I got the impression from this talk that President Nelson really, really loves the temple. It is imperative that we daily dedicate ourselves to the Lord and offer our bodies, our temples, as instruments of righteousness. In June 2018. If the temple is central to the gathering of Israel, is it also of major importance in your life? Elder Quentin L. Cook, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks during the Sunday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. Ponder these three truths: The Restoration is a process, not an event, and will continue until the Lord comes again. And thank you for pointing out the sacrament example. Thanks for your inspiring highlights. My dear brothers and sisters, when renovations on the Salt Lake Temple are completed, there will be no safer place during an earthquake in the Salt Lake Valley than inside that temple. Bless you heart! He can rid us of all bitterness, rage, anger, debauchery, and the like when we ask for His enablement. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, I definitely have two places that I want to examine and improve: I love you, dear brothers and sisters. Good luck as you teach or participate during your Relief Society or Elders Quorum! I wonder what he would say to those of us who just cant feel that it helps us? CBN's ministry is made possible by the support of our CBN Partners. It was more than some grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Even the best videos turn a group passive, and they slow down participation so as a teacher, I would skip playing media. And we can also take out the crazy, traitor, and disrespected labels because these labels no longer matter. But I think they have attached personal meaning to the ritual, meaning thats not inherent in the temple. What reinforcements to your testimony and understanding of the gospel are needed. Much to contemplate! Choose the questions that resonate the most with you and make a meaningful discussion for your group of personalities. Are we locked up in bitterness or anger or envy or sorrow or greed? President Nelson pointed out that the foundation of the temple became vulnerable and used this as a metaphor for our spiritual foundation: we make think we are firmly grounded but it is actually time to take extraordinary measures to strengthen our foundation in Christ. We just need to be willing and obedient participants as we enter into the shadowy and cluttered sections of our soul and clean up our lives as He directs. But methods change as the inspired direction comes to those who preside at a given time.'. In every age, the temple has underscored the precious truth that those who make covenants with God and keep them are children of the covenant. Elder D. Todd Christofferson teaches about the love of God (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). Use of contemporary "we" and parousia expected while some are still alive (4:15) 7. The inclusive spiritual community honors all faiths nurturing personal transformation. If you arent at a place where you love going to the temple, go more often and allow the Lord to change your heart while you are there. Empower people. We can navigate our way through the darkness and trials of this life and find our way back to our loving Heavenly Father if we seek and accept the spiritual landmarks he has provided and strive for daily restoration.. All comments are moderated before being published. Tell your class to contemplate President Nelsons statement about taking new measures and write what comes to mind as they consider the following questions: What is the Spirit prompting you to begin doing? Well said. As you are true to your covenants made in the temple, you will be strengthened by His power. It feels nice to post again. Do you believe there is strength and power found in the temple? Possible activity: Give everyone a pencil and paper. Indeed, 'whenever the Lord has had a people on the earth who will obey His word, they have been commanded to build temples.' Brother Bradley R. Wilcox teaches that the Savior will help us as we repent and that we can be worthy without being flawless (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). Whenever any kind of upheaval occurs in your life, the safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenants! Yes the move has disrupted our lives quite a bit. He might be right. President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife Sister Wendy Nelson tour the renovation work at the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City on Saturday, May 22, 2021. After the offerings were finished, everyone in that assembly bowed before God and continued in praise and worship (verses 25-30). Required fields are marked *. 7:21). We are ever moving towards more power and more significant benefit for us all. Let us never forget that if we omit them from our lives we may be found unworthy to come into His presence. Then, when spiritual earthquakes occur, you will be able to stand strong because your spiritual foundation is solid and immovable." About President Nelson Those who are quick to take offense or respond to a difference of opinion by becoming angry or judgmental fail the spiritual stress test, he said. The items that remain must be repaired, organized neatly, and ready for use. I don't think the above paragraph constitutes pure truth. President Nelson makes if very clear (with emphasis added) who is making the changes, and it's not him. As we seek how to accomplish that objective more effectively, the Lord reveals more insights. Is there a way to have this delivered to my inbox weekly? President Camille N. Johnson, Primary general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks during the Sunday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. Your diligent efforts to do so will reinforce and strengthen your spiritual foundation. Thus, in the house of the Lord, we can make the same covenants with God that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob made. Jesus is the Christ! Spiritual doors will open. Everyone drank from it. Then, as we keep our covenants, He endows us with His healing, strengthening power. An introduction to the For the Strength of Youth issue focusing on the October 2021 general conference. It was . The way that the sacrament was offered to the congregation changed. If you are married and have not yet been sealed in the temple, do everything you can to take the necessary steps to be sealed together for eternity. In every age, the temple has underscored the precious truth that those who make covenants with God and keep them are children of the covenant. Everyone in that entourage knew exactly how King Hezekiah felt about God. We are here to help and encourage you! Sister Bonnie H. Cordon teaches youth that they are here at this time for a grand purpose in the work of God (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). You sacrifice for the sake of the church or Kingdom of God for example which they seek to identify with the church. The Restoration is a process, not an event, and will continue until the Lord comes again. Ultimately, by doing this first deed, Hezekiah was demonstrating a desire to usher back in the presence of the Lord, to be open once again to the Spirit of the Lord. I believe that President Nelson has strong spiritual reasons for urging us to place temple worship and covenant keeping at the center of our spiritual lives. Specialties: Temple Aliyah is a Jewish Synagogue with preschool, kindergarten and Parent & Me serving Woodland Hills and the West Valley. There are times when we must do the boot camp. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Usually the waves remind me of constant strength and energy, but this time I was watching the effect they were having on our little beach. A spiritual house that has been swept clean of defilement will not stay clean without a dedication to God. The Learning Light Foundation is Orange County's oldest and largest spiritual center. Elder Vaiangina Sikahema, a General Authority Seventy, speaks during the Sunday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. Your trust in God, your growing relationship with Christ, and your obedience and application of God's Word are all crucial to building a solid foundation of faith. If you study the talk with the footnotes, you will find that his message goes even deeper. Latter-day Saints must take unprecedented measures to strengthen their spiritual foundations like the extraordinary effort to reinforce the original, pioneer-era foundation of the iconic Salt Lake Temple, President Russell M. Nelson said Sunday morning.. God lives! You can also check out several otherGeneral Conference Talks with 5 Highlights. Above all, its the room you hope no guests will ever see, because if they saw your junk, you would likely be embarrassed or ashamed. The Lord has declared that despite todays unprecedented challenges, those who build their foundations upon Jesus Christ, and have learned how to draw upon His power, need not succumb to the unique anxieties of this era. They had snuffed out the lamps in the Temple, stopped offering sacrifices to God, and had closed up the doors. Attendees walk into the Conference Center prior to the Sunday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. Discover God's peace now. He went with the city officials for the dedication ceremony of the Temple (verse 20). I think this talk was a mess from top to bottom. 27 Feb 2023 20:23:29 But, wait, there is an answer, and it is also found in that same passage from the Apostle Paul: but thanks be to God through Jesus Christ, the One who can save me from my evil ways (Rom. Elder Gerrit W. Gong teaches how God can help us to trust others again after our trust has been challenged (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). Likewise, the safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenants., When an individuals spiritual foundation is built solidly upon Jesus Christ, he or she will have no need to fear. And recognize that when you meet resistance it simply means that the adversary knows the good that is about to come of it. I am so grateful to live in a time when we have a living prophet on the earth. 10 a.m. Sunday meditation followed by service featuring local musicians at 10:30. He makes things clear that the world wants to muddy. Now is the time to develop that relationship and that understanding. The ultimate objective of the gathering of Israelis to bring the blessings of the temple to Gods faithful children. You will learn how to part the veil between heaven and earth, how to ask for Gods angels to attend you, and how better to receive direction from heaven. Half of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performed under the direction of Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy. You know you have sinned against God and you want to make things right again, so you try to rid yourself of bad habits or stop doing those addictive behaviors. Lets make a covenant, as Hezekiah did (verse 10) that we will clear the path for the Lord of Hosts to enter in and sup with us and show us what to do for His sake. As you are true to your covenants made in the temple, you will be strengthened by His power. Another theme I havent seen recently that I felt repeated several times in conference was that of discipleship. It wasnt simply architectural or engineering in nature; this was a symbol of worship of the Lord. (temple) What happens when we keep our covenants made in the temple? You may find his complete talk here. With so much to right and right quickly, its hard to know what to do first. You are free to choose who you will beand with whom you will bein the world to come! President Nelson starts with a video that highlights the repair work underneath the Salt Lake Temple. If you have made temple covenants, seek prayerfully and consistently to understand temple covenants and ordinances. So, I ask each of you: How firm is your foundation? And Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced greatly because of what God had done for the people, for everything had been accomplished so quickly (verse 36, NLT), Rededicating Yourself to God Make It Holy and Make it Public. President Russell M. Nelson teaches about how the temple can help us reinforce our spiritual foundations (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). I stand firm and immovable against the storms of adversity. The Conference Center prior to the Sunday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. They are central to Mormon temple ordinances but are never mentioned anciently at all. He prescribed what he called an ongoing daily infusion of heavenly light regular prayer, pondering scriptures and self-introspection. [If you didnt do the activity] What are some ways we can pull Jesus Christ directly into our lives? I am grateful for his direction. Use of contemporary "you" and parousia to be fulfilled in their contemporary generation (24:34) 6. His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. All must be saved on the same principles [Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. He wants you to comprehend your privileges, promises, and responsibilities. If the Jewish people did not behave like a people meant to represent God - to be a kingdom of spiritual leaders, and a holy people (Exodus 19:6) - what value was the Temple? Have faith in what you feel drawn to teach and emphasize you were asked to give this lesson for a reason. He will help us to once again clothe ourselves with compassion and humility. His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. This true story appears in 2 Chronicles 29. President Russell M. Nelson urges us to make time for the Lord every day (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). Jesus is the Christ! THIS. Hewants you to comprehend your privileges, promises, and responsibilities. I nearly laughed out loud listening to that. Elder Ulisses Soares teaches how we can follow the Saviors example of compassion (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). hbbd```b`` z ? Or are we holed up with the lights turned off? temple must stand much longer. Jesus can restore back to the temple of our hearts a right spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control, which are the fruits of the Spirit. 6:16; Eph. President Nelson makes a distinction between covenants and core gospel truths vs. methods and procedures. His plan of eternal progression is not complicated, and it honors your agency. Likewise, whenever any kind of upheaval occurs in your life, the safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenants! This is a Institutional post. President Russell M. Nelson Make Time for the Lord Texas | 167 views, 4 likes, 0 loves, 6 comments, 2 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Shekinah Tabernacle Baptist Church of Dallas, TX: Shekinah. Fill the earth with the light and warmth of compelling truths. The Conference Center during the 191st General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. Throughout his service in the Church, President Nelson has provided profound insight into the temple, its symbolism, and what it means to each of us. Talk about a paradigm shift! If we have experienced a radical rededication to our Savior, then we need to proclaim it loudly and joyously as Hezekiah did. Error: There was an internal error submitting your form. I don't understand the insistence on attempting to draw similarities to things which are obviously very different. It is the Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ who wants us to come to the temple, to understand what we are being taught, to receive the blessings and power available by keeping the covenants we make, and to return again and again to strengthen ourselves and to offer the blessings of salvation to our family. "The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple. I'm a PIMO who wants to believe, but this kind of talk just really makes it very difficult. As we visit the temple often, we are reminded of the promises and blessings we receive there. Be prepared to share something personal if no one volunteers immediately. We welcome these opportunities to build friendship and discuss shared initiatives that will continue to foster understanding and mutual respect. Lets take that first step of repairing the door to our hearts. I literally left feeling like he had just told me that I really can't trust the scriptures, the prophet, or the Lord. 28:40-29:9). If individuals are going to withstand the forthcoming perils and pressures, they must have a firm spiritual foundation built upon the rock of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ. What is the Spirit prompting you to do without? President Nelson is an amazing prophet. [] The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation by President Russell M. Nelson []. Isnt that so powerful? But I do attend church, hold a calling, and actually re-listened to the prophet's message. My husband and I recently went to the temple after a long absence (a significant move halfway across the US and other difficult circumstances made it hard to go previously.) The topic of adversity continued to be common but I also felt an addition of several talks about repentance. He encouraged church members to recognize that the gospel requires some things to happen sequentially, including covenants and ordinances, miracles and repentance. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks during the Sunday morning session of the churchs 191st Semiannual General Conference in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was so excited for your post even as you are so busy with your move. Every participating choir member is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and had been recently tested. I don't think we make the same covenants with God that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob made (see below). He makes it very clear that the temple will offer no protection if you are wicked. He invited them to center lives on Jesus Christ and temple ordinances and covenants, encouraging them to attend the temple more often. In his first official communication of 2022, President Russell M. Nelson, leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared important advice: "Be more resolute in being kind to others and strengthening your own spiritual foundation.". He then uses this as a vehicle to talk about our own personal spiritual foundations. Together with our community, we lay a foundation of faith by providing gospel-related resources so that when questions, doubts, and hardship arise, we are equipped and familiar with personal revelation, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, gospel study, and community support. Let the Lord, through His Spirit, teach and inspire you there. Even the grungiest, most unholy areas of ourselves can, given the power of the Holy Spirit and Gods focused efforts on our behalf, be completely purified and restored to working order very quickly. In fact, you can almost sense that the nation of Judah was surprised that the work got completed that fast. Lets go back to the story of Hezekiah. The morning after Hezekiah got the word that the job was done, he set out to visit the Temple of the Lord. Finally, President Nelson told us to let God prevail in all aspects of our lives. His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. "Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God. I need to work even harder to understand what is being taught in the temple and to see if there are places that I can improve my keeping of the covenants so that I am doing so with more exactness and honor. Lots of quotes from general authorities stating that the temple ordinances were revealed by God. Heis the One who wants you to understand with great clarity exactly what you are making covenants to do. President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, waves to attendees after the Sunday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. I believe that president Nelson is sincere and that my EQP really feels the importance of the temple. Unlike the wandering test subjects, we have reliable, visible landmarks that we can use to evaluate our course, he said. Get more than a Sunday sermon. "And oh, how we will need His power in the days ahead," President Nelson said. We may attend to rites and rituals and yet overlook the weightier matters such as brotherly kindness, honesty, mercy, virtue, and integrity. arrangements if needed, and follow through! They were the only ones who could do the job because they had obediently kept themselves pure in the sight of God. Exact time unknown (5:1-2) 8. I don't think the people in Christ's day were ever commanded to build temples. President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visits with other general authorities after the Sunday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. I am talking about Jesus Christ, and He knows just how to clean out our temples (see Heb. These are the latter days. This He desires for all temple patrons, no matter where they live.". I love this prophet. "`,r'D+H}D2H)k `)X}Xv.`vdT\"}~ (q^ endstream endobj startxref 0 %%EOF 290 0 obj <>stream Have we been letting God enter in freely and unencumbered? Discover steps to bring you closer to Christ. Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ. The idea was not just to assess the newly restored Temple. When renovations on the Salt Lake Temple are completed, there will be no safer place during an earthquake in the Salt Lake Valley than inside the temple. I promise you that over time, the temple will become a place of safety, solace, and revelation. In his first month of service, King Hezekiah reopened the doors of the Temple and repaired them (verse 3). Tell the class youre going to give them a quick minute to read them and choose one they feel stands out for them today. Thanks. Its purpose is to "perfect [or, complete] the saints"to foster spiritual growth into the image of God. Capture your enemies? Invite individuals who feel comfortable to share something they wrote. "Temple ordinances and covenants are ancient." Some might even consider that the kind of senility that would warrant an arrest to the mental institution or the kind of political motive that might label you a traitor charged with treason. It wasn't simply architectural or engineering in nature; this was a symbol of worship of the Lord. All Rights Reserved, Temple and spiritual foundations need to be strengthened, President Nelson says, Major seismic strengthening, more trusses, headline Temple Square renovation in September 2021, Salt Lake Temple to close for four years as Temple Square undergoes seismic change, 191st Semiannual General Conference talk summaries and photos, A day of pure doctrine to build faith that heals the world, What this church leader learned about mental illness after seeing his own sons personal struggle, A touching moment between President Nelson and the multicultural choir that performed at conference, Gospel living brings security, comfort in times of heartache, leaders say Saturday afternoon, Familiar venue, voices return for October general conference, A surprising fact about President Nelsons list of new temples, Conference ends with a call to remove a personal conflict in your life by Easter, April 2022 general conference talk summaries and photo galleries, In my lifetime, I have never seen a greater lack of civility. Dont be afraid of initial silence as people think the questions through. Hezekiahs quick response was very important. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. The heavens will open and angels will attend. Does it need repairing? He is the One who wants you to experience fully His sacred ordinances. Universal peace does not exist today. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. In his first month of service, King Hezekiah reopened the doors of the Temple and repaired them (verse 3). Interesting, I re-listened to that talk again yesterday. It is something I really want to dive into the next six months and how I can improve my own discipleship. Elder Gary E. Stevenson teaches about the divinely appointed responsibilities of the Church (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). I think this fact completely disagrees with his assertion above that the covenants we make are the same as those made by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (and their wives?). Learn how your comment data is processed. President Nelsons counsel is clear and direct, yet he empowers us. Elder David A. Bednar teaches how honoring our covenants arms us with power of God in great glory (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference).