --> 15:21.060]  As the foundation of our lives is built upon the Savior, we are
[15:21.060 --> 15:27.160]  blessed to be still, to have a spiritual assurance that God is
[15:27.160 --> 15:32.960]  our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is
[15:32.960 --> 15:33.960]  our Savior.
[15:35.960 --> 15:42.560]  The Lord provides both sacred times and holy places to help us
[15:42.560 --> 15:46.660]  experience and learn about this inner stillness of our souls.
[15:46.760 --> 15:53.360]  For example, the Sabbath is God's day, a sacred time set
[15:53.360 --> 15:57.060]  apart to remember and worship the Father in the name of His
[15:57.060 --> 16:02.860]  Son, to participate in priesthood ordinances, and to receive and
[16:02.860 --> 16:04.460]  renew sacred covenants.
[16:05.760 --> 16:10.860]  Each week we worship the Lord during our home study and also
[16:10.860 --> 16:14.260]  as fellow citizens with the Saints during sacrament and
[16:14.260 --> 16:15.260]  other meetings.
[16:16.260 --> 16:20.560]  On His holy day, our thoughts, actions, and demeanor are signs
[16:20.560 --> 16:25.160]  we give to God and an indicator of our love for Him.
[16:26.360 --> 16:32.960]  Every Sunday, if we will, we can be still and know that God is
[16:32.960 --> 16:37.860]  our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is
[16:37.860 --> 16:38.860]  our Savior.
[16:40.260 --> 16:44.060]  A central feature of our Sabbath worship is to go to the house
[16:44.060 --> 16:48.160]  of prayer and offer up our sacraments upon the Lord's
[16:48.160 --> 16:49.160]  holy day.
[16:50.360 --> 16:54.260]  The houses of prayer in which we gather on the Sabbath are meeting
[16:54.260 --> 17:00.860]  houses and other approved facilities, holy places of reverence,
[17:01.160 --> 17:02.860]  worship, and learning.
[17:04.160 --> 17:07.560]  Each meeting house and facility is dedicated by priesthood
[17:07.560 --> 17:11.660]  authority as a place where the Spirit of the Lord may dwell
[17:12.460 --> 17:15.760]  and where God's children may come to the knowledge of their
[17:15.760 --> 17:23.160]  Redeemer. If we will, we can be still in our holy places of worship
[17:23.860 --> 17:27.860]  and know ever more surely that God is our Heavenly Father, we
[17:27.860 --> 17:31.860]  are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.
[17:33.460 --> 17:38.260]  The temple is another holy place specifically set apart for
[17:38.260 --> 17:42.060]  worshiping and serving God and learning eternal truths.
[17:43.360 --> 17:47.660]  We think, act, and dress differently in the house of the Lord
[17:48.060 --> 17:53.560]  from any other places that we may frequent. In His holy house,
[17:54.360 --> 17:59.560]  if we will, we can be still and know that God is our Heavenly
[17:59.560 --> 18:04.960]  Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.
[18:05.760 --> 18:12.460]  The principal purposes of sacred time and holy places are exactly
[18:12.460 --> 18:17.960]  the same. To repeatedly focus our attention upon Heavenly Father
[18:18.060 --> 18:24.060]  and His plan, the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement, the edifying
[18:24.060 --> 18:28.360]  power of the Holy Ghost, and the promises associated with the
[18:28.360 --> 18:32.860]  sacred ordinances and covenants of the Savior's restored gospel.
[18:34.960 --> 18:39.660]  Today, I repeat a principle I previously have emphasized.
[18:40.660 --> 18:46.360]  Our homes should be the ultimate combination of both sacred
[18:46.460 --> 18:53.160]  time and holy place, wherein individuals and families can be
[18:53.260 --> 18:58.160]  still and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His
[18:58.160 --> 19:01.860]  children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.
[19:01.960 --> 19:07.660]  Leaving our homes to worship on the Sabbath and in the house
[19:07.660 --> 19:12.260]  of the Lord certainly is essential, but only as we return
[19:12.260 --> 19:17.460]  to our homes with the spiritual perspective and strength obtained
[19:17.460 --> 19:22.560]  in those holy places and activities can we then sustain
[19:22.560 --> 19:27.760]  our focus upon the primary purposes of mortal life and overcome
[19:27.760 --> 19:30.860]  the temptations so prevalent in our fallen world.
[19:32.360 --> 19:39.260]  Our ongoing Sabbath, temple, and home experiences should fortify
[19:39.260 --> 19:43.460]  us with the power of the Holy Ghost, with an ongoing and
[19:43.460 --> 19:48.160]  stronger covenant connection to the Father and the Son, and
[19:48.160 --> 19:52.360]  with a perfect brightness of hope in God's eternal promises.
[19:53.960 --> 19:59.460]  As home and Church are gathered together in one in Christ, we
[19:59.460 --> 20:03.960]  may be troubled on every side, but we will not be distressed
[20:03.960 --> 20:05.460]  in our minds and hearts.
[20:06.460 --> 20:09.860]  We may be perplexed by our circumstances and challenges,
[20:10.560 --> 20:12.760]  but we will not be in despair.
[20:13.960 --> 20:17.760]  We may be persecuted, but we will also recognize that we are
[20:17.760 --> 20:18.760]  never alone.
[20:19.460 --> 20:24.160]  We can receive spiritual strength to become and remain firm,
[20:24.560 --> 20:26.760]  steadfast, and true.
[20:27.260 --> 20:33.860]  I promise that as we build the foundation of our lives on
[20:33.860 --> 20:38.860]  the rock of Jesus Christ, we can be blessed by the Holy Ghost
[20:39.460 --> 20:44.660]  to receive an individual and spiritual stillness of the soul
[20:45.460 --> 20:48.660]  that enables us to know and remember that God is our Heavenly
[20:48.660 --> 20:55.360]  Father, we are His children, Jesus Christ is our Savior, and
[20:55.360 --> 20:58.360]  we can be blessed to do and overcome hard things.
[20:59.860 --> 21:05.960]  I joyfully witness that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His
[21:05.960 --> 21:12.460]  children, and Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and the rock of
[21:12.460 --> 21:13.460]  our salvation.
[21:14.360 --> 21:19.160]  I so testify in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
[21:26.360 --> 21:31.860]  Some time ago, I asked my wife,
[21:33.060 --> 21:36.860]  Can you tell me why, as far as I remember, we never had any
[21:36.860 --> 21:38.560]  major problems in our lives?
[21:39.960 --> 21:43.760]  She looked at me and said, Sure, I'll tell you why we never
[21:43.760 --> 21:45.460]  had any major problems.
[21:46.260 --> 21:48.360]  It's because you have a very short memory.
[21:48.960 --> 21:55.860]  Her quick and smart answer made me realize once again that
[21:55.860 --> 22:00.160]  living the gospel of Jesus Christ does not remove pain and
[22:00.160 --> 22:02.660]  trials, which are necessary to grow.
[22:03.860 --> 22:08.360]  The gospel is not a way to avoid challenges and problems, but
[22:08.360 --> 22:12.060]  a solution to increase our faith and learn how to deal with
[22:12.060 --> 22:17.560]  them. I had a sense of this truth a few months ago when I
[22:17.560 --> 22:22.860]  was walking one day and suddenly my sight became blurry, dark,
[22:22.960 --> 22:25.260]  and wavy. I was scared.
[22:26.060 --> 22:29.060]  Then the doctors told me, If you don't begin treatment
[22:29.060 --> 22:33.760]  immediately, you may lose your sight even in a matter of weeks.
[22:34.760 --> 22:36.160]  I was even more scared.
[22:37.060 --> 22:41.860]  And then they said, You need intravitreal injections, injections
[22:41.860 --> 22:46.860]  right in the eye, wide open eye, every four weeks for the rest
[22:46.860 --> 22:47.660]  of your life.
[22:49.060 --> 22:51.260]  That was an uncomfortable wake-up call.
[22:52.760 --> 22:55.360]  Then a reflection came in the form of a question.
[22:55.560 --> 23:00.560]  I asked myself, Okay, my physical sight is not good.
[23:01.260 --> 23:03.160]  What about my spiritual vision?
[23:03.760 --> 23:05.360]  Do I need any treatment there?
[23:06.360 --> 23:09.960]  And what does it mean to have a clear spiritual vision?
[23:11.360 --> 23:15.660]  I pondered about the story of a blind man called Bartimaeus,
[23:16.460 --> 23:18.160]  described in the Gospel of Mark.
[23:19.360 --> 23:23.660]  The scripture says, And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth,
[23:24.160 --> 23:29.260]  he began to cry out and say, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.
[23:30.360 --> 23:34.560]  Technically, in the eyes of many, Jesus was just the Son of Joseph.
[23:35.460 --> 23:38.460]  So why did Bartimaeus call Him Son of David?
[23:40.060 --> 23:44.560]  Simply because he recognized that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.
[23:45.460 --> 23:48.860]  He was prophesied to be born as a descendant of David.
[23:50.260 --> 23:54.160]  It is interesting that this blind man, who didn't have physical sight,
[23:54.560 --> 23:55.960]  recognized Jesus.
[23:56.360 --> 24:00.660]  He saw spiritually what he couldn't see physically, while many others
[24:00.660 --> 24:05.160]  could see Jesus physically, while were totally blind spiritually.
[24:06.460 --> 24:10.060]  From this story, we learn more about clear spiritual vision.
[24:10.760 --> 24:15.160]  We read, And many charged him that he should hold his peace,
[24:16.060 --> 24:20.460]  but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
[24:21.960 --> 24:26.560]  All around him were telling him to be quiet, but he cried even more
[24:26.560 --> 24:29.360]  because he knew who Jesus really was.
[24:30.360 --> 24:33.860]  He ignored those voices and screamed even louder.
[24:34.760 --> 24:37.560]  He acted instead of being acted upon.
[24:38.560 --> 24:43.060]  Despite his limited circumstances, he used his faith to go beyond
[24:43.060 --> 24:44.160]  his limitations.
[24:45.160 --> 24:50.360]  So the first principle we learn is we keep a clear spiritual vision
[24:50.660 --> 24:56.160]  when we focus on Jesus Christ and stay true to what we know to be true.
[24:57.460 --> 25:01.260]  Brothers and sisters, to keep our spiritual sight intact,
[25:01.860 --> 25:05.860]  we need to decide not to listen to the voices of the world around us.
[25:06.660 --> 25:11.560]  In this confusing and confused world, we must stay faithful to what
[25:11.560 --> 25:15.960]  we know, faithful to our covenants, faithful in keeping the commandments,
[25:16.260 --> 25:20.560]  and reaffirm our beliefs even stronger like this man did.
[25:21.760 --> 25:26.360]  We need to cry even louder our testimony of the Lord to the world.
[25:27.860 --> 25:32.960]  This man knew Jesus, stayed faithful to what he believed, and was not
[25:32.960 --> 25:35.560]  distracted by the voices around him.
[25:36.860 --> 25:42.060]  There are many voices today trying to lower our voices as disciples of
[25:42.060 --> 25:47.360]  Jesus Christ. The voices of the world are trying to silence us, but
[25:47.360 --> 25:52.160]  that's exactly why we must declare our testimony of the Savior louder
[25:52.360 --> 25:57.060]  and stronger. Among all the voices of the world, the Lord is counting
[25:57.060 --> 26:02.060]  on me and you to declare our testimonies, to raise our voice, and
[26:02.060 --> 26:04.060]  to become His voice.
[26:05.060 --> 26:08.360]  If we don't do it, who will testify of Jesus Christ?
[26:09.160 --> 26:12.660]  Who will speak His name and declare His divine mission?
[26:13.560 --> 26:18.860]  We have a spiritual charge that comes from our knowledge of Jesus Christ.
[26:20.860 --> 26:23.260]  But what did Bartimaeus do after that?
[26:24.560 --> 26:29.160]  At the Lord's command to rise, he acted again in faith.
[26:29.860 --> 26:30.760]  The scripture says,
[26:31.060 --> 26:36.060]  And he, casting away his garment, rose and came to Jesus.
[26:36.960 --> 26:40.260]  This humble and faithful man understood that he could rise to
[26:40.260 --> 26:42.160]  a better life at Jesus' command.
[26:42.860 --> 26:45.960]  He knew that it was better than his circumstances.
[26:46.660 --> 26:50.260]  And the very first thing he did when he heard Jesus calling him was
[26:50.260 --> 26:52.660]  to throw away his beggar's coat.
[26:53.460 --> 26:56.860]  Again, he acted instead of being acted upon.
[26:57.760 --> 27:01.260]  He might have thought, I don't need this anymore now that Jesus
[27:01.260 --> 27:02.460]  has come into my life.
[27:02.760 --> 27:03.960]  This is a new day.
[27:04.060 --> 27:07.360]  I'm done with this life of misery. With Jesus,
[27:07.360 --> 27:11.960]  I can start a new life of happiness and joy in Him, with Him, and through
[27:11.960 --> 27:15.560]  Him, and I don't care what the world thinks of me.
[27:16.260 --> 27:17.460]  Jesus is calling me.
[27:18.760 --> 27:21.560]  And He will help me live a new life.
[27:22.460 --> 27:24.160]  What a remarkable change.
[27:25.160 --> 27:29.060]  As he threw away his beggar's coat, he got rid of all excuses.
[27:30.160 --> 27:31.860]  And this is a second principle.
[27:32.260 --> 27:35.560]  We keep a clear spiritual vision when we leave the natural man
[27:35.560 --> 27:40.060]  behind, repent, and begin a new life in Christ.
[27:40.760 --> 27:45.360]  The way to do it is by making and keeping covenants to rise to
[27:45.360 --> 27:47.560]  a better life through Jesus Christ.
[27:48.260 --> 27:51.660]  As long as we make excuses to feel sorry for ourselves,
[27:51.660 --> 27:55.360]  sorry for our circumstances and problems, and for all the bad
[27:55.360 --> 27:58.560]  things happening in our life, and even all the bad people that
[27:58.560 --> 28:04.460]  we think make us unhappy, we keep the beggar's coat on our shoulders.
[28:05.460 --> 28:09.560]  It is true that at times people, consciously or not, hurt us,
[28:10.560 --> 28:14.760]  but we need to decide to act with faith in Christ by removing
[28:14.760 --> 28:19.360]  the mental and emotional coat that we might still wear to hide
[28:19.360 --> 28:26.860]  excuses or sin and throw it away, knowing that He can and will heal us.
[28:28.160 --> 28:31.060]  There is never a good excuse to say,
[28:31.460 --> 28:34.560]  I am the way I am because of some unfortunate and unpleasant
[28:34.560 --> 28:37.860]  circumstances, and I cannot change, and I am justified.
[28:38.360 --> 28:42.260]  When we think that way, we decide to be acted upon.
[28:42.760 --> 28:45.060]  We keep the beggar's coat.
[28:45.560 --> 28:50.160]  Acting in faith means to rely on our Savior, believing that
[28:50.160 --> 28:54.660]  through His Atonement, we can rise above everything at His command.
[28:56.560 --> 28:59.060]  The third principle is in the last four words.
[28:59.860 --> 29:01.260]  He came to Jesus.
[29:02.060 --> 29:04.460]  How could He go to Jesus since He was blind?
[29:05.360 --> 29:10.760]  The only way was to walk towards Jesus by hearing His voice.
[29:11.860 --> 29:13.460]  And this is the third principle.
[29:13.760 --> 29:17.660]  We keep a clear spiritual vision when we hear the voice of
[29:17.660 --> 29:20.960]  the Lord and allow Him to guide us.
[29:22.260 --> 29:26.360]  Just like this man raised his voice over the voices around him,
[29:26.960 --> 29:30.860]  he was able to listen to the voice of the Lord in the middle of all other voices.
[29:32.060 --> 29:36.060]  This is the same faith that allowed Peter to walk on waters
[29:36.060 --> 29:40.360]  as long as he kept his spiritual focus on the Lord and was not
[29:40.360 --> 29:43.160]  distracted by the winds around him.
[29:44.260 --> 29:49.060]  Then the story of this blind man ends with the words,
[29:49.860 --> 29:54.360]  he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way.
[29:55.460 --> 29:59.160]  One of the most important lessons in this story is that this man
[29:59.160 --> 30:03.460]  exercised true faith in Jesus Christ and received a miracle because
[30:03.760 --> 30:09.160]  he asked with real intent, the real intent to follow Him.
[30:10.160 --> 30:13.460]  And this is the ultimate reason for the blessings we receive in our
[30:13.460 --> 30:16.660]  life, which is to follow Jesus Christ.
[30:17.660 --> 30:22.460]  It is about recognizing Him, making and keeping covenants with God
[30:22.460 --> 30:27.560]  because of Him, changing our very nature through Him, and enduring
[30:27.560 --> 30:29.460]  to the end by following Him.
[30:31.260 --> 30:37.860]  For me, keeping a clear spiritual vision is all about focusing on
[30:37.860 --> 30:38.760]  Jesus Christ.
[30:40.160 --> 30:46.060]  So is my spiritual sight clear as I get my eye injections?
[30:46.960 --> 30:49.360]  Well, who am I to say?
[30:52.560 --> 30:55.260]  But I am grateful for what I see.
[30:56.160 --> 31:01.760]  I clearly see the hand of the Lord in this sacred work and in my life.
[31:02.760 --> 31:08.360]  I see the faith of many wherever I go who strengthen my own faith.
[31:09.260 --> 31:11.760]  I see angels all around me.
[31:12.960 --> 31:16.660]  I see the faith of many who don't see the Lord physically but recognize
[31:16.660 --> 31:19.560]  Him spiritually because they know Him intimately.
[31:20.760 --> 31:25.860]  I testify that this gospel is the answer for everything because
[31:25.860 --> 31:29.560]  Jesus Christ is the answer for everyone.
[31:30.660 --> 31:35.360]  I am grateful for what I can see as I follow my Savior.
[31:36.360 --> 31:42.160]  I promise that as we hear the voice of the Lord and allow Him
[31:42.160 --> 31:46.860]  to guide us on the Savior's covenant path, we will be blessed
[31:47.260 --> 31:51.960]  with clear vision, spiritual understanding, and peace of heart
[31:52.060 --> 31:53.860]  and mind throughout our lives.
[31:55.360 --> 32:01.360]  May we cry our testimony of Him louder than the voices around us
[32:01.860 --> 32:06.360]  in a world that needs to hear more of Jesus Christ and not less.
[32:08.460 --> 32:14.260]  May we remove the beggar's coat that we might still wear and rise
[32:14.260 --> 32:18.760]  above the world to a better life in and through Christ.
[32:19.660 --> 32:24.160]  May we get rid of all excuses not to follow Jesus Christ and find
[32:24.160 --> 32:29.660]  all good reasons to follow Him as we hear His voice.
[32:29.660 --> 32:35.360]  It is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[32:59.660 --> 33:24.160]  To show us by the path He trod, the one and only way to God.
[33:30.660 --> 33:43.760]  Amen.
[33:43.760 --> 33:54.460]  He came as man, though Son of God,
[33:54.460 --> 34:04.060]  and bowed Himself beneath the rod.
[34:04.060 --> 34:25.660]  He died in holy innocence, a broken heart to recompense.
[34:34.660 --> 34:44.660]  Amen.
[34:44.660 --> 34:54.260]  In word and deed He doth reward.
[34:54.260 --> 35:03.260]  From Thy will to His life, Son to Son,
[35:03.260 --> 35:20.460]  be paid to bend and die as Son, the conduct from the Holy One.
[35:24.460 --> 35:52.460]  Amen.
[35:52.660 --> 36:10.660]  O love impotent, love divine, what debt of gratitude is mine
[36:10.860 --> 36:21.860]  that in His offering I have might and hold
[36:21.860 --> 36:37.860]  the place within in His heart, that in His offering
[36:38.060 --> 37:02.060]  I have might and hold the place within in His heart?
[37:02.260 --> 37:15.260]  Christ Jesus, the atoning One, He sent His Son.
[37:15.260 --> 37:27.260]  Christ Jesus, the atoning One, He sent His Son.
[37:27.260 --> 37:33.460]  He sent His Son.
[37:58.260 --> 38:01.700]  After I graduated from law school,
[38:01.700 --> 38:05.220]  my wife, Marcy, and I chose to join a law firm that
[38:05.220 --> 38:07.300]  specialized in trial law.
[38:07.300 --> 38:09.620]  As I began my on-the-job training,
[38:09.620 --> 38:13.060]  I spent much of my time preparing witnesses
[38:13.060 --> 38:14.860]  to testify at trial.
[38:14.860 --> 38:17.940]  I quickly learned that facts were determined in a courtroom
[38:17.940 --> 38:20.860]  as witnesses under oath testified
[38:20.860 --> 38:24.940]  to the truthfulness of what they had both seen and heard.
[38:25.540 --> 38:27.340]  As witnesses testified, their words
[38:27.340 --> 38:29.620]  were both recorded and preserved.
[38:29.620 --> 38:32.020]  The importance of credible witnesses
[38:32.020 --> 38:35.260]  was always at the forefront of my preparation.
[38:35.260 --> 38:37.580]  It didn't take long for me to realize
[38:37.580 --> 38:41.060]  that the very same terms I was using every day as a lawyer
[38:41.060 --> 38:44.940]  were also the terms I used in my gospel conversations.
[38:44.940 --> 38:49.180]  Witness and testimony are terms that we
[38:49.180 --> 38:52.180]  use as we share our knowledge and feelings
[38:52.340 --> 38:56.340]  about the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
[38:56.340 --> 38:59.060]  When I was sustained as a new Area Seventy,
[38:59.060 --> 39:01.460]  I opened the scriptures to learn my duties
[39:01.460 --> 39:07.740]  and read Doctrine and Covenants section 10725, which states,
[39:07.740 --> 39:11.660]  "...the Seventy are also called to be as special witnesses
[39:11.660 --> 39:15.220]  unto the Gentiles, and in all the world."
[39:15.220 --> 39:18.220]  As you can imagine, my eyes were drawn to the term
[39:18.500 --> 39:20.180]  a special witness.
[39:20.180 --> 39:23.340]  It became clear to me that I had a responsibility
[39:23.340 --> 39:27.420]  to bear my witness, to testify of the name of Jesus Christ
[39:27.420 --> 39:30.620]  wherever I traveled in the world.
[39:30.620 --> 39:32.380]  There are many examples in the scriptures
[39:32.380 --> 39:35.660]  of those who are eyewitnesses and who testified
[39:35.660 --> 39:38.380]  to what they both saw and heard.
[39:38.380 --> 39:41.740]  As the ancient prophet Mormon begins his record,
[39:41.740 --> 39:45.820]  he writes, "...and now I, Mormon, make a record of the things
[39:45.820 --> 39:48.380]  which I have both seen and heard,
[39:48.380 --> 39:51.420]  and call it the Book of Mormon."
[39:51.420 --> 39:53.260]  The Savior's Apostles Peter and John
[39:53.260 --> 39:57.060]  healed a man in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
[39:57.060 --> 39:59.940]  When commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus,
[39:59.940 --> 40:04.060]  they responded, "...whether it be right in the sight of God
[40:04.060 --> 40:08.020]  to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
[40:08.020 --> 40:11.060]  For we cannot but speak of the things which
[40:11.060 --> 40:14.380]  we have seen and heard."
[40:14.380 --> 40:16.420]  Another compelling testimony comes
[40:16.420 --> 40:18.380]  from the Book of Mormon Saints who
[40:18.380 --> 40:21.300]  witnessed the visit of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
[40:21.300 --> 40:25.660]  Listen to this description of their witness.
[40:25.660 --> 40:28.140]  "...And after this manner do they bear record,
[40:28.140 --> 40:32.300]  the eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard before
[40:32.300 --> 40:36.260]  so great and marvelous things, as we both saw and heard
[40:36.260 --> 40:39.660]  Jesus speak unto the Father."
[40:39.660 --> 40:43.620]  Brothers and sisters, today I declare my witness
[40:43.900 --> 40:47.340]  and make a record of what I have both seen and heard
[40:47.340 --> 40:51.420]  during my sacred ministry as a Seventy of the Lord Jesus
[40:51.420 --> 40:52.580]  Christ.
[40:52.580 --> 40:56.620]  In doing so, I testify to you of a loving Heavenly Father
[40:56.620 --> 41:01.660]  and His benevolent Son, Jesus Christ, who suffered, died,
[41:01.660 --> 41:06.060]  and rose again to offer eternal life to God's children.
[41:06.060 --> 41:09.860]  I testify of a marvelous work and a wonder
[41:09.860 --> 41:12.900]  and that the Lord has set His sand once again
[41:12.940 --> 41:15.500]  to restore His gospel on the earth
[41:15.500 --> 41:18.140]  through His living prophets and Apostles.
[41:18.140 --> 41:23.140]  I testify that based upon what I have both seen and heard,
[41:23.140 --> 41:25.500]  there has never been a better time
[41:25.500 --> 41:28.460]  to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
[41:28.460 --> 41:30.380]  Saints than today.
[41:30.380 --> 41:35.500]  I know this of my own knowledge, independent of any other source
[41:35.500 --> 41:40.300]  because of what I have both seen and heard.
[41:40.300 --> 41:41.780]  During my senior year of high school,
[41:41.780 --> 41:43.620]  to graduate from seminary, I had
[41:43.620 --> 41:47.580]  to identify all 15 temples of the Church.
[41:47.580 --> 41:51.460]  A picture of each temple was at the front of our classroom,
[41:51.460 --> 41:54.620]  and I had to know where each one was located.
[41:54.620 --> 41:57.980]  Now, years later, it would be an enormous challenge
[41:57.980 --> 42:04.420]  with 335 operating or announced temples to identify each one.
[42:04.420 --> 42:07.820]  I have personally seen many of these houses of the Lord
[42:07.820 --> 42:10.620]  and testify that the Lord is offering
[42:10.620 --> 42:14.060]  His blessings and ordinances to more and more of His children
[42:14.060 --> 42:16.340]  across the world.
[42:16.340 --> 42:18.140]  My friends at FamilySearch have taught me
[42:18.140 --> 42:21.740]  that they add over one million new names
[42:21.740 --> 42:25.100]  to FamilySearch every day.
[42:25.100 --> 42:27.540]  If you didn't find your ancestor yesterday,
[42:27.540 --> 42:31.020]  I invite you to look again tomorrow.
[42:31.020 --> 42:32.820]  When it comes to gathering Israel
[42:32.820 --> 42:35.180]  on the other side of the veil, there
[42:35.180 --> 42:37.660]  has never been a better time to be
[42:37.660 --> 42:41.180]  a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
[42:41.180 --> 42:43.380]  than today.
[42:43.380 --> 42:45.700]  Raising our children in Twin Falls, Idaho,
[42:45.700 --> 42:49.580]  our perspective of the worldwide Church was limited.
[42:49.580 --> 42:51.860]  When I was called to be a General Authority,
[42:51.860 --> 42:55.620]  Marcy and I were assigned to serve in the Pacific area,
[42:55.620 --> 42:57.540]  a place we'd never been.
[42:57.540 --> 43:00.900]  We were pleased to find stakes from the top of New Zealand
[43:00.900 --> 43:02.060]  to the bottom.
[43:02.060 --> 43:05.740]  With a temple that was dedicated in 1958,
[43:05.940 --> 43:09.220]  it was one of those 15 I had to memorize in seminary.
[43:09.220 --> 43:13.020]  We found temples in every major city of Australia
[43:13.020 --> 43:15.860]  with stakes across that continent.
[43:15.860 --> 43:19.620]  We had assignments in Samoa, where there are 25 stakes,
[43:19.620 --> 43:23.060]  and Tonga, where almost half of the population
[43:23.060 --> 43:24.900]  are members of the Church.
[43:24.900 --> 43:27.980]  We had an assignment on the island of Kitabas,
[43:27.980 --> 43:30.420]  where we found two stakes.
[43:30.420 --> 43:33.500]  We had assignments to visit stakes in Ibai,
[43:33.820 --> 43:38.460]  in the Marshall Islands, and Daru in Papua New Guinea.
[43:38.460 --> 43:40.260]  After our service in the Pacific Islands,
[43:40.260 --> 43:43.180]  we were assigned to serve in the Philippines.
[43:43.180 --> 43:47.540]  To my surprise, The Church of Jesus Christ in the Philippines
[43:47.540 --> 43:50.940]  is growing beyond anything I had realized.
[43:50.940 --> 43:55.500]  There are now 125 stakes, 23 missions,
[43:55.500 --> 43:58.020]  and 13 announced temples.
[43:58.020 --> 44:02.700]  I witnessed a Church of over 850,000 members.
[44:03.220 --> 44:05.740]  How would I miss the establishment of Christ's
[44:05.740 --> 44:08.900]  Church across the world?
[44:08.900 --> 44:10.340]  After three years in the Philippines,
[44:10.340 --> 44:12.740]  I was asked to serve in the missionary department.
[44:12.740 --> 44:16.300]  My assignment took us to missions all over the world.
[44:16.300 --> 44:19.380]  My view of the Savior's worldwide Church
[44:19.380 --> 44:23.020]  expanded exponentially.
[44:23.020 --> 44:26.100]  Marcie and I were assigned to visit missions in Asia.
[44:26.100 --> 44:29.260]  We found a beautiful stakes center in Singapore
[44:29.260 --> 44:31.820]  with amazing faithful members.
[44:32.220 --> 44:33.700]  We visited members and missionaries
[44:33.700 --> 44:37.060]  in a chapel in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
[44:37.060 --> 44:40.380]  We met missionaries in Hong Kong and participated
[44:40.380 --> 44:44.620]  in a wonderful stake conference with faithful, devoted Saints.
[44:44.620 --> 44:46.980]  This experience was repeated as we
[44:46.980 --> 44:49.540]  met missionaries and members across Europe,
[44:49.540 --> 44:53.380]  in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
[44:53.380 --> 44:56.340]  The Church of Jesus Christ is experiencing
[44:56.340 --> 44:59.820]  tremendous growth in Africa.
[44:59.820 --> 45:03.180]  I am an eyewitness to the ongoing Restoration
[45:03.180 --> 45:06.140]  of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the fulfilling
[45:06.140 --> 45:09.300]  of the prophecy of Joseph Smith that the truth of God
[45:09.300 --> 45:13.140]  will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent,
[45:13.140 --> 45:17.260]  till it has penetrated every continent, visited every climb,
[45:17.260 --> 45:21.860]  swept every country, and sounded in every ear.
[45:21.860 --> 45:24.380]  Our wonderful missionaries who now cover the globe
[45:24.380 --> 45:27.860]  are 74,000 strong.
[45:27.860 --> 45:29.220]  Working together with members, they
[45:29.220 --> 45:32.660]  baptize over 20,000 people every month.
[45:32.660 --> 45:37.740]  It has recently been 18, 19, and 20-year-old young men
[45:37.740 --> 45:40.060]  and young women who, with the help of the Lord,
[45:40.060 --> 45:44.540]  have produced this mighty miracle of gathering.
[45:44.540 --> 45:46.500]  We find these young women and young men
[45:46.500 --> 45:50.380]  in the small villages of Vanuatu and in the large cities
[45:50.380 --> 45:53.340]  of New York, Paris, and London.
[45:53.340 --> 45:55.860]  I have watched them teach about the Savior
[45:55.860 --> 46:00.500]  in remote congregations in Fiji and larger gatherings
[46:00.500 --> 46:04.860]  in places like Texas, California, and Florida.
[46:04.860 --> 46:07.380]  You will find missionaries in every corner of the earth
[46:07.380 --> 46:11.180]  speaking 60 different languages and fulfilling
[46:11.180 --> 46:15.140]  the Savior's great commission in Matthew 10, 28,
[46:15.140 --> 46:19.700]  "'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,' baptizing them
[46:19.700 --> 46:22.460]  in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
[46:22.460 --> 46:24.260]  and of the Holy Ghost."
[46:24.260 --> 46:27.620]  I honor the past and current missionaries of the Church
[46:27.620 --> 46:30.620]  and remind our rising generation of President Russell M.
[46:30.620 --> 46:35.180]  Nelson's invitation to come and gather Israel.
[46:35.180 --> 46:37.380]  I testify today that I have observed
[46:37.380 --> 46:40.580]  this profound restoration of the Savior's gospel
[46:40.580 --> 46:44.500]  with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears.
[46:44.500 --> 46:48.580]  I am a witness of God's work across the world.
[46:48.580 --> 46:50.740]  There has never been a better time
[46:50.740 --> 46:53.660]  to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
[46:53.660 --> 46:55.500]  Saints than today.
[46:55.500 --> 46:58.900]  Perhaps the most inspiring miracle of the Restoration
[46:58.900 --> 47:02.820]  that I have witnessed is you, the faithful members
[47:02.820 --> 47:04.900]  of the Church in every land.
[47:04.900 --> 47:07.260]  You, the Latter-day Saints, are described
[47:07.260 --> 47:10.620]  by Nephi in the Book of Mormon as he saw our day
[47:10.620 --> 47:12.100]  and testified,
[47:12.100 --> 47:14.300]  "...and it came to pass that I, Nephi,
[47:14.300 --> 47:16.860]  beheld the power of the Lamb of God,
[47:16.860 --> 47:19.900]  that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb
[47:19.900 --> 47:22.060]  and upon the covenant people of the Lord,
[47:22.300 --> 47:25.660]  who were scattered upon all the face of the earth.
[47:25.660 --> 47:28.300]  And they were armed with righteousness
[47:28.300 --> 47:32.140]  and with the power of God in great glory."
[47:32.140 --> 47:36.660]  I testify that I have seen with my own eyes what Nephi saw.
[47:36.660 --> 47:39.980]  You, the covenant Saints in every land,
[47:39.980 --> 47:44.820]  armed with righteousness and the power of God.
[47:44.820 --> 47:47.140]  As I was at the pulpit in one of these great nations
[47:47.140 --> 47:50.580]  of the world, the Lord impressed upon my mind something
[47:50.580 --> 47:54.300]  that King Benjamin taught in Mosiah 2 in the Book of Mormon.
[47:54.300 --> 47:59.820]  Brent, I would desire that you should consider
[47:59.820 --> 48:02.540]  on the blessed and happy state of those that
[48:02.540 --> 48:04.340]  keep the commandments of God.
[48:04.340 --> 48:07.300]  For behold, they are blessed in all things,
[48:07.300 --> 48:10.940]  both temporal and spiritual.
[48:10.940 --> 48:14.340]  I witness to you that I have seen this with my own eyes
[48:14.340 --> 48:17.580]  and heard it with my own ears, as I have met you,
[48:17.580 --> 48:19.780]  faithful Saints of God across the earth
[48:19.780 --> 48:21.380]  who keep the commandments.
[48:21.380 --> 48:23.980]  You are the covenant children of the Father.
[48:23.980 --> 48:26.260]  You are disciples of Jesus Christ.
[48:26.260 --> 48:29.500]  You also know what I know, because you
[48:29.500 --> 48:31.380]  have received your personal witness
[48:31.380 --> 48:35.340]  of the truthfulness of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
[48:35.340 --> 48:36.500]  The Savior taught,
[48:36.500 --> 48:39.180]  "...but blessed are your eyes, for they see,
[48:39.180 --> 48:42.100]  and your ears, for they hear."
[48:42.100 --> 48:43.940]  Under the direction of the Lord and the leadership
[48:43.940 --> 48:45.780]  of His prophets and Apostles, we will
[48:45.780 --> 48:47.820]  continue to prepare missionaries,
[48:48.060 --> 48:51.780]  make and keep sacred covenants, establish Christ's Church
[48:51.780 --> 48:54.460]  across the world, and receive the blessings that
[48:54.460 --> 48:56.780]  come as we keep the commandments of God.
[48:56.780 --> 48:58.340]  We are united.
[48:58.340 --> 49:00.780]  We are God's children.
[49:00.780 --> 49:03.300]  We know Him, and we love Him.
[49:03.300 --> 49:07.220]  I join all of you, my friends, as we unitedly
[49:07.220 --> 49:10.100]  testify that these things are true.
[49:10.100 --> 49:14.420]  We make a record of what we have both seen and heard.
[49:14.420 --> 49:17.380]  You and I are witnesses who testify.
[49:17.780 --> 49:19.860]  It is with the power of this united witness
[49:19.860 --> 49:23.540]  that we continue to move forward with faith in the Lord Jesus
[49:23.540 --> 49:25.180]  Christ and His gospel.
[49:25.180 --> 49:28.340]  I declare my witness that Jesus Christ lives.
[49:28.340 --> 49:31.020]  He is our Savior and our Redeemer.
[49:31.020 --> 49:33.380]  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[49:41.740 --> 49:44.140]  As we journey through mortality, we
[49:44.140 --> 49:48.340]  are at times beset by trials, the severe pain
[49:48.340 --> 49:54.060]  of the loss of loved ones, the arduous fight against illness,
[49:54.060 --> 49:58.300]  the stink of injustice, the harrowing experiences
[49:58.300 --> 50:03.980]  of harassment or abuse, the shadow of unemployment,
[50:03.980 --> 50:08.860]  familial tribulations, the silent cry of loneliness,
[50:08.860 --> 50:13.220]  or the heartrending consequences of armed conflicts.
[50:13.220 --> 50:16.980]  In such moments, our souls yearn for refuge.
[50:16.980 --> 50:23.540]  We seek earnestly to know, where may we find the balm of peace?
[50:23.540 --> 50:26.660]  In whom can we place our trust to help us
[50:26.660 --> 50:31.180]  with the confidence and strength to surmount these challenges?
[50:31.180 --> 50:35.060]  Who possesses the patience, the encompassing love,
[50:35.060 --> 50:40.020]  and the omnipotent hand to uplift and sustain us?
[50:40.020 --> 50:42.340]  The profound questions of the soul,
[50:42.580 --> 50:46.260]  those that surface in our darkest hours and highest
[50:46.260 --> 50:50.460]  trials, are addressed through the unwavering love
[50:50.460 --> 50:53.060]  of Jesus Christ.
[50:53.060 --> 50:56.300]  In Him and through the promised blessings of His restored
[50:56.300 --> 50:59.860]  gospel, we find the answers we seek.
[50:59.860 --> 51:02.100]  It is through His infinite Atonement
[51:02.100 --> 51:06.060]  that we are offered a gift beyond measure,
[51:06.060 --> 51:09.940]  one of hope, healing, and the assurance
[51:09.940 --> 51:13.740]  of His constant, enduring presence in our lives.
[51:13.740 --> 51:18.100]  This gift is available to all who reach out with faith,
[51:18.100 --> 51:20.980]  embracing the peace and redemption
[51:20.980 --> 51:23.180]  He so freely offers.
[51:23.180 --> 51:26.300]  The Lord extends His hand to each of us,
[51:26.300 --> 51:29.940]  a gesture that is the very essence of His divine love
[51:29.940 --> 51:31.380]  and kindness.
[51:31.380 --> 51:35.500]  His invitation to us transcends a simple call.
[51:35.860 --> 51:39.700]  It is a divine pledge, reinforced by the enduring
[51:39.700 --> 51:41.580]  power of His grace.
[51:41.580 --> 51:45.540]  In the scriptures, He lovingly assured us,
[51:45.540 --> 51:50.020]  Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavenly laden,
[51:50.020 --> 51:52.380]  and I will give you rest.
[51:52.380 --> 51:55.540]  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me,
[51:55.540 --> 51:58.580]  for I am meek and lowly in heart,
[51:58.580 --> 52:02.100]  and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
[52:02.620 --> 52:07.740]  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
[52:07.740 --> 52:12.420]  The clarity of His invitation, Come unto me and take my yoke,
[52:12.420 --> 52:16.580]  affirms the profound nature of His promise,
[52:16.580 --> 52:21.420]  a promise so vast and complete that it embodies His love,
[52:21.420 --> 52:28.740]  offering us a solemn guarantee, ye shall find rest.
[52:28.740 --> 52:31.900]  As we diligently seek spiritual guidance,
[52:31.900 --> 52:35.740]  we embark on a deeply transformative odyssey
[52:35.740 --> 52:38.780]  that strengthens our testimony.
[52:38.780 --> 52:43.060]  Comprehended the vastness of our Heavenly Father and Jesus
[52:43.060 --> 52:45.780]  Christ's perfect love, our hearts
[52:45.780 --> 52:48.620]  are filled with gratitude, humility,
[52:48.620 --> 52:54.340]  and a renewed desire to pursue the path of discipleship.
[52:54.340 --> 52:56.420]  President Russell M. Nelson taught
[52:56.420 --> 52:58.340]  that when the focus of our lives
[52:58.340 --> 53:02.380]  is on God's plan of salvation and Jesus Christ and His
[53:02.380 --> 53:06.380]  gospel, we can feel joy regardless
[53:06.380 --> 53:10.540]  of what is happening or not happening in our lives.
[53:10.540 --> 53:16.580]  Joy comes from and because of Him.
[53:16.580 --> 53:20.340]  Alma, speaking to his son Helaman, declared,
[53:20.340 --> 53:25.820]  And now, O my son Helaman, behold thou art in the youth,
[53:26.020 --> 53:30.540]  and therefore I beseech of thee that thou will hear my words
[53:30.540 --> 53:31.980]  and learn of me.
[53:31.980 --> 53:36.380]  For I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God
[53:36.380 --> 53:40.500]  shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles,
[53:40.500 --> 53:44.020]  and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up
[53:44.020 --> 53:46.620]  at the last day.
[53:46.620 --> 53:49.980]  Helaman, speaking to his sons, taught
[53:49.980 --> 53:53.900]  about this eternal principle of putting the Savior
[53:53.900 --> 53:57.260]  at the center of our lives.
[53:57.260 --> 54:02.620]  Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer,
[54:02.620 --> 54:06.420]  who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye
[54:06.420 --> 54:09.980]  must build your foundation.
[54:09.980 --> 54:14.060]  In Matthew 14, we learn that after hearing
[54:14.060 --> 54:19.100]  that John the Baptist is dead, Jesus sought solitude.
[54:19.540 --> 54:24.420]  However, a large crowd followed Him.
[54:24.420 --> 54:27.500]  Moved by compassion and love and not
[54:27.500 --> 54:31.860]  allowing His grief to distract Him from His mission,
[54:31.860 --> 54:38.140]  Jesus welcomed them, healing the sick among them.
[54:38.140 --> 54:40.380]  As Siblings approached, the disciples
[54:40.380 --> 54:43.180]  faced a daunting challenge.
[54:43.180 --> 54:47.340]  A multitude of people with scant food available.
[54:47.860 --> 54:51.660]  They proposed that Jesus send the crowd away
[54:51.660 --> 54:58.460]  to procure food, but Jesus, with high love and high expectations,
[54:58.460 --> 55:03.140]  asked the disciples to feed them instead.
[55:03.140 --> 55:05.540]  While the disciples were preoccupied
[55:05.540 --> 55:08.900]  with the immediate challenge, Jesus
[55:08.900 --> 55:12.180]  demonstrated His trust and love for His Father,
[55:12.540 --> 55:17.540]  coupled with an unwavering love for the people.
[55:17.540 --> 55:20.260]  He directed the crowd to sit on the grass,
[55:20.260 --> 55:23.780]  and taking only five loaves and two fish,
[55:23.780 --> 55:26.980]  He chose to give thanks to His Father,
[55:26.980 --> 55:34.980]  acknowledging He has provision over His authority and power.
[55:34.980 --> 55:38.260]  After He gave thanks, Jesus broke the bread,
[55:38.620 --> 55:42.060]  and the disciples distributed it to the people.
[55:42.060 --> 55:47.180]  Miraculously, the food not only sufficed but was abundant,
[55:47.180 --> 55:51.780]  with 12 baskets of leftovers.
[55:51.780 --> 55:56.260]  The group fed included 5,000 men,
[55:56.260 --> 55:59.420]  along with women and children.
[55:59.420 --> 56:02.100]  This miracle teaches a profound lesson.
[56:02.100 --> 56:04.940]  When confronted with challenges, it
[56:05.140 --> 56:09.020]  is easy to become engrossed in our difficulties.
[56:09.020 --> 56:12.380]  However, Jesus Christ exemplified the power
[56:12.380 --> 56:16.140]  of focusing on His Father, offering gratitude
[56:16.140 --> 56:19.380]  and acknowledging that solutions to our trials
[56:19.380 --> 56:24.300]  do not always lie with ourselves but with God.
[56:24.300 --> 56:26.900]  When we encounter difficulties, we naturally
[56:26.900 --> 56:30.700]  tend to concentrate on the obstacles we face.
[56:30.700 --> 56:34.500]  Our challenges are tangible and command our attention,
[56:34.540 --> 56:39.380]  yet the principle of surmounting them is in our focus.
[56:39.380 --> 56:44.340]  By placing Christ at the core of our thoughts and deeds,
[56:44.340 --> 56:48.660]  we align ourselves with His outlook and strength.
[56:48.660 --> 56:52.700]  This adjustment does not discount our struggles.
[56:52.700 --> 56:55.940]  Instead, it helps us to navigate through them
[56:55.940 --> 56:58.940]  under divine guidance.
[56:58.940 --> 57:02.180]  As a result, we discover solutions and support
[57:02.420 --> 57:05.100]  that arise from a higher wisdom.
[57:05.100 --> 57:08.820]  Adopting this Christ-centric perspective
[57:08.820 --> 57:11.980]  empowers us with the fortitude and insight
[57:11.980 --> 57:16.620]  to turn our trials into victories,
[57:16.620 --> 57:19.340]  reminding us that with the Savior, what
[57:19.340 --> 57:23.380]  seems like a major problem can become a pathway
[57:23.380 --> 57:26.820]  to greater spiritual progress.
[57:26.820 --> 57:29.180]  The story of Alma de Jonger in the Book of Mormon
[57:29.180 --> 57:32.460]  presents a compelling narrative of redemption
[57:32.460 --> 57:36.420]  and the profound impact of centering one's life
[57:36.420 --> 57:37.620]  around Christ.
[57:37.620 --> 57:42.340]  At first, Alma stood as an opponent of the Lord's Church,
[57:42.340 --> 57:45.860]  leading many astray from the path of righteousness.
[57:45.860 --> 57:51.140]  However, a divine intervention, marked by an angelic visitation
[57:51.140 --> 57:54.860]  awakened him from his wrongdoings.
[57:54.860 --> 57:59.460]  In his darkest hour, tormented by guilt and desperate
[57:59.460 --> 58:03.620]  to find a way out of his spiritual anguish,
[58:03.620 --> 58:07.580]  Alma remembered his father's teachings
[58:07.580 --> 58:11.100]  about Jesus Christ and the power of His Atonement.
[58:11.100 --> 58:13.660]  With a heart yearning for redemption,
[58:13.660 --> 58:16.940]  he earnestly repented and pleaded fervently
[58:16.940 --> 58:18.620]  for the Lord's mercy.
[58:18.620 --> 58:22.380]  This crucial moment of complete surrender,
[58:22.900 --> 58:25.940]  bringing Christ to the forefront of his thoughts
[58:25.940 --> 58:29.780]  and earnestly seeking His mercy, triggered
[58:29.780 --> 58:31.980]  a remarkable transformation.
[58:31.980 --> 58:35.300]  The heavy chains of guilt and despair
[58:35.300 --> 58:40.860]  vanished and were replaced by an overwhelming sense
[58:40.860 --> 58:44.020]  of joy and peace.
[58:44.020 --> 58:47.340]  Jesus Christ is our hope and the answer
[58:47.340 --> 58:49.580]  to life's greatest pains.
[58:49.860 --> 58:53.260]  Through His sacrifice, He paid for our sins
[58:53.260 --> 58:59.860]  and took upon Himself all of our suffering, pain, injustice,
[58:59.860 --> 59:05.260]  sorrow, and fear, and He forgives and heals us
[59:05.260 --> 59:11.660]  when we trust in Him and seek to change our lives for the better.
[59:11.660 --> 59:16.140]  He is our Healer, comforting and repairing our hearts
[59:16.140 --> 59:18.180]  through His love and power.
[59:18.540 --> 59:23.340]  Just like He healed many during His time on earth,
[59:23.340 --> 59:26.740]  He is the living water, fulfilling
[59:26.740 --> 59:31.180]  the deepest needs of our souls with His constant love
[59:31.180 --> 59:32.580]  and kindness.
[59:32.580 --> 59:36.300]  This is like the promise He made to the Samaritan woman
[59:36.300 --> 59:40.220]  at the well, offering a well of water,
[59:40.220 --> 59:44.340]  springing it up into everlasting life.
[59:44.340 --> 59:47.540]  I bear solemn witness that Jesus Christ lives,
[59:47.580 --> 59:51.180]  that He presides over His Sacred Church,
[59:51.180 --> 59:54.140]  the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[59:54.140 --> 59:57.260]  I testify that He is the Savior of the world,
[59:57.260 --> 01:00:00.900]  the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords,
[01:00:00.900 --> 01:00:03.780]  the Redeemer of the world.
[01:00:03.780 --> 01:00:06.340]  I affirm with certainty that we are ever
[01:00:06.340 --> 01:00:08.660]  present in His mind and heart.
[01:00:08.660 --> 01:00:12.100]  As a testament to this, He has restored His Church
[01:00:12.100 --> 01:00:16.580]  in these latter days and has called President Russell M.
[01:00:16.620 --> 01:00:20.100]  Nelson as His prophet and the President of the Church
[01:00:20.100 --> 01:00:21.500]  at this time.
[01:00:21.500 --> 01:00:25.980]  I know that He gave His life so that we might have eternal
[01:00:25.980 --> 01:00:26.740]  life.
[01:00:26.740 --> 01:00:30.420]  As we strive to place Him at the center of our lives,
[01:00:30.420 --> 01:00:34.980]  revelations unfold to us, His profound peace envelops us,
[01:00:34.980 --> 01:00:38.340]  and His infinite Atonement brings about our forgiveness
[01:00:38.340 --> 01:00:39.260]  and healing.
[01:00:39.260 --> 01:00:43.020]  It is in Him that we discover the strength to overcome,
[01:00:43.220 --> 01:00:45.660]  the courage to persevere, and the peace
[01:00:45.660 --> 01:00:47.820]  to surpass all understanding.
[01:00:47.820 --> 01:00:51.580]  May we strive each day to draw nearer to Him,
[01:00:51.580 --> 01:00:55.620]  the source of all that is good, the beacon of hope
[01:00:55.620 --> 01:00:58.660]  in our journey back to the presence of our Heavenly
[01:00:58.660 --> 01:01:02.220]  Father, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[01:01:02.220 --> 01:01:15.060]  As directed, the congregation will join the choir
[01:01:15.060 --> 01:01:18.700]  in singing praise to the Lord, the Almighty.
[01:01:18.700 --> 01:01:22.220]  After the singing, we will hear from Elder Garrett W.
[01:01:22.220 --> 01:01:25.420]  Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
[01:01:25.420 --> 01:01:29.140]  He will be followed by Brother Michael T. Nelson,
[01:01:29.340 --> 01:01:32.980]  who serves as Second Counselor in the Young Men General
[01:01:32.980 --> 01:01:33.980]  Presidency.
[01:01:33.980 --> 01:01:49.980]  This is the Saturday afternoon session
[01:01:49.980 --> 01:01:54.060]  of the 194th Annual General Conference
[01:01:54.060 --> 01:01:57.180]  of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[01:02:24.180 --> 01:02:28.180]  Let us all join in singing praise to the Lord,
[01:02:28.180 --> 01:02:32.180]  the Almighty, for mercy, love, and salvation.
[01:02:32.180 --> 01:02:36.180]  Join the great throng, psaltery, organ, and song,
[01:02:36.180 --> 01:02:38.180]  sounding with glad adoration.
[01:02:38.180 --> 01:02:46.180]  Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, for mercy,
[01:02:46.300 --> 01:02:52.300]  love, and salvation.
[01:02:52.300 --> 01:02:58.300]  Join the great throng, psaltery, organ, and song,
[01:02:58.300 --> 01:03:04.300]  sounding with glad adoration.
[01:03:04.300 --> 01:03:10.300]  Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, for mercy, love,
[01:03:10.300 --> 01:03:13.300]  and salvation.
[01:03:13.420 --> 01:03:19.420]  Join the great throng, psaltery, organ, and song,
[01:03:19.420 --> 01:03:23.420]  sounding with glad adoration.
[01:03:23.420 --> 01:03:29.420]  Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, for mercy, love,
[01:03:29.420 --> 01:03:31.420]  and salvation.
[01:03:31.420 --> 01:03:37.420]  Join the great throng, psaltery, organ, and song,
[01:03:37.420 --> 01:03:41.420]  sounding with glad adoration.
[01:03:41.540 --> 01:03:47.540]  Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, and you,
[01:03:47.540 --> 01:03:55.540]  who in his love have loved every.
[01:03:55.540 --> 01:04:05.540]  Praise to the Lord, and all that use in thee adore him.
[01:04:05.660 --> 01:04:11.660]  Praise to the Lord, and all that use in thee adore him.
[01:04:11.660 --> 01:04:20.140]  And we obey some of the praises of heaven,
[01:04:20.140 --> 01:04:26.140]  but we worship in glory.
[01:04:35.540 --> 01:04:47.100]  Today is April 6, the anniversary of Jesus Christ's
[01:04:47.100 --> 01:04:52.100]  restoring His Latter-day Church and part of the Easter season
[01:04:52.100 --> 01:04:56.700]  when we joyfully testify of Jesus Christ's perfect life,
[01:04:56.700 --> 01:05:01.700]  atoning sacrifice, and glorious Resurrection.
[01:05:02.580 --> 01:05:05.580]  A Chinese story begins as a man's son
[01:05:05.580 --> 01:05:08.300]  finds a beautiful horse.
[01:05:08.300 --> 01:05:11.260]  How fortunate, the neighbors say.
[01:05:11.260 --> 01:05:13.620]  We'll see, says the man.
[01:05:13.620 --> 01:05:17.500]  Then the son falls off the horse and is permanently injured.
[01:05:17.500 --> 01:05:21.460]  How unfortunate, the neighbors say.
[01:05:21.460 --> 01:05:23.780]  We'll see, says the man.
[01:05:23.780 --> 01:05:28.140]  A conscripting army comes but doesn't take the injured son.
[01:05:28.500 --> 01:05:31.540]  How fortunate, the neighbors say.
[01:05:31.540 --> 01:05:34.980]  We'll see, says the man.
[01:05:34.980 --> 01:05:38.940]  This fickle world often feels tempest-tossed, uncertain,
[01:05:38.940 --> 01:05:44.020]  sometimes fortunate, and too often unfortunate.
[01:05:44.020 --> 01:05:46.780]  Yet in this world of tribulation,
[01:05:46.780 --> 01:05:51.860]  we know that all things work together for good to them
[01:05:51.860 --> 01:05:53.300]  that love God.
[01:05:53.300 --> 01:05:57.460]  Indeed, as we walk uprightly and remember our covenants,
[01:05:57.780 --> 01:06:02.820]  all things shall work together for your good.
[01:06:02.820 --> 01:06:06.580]  All things for our good.
[01:06:06.580 --> 01:06:11.260]  A remarkable promise, comforting assurance from God Himself.
[01:06:11.260 --> 01:06:15.260]  In a miraculous way, the purpose of creation
[01:06:15.260 --> 01:06:19.060]  and the nature of God is to know beginning and end,
[01:06:19.060 --> 01:06:22.620]  to bring about all that is for our good
[01:06:22.620 --> 01:06:26.900]  and to help us become sanctified and holy through Jesus Christ's
[01:06:26.940 --> 01:06:29.540]  grace and Atonement.
[01:06:29.540 --> 01:06:32.340]  Jesus Christ's Atonement can deliver and redeem us
[01:06:32.340 --> 01:06:37.900]  from sin, but Jesus Christ also intimately understands
[01:06:37.900 --> 01:06:42.780]  our every pain, affliction, sickness, sorrow, separation.
[01:06:42.780 --> 01:06:47.820]  In time and eternity, His triumph over death and hell
[01:06:47.820 --> 01:06:50.580]  can make all things right.
[01:06:50.580 --> 01:06:53.660]  He helps heal the broken and disparaged,
[01:06:53.940 --> 01:06:59.300]  reconcile the angry and divided, comfort the lonely and isolated,
[01:06:59.300 --> 01:07:02.020]  encourage the uncertain and imperfect,
[01:07:02.020 --> 01:07:07.460]  and bring forth miracles possible only with God.
[01:07:07.460 --> 01:07:10.540]  We sing hallelujah and shout hosanna.
[01:07:10.540 --> 01:07:14.580]  With the eternal power and infinite goodness
[01:07:14.580 --> 01:07:18.300]  in God's plan of happiness, all things
[01:07:18.300 --> 01:07:21.500]  can work together for your good.
[01:07:21.500 --> 01:07:27.140]  We can face life with confidence and not fear.
[01:07:27.140 --> 01:07:31.020]  Left on our own, we may not know our own good.
[01:07:31.020 --> 01:07:36.140]  When I choose me, I am also choosing my own limitations,
[01:07:36.140 --> 01:07:38.140]  weaknesses, inadequacies.
[01:07:38.140 --> 01:07:42.580]  Ultimately, to do the most good, we must be good.
[01:07:42.580 --> 01:07:46.980]  Since none save God is good, we seek perfection
[01:07:46.980 --> 01:07:48.620]  in Jesus Christ.
[01:07:48.940 --> 01:07:51.500]  We become our truest, best selves
[01:07:51.500 --> 01:07:54.500]  only as we put off the natural man or woman
[01:07:54.500 --> 01:07:58.180]  and become a child before God.
[01:07:58.180 --> 01:08:01.820]  With trust and faith in God, trials and afflictions
[01:08:01.820 --> 01:08:04.260]  can be consecrated for our good.
[01:08:04.260 --> 01:08:07.620]  Joseph, sold into Egypt in slavery,
[01:08:07.620 --> 01:08:10.100]  later saved his family and people.
[01:08:10.100 --> 01:08:14.540]  The Prophet Joseph Smith's incarceration in Liberty Jail
[01:08:14.540 --> 01:08:17.460]  taught him, "'Flee, shing, shall give thee experience,
[01:08:17.460 --> 01:08:20.020]  and shall be for thy good.'"
[01:08:20.020 --> 01:08:23.780]  Lived with faith, trials and sacrifices we would never
[01:08:23.780 --> 01:08:30.420]  choose can bless us and others in ways never imagined.
[01:08:30.420 --> 01:08:32.500]  We increase faith and trust in the Lord
[01:08:32.500 --> 01:08:35.420]  that all things can work together for our good
[01:08:35.420 --> 01:08:39.620]  as we gain eternal perspective, understand
[01:08:39.620 --> 01:08:42.300]  our trials may be but for a small moment,
[01:08:42.300 --> 01:08:46.820]  recognize affliction can be consecrated for our day,
[01:08:47.220 --> 01:08:50.900]  acknowledge accidents, untimely death, debilitating illness,
[01:08:50.900 --> 01:08:54.060]  and disease are part of mortality,
[01:08:54.060 --> 01:08:59.060]  and trust loving Heavenly Father does not give trials
[01:08:59.060 --> 01:09:00.820]  to punish or judge.
[01:09:00.820 --> 01:09:04.100]  He would not give a stone to someone asking for bread
[01:09:04.100 --> 01:09:08.580]  nor a serpent to one asking for a fish.
[01:09:08.580 --> 01:09:12.260]  When trials come, often what we most want
[01:09:12.260 --> 01:09:15.060]  is for someone to listen and be with us.
[01:09:15.420 --> 01:09:19.020]  In the moment, cliche answers can be unhelpful,
[01:09:19.020 --> 01:09:21.620]  however comforting their intent.
[01:09:21.620 --> 01:09:26.660]  Sometimes we yearn for someone who will grieve, ache,
[01:09:26.660 --> 01:09:28.500]  and weep with us.
[01:09:28.500 --> 01:09:32.100]  Let us express pain, frustration, sometimes even
[01:09:32.100 --> 01:09:35.060]  anger, and acknowledge with us there
[01:09:35.060 --> 01:09:38.540]  are things we do not know.
[01:09:38.540 --> 01:09:41.340]  When we trust God in His love for us,
[01:09:41.340 --> 01:09:44.900]  even our greatest heartbreaks can, in the end,
[01:09:44.940 --> 01:09:48.780]  work together for our good.
[01:09:48.780 --> 01:09:50.620]  I remember the day I received word
[01:09:50.620 --> 01:09:55.140]  of a serious car accident which involved those I love.
[01:09:55.140 --> 01:09:59.900]  At such times in anguish and faith,
[01:09:59.900 --> 01:10:03.980]  we can only say with Job, the Lord gave,
[01:10:03.980 --> 01:10:06.420]  and the Lord hath taken away.
[01:10:06.420 --> 01:10:09.900]  Blessed be the name of the Lord.
[01:10:09.900 --> 01:10:14.380]  Across the worldwide Church, some 3,500 states and districts
[01:10:14.380 --> 01:10:17.020]  and some 30,000 wards and branches
[01:10:17.020 --> 01:10:19.540]  provide refuge and safety.
[01:10:19.540 --> 01:10:24.340]  But within our stakes and wards, many faithful families
[01:10:24.340 --> 01:10:27.900]  and individuals confront difficult challenges,
[01:10:27.900 --> 01:10:32.940]  even while knowing that, without yet knowing how,
[01:10:32.940 --> 01:10:37.860]  things will work together for our good.
[01:10:37.860 --> 01:10:41.460]  In Huttersville, England, Brother Samuel Bridgestock
[01:10:41.460 --> 01:10:44.300]  was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer
[01:10:44.300 --> 01:10:48.060]  shortly before the calling of a new stake president.
[01:10:48.060 --> 01:10:52.100]  Given his dire diagnosis, he asked his wife, Anna,
[01:10:52.100 --> 01:10:55.300]  why he would even go to be interviewed
[01:10:55.300 --> 01:10:58.180]  because Sister Bridgestock said,
[01:10:58.180 --> 01:11:02.060]  you're going to be called a stake president.
[01:11:02.060 --> 01:11:05.020]  Initially given a year or two to live,
[01:11:05.020 --> 01:11:08.980]  President Bridgestock, who is here today,
[01:11:09.260 --> 01:11:12.140]  is now in his fourth year of service.
[01:11:12.140 --> 01:11:15.820]  He has good and hard days.
[01:11:15.820 --> 01:11:19.060]  His stake is rallying with increased faith, service,
[01:11:19.060 --> 01:11:20.380]  and kindness.
[01:11:20.380 --> 01:11:24.260]  It is not easy, but his wife and family
[01:11:24.260 --> 01:11:30.180]  live with faith, gratitude, and understandable sadness they
[01:11:30.180 --> 01:11:34.260]  trust will become eternal joy through Jesus Christ's
[01:11:34.260 --> 01:11:37.020]  restoring Atonement.
[01:11:37.020 --> 01:11:40.260]  When we are still, open, and reverent,
[01:11:40.260 --> 01:11:43.900]  we may feel the beauty, purpose, and serenity
[01:11:43.900 --> 01:11:46.900]  of the covenant belonging the Lord offers.
[01:11:46.900 --> 01:11:50.180]  In sacred moments, He may let us glimpse
[01:11:50.180 --> 01:11:54.820]  the larger eternal reality of which our daily lives are part,
[01:11:54.820 --> 01:11:57.980]  where small and simple things work together
[01:11:57.980 --> 01:12:02.340]  for the good of givers and receivers.
[01:12:02.340 --> 01:12:06.180]  Rebecca, the daughter of my first mission president,
[01:12:06.540 --> 01:12:10.140]  shared how the Lord answered her prayer for comfort
[01:12:10.140 --> 01:12:13.460]  with an unexpected opportunity to answer
[01:12:13.460 --> 01:12:15.380]  someone else's prayer.
[01:12:15.380 --> 01:12:18.820]  Late one evening, Rebecca, grieving
[01:12:18.820 --> 01:12:22.620]  her mother's recent passing, had a clear impression
[01:12:22.620 --> 01:12:24.860]  to go buy gas for her car.
[01:12:24.860 --> 01:12:27.100]  When she arrived at the station, she
[01:12:27.100 --> 01:12:29.620]  met an elderly woman struggling to breathe
[01:12:29.620 --> 01:12:31.940]  with a large oxygen tank.
[01:12:31.940 --> 01:12:34.980]  Later, Rebecca was able to give the woman
[01:12:35.140 --> 01:12:38.060]  her mother's portable oxygen machine.
[01:12:38.060 --> 01:12:40.580]  The sister gratefully said,
[01:12:40.580 --> 01:12:44.860]  "'You have given me back my freedom.'"
[01:12:44.860 --> 01:12:47.980]  Things work together for good when we minister,
[01:12:47.980 --> 01:12:50.060]  as Jesus Christ would.
[01:12:50.060 --> 01:12:53.380]  A father assigned with his teenage son
[01:12:53.380 --> 01:12:56.060]  is ministering, companions explained.
[01:12:56.060 --> 01:12:59.580]  Ministering is when we go from being neighbors who bring
[01:12:59.580 --> 01:13:06.100]  cookies to trusted friends, spiritual first responders.
[01:13:06.100 --> 01:13:09.580]  Covenant belonging in Jesus Christ comforts,
[01:13:09.580 --> 01:13:12.420]  connects, consecrates.
[01:13:12.420 --> 01:13:16.100]  Even in tragedy, spiritual preparation
[01:13:16.100 --> 01:13:19.620]  may remind us Heavenly Father knew when we felt
[01:13:19.620 --> 01:13:23.500]  most vulnerable and alone.
[01:13:23.500 --> 01:13:25.420]  For example, a family whose child
[01:13:25.420 --> 01:13:29.060]  was taken to the hospital later found comfort
[01:13:29.060 --> 01:13:33.460]  in remembering the Holy Ghost had whispered in advance
[01:13:33.460 --> 01:13:36.420]  what to expect.
[01:13:36.420 --> 01:13:38.860]  Sometimes the larger eternal reality
[01:13:38.860 --> 01:13:42.660]  the Lord lets us feel includes family across the veil.
[01:13:42.660 --> 01:13:46.340]  A sister found joy in conversion to Jesus Christ's
[01:13:46.340 --> 01:13:47.820]  restored gospel.
[01:13:47.820 --> 01:13:52.740]  Yet two traumas had deeply impacted her life,
[01:13:52.740 --> 01:13:57.300]  seeing a boating accident and tragically losing her mother,
[01:13:57.300 --> 01:13:59.340]  who had taken her own life.
[01:13:59.340 --> 01:14:03.620]  Yet the sister overcame her fear of water
[01:14:03.620 --> 01:14:06.940]  enough to be baptized by immersion.
[01:14:06.940 --> 01:14:10.460]  And on what became a very happy day,
[01:14:10.460 --> 01:14:15.100]  she witnessed someone acting as proxy for her deceased mother
[01:14:15.100 --> 01:14:18.660]  be baptized in the temple.
[01:14:18.660 --> 01:14:23.900]  "'Temple baptism healed my mother, and it freed me,'
[01:14:24.060 --> 01:14:25.420]  the sister said.
[01:14:25.420 --> 01:14:28.420]  It was the first time I felt peace
[01:14:28.420 --> 01:14:32.180]  since my mother passed away."
[01:14:32.180 --> 01:14:35.980]  Our sacred music echoes His assurance
[01:14:35.980 --> 01:14:41.060]  that all things can work together for our good.
[01:14:41.060 --> 01:14:42.900]  Be still, my soul.
[01:14:42.900 --> 01:14:48.340]  Thy God doth undertake to guide the future as He has the past.
[01:14:48.340 --> 01:14:51.940]  Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake.
[01:14:52.340 --> 01:14:57.340]  All mysterious shall be bright at last.
[01:14:57.340 --> 01:15:00.420]  Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor.
[01:15:00.420 --> 01:15:04.340]  Fear, but with joy, wend your way.
[01:15:04.340 --> 01:15:07.940]  Though hard to you this journey may appear,
[01:15:07.940 --> 01:15:11.460]  grace shall be as your day.
[01:15:11.460 --> 01:15:15.180]  And should we die before our journey's through,
[01:15:15.180 --> 01:15:20.020]  happy day all is well.
[01:15:20.020 --> 01:15:23.860]  The Book of Mormon is evidence we can hold in our hand
[01:15:23.860 --> 01:15:30.380]  that Jesus is the Christ and God fulfills His prophecies.
[01:15:30.380 --> 01:15:34.220]  Written by inspired prophets who saw our day,
[01:15:34.220 --> 01:15:37.900]  the Book of Mormon begins with raw drama,
[01:15:37.900 --> 01:15:41.140]  a family dealing with deep differences.
[01:15:41.140 --> 01:15:46.620]  Yet as we study and ponder 1 Nephi 1 through to Moroni
[01:15:46.620 --> 01:15:50.580]  chapter 10, we're drawn to Jesus Christ
[01:15:50.580 --> 01:15:55.300]  with a firm testimony that what happened there and then
[01:15:55.300 --> 01:15:59.940]  can bless us here and now.
[01:15:59.940 --> 01:16:01.940]  As the Lord, through His living prophet,
[01:16:01.940 --> 01:16:06.540]  brings more houses of the Lord closer in more places,
[01:16:06.540 --> 01:16:10.660]  temple blessings work together for our good.
[01:16:10.660 --> 01:16:13.140]  We come by covenant and ordinance
[01:16:13.140 --> 01:16:15.260]  to God our Father and Jesus Christ
[01:16:15.260 --> 01:16:18.260]  and gain eternal perspective on mortality.
[01:16:18.260 --> 01:16:21.180]  Performed one by one, name by name,
[01:16:21.180 --> 01:16:27.180]  we offer beloved family members, ancestors, sacred ordinances,
[01:16:27.180 --> 01:16:30.260]  and covenant blessings in the Lord's pattern
[01:16:30.260 --> 01:16:32.420]  of saviors on Mount Zion.
[01:16:32.420 --> 01:16:35.460]  As temples come closer to us in many places,
[01:16:35.460 --> 01:16:38.300]  a temple sacrifice we can offer is
[01:16:38.300 --> 01:16:42.180]  to seek holiness in the house of the Lord more frequently.
[01:16:42.620 --> 01:16:45.580]  For many years we have saved, planned, and sacrificed
[01:16:45.580 --> 01:16:46.980]  to come to the temple.
[01:16:46.980 --> 01:16:51.580]  Now, as circumstances permit, come even more often
[01:16:51.580 --> 01:16:54.580]  to the Lord in His holy house.
[01:16:54.580 --> 01:16:57.180]  Let regular temple worship and service
[01:16:57.180 --> 01:17:00.620]  bless, protect, and inspire you and your family,
[01:17:00.620 --> 01:17:04.980]  the family you have or the family you will have
[01:17:04.980 --> 01:17:07.820]  and become someday.
[01:17:07.820 --> 01:17:10.700]  Also, where your circumstances permit,
[01:17:11.020 --> 01:17:15.340]  please consider the blessing of owning your own temple clothes.
[01:17:15.340 --> 01:17:17.620]  A grandmother from a humble family
[01:17:17.620 --> 01:17:21.620]  said if anything in the world what she most wanted
[01:17:21.620 --> 01:17:24.060]  were her own temple clothes.
[01:17:24.060 --> 01:17:27.580]  Her grandson said, Grandma whispered,
[01:17:27.580 --> 01:17:31.220]  I will serve in my own temple clothes,
[01:17:31.220 --> 01:17:35.780]  and after I pass away, I will be buried in them.
[01:17:35.780 --> 01:17:40.140]  And when the time came, she was.
[01:17:40.140 --> 01:17:42.900]  As President Russell M. Nelson teaches,
[01:17:42.900 --> 01:17:46.580]  everything we believe and every promise
[01:17:46.580 --> 01:17:49.140]  God has made to His covenant people
[01:17:49.140 --> 01:17:51.620]  come together in the temple.
[01:17:51.620 --> 01:17:55.500]  In time and eternity, the purpose of creation
[01:17:55.500 --> 01:17:59.780]  and the nature of God Himself are to bring all things
[01:17:59.780 --> 01:18:02.780]  together for our good.
[01:18:02.780 --> 01:18:05.740]  This is the Lord's eternal purpose.
[01:18:05.740 --> 01:18:08.500]  It is His eternal perspective.
[01:18:08.740 --> 01:18:12.780]  It is His eternal promise.
[01:18:12.780 --> 01:18:15.900]  When life is cluttered and purpose isn't clear,
[01:18:15.900 --> 01:18:19.380]  when you want to live better but don't know how,
[01:18:19.380 --> 01:18:22.700]  please come to God our Father and Jesus Christ.
[01:18:22.700 --> 01:18:28.660]  Trust They live, love you, and want all things for your good.
[01:18:28.660 --> 01:18:34.140]  I testify they do, infinitely and eternally,
[01:18:34.140 --> 01:18:38.220]  in the sacred and holy name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[01:18:38.500 --> 01:18:39.000]  Amen.
[01:18:49.980 --> 01:18:52.180]  In preparing to speak to you, I have
[01:18:52.180 --> 01:18:55.940]  been drawn to the story of Helaman and the stripling sons
[01:18:55.940 --> 01:18:57.620]  of the people of Ammon.
[01:18:57.620 --> 01:19:00.900]  I have felt the power of the Book of Mormon prophets
[01:19:00.900 --> 01:19:04.340]  teaching parents, bishops, and ward members
[01:19:04.340 --> 01:19:07.460]  through studying this account.
[01:19:07.460 --> 01:19:12.020]  Helaman was a man that the young Ammonites could trust.
[01:19:12.020 --> 01:19:15.740]  He helped them develop and mature in righteousness.
[01:19:15.740 --> 01:19:18.700]  They knew and loved him and would
[01:19:18.700 --> 01:19:21.140]  that he should be their leader.
[01:19:21.140 --> 01:19:24.380]  Helaman loved these young men like sons
[01:19:24.380 --> 01:19:26.220]  and saw their potential.
[01:19:26.220 --> 01:19:30.860]  Elder Dale G. Rendlin taught that to effectively serve
[01:19:30.860 --> 01:19:35.260]  others, we must see them through Heavenly Father's eyes.
[01:19:35.820 --> 01:19:38.540]  Only then can we begin to comprehend
[01:19:38.540 --> 01:19:40.820]  the true worth of a soul.
[01:19:40.820 --> 01:19:44.540]  Only then can we sense the love that Heavenly Father
[01:19:44.540 --> 01:19:47.820]  has for all His children.
[01:19:47.820 --> 01:19:50.700]  Bishops today are blessed with discernment
[01:19:50.700 --> 01:19:55.500]  to see the divine identity of the youth in their care.
[01:19:55.500 --> 01:19:58.620]  Helaman numbered the young men in his care.
[01:19:58.620 --> 01:20:02.500]  He prioritized building strong relationships with them.
[01:20:02.980 --> 01:20:06.940]  At a critical time when life and death hung in the balance,
[01:20:06.940 --> 01:20:09.980]  Helaman and his young warriors lost track
[01:20:09.980 --> 01:20:11.820]  of the army pursuing them.
[01:20:11.820 --> 01:20:14.460]  Helaman counseled with the youth,
[01:20:14.460 --> 01:20:18.780]  "'Behold, we know not, but they have halted for the purpose
[01:20:18.780 --> 01:20:20.900]  that we should come against them.
[01:20:20.900 --> 01:20:24.020]  Therefore, what say ye, my sons?'
[01:20:24.020 --> 01:20:27.020]  These faithful young men responded,
[01:20:27.020 --> 01:20:30.300]  "'Father, behold, our God is with us,
[01:20:30.540 --> 01:20:33.740]  and He will not suffer that we should fall.'
[01:20:33.740 --> 01:20:36.740]  Then let us go forth."
[01:20:36.740 --> 01:20:41.020]  The day was won as Helaman supported these young men
[01:20:41.020 --> 01:20:44.860]  in their resolve to act.
[01:20:44.860 --> 01:20:47.020]  Young Ammonites had a great cause
[01:20:47.020 --> 01:20:50.020]  and were valiant in the support of the people.
[01:20:50.020 --> 01:20:52.820]  This little force, led by Helaman,
[01:20:52.820 --> 01:20:56.380]  spread great hopes and much joy into the hearts
[01:20:56.380 --> 01:20:59.460]  of the experienced Nephite armies.
[01:20:59.460 --> 01:21:02.780]  Bishops today can lead their uniquely gifted youth
[01:21:02.780 --> 01:21:06.260]  in blessing the ward and gathering Israel.
[01:21:06.260 --> 01:21:09.180]  President Nelson has taught that this
[01:21:09.180 --> 01:21:14.380]  is the mission for which they were sent to earth.
[01:21:14.380 --> 01:21:17.260]  Like these young Ammonites, who were true at all times
[01:21:17.260 --> 01:21:19.820]  in whatsoever thing they were entrusted,
[01:21:19.820 --> 01:21:23.060]  Helaman faithfully followed his leaders.
[01:21:23.060 --> 01:21:25.460]  No matter the challenge or setback,
[01:21:25.460 --> 01:21:29.060]  Helaman always remained fixed with the determination
[01:21:29.220 --> 01:21:31.260]  to advance their purpose.
[01:21:31.260 --> 01:21:35.140]  When he was directed to march forth with his little sons,
[01:21:35.140 --> 01:21:37.900]  he obeyed.
[01:21:37.900 --> 01:21:40.700]  The youth today are blessed as bishops follow
[01:21:40.700 --> 01:21:43.980]  the guidance of our leaders to counsel with the ward
[01:21:43.980 --> 01:21:45.780]  young women presidents.
[01:21:45.780 --> 01:21:50.020]  State presidents ensure that bishops and young women
[01:21:50.020 --> 01:21:52.860]  presidents are instructed in fulfilling
[01:21:52.860 --> 01:21:56.140]  their responsibilities for the youth.
[01:21:56.140 --> 01:21:58.460]  Helaman honored covenants.
[01:21:58.860 --> 01:22:01.140]  When Ammon taught the gospel to the parents
[01:22:01.140 --> 01:22:05.500]  of the stripling young men, they embraced it with open hearts.
[01:22:05.500 --> 01:22:07.820]  They were so committed to their new life
[01:22:07.820 --> 01:22:11.220]  of righteous discipleship that they made a covenant
[01:22:11.220 --> 01:22:15.020]  to lay down the weapons of their rebellion.
[01:22:15.020 --> 01:22:16.940]  The only thing that caused them to consider
[01:22:16.940 --> 01:22:19.420]  breaking this covenant, going back
[01:22:19.420 --> 01:22:21.780]  to their familiar past of fighting,
[01:22:21.780 --> 01:22:24.660]  was seeing the Nephites in danger.
[01:22:24.660 --> 01:22:27.980]  The Ammonites wanted to help these people who
[01:22:27.980 --> 01:22:30.180]  had offered them a safe home.
[01:22:30.180 --> 01:22:33.340]  Helaman, along with others, persuaded them
[01:22:33.340 --> 01:22:35.660]  to keep their covenant never to fight.
[01:22:35.660 --> 01:22:38.500]  He trusted more in the strength that God
[01:22:38.500 --> 01:22:40.380]  would provide than in the strength
[01:22:40.380 --> 01:22:42.460]  these Ammonites could have provided
[01:22:42.460 --> 01:22:46.260]  with their swords and arrows.
[01:22:46.260 --> 01:22:48.180]  When Helaman and his young warriors
[01:22:48.180 --> 01:22:52.700]  faced daunting challenges, Helaman was resolute.
[01:22:52.700 --> 01:22:54.900]  Behold, it mattereth not.
[01:22:54.900 --> 01:22:57.500]  We trust God will deliver us.
[01:22:57.940 --> 01:23:01.700]  In one instance, on the verge of starving to death,
[01:23:01.700 --> 01:23:05.700]  their response was to pour out their souls in prayer to God
[01:23:05.700 --> 01:23:09.140]  that He would strengthen them and deliver them.
[01:23:09.140 --> 01:23:11.820]  And the Lord did visit them with assurances
[01:23:11.820 --> 01:23:15.460]  that He would deliver them because of their exceeding
[01:23:15.460 --> 01:23:21.140]  faith in that which they had been taught to believe.
[01:23:21.140 --> 01:23:23.420]  We learn from Helaman that these young men were
[01:23:23.420 --> 01:23:25.540]  supported by their parents.
[01:23:25.900 --> 01:23:29.740]  These faithful parents knew they had the primary responsibility
[01:23:29.740 --> 01:23:31.820]  for teaching their children.
[01:23:31.820 --> 01:23:34.780]  They taught their children to keep the commandments
[01:23:34.780 --> 01:23:37.020]  and walk uprightly before God.
[01:23:37.020 --> 01:23:40.300]  Their mothers taught them that if they did not doubt,
[01:23:40.300 --> 01:23:43.060]  God would deliver them.
[01:23:43.060 --> 01:23:47.620]  Their fathers set a powerful example of covenant-making.
[01:23:47.620 --> 01:23:51.100]  These former warriors knew the horrors of battle.
[01:23:51.100 --> 01:23:53.900]  They entrusted their inexperienced sons
[01:23:53.900 --> 01:23:56.500]  to Helaman's care and supported them
[01:23:56.500 --> 01:24:00.060]  by sending many provisions.
[01:24:00.060 --> 01:24:03.380]  Helaman wasn't alone as he served his young army.
[01:24:03.380 --> 01:24:07.300]  He had people around him who he turned to for support
[01:24:07.300 --> 01:24:08.580]  and guidance.
[01:24:08.580 --> 01:24:14.100]  He reached out to Captain Moroni for help, and it came.
[01:24:14.100 --> 01:24:17.340]  No one serving in the Lord's kingdom serves alone.
[01:24:17.340 --> 01:24:21.020]  The Lord has blessed us with wards and stakes
[01:24:21.420 --> 01:24:24.340]  Through his restored organization,
[01:24:24.340 --> 01:24:28.780]  we have the resources, wisdom, and inspiration
[01:24:28.780 --> 01:24:31.900]  to meet any challenge.
[01:24:31.900 --> 01:24:35.300]  A bishop provides guidance for the ward through councils.
[01:24:35.300 --> 01:24:38.140]  He promotes quarterly ministering interviews
[01:24:38.140 --> 01:24:41.460]  and then encourages the Elders Quorum and Relief Society
[01:24:41.460 --> 01:24:46.980]  to fulfill their responsibility of ministering to families.
[01:24:46.980 --> 01:24:50.380]  These presidencies take the lead in assessing needs
[01:24:50.540 --> 01:24:53.060]  and finding inspired solutions.
[01:24:53.060 --> 01:24:57.460]  Stake presidents offer support by instructing the Elders Quorum
[01:24:57.460 --> 01:25:03.620]  and Relief Society presidencies in these responsibilities.
[01:25:03.620 --> 01:25:05.700]  The needed guidance for leaders and parents
[01:25:05.700 --> 01:25:09.740]  is found in the gospel library and the gospel living apps.
[01:25:09.740 --> 01:25:12.660]  In these inspired resources, we can
[01:25:12.660 --> 01:25:16.340]  find the scriptures, teachings of modern prophets,
[01:25:16.340 --> 01:25:19.580]  and the general handbook.
[01:25:19.580 --> 01:25:21.780]  The Youth tab in the gospel library
[01:25:21.780 --> 01:25:26.700]  has many resources for quorum and class presidencies
[01:25:26.700 --> 01:25:31.780]  and The Strength of Youth, a guide for making choices.
[01:25:31.780 --> 01:25:35.500]  As all members of the ward study these inspired sources
[01:25:35.500 --> 01:25:37.740]  and seek guidance from the Spirit,
[01:25:37.740 --> 01:25:40.020]  everyone will be directed by the Lord
[01:25:40.020 --> 01:25:43.340]  in strengthening the youth.
[01:25:43.340 --> 01:25:45.660]  The entire ward will be blessed and strengthened
[01:25:45.660 --> 01:25:49.300]  as members focus on the rising generation.
[01:25:49.300 --> 01:25:52.460]  Despite our imperfections and shortcomings,
[01:25:52.460 --> 01:25:55.140]  Heavenly Father invites each of us,
[01:25:55.140 --> 01:25:57.380]  through the companionship of His Spirit,
[01:25:57.380 --> 01:25:59.540]  to reach out to others.
[01:25:59.540 --> 01:26:03.180]  He knows that we grow and are sanctified
[01:26:03.180 --> 01:26:06.140]  as we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
[01:26:06.140 --> 01:26:09.060]  It doesn't matter that our efforts are imperfect.
[01:26:09.060 --> 01:26:10.980]  When we partner with the Lord, we
[01:26:10.980 --> 01:26:14.420]  can trust that our efforts will be in line with what
[01:26:14.460 --> 01:26:18.180]  He would do for the youth.
[01:26:18.180 --> 01:26:20.260]  By following the direction of the Holy Ghost
[01:26:20.260 --> 01:26:22.500]  and reaching out to the youth, we
[01:26:22.500 --> 01:26:26.980]  become witnesses of Heavenly Father's love in their lives.
[01:26:26.980 --> 01:26:29.260]  Acting on promptings from the Lord
[01:26:29.260 --> 01:26:34.220]  builds relationships of love and trust.
[01:26:34.220 --> 01:26:38.500]  It is relationships in the lives of the youth
[01:26:38.500 --> 01:26:44.260]  that have the greatest influence on their choices.
[01:26:44.260 --> 01:26:46.700]  The youth will learn the pattern of revelation
[01:26:46.700 --> 01:26:50.700]  as they participate with us in the process of seeking
[01:26:50.700 --> 01:26:54.980]  and acting upon promptings to serve others.
[01:26:54.980 --> 01:26:58.540]  As the youth turn to the Lord for this inspired guidance,
[01:26:58.540 --> 01:27:03.780]  their relationships with and trust in Him will deepen.
[01:27:03.780 --> 01:27:05.780]  We express our confidence in the youth
[01:27:05.780 --> 01:27:11.020]  by offering support and direction without taking over.
[01:27:11.020 --> 01:27:13.340]  As we step back and allow the youth
[01:27:13.340 --> 01:27:15.540]  to learn through counseling together,
[01:27:15.540 --> 01:27:20.020]  choosing an inspired course, and putting their plan into action,
[01:27:20.020 --> 01:27:24.620]  they will experience true joy and growth.
[01:27:24.620 --> 01:27:27.140]  President Henry B. Eyring taught that,
[01:27:27.140 --> 01:27:29.980]  what will matter most is what they learn from you
[01:27:29.980 --> 01:27:34.180]  about who they really are and what they can really become.
[01:27:34.180 --> 01:27:38.940]  My guess is that they won't learn it so much from lectures.
[01:27:38.940 --> 01:27:41.860]  They will get it from feelings of who you are,
[01:27:42.220 --> 01:27:47.740]  who you think they are, and what you think they might become.
[01:27:47.740 --> 01:27:51.220]  Our youth amaze us with their courage, their faith,
[01:27:51.220 --> 01:27:52.580]  and their abilities.
[01:27:52.580 --> 01:27:55.940]  As they choose to be fully engaged disciples of Jesus
[01:27:55.940 --> 01:28:00.100]  Christ, His gospel will be etched upon their hearts.
[01:28:00.100 --> 01:28:03.740]  Following Him will become a part of who they are,
[01:28:03.740 --> 01:28:06.820]  not just what they do.
[01:28:06.820 --> 01:28:08.380]  Helaman helped the young Ammonites
[01:28:08.380 --> 01:28:12.300]  to see how a valiant disciple of Jesus Christ lived.
[01:28:12.300 --> 01:28:15.220]  We can be powerful examples to the youth
[01:28:15.220 --> 01:28:17.980]  of how disciples of Christ live today.
[01:28:17.980 --> 01:28:21.540]  Faithful parents are praying for these examples
[01:28:21.540 --> 01:28:24.060]  in the lives of their children.
[01:28:24.060 --> 01:28:28.100]  No program can replace the influence
[01:28:28.100 --> 01:28:31.540]  of loving, covenant-keeping adults.
[01:28:31.540 --> 01:28:34.020]  As the president of the priest quorum,
[01:28:34.020 --> 01:28:36.580]  the bishop can set an example for the youth
[01:28:36.660 --> 01:28:40.020]  how to be a loyal husband and loving father
[01:28:40.020 --> 01:28:43.580]  through protecting, providing, and presiding
[01:28:43.580 --> 01:28:47.020]  in righteous ways.
[01:28:47.020 --> 01:28:50.580]  Bishops with a laser-like focus on the youth
[01:28:50.580 --> 01:28:55.380]  will have an influence that will last for generations.
[01:28:55.380 --> 01:28:57.940]  The youth today are among Heavenly Father's
[01:28:57.940 --> 01:28:59.700]  most noble spirits.
[01:28:59.700 --> 01:29:03.780]  They were among the stalwart defenders of truth and agency
[01:29:03.780 --> 01:29:05.620]  in the premortal world.
[01:29:06.060 --> 01:29:08.420]  They were born in these days to gather Israel
[01:29:08.420 --> 01:29:11.860]  through their powerful witness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
[01:29:11.860 --> 01:29:16.220]  He knows each one of them and knows their great potential.
[01:29:16.220 --> 01:29:17.900]  He is patient.
[01:29:17.900 --> 01:29:21.900]  As they grow, He will redeem and protect them.
[01:29:21.900 --> 01:29:24.460]  He will heal and guide them.
[01:29:24.460 --> 01:29:26.660]  He will inspire them.
[01:29:26.660 --> 01:29:28.820]  We, their parents and leaders, have
[01:29:28.820 --> 01:29:31.500]  been prepared to support them.
[01:29:31.500 --> 01:29:34.220]  We have the Savior's Church to assist us
[01:29:34.220 --> 01:29:36.780]  as we raise the next generation.
[01:29:36.780 --> 01:29:40.780]  I bear witness that Christ's Church, restored
[01:29:40.780 --> 01:29:43.820]  through the Prophet Joseph Smith and led today
[01:29:43.820 --> 01:29:46.380]  by President Russell M. Nelson, is
[01:29:46.380 --> 01:29:50.300]  organized to help the youth fulfill their great purpose
[01:29:50.300 --> 01:29:52.100]  in these latter days.
[01:29:52.100 --> 01:29:54.820]  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[01:29:55.220 --> 01:29:55.720]  Amen.
[01:30:04.100 --> 01:30:07.580]  We're grateful for all who have spoken to us this afternoon
[01:30:07.580 --> 01:30:11.300]  and for the beautiful music that has been provided.
[01:30:11.300 --> 01:30:16.380]  We remind you of the Saturday evening general session,
[01:30:16.380 --> 01:30:20.060]  which will be broadcast from the Conference Center this evening
[01:30:20.060 --> 01:30:21.340]  at 6 p.m.
[01:30:21.340 --> 01:30:24.620]  Mountain Daylight Time.
[01:30:24.620 --> 01:30:27.620]  The choir will now favor us with How Great
[01:30:27.620 --> 01:30:30.020]  the Wisdom and the Love.
[01:30:30.020 --> 01:30:32.060]  Our concluding speaker for this session
[01:30:32.060 --> 01:30:35.780]  will be Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve
[01:30:35.780 --> 01:30:37.620]  Apostles.
[01:30:37.620 --> 01:30:40.740]  Following his remarks, the choir will close this meeting
[01:30:40.740 --> 01:30:44.700]  by singing, We Will Sing of Zion.
[01:30:44.700 --> 01:30:46.300]  The benediction will then be offered
[01:30:46.300 --> 01:30:49.540]  by President Emily Bell Freeman, who
[01:30:49.540 --> 01:30:52.020]  serves as the Young Women general president.
[01:30:54.620 --> 01:30:59.620]  We Will Sing of Zion
[01:30:59.620 --> 01:31:17.620]  How great the wisdom and the love that
[01:31:17.620 --> 01:31:33.620]  built the courts on high and sent the Savior from above
[01:31:33.620 --> 01:31:40.620]  to suffer, bleed, and die.
[01:31:40.620 --> 01:31:55.620]  Precious blood He freely spent, His love life He freely gave.
[01:31:55.620 --> 01:32:12.620]  A sinless sacrifice for gifts, a dying world to save.
[01:32:13.620 --> 01:32:32.620]  Thy strength's obedience, Jesus won the prize with glory right.
[01:32:32.620 --> 01:32:44.620]  Thy will, O God, not mine be done.
[01:32:44.620 --> 01:32:54.620]  Adorned is mortal life.
[01:32:54.620 --> 01:33:03.620]  He marked the path and led the way.
[01:33:03.620 --> 01:33:15.620]  And every court defines through light and life
[01:33:15.620 --> 01:33:21.620]  and endless day.
[01:33:21.620 --> 01:33:37.620]  Where God's full presence shines, how great, how glorious,
[01:33:37.620 --> 01:33:47.620]  how complete redemption's grand design.
[01:33:48.620 --> 01:34:06.620]  Where justice, love, and mercy meet in harmony divine.
[01:34:06.620 --> 01:34:07.620]  Harmony divine.
[01:34:12.620 --> 01:34:13.620]  Harmony divine.
[01:34:36.620 --> 01:34:50.100]  I have felt deeply about the Atonement of Jesus Christ
[01:34:50.100 --> 01:34:52.180]  since I was quite young.
[01:34:52.180 --> 01:34:55.300]  But the reality of the Savior's Atonement
[01:34:55.300 --> 01:34:58.140]  came home to me when I was 25.
[01:34:58.140 --> 01:35:01.100]  I had just graduated from Stanford Law School
[01:35:01.100 --> 01:35:04.100]  and was studying for the California bar exam.
[01:35:04.780 --> 01:35:09.380]  My mother called and said that my grandfather, Crozer Kimball,
[01:35:09.380 --> 01:35:12.220]  who lived in Utah, was dying.
[01:35:12.220 --> 01:35:16.420]  She said if I wanted to see him, I had better come home.
[01:35:16.420 --> 01:35:20.100]  My grandfather was 86 and very ill.
[01:35:20.100 --> 01:35:22.380]  I had a wonderful visit.
[01:35:22.380 --> 01:35:28.020]  He was so pleased to see me and share his testimony with me.
[01:35:28.020 --> 01:35:30.140]  When Crozer was just three years old,
[01:35:30.140 --> 01:35:34.940]  his father, David Patton Kimball, died at age 44.
[01:35:34.940 --> 01:35:39.820]  Crozer hoped that his father and his grandfather, Eber C.
[01:35:39.820 --> 01:35:43.100]  Kimball, would approve his life and feel
[01:35:43.100 --> 01:35:46.620]  he had been true to his heritage.
[01:35:46.620 --> 01:35:49.980]  My grandfather's primary counsel to me
[01:35:49.980 --> 01:35:54.500]  was to avoid any sense of entitlement or privilege
[01:35:54.500 --> 01:35:57.100]  because of these faithful ancestors.
[01:35:57.620 --> 01:36:01.500]  He told me my focus should be on the Savior
[01:36:01.500 --> 01:36:03.820]  and the Savior's Atonement.
[01:36:03.820 --> 01:36:08.700]  He said we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father.
[01:36:08.700 --> 01:36:13.900]  Regardless of who our earthly ancestors are, each of us
[01:36:13.900 --> 01:36:19.900]  will report to the Savior on how well we kept His commandments.
[01:36:19.900 --> 01:36:22.580]  Grandpa referred to the Savior as the Keeper of the Gate,
[01:36:22.580 --> 01:36:25.940]  a reference to 2 Nephi 9 and 41.
[01:36:25.940 --> 01:36:28.220]  He told me he hoped he had been sufficiently
[01:36:28.220 --> 01:36:32.060]  repented to qualify for the Savior's mercy.
[01:36:32.060 --> 01:36:33.260]  I was deeply touched.
[01:36:33.260 --> 01:36:35.300]  I knew he had been a righteous man.
[01:36:35.300 --> 01:36:38.660]  He was a patriarch and served several missions.
[01:36:38.660 --> 01:36:43.060]  He taught me that no one can return to God by good works
[01:36:43.060 --> 01:36:47.820]  alone without the benefit of the Savior's Atonement.
[01:36:47.820 --> 01:36:51.140]  I can remember to this day the great love and appreciation
[01:36:51.140 --> 01:36:55.740]  Grandpa had for the Savior and His Atonement.
[01:36:55.740 --> 01:36:59.460]  In 2019, during an assignment in Jerusalem,
[01:36:59.460 --> 01:37:03.540]  I visited an upper room, which may have been near the site
[01:37:03.540 --> 01:37:06.500]  where the Savior washed His Apostles' feet
[01:37:06.500 --> 01:37:08.820]  prior to His crucifixion.
[01:37:08.820 --> 01:37:11.900]  I was spiritually touched and thought
[01:37:11.900 --> 01:37:16.100]  of how He commanded His Apostles to love one another.
[01:37:16.100 --> 01:37:19.500]  I recalled the Savior's pleading intercessory prayer
[01:37:19.500 --> 01:37:20.820]  in our behalf.
[01:37:20.820 --> 01:37:24.300]  This prayer occurred in literally the closing hours
[01:37:24.340 --> 01:37:29.220]  of His mortal life, as recorded in the Gospel of John.
[01:37:29.220 --> 01:37:32.220]  This prayer was directed to followers of Christ,
[01:37:32.220 --> 01:37:34.940]  including all of us.
[01:37:34.940 --> 01:37:37.140]  In the Savior's petition to His Father,
[01:37:37.140 --> 01:37:39.620]  He pleaded, quote,
[01:37:39.620 --> 01:37:44.340]  "...that they may be one, as thou, Father, art in me,
[01:37:44.340 --> 01:37:49.580]  and I in thee, that they also may be one in us."
[01:37:49.580 --> 01:37:51.140]  The Savior then continues,
[01:37:51.140 --> 01:37:53.940]  "...and the glory which thou gavest me,
[01:37:53.940 --> 01:38:00.420]  I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one."
[01:38:00.420 --> 01:38:05.180]  Oneness is what Christ prayed for prior to His betrayal
[01:38:05.180 --> 01:38:06.780]  and crucifixion.
[01:38:06.780 --> 01:38:09.780]  Oneness with one another can be obtained
[01:38:09.780 --> 01:38:12.380]  through the Savior's Atonement.
[01:38:12.380 --> 01:38:16.420]  The Lord's saving mercy is not dependent on lineage, education,
[01:38:16.420 --> 01:38:18.860]  economic status, or race.
[01:38:19.300 --> 01:38:24.340]  It is based on being one with Christ and His commandments.
[01:38:24.340 --> 01:38:26.740]  The Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery
[01:38:26.740 --> 01:38:30.020]  received the Revelation on Church Organization
[01:38:30.020 --> 01:38:34.700]  and Government in 1830, soon after the Church was organized.
[01:38:34.700 --> 01:38:38.660]  What is now section 20 was read by the Prophet Joseph
[01:38:38.660 --> 01:38:42.620]  at the first Church conference and was the first revelation
[01:38:42.620 --> 01:38:45.540]  approved by common consent.
[01:38:45.540 --> 01:38:48.940]  The content of this revelation is truly remarkable.
[01:38:48.940 --> 01:38:53.180]  It teaches us the significance and role of the Savior
[01:38:53.180 --> 01:38:56.620]  and how to access His power and blessings
[01:38:56.620 --> 01:38:59.300]  through His atoning grace.
[01:38:59.300 --> 01:39:01.980]  The Prophet Joseph was 24 years old
[01:39:01.980 --> 01:39:04.980]  and had already received numerous revelations
[01:39:04.980 --> 01:39:08.780]  and completed the translation of the Book of Mormon
[01:39:08.780 --> 01:39:12.540]  by the gift and power of God.
[01:39:12.540 --> 01:39:15.420]  Both Joseph and Oliver are identified
[01:39:15.420 --> 01:39:19.340]  as ordained Apostles, thus having authority
[01:39:19.340 --> 01:39:22.460]  to preside over the Church.
[01:39:22.460 --> 01:39:28.860]  Verses 17-36 contain a summary of essential Church doctrine,
[01:39:28.860 --> 01:39:33.140]  including the reality of God, the creation of mankind,
[01:39:33.140 --> 01:39:36.980]  the Fall, and Heavenly Father's plan of salvation
[01:39:36.980 --> 01:39:40.340]  through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
[01:39:40.340 --> 01:39:43.660]  Verse 37 contains the essential requirements
[01:39:43.660 --> 01:39:47.620]  for baptism into the Lord's Church.
[01:39:47.620 --> 01:39:52.620]  Verses 75-79 set forth the sacrament prayers
[01:39:52.620 --> 01:39:56.260]  we utilize every Sabbath.
[01:39:56.260 --> 01:40:00.340]  The doctrine, principles, sacrament, and practices
[01:40:00.340 --> 01:40:02.900]  that the Lord established through Joseph Smith,
[01:40:02.900 --> 01:40:06.980]  the prophet of the Restoration, are truly seminal.
[01:40:07.420 --> 01:40:10.420]  The requirements for baptism, while profound,
[01:40:10.420 --> 01:40:12.420]  are uniquely simple.
[01:40:12.420 --> 01:40:16.420]  They primarily include humility before God,
[01:40:16.420 --> 01:40:19.620]  a broken heart and contrite spirit,
[01:40:19.620 --> 01:40:24.460]  repenting of all sins, taking upon us the name of Jesus
[01:40:24.460 --> 01:40:29.340]  Christ, enduring to the end, and showing by our works
[01:40:29.340 --> 01:40:33.620]  that we have received of the Spirit of Christ.
[01:40:33.620 --> 01:40:38.140]  It is significant that all the qualifications for baptisms
[01:40:38.140 --> 01:40:39.500]  are spiritual.
[01:40:39.500 --> 01:40:43.780]  No economic or social attainment is necessary.
[01:40:43.780 --> 01:40:48.060]  The poor and the rich have the same spiritual requirements.
[01:40:48.060 --> 01:40:52.660]  There are no race, gender, or ethnicity requirements.
[01:40:52.660 --> 01:40:54.660]  The Book of Mormon makes it clear
[01:40:54.660 --> 01:40:59.260]  that all are invited to partake of the Lord's goodness,
[01:40:59.500 --> 01:41:03.540]  black and white, bond and free, male and female.
[01:41:03.540 --> 01:41:07.180]  All are alike unto God.
[01:41:07.180 --> 01:41:08.860]  The Lord declared,
[01:41:08.860 --> 01:41:12.460]  All men are privileged the one like unto the other,
[01:41:12.460 --> 01:41:15.660]  and none are forbidden.
[01:41:15.660 --> 01:41:18.420]  Given our likeness before God, it
[01:41:18.420 --> 01:41:21.900]  makes little sense to emphasize our differences.
[01:41:21.900 --> 01:41:25.500]  Some have wrongly encouraged us to imagine people
[01:41:25.500 --> 01:41:29.620]  to be much more different from ourselves and from each other
[01:41:29.620 --> 01:41:31.340]  than they actually are.
[01:41:31.340 --> 01:41:34.060]  Some take real but small differences
[01:41:34.060 --> 01:41:37.820]  and magnify them into chasms.
[01:41:37.820 --> 01:41:39.820]  In addition, some have wrongly assumed
[01:41:39.820 --> 01:41:42.420]  that because all people are invited
[01:41:42.420 --> 01:41:45.180]  to receive His goodness and eternal life,
[01:41:45.180 --> 01:41:47.980]  there are no conduct requirements.
[01:41:47.980 --> 01:41:52.500]  However, the scriptures attest that all accountable persons
[01:41:52.780 --> 01:41:56.900]  are required to repent of sins and keep His commandments.
[01:41:56.900 --> 01:42:00.660]  The Lord makes it clear that all have moral agency
[01:42:00.660 --> 01:42:04.220]  and are free to choose liberty and eternal life
[01:42:04.220 --> 01:42:06.940]  through the great Mediator of all men
[01:42:06.940 --> 01:42:09.980]  and hearken unto His great commandments
[01:42:09.980 --> 01:42:15.060]  and be faithful unto His words and choose eternal life.
[01:42:15.060 --> 01:42:18.140]  To receive the blessings of the Savior's Atonement,
[01:42:18.420 --> 01:42:23.060]  we must affirmatively exercise our moral agency
[01:42:23.060 --> 01:42:27.860]  to choose Christ and obey His commandments.
[01:42:27.860 --> 01:42:31.500]  During my life, the meaning of agency and free will
[01:42:31.500 --> 01:42:34.300]  has been dissected and debated.
[01:42:34.300 --> 01:42:38.140]  There have been and continue to be many intellectual arguments
[01:42:38.140 --> 01:42:40.940]  on these topics.
[01:42:40.940 --> 01:42:45.340]  On the recent cover of a major university alumni publication,
[01:42:45.620 --> 01:42:50.180]  a prominent biologist professor asserts,
[01:42:50.180 --> 01:42:53.540]  there is no room for free will.
[01:42:53.540 --> 01:42:55.500]  Not surprisingly, the professor is
[01:42:55.500 --> 01:42:59.500]  quoted in the article as saying, there is no such thing as God
[01:42:59.500 --> 01:43:02.260]  and there is no free will, and this
[01:43:02.260 --> 01:43:07.900]  is a vast, indifferent, empty universe."
[01:43:07.900 --> 01:43:11.020]  I could not disagree more strongly.
[01:43:11.020 --> 01:43:13.100]  A fundamental doctrine of our faith
[01:43:13.100 --> 01:43:17.780]  is that we do have moral agency, which includes free will.
[01:43:17.780 --> 01:43:21.260]  Agency is the ability to choose and act.
[01:43:21.260 --> 01:43:25.060]  It is essential to the plan of salvation.
[01:43:25.060 --> 01:43:30.020]  Without moral agency, we could not learn, progress, or choose
[01:43:30.020 --> 01:43:32.740]  to be one with Christ.
[01:43:32.740 --> 01:43:35.300]  Because of moral agency, we are free to choose
[01:43:35.300 --> 01:43:37.740]  liberty and eternal life.
[01:43:37.740 --> 01:43:39.900]  In the premoral counsel in heaven,
[01:43:39.900 --> 01:43:44.500]  the Father's plan included agency as an essential element.
[01:43:44.500 --> 01:43:49.220]  Lucifer rebelled and sought to destroy the agency of man.
[01:43:49.220 --> 01:43:51.980]  Accordingly, the privilege of having a mortal body
[01:43:51.980 --> 01:43:56.340]  was denied to Satan and those who followed him.
[01:43:56.340 --> 01:43:59.300]  Other premortal spirits exercised their agency
[01:43:59.300 --> 01:44:02.140]  in following Heavenly Father's plan.
[01:44:02.140 --> 01:44:06.060]  Spirits blessed by birth to this mortal life
[01:44:06.060 --> 01:44:08.420]  continue to have agency.
[01:44:08.780 --> 01:44:11.620]  We are free to choose and act, but we do not
[01:44:11.620 --> 01:44:13.700]  control the consequences.
[01:44:13.700 --> 01:44:16.460]  Choices of good and righteousness
[01:44:16.460 --> 01:44:20.380]  lead to happiness, peace, and eternal life,
[01:44:20.380 --> 01:44:24.140]  while choices of sin and evil eventually
[01:44:24.140 --> 01:44:26.900]  lead to heartache and misery.
[01:44:26.900 --> 01:44:31.500]  As Alma said, wickedness never was happiness.
[01:44:31.500 --> 01:44:34.340]  In this extremely competitive world,
[01:44:34.340 --> 01:44:37.220]  there is a constant effort to excel,
[01:44:37.540 --> 01:44:39.740]  striving to be the best we can be
[01:44:39.740 --> 01:44:42.940]  as a righteous and worthwhile endeavor.
[01:44:42.940 --> 01:44:46.540]  It is consistent with the Lord's doctrine.
[01:44:46.540 --> 01:44:51.580]  Efforts to diminish or deprecate others or create barriers
[01:44:51.580 --> 01:44:56.940]  to their success is contrary to the Lord's doctrine.
[01:44:56.940 --> 01:45:00.140]  We cannot blame circumstances or others for a decision
[01:45:00.140 --> 01:45:04.380]  to act contrary to God's commandments.
[01:45:04.380 --> 01:45:06.660]  In today's world, it is easy to focus
[01:45:06.660 --> 01:45:10.220]  on material and occupational success.
[01:45:10.220 --> 01:45:14.540]  Some lose sight of eternal principles and choices
[01:45:14.540 --> 01:45:16.820]  that have eternal significance.
[01:45:16.820 --> 01:45:21.380]  We would be wise to follow President Russell M. Nelson's
[01:45:21.380 --> 01:45:24.140]  counsel to think celestial.
[01:45:24.140 --> 01:45:28.660]  The most significant choices can be made by almost everyone,
[01:45:28.660 --> 01:45:32.180]  regardless of talents, abilities, opportunities,
[01:45:32.380 --> 01:45:34.660]  or economic circumstances.
[01:45:34.660 --> 01:45:39.500]  An emphasis on putting family choices first is essential.
[01:45:39.500 --> 01:45:42.380]  This is clear throughout the scriptures.
[01:45:42.380 --> 01:45:44.940]  Think of the account in Nephi where
[01:45:44.940 --> 01:45:48.460]  Lehi departed into the wilderness
[01:45:48.460 --> 01:45:51.700]  and he left his house and the land of his inheritance
[01:45:51.700 --> 01:45:55.620]  and his gold and his silver and his precious things
[01:45:55.620 --> 01:46:00.740]  and took nothing with him, save it were his family.
[01:46:00.740 --> 01:46:03.020]  As we face the vicissitudes of life,
[01:46:03.020 --> 01:46:08.140]  many events occur over which we have little or no control.
[01:46:08.140 --> 01:46:11.300]  Health challenges and accidents obviously
[01:46:11.300 --> 01:46:13.820]  can fit into this category.
[01:46:13.820 --> 01:46:18.900]  The recent COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted people
[01:46:18.900 --> 01:46:21.180]  who did everything right.
[01:46:21.180 --> 01:46:25.940]  For the most important choices, we do have control.
[01:46:25.940 --> 01:46:28.220]  Going back to my missionary days,
[01:46:28.220 --> 01:46:30.900]  Elder Marion D. Hanks, our mission president,
[01:46:30.900 --> 01:46:36.820]  had all of us memorize part of a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox,
[01:46:36.820 --> 01:46:42.780]  there is no chance, no destiny, no fate that can circumvent
[01:46:42.780 --> 01:46:49.140]  or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.
[01:46:49.140 --> 01:46:53.180]  On matters of principle, conduct, religious observance,
[01:46:53.180 --> 01:46:56.700]  and righteous living, we are in control.
[01:46:56.980 --> 01:47:00.340]  Our faith in and worship of God the Father and His Son,
[01:47:00.340 --> 01:47:04.940]  Jesus Christ, is a choice that we make.
[01:47:04.940 --> 01:47:07.940]  Please understand I am not advocating less interest
[01:47:07.940 --> 01:47:10.140]  in education or occupation.
[01:47:10.140 --> 01:47:14.300]  What I am saying is that when efforts relating to education
[01:47:14.300 --> 01:47:17.580]  and occupation are elevated above the family
[01:47:17.580 --> 01:47:21.940]  or being one with Christ, the unintended consequences
[01:47:21.940 --> 01:47:25.180]  can be significantly adverse.
[01:47:25.180 --> 01:47:27.900]  The clear and simple doctrine set forth
[01:47:27.900 --> 01:47:32.980]  in Doctrine and Covenants 20 is touching and compelling
[01:47:32.980 --> 01:47:38.620]  as it amplifies and clarifies sacred spiritual concepts.
[01:47:38.620 --> 01:47:44.260]  It teaches that salvation comes as Jesus Christ justifies
[01:47:44.260 --> 01:47:49.980]  and sanctifies repentant souls because of the Savior's grace.
[01:47:50.340 --> 01:47:53.900]  It sets the stage for the preeminent role
[01:47:53.900 --> 01:47:56.500]  of His Atonement.
[01:47:56.500 --> 01:47:58.500]  We should strive to include others
[01:47:58.500 --> 01:48:00.660]  in our circle of oneness.
[01:48:00.660 --> 01:48:05.020]  If we are to follow President Russell M. Nelson's admonition
[01:48:05.020 --> 01:48:08.660]  to gather scattered Israel on both sides of the veil,
[01:48:08.660 --> 01:48:12.540]  we need to include others in our circle of oneness.
[01:48:12.540 --> 01:48:14.900]  As President Nelson has so beautifully
[01:48:14.900 --> 01:48:19.780]  taught, on every continent and across the isles of the sea,
[01:48:19.780 --> 01:48:21.500]  faithful people are being gathered
[01:48:21.500 --> 01:48:24.900]  into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[01:48:24.900 --> 01:48:30.380]  Differences in culture, language, gender, race,
[01:48:30.380 --> 01:48:34.500]  and nationality fade into insignificance
[01:48:34.500 --> 01:48:37.460]  as the faithful enter the covenant path
[01:48:37.460 --> 01:48:42.540]  and come unto our Beloved Redeemer."
[01:48:42.540 --> 01:48:48.060]  We are united by our love of and faith in Jesus Christ,
[01:48:48.380 --> 01:48:52.060]  and as children of a loving Heavenly Father,
[01:48:52.060 --> 01:48:59.820]  the essence of truly belonging is to be one with Christ.
[01:48:59.820 --> 01:49:03.140]  The ordinances of baptism and the sacraments
[01:49:03.140 --> 01:49:05.740]  set forth in Doctrine and Covenants 20,
[01:49:05.740 --> 01:49:08.540]  together with our temple covenants,
[01:49:08.540 --> 01:49:12.700]  unite us in special ways and allow
[01:49:12.700 --> 01:49:16.940]  us to be one in every eternally significant way
[01:49:17.180 --> 01:49:20.020]  and to live in peace and harmony.
[01:49:20.020 --> 01:49:23.180]  I bear my sure and certain witness
[01:49:23.180 --> 01:49:27.700]  that Jesus Christ lives, and because of His Atonement,
[01:49:27.700 --> 01:49:31.380]  we can be one with Christ.
[01:49:31.380 --> 01:49:34.380]  In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[01:49:46.940 --> 01:50:05.940]  We will sing of Zion, kingdom of our God.
[01:50:05.940 --> 01:50:11.940]  Zion is the pure in heart.
[01:50:11.940 --> 01:50:17.940]  Those who seek the Savior's heart,
[01:50:17.940 --> 01:50:26.940]  Zion, soon in all the world, will rise to meet her God.
[01:50:27.940 --> 01:50:41.940]  Through the revelations given by God to man,
[01:50:41.940 --> 01:50:48.940]  heaven's truth is placed on earth.
[01:50:49.940 --> 01:50:55.940]  Prophets teach its power and worth.
[01:50:55.940 --> 01:51:07.940]  Zion readies us to see the Savior come again.
[01:51:08.940 --> 01:51:22.940]  When the saints of Zion keep His law in truth,
[01:51:22.940 --> 01:51:34.940]  When the saints of Zion keep His law in truth,
[01:51:34.940 --> 01:51:40.940]  hate and war and strife will cease.
[01:51:40.940 --> 01:51:46.940]  Men will live in love and peace.
[01:51:46.940 --> 01:51:55.940]  Let this Zion come once more and conquer all the earth.
[01:52:07.940 --> 01:52:13.940]  Hate and war and strife will cease.
[01:52:13.940 --> 01:52:20.940]  We will live in love and peace.
[01:52:20.940 --> 01:52:39.940]  Zion readies us to see the Savior come again.
[01:52:43.940 --> 01:52:46.940]  Come again.
[01:53:14.940 --> 01:53:18.540]  Heavenly Father, we are so grateful for the opportunity
[01:53:18.540 --> 01:53:21.220]  we have had to gather across the world
[01:53:21.220 --> 01:53:23.220]  as a community of Saints.
[01:53:23.220 --> 01:53:25.500]  We are grateful for the strength that
[01:53:25.500 --> 01:53:28.620]  comes when righteous people gather together.
[01:53:28.620 --> 01:53:31.300]  We are so grateful for the words that we
[01:53:31.300 --> 01:53:33.940]  heard from this pulpit today.
[01:53:33.940 --> 01:53:37.300]  We are so grateful for our prophet.
[01:53:37.300 --> 01:53:39.300]  We love him.
[01:53:39.300 --> 01:53:41.460]  We are grateful for the opportunity
[01:53:41.460 --> 01:53:44.140]  we have had to be with him today.
[01:53:44.140 --> 01:53:47.700]  Heavenly Father, will You bless our youth
[01:53:47.700 --> 01:53:51.580]  with an increase of the Spirit and to know
[01:53:51.580 --> 01:53:53.660]  how much we need them.
[01:53:53.660 --> 01:53:56.660]  And bless our missionaries to bring
[01:53:56.660 --> 01:54:01.780]  the enthusiasm and joy of this gospel to the world.
[01:54:01.780 --> 01:54:04.980]  And we say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[01:54:11.460 --> 01:54:13.540]  Amen.