Summary
Highlights
The 193rd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opens with music from The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. President Henry B. Eyring conducts the session, extending greetings to members worldwide. He acknowledges the absence of President Russell M. Nelson and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and notes the recent passing of Sister Patricia Terry Holland, extending condolences to her family. The choir is joined by guest members from various countries, and Elder Alvin F. Meredith III offers the invocation.
Elder David A. Bednar shares his admiration for Church members, likening them to 'They of the Last Wagon' and those 'no less serviceable' than prominent leaders. He emphasizes the quiet, diligent service of many who press forward on the covenant path, including those who comfort others, support leaders, return to the Church after detours, yearn for covenants, and faithfully raise families. He highlights the vital role of translators, nursery leaders, and those who care for parents, describing their duty as the strength of the Church.
Sister Amy A. Wright discusses the parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing the importance of spiritual preparedness and having 'oil in our lamps.' She shares a personal experience with a cancer diagnosis, where her prior spiritual preparation brought peace, regardless of the outcome. She encourages simplifying and focusing on gathering the light of Jesus Christ, comparing small acts of righteousness to the dew that sustains Mount Carmel. She reassures those struggling and emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the enduring hope, making eternal life and joy possible.
Elder Robert M. Daines speaks about "spiritual face blindness," drawing parallels to a soldier who couldn't recognize faces after an injury and his own youthful misunderstanding of his mother. He describes how many struggle to see God as a loving Father, instead focusing on rules. He encourages seeking to 'see Jesus' by understanding His character and love through the Gospels and prayer, rather than just following rules. He emphasizes that covenants are about relationships with God, not earning His love, and that serving others helps us feel His love.
Elder Carlos E. Godoy recounts an experience with a taxi driver, Omar, who was an inactive member of the Church. This encounter led to Omar and his family returning to the Church and being sealed in the temple. Elder Godoy uses this story to address members who have strayed or are lukewarm in their faith, emphasizing that their choices profoundly impact future generations. He encourages faithfulness, reminding listeners that broken things can be mended through Jesus Christ and that our present decisions shape our eternal future and the legacy we leave.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson explains the significance of the sealing power restored by Elijah, highlighting its crucial role in gathering Israel and making priesthood ordinances valid for time and eternity, especially temple ordinances. He emphasizes that the sealing power makes individual salvation and family exaltation universally available, linking generations across the veil. He quotes President Hinckley and President Nelson on the importance of eternal families and the sealing covenant, affirming that gender is eternal and that the Family Proclamation is founded on irrevocable doctrine for preparing for exaltation.
Elder Ian S. Ardern shares an experience in Uganda, witnessing the hardships of poverty and disease. He praises the humanitarian efforts of the Church, which, through donations and partnerships, provide help and hope. He compares this service to the parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing Christ-like compassion—loving others regardless of whether we know them. He encourages members to contribute time and resources to alleviate suffering, testifying that such acts increase joy, peace, humility, and love, and glorify God.
President Dallin H. Oaks explains the unique doctrine of the restored Church regarding various kingdoms of glory. He clarifies that God's loving plan allows all His children, with few exceptions, to inherit one of three kingdoms (celestial, terrestrial, telestial), each suited to the laws they chose to follow. He emphasizes that the celestial kingdom, particularly its highest degree (exaltation), is the focus of the Church through covenants of eternal marriage in temples. He quotes President Nelson, highlighting that our mortal life is a crucial time to choose which laws we will obey and thus which kingdom we will inhabit eternally. He stresses that true conversion involves becoming something, not just knowing something, and that the Atonement makes this possible, even beyond this life for those who continue to progress.
Brother Michael T. Nelson offers the benediction, expressing gratitude for the Spirit felt during the session and the witness of truths shared through words and music. He thanks Heavenly Father for leading the Church through prophets, seers, and revelators, and for the blessings of Jesus Christ's teachings, example, and Atonement. He specifically asks for blessings of healing and strength for President Russell M. Nelson and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, and for all members to be strengthened in their resolve to become true disciples of Jesus Christ.