First Public Address as President of the Church – Salt Lake Temple Annex – January 16, 2018
“The Lord always has and
always will instruct and inspire His prophets.” (January 16, 2018)
“The Lord is at the
helm.” (January 16, 2018)
“Keep on the covenant
path.” (January 16, 2018)
General Priesthood
Meeting – Introductory Remarks - April
2018
“Restructuring of our
Melchizedek Priesthood quorums to accomplish the work of the Lord more
effectively.” (April 2018)
Ministering with the
Power and Authority of God – April 2018
“Ministering with the
Power and Authority of God” and “ministering in a higher holier way.” “A
hallmark of the Lord’s true and living Church will always be an organized,
directed effort to minister to individual children of God and their families.”
(April 2018)
“Too many of our brothers
and sisters do not fully understand the concept of priesthood power and
authority.” (April 2018)
“In coming days, it will
not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing,
comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” (April 2018)
Revelation for the
Church, Revelation for our Personal Lives – April 2018
“One of the things the
Spirit has repeatedly impressed upon my mind since my new calling as President
of the Church is how willing the Lord is to reveal His mind and will. The
privilege of receiving revelation is one of the greatest gifts of God to His children.”
(“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” April 2018)
“I urge you to stretch
beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the
Lord has promised that ‘if thou shalt [seek], thou shalt receive revelation
upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries
and peaceable things —that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life
eternal.’” (April 2018)
“With Moroni, I exhort
you on this Easter Sabbath to ‘come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good
gift,’ beginning with the gift of the Holy Ghost, which gift can and will
change your life.” (April 2018)
Let Us All Press On –
April 2018
“I exhort you to study
the messages of this conference frequently—even repeatedly —during the next six
months. Conscientiously look for ways to incorporate these messages in your
family home evenings, your gospel teaching, your conversations with family and
friends, and even your discussions with those not of our faith.” (April 2018)
“… We invite all of God’s
children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior, receive the
blessings of the holy temple, have enduring joy, and qualify for eternal life.”
(April 2018)
“Our message to the world
is simple and sincere: we invite all of God’s children on both sides of the
veil to come unto their Savior, receive the blessings of the holy temple, have
enduring joy, and qualify for eternal life.” (April 2018)
“… Construction of these
temples may not change your life, but your time in the temple surely will. … I
bless you to identify those things you can set aside so you can spend more time
in the temple. I bless you with greater harmony and love in your homes and a
deeper desire to care for your eternal family relationships. I bless you with
increased faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a greater ability to follow Him as
His true disciples. I bless you to raise your voice in testimony, as I do now,
that we are engaged in the work of Almighty God! Jesus is the Christ. This is
His Church, which He directs through His anointed servants.” (April 2018)
Worldwide Youth
Devotional – Hope of Israel – June 2018
“Now I plead with each of
you to do as the teenaged Joseph did. Take your questions directly to your
Heavenly Father in prayer. Ask Him, in the name of Jesus Christ, to guide you.
You can learn for yourself—right now at your age —how to receive personal revelation.
And nothing will make a bigger difference in your life than that!” (June 2018)
The gathering of Israel
“is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares
in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in
majesty. … So, now I am inviting every young woman and every young man between
the ages of 12 and 18 in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to
enlist in the youth battalion of the Lord to help gather Israel.” (June 2018)
“First, disengage from a
constant reliance on social media, in order to decrease its worldly influence
upon you. … Hold a seven-day fast from social media. … My second invitation is
to make a weekly sacrifice of time to the Lord, for three weeks in a row, to
let Him know that you want to be part of His youth battalion ,,, My third
invitation is for you to do a thorough life assessment with the Lord, and
perhaps with your parents and your bishop, to ensure that your feet are firmly
planted on the covenant path. … My fourth invitation is for you to pray daily
that all of God’s children might receive the blessings of the gospel of Jesus
Christ. ,,, My fifth invitation is for you to stand out; be different from the
world.” (June 2018)
“Three self-identifiers
are essential to conversion: “you are a child of God, a child of the covenant
and a disciple of Jesus Christ. (June 2018)
Build bridges of
understanding [equality]
“On every continent and
across the isles of the sea, faithful people are being gathered into The Church
fade into insignificance as the faithful enter the covenant path and come unto
our beloved Redeemer.” (August 2018)
“Ultimately, we realize
that only the comprehension of the true Fatherhood of God can bring full
appreciation of the true brotherhood of men and the true sisterhood of women.
That understanding inspires us with passionate desire to build bridges of cooperation
instead of walls of segregation.” (August 2018)
Opening Remarks – October
2018
“It is time for a
home-centered Church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward,
and stake buildings.” (October 2018)
“For many years, Church
leaders have been working on an integrated curriculum to strengthen families
and individuals through a home-centered and Church-supported plan to learn
doctrine, strengthen faith, and foster greater personal worship.” (October
2018)
General Women’s Session –
Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel – October 2018
“I’m extending a
prophetic plea to you, the women of the Church, to shape the future by helping
to gather scattered Israel. … Women see things differently than men do, and oh,
how we need your perspective! Your nature leads you to think of others first, to
consider the effect that any course of action will have on others. … The
supreme standard for ministering is that of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Generally, women are, and always have been, closer to that standard than men. …
I’m extending a prophetic plea to you, the women of the Church, to shape the
future by helping to gather scattered Israel. Four invitations to the women of
the Church. First, I invite you to participate in a 10-day fast from social
media and from any other media that bring negative and impure thoughts to your
mind. … Second, I invite you to read the Book of Mormon between now and the end
of the year. … Third, establish a pattern of regular temple attendance. My fourth invitation, for you who are of
age, is to participate fully in Relief Society.” (October 2018)
The Correct Name of the
Church – October 2018
“Jesus Christ directed us
to call the Church by His name because it is His Church, filled with His
power.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “My dear brothers and
sisters, I promise you that if we will do our best to restore the correct name
of the Lord’s Church, He whose Church this is will pour down His power and
blessings upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints, the likes of which we have
never seen. (October 2018)
“If we as a people and as
individuals are to have access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ —
to cleanse and heal us, to strengthen and magnify us, and ultimately to exalt
us — we must clearly acknowledge Him as the source of that power. We can begin
by calling His Church by the name He decreed.” (October 2018)
“I leave my love and
blessing upon you, that you may feast upon the word of the Lord and apply His
teachings in your personal lives.” (October 2018)
Becoming Exemplary
Latter-day Saints – October 2018
“My dear brothers and
sisters, the assaults of the adversary are increasing exponentially, in
intensity and in variety. Our need to be in the temple on a regular basis has
never been greater. I plead with you to take a prayerful look at how you spend
your time. Invest time in your future and in that of your family. If you have
reasonable access to a temple, I urge you to find a way to make an appointment
regularly with the Lord—to be in His holy house —then keep that appointment
with exactness and joy. I promise you that the Lord will bring the miracles He
knows you need as you make sacrifices to serve and worship in His temples.”
(October 2018)
General Priesthood
Session – We Can Do Better and Be Better – April 2019
“Repentance is not an
event; it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind. When
coupled with faith, repentance opens our access to the power of the Atonement
of Jesus Christ.” ( April 2019)
“Make your focus on daily
repentance so integral to your life that you can exercise the priesthood with
greater power than ever before. …he word for repentance in the Greek New
Testament is metanoeo. The prefix meta- means “change.” The suffix -noeo is related
to Greek words that mean ‘mind,’’knowledge,’ ‘spirit,’ and ‘breath.’ ,,, Thus,
when Jesus asks you and me to “repent,” He is inviting us to change our mind,
our knowledge, our spirit—even the way we breathe. He is asking us to change
the way we love, think, serve, spend our time, treat our wives, teach our
children, and even care for our bodies. … Nothing is more liberating, more
ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular,
daily focus on repentance. … The Lord taught the Prophet Joseph Smith ‘that the
rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven,
and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the
principles of righteousness.’ … Your body is your personal temple, created to
house your eternal spirit. Your care of that temple is important. … Brethren,
your first and foremost duty as a bearer of the priesthood is to love and care
for your wife.” (April 2019)
“Brethren, your first and
foremost duty as a bearer of the priesthood is to love and care for your wife.”
(April 2019)
Come Follow Me – April
2019
“Jesus Christ invites us
to take the covenant path back home to our Heavenly Parents and be with those
we love.” (April 2019)
“In truth, the Savior
Himself has made it abundantly clear that while His Resurrection assures that
every person who ever lived will indeed be resurrected and live forever,3 much
more is required if we want to have the high privilege of exaltation. Salvation
is an individual matter, but exaltation is a family matter.” (April 2019)
“So, what is required for
a family to be exalted forever? We qualify for that privilege by making
covenants with God, keeping those covenants, and receiving essential
ordinances.” (April 2019)
“Now, as President of His
Church, I plead with you who have distanced yourselves from the Church and with
you who have not yet really sought to know that the Savior’s Church has been
restored. Do the spiritual work to find out for yourselves, and please do it
now. Time is running out.” (April 2019)
Closing Remarks – April
2019
“We hope and pray that
each member’s home will become a true sanctuary of faith, where the Spirit of
the Lord may dwell.” (April 2019)
Witnesses, Aaronic
Priesthood Quorums, and Yung Women Classes
– October 2019
“... I have invited the
youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to enlist in the
Lord’s youth battalion to participate in the greatest cause on earth today —
the gathering of Israel. ... The cause of the gathering is an essential part of
helping to prepare the world and its people for the Second Coming of the Lord.”
(October 2019)
“A proxy baptism for a
deceased person may be witnessed by anyone holding a current temple recommend,
including a limited-use recommend. Any endowed member with a current temple
recommend may serve as a witness to sealing ordinances, living and proxy. Any
baptized member of the Church may serve as a witness of the baptism of a living
person. This change pertains to all baptisms outside the temple.” (October
2019)
Women’s Session –
Spiritual Treasures – October 2019
To the sisters of the
Church but applicable to all, “As you exercise faith in the Lord and His
priesthood power, your ability to draw upon this spiritual treasure that the
Lord has made available will increase.” (October 2019)
“The heavens are just as
open to women who are endowed with God’s power flowing from their priesthood
covenants as they are to men who bear the priesthood. I pray that truth will
register upon each of your hearts because I believe it will change your life.
Sisters, you have the right to draw liberally upon the Savior’s power to help
your family and others you love.” (October 2019)
“Every woman and every
man who makes covenants with God and keeps those covenants, and who
participates worthily in priesthood ordinances, has direct access to the power
of God. Those who are endowed in the house of the Lord receive a gift of God’s
priesthood power by virtue of their covenant, along with a gift of knowledge to
know how to draw upon that power.” (October 2019)
“I entreat you to study
prayerfully all the truths you can find about priesthood power. You might begin
with Doctrine and Covenants sections 84 and 107.” (October 2019)
“I would like to leave a
blessing upon you, that you may understand the priesthood power with which you
have been endowed and that you will augment that power by exercising your faith
in the Lord and in His power.” (October 2019)
The Second Great
Commandment
“Our greatest joy comes
as we help our brothers and sisters.” (October 2019)
“Latter-day Saints, as
with other followers of Jesus Christ, are always looking for ways to help, to
lift, and to love others.” (October 2019)
“Giving help to
others—making a conscientious effort to care about others as much as or more
than we care about ourselves—is our joy.” Since the establishment of LDS
Charities, two billion dollars has been donated to the needy regardless of
membership, race, or gender. In 2018 help was given in 56 countries. (October
2019)
Closing Remarks – October
2019
“Individual worthiness
requires a total conversion of mind and heart to be more like the Lord.”
President Nelson reviewed the 15 questions necessary to demonstrate worthiness
to attend the temple. (October 2019)
Opening Message – April
2020
“Our ultimate quest in
life is to prepare to meet our Maker.” (April 2020)
“We are to seek, in every
way we can, to hear Jesus Christ, who speaks to us through the power and
ministering of the Holy Ghost.” (April 2020)
“The most important
lasting effects of this historic conference will be as our hearts change and we
commence a lifelong quest to hear Him.” (April 2020)
Opening the Heavens for
Help – April 2020
“Let us put our faith in
the Lord Jesus Christ into action!” (April 2020)
“I invite all, including
those not of our faith, to fast and pray on Good Friday, April 10, that the
present pandemic may be controlled, caregivers protected, the economy
strengthened, and life normalized.” (April 2020)
President Nelson
announced a new symbol to represent the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints. “At the center of the symbol is a representation of Thorvaldsen’s
marble statue the Christus. It portrays the resurrected, living Lord reaching
out to embrace all who will come unto Him. Symbolically, Jesus Christ is
standing under an arch. The arch reminds us of the resurrected Savior emerging
from the tomb on the third day following His Crucifixion.” At the bottom is the
full name of the Church (April 2020)
Hear Him – April 2020
“Our Father knows that
when we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear, what will help us the very most
is to hear His Son.” (April 2020)
“Regardless of where you
live or what your circumstances are, the Lord Jesus Christ is your Savior, and
God’s prophet Joseph Smith is your prophet.” (April 2020)
“What does it mean for
you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth? It means
that you and your family can be sealed together forever! It means that because
you have been baptized by one who has authority from Jesus Christ and have been
confirmed a member of His Church, you can enjoy the constant companionship of
the Holy Ghost. He will guide and protect you. It means you will never be left
comfortless or without access to the power of God to help you. It means that
priesthood power can bless you as you receive essential ordinances and make
covenants with God and keep them. What an anchor to our souls are these truths,
especially during these times when the tempest is raging.” (April 2020)
“As we seek to be
disciples of Jesus Christ, our efforts to hear Him need to be ever more
intentional. It takes conscious and consistent effort to fill our daily lives
with His words, His teachings, His truths.” (April 2020)
“The Restoration of the
Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the
World.” was presented by President Russell M. Nelson (April 2020)
President Nelson taught all at the conference
the “Hosanna Shout” and led them in this joyous shout in acknowledging the
restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Church. (April 2020)
Go Forth in Faith – April
2020
“I bless you with peace
and increasing faith in the Lord.” (April 2020)
“Hear these pleadings
from a mighty prophet of God: ‘When Thy people shall not have the opportunity
of entering this holy house … and they are oppressed and in trouble, surrounded
by difficulties … and shall turn their faces towards this Thy holy house and
ask Thee for deliverance, for help, for Thy power to be extended in their
behalf, we beseech Thee, to look down from Thy holy habitation in mercy … and
listen to their cries. Or when the children of Thy people, in years to come,
shall be separated, through any cause, from this place, … and they shall cry
unto Thee from the depths of their affliction and sorrow to extend relief and
deliverance to them, we humbly entreat Thee to … hearken to their cries, and
grant unto them the blessings for which they ask.’” (President Wilford
Woodruff) (April 2020)
“I would like to confer
upon you an apostolic blessing. I bless you with peace and increasing faith in
the Lord. I bless you with a desire to repent and become a little more like Him
each day. I bless you to know that the Prophet Joseph Smith is the prophet of
the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness. Should there be
illness among you or your loved ones, I leave a blessing of healing, consistent
with the will of the Lord. I so bless you, adding once more my expression of
love for each of you, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.” (April 2020)
Moving Forward – October
2020
“The work of the Lord is
steadily moving forward. Amid social distancing, face masks, and Zoom meetings,
we have learned to do some things differently and some even more effectively.
Unusual times can bring unusual rewards.” (October 2020)
“I pray that we as a
people are using this unique time to grow spiritually. We are here on earth to
be tested, to see if we will choose to follow Jesus Christ, to repent
regularly, to learn, and to progress. Our spirits long to progress. And we do
that best by staying firmly on the covenant path. Through it all, our Heavenly
Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love us! They care for us! They and Their
holy angels are watching over us.1 I know that is true.” (October 2020)
Women’s Session - Embrace
the Future with Faith – October 2020
“The future will be
glorious for those who are prepared and who continue to prepare to be
instruments in the Lord’s hands.” (October 2020)
“’If ye are prepared ye
shall not fear.’ If preparation is our key to embracing this dispensation and
our future with faith, how can we best prepare? For decades, the Lord’s
prophets have urged us to store food, water, and financial reserves for a time
of need. The current pandemic has reinforced the wisdom of that counsel. I urge
you to take steps to be temporally prepared. But I am even more concerned about
your spiritual and emotional preparation. So, Moroni prepared his people in
three essential ways. First, he helped them create areas where they would be
safe—’places of security’ he called them [the temple]. Second, he prepared ‘the
minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord [seek learning, exercise
faith, study the Book of Mormon, yoke ourselves to God the Father and Jesus
Christ] .’ And third, he never stopped preparing his people—physically or
spiritually.” (October 2020)
Let God Prevail – October
2020
“Are you willing to let
God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important
influence in your life?” (October 2020)
“With the help of two
Hebrew scholars, I learned that one of the Hebraic meanings of the word Israel
is “let God prevail.” Thus the very name of Israel refers to a person who is
willing to let God prevail in his or her life.” (October 2020)
“When we speak of
gathering Israel on both sides of the veil, we are referring, of course, to
missionary, temple, and family history work. We are also referring to building
faith and testimony in the hearts of those with whom we live, work, and serve.
Anytime we do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—to make and
keep their covenants with God, we are helping to gather Israel.” (October 2020)
“Each of us has a divine
potential because each is a child of God. Each is equal in His eyes. The
implications of this truth are profound. Brothers and sisters, please listen
carefully to what I am about to say. God does not love one race more than another.
His doctrine on this matter is clear. He invites all to come unto Him, ‘black
and white, bond and free, male and female.’ I assure you that your standing
before God is not determined by the color of your skin. Favor or disfavor with
God is dependent upon your devotion to God and His commandments and not the
color of your skin.” (October 2020)
“The question for each of
us, regardless of race, is the same. Are you willing to let God prevail in your
life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life?
Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what
you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? Are
you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other
ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?” (October
2020)
“Now, my dear brothers
and sisters, it takes both faith and courage to let God prevail. It takes
persistent, rigorous spiritual work to repent and to put off the natural man
through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It takes consistent, daily effort to
develop personal habits to study the gospel, to learn more about Heavenly
Father and Jesus Christ, and to seek and respond to personal revelation.”
(October 2020)
“My dear brothers and
sisters, as you choose to let God prevail in your lives, you will experience
for yourselves that our God is ‘a God of miracles.’ As a people, we are His
covenant children, and we will be called by His name. Of this I testify in the sacred
name of Jesus Christ, amen.” (October 2020)
A New Normal – October
2020
“I invite you to turn
your heart, mind, and soul increasingly to our Heavenly Father and His Son,
Jesus Christ.” (October 2020)
“The challenge for you
and me is to make certain that each of us will achieve his or her divine
potential. Today we often hear about “a new normal.” If you really want to
embrace a new normal, I invite you to turn your heart, mind, and soul
increasingly to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Let that be your
new normal.” (October 2020)
“Embrace your new normal
by repenting daily. Seek to be increasingly pure in thought, word, and deed.
Minister to others. Keep an eternal perspective. Magnify your callings. And
whatever your challenges, my dear brothers and sisters, live each day so that
you are more prepared to meet your Maker.” (October 2020)
“Now, my dear brothers
and sisters, I bless you to be filled with the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
His peace is beyond all mortal understanding.6 I bless you with an increased
desire and ability to obey the laws of God. I promise that as you do, you will
be showered with blessings, including greater courage, increased personal
revelation, sweeter harmony in your homes, and joy even amid uncertainty.”
(October 2020)
Gratitude
“To be sure, there may be
times when you feel as though the heavens are closed. But I promise that as you
continue to be obedient, expressing gratitude for every blessing the Lord gives
you, and as you patiently honor the Lord’s timetable, you will be given the
knowledge and understanding you seek. Every blessing the Lord has for you—even
miracles—will follow.” (Liahona, November 2020)
Welcome Message – April
2021
“I know for sure that the
Lord directs the affairs of His Church. He said, ‘I will show [you] that I am
able to do mine own work.’” (April 2021)
“I also understand better
now what He meant when He said, ‘Behold, I will hasten my work in its time.’”
(April 2021)
“... the strength of the
Church lies in the efforts and ever-growing testimonies of its members.
Testimonies are best cultivated in the home.” (April 2021)
“I have thought about the
need for each of us to remove, with the Savior’s help, the old debris in our
lives. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of repentance.3 Because of the
Savior’s Atonement, His gospel provides an invitation to keep changing, growing,
and becoming more pure. It is a gospel of hope, of healing, and of progress.
Thus, the gospel is a message of joy! Our spirits rejoice with every small step
forward we take.” (April 2021)
“Part of the gathering of
Israel, and a very important part, is the charge for us as a people to be
worthy and willing to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the
Lord.” (April 2021)
Priesthood Session - What
Are We Learning and Will Never Forget – April 2021
“Lesson 1: The Home Is
the Center of Faith and Worship. ... Lesson 2: We Need Each Other. ... Your
Priesthood Quorum Is Meant for More Than Just a Meeting. ... Lesson 4: We Hear
Jesus Christ Better When We Are Still.” (April 2021)
“The future is bright for
God’s covenant-keeping people.16 The Lord will increasingly call upon His
servants who worthily hold the priesthood to bless, comfort, and strengthen
mankind and to help prepare the world and its people for His Second Coming. It
behooves each of us to measure up to the sacred ordination we have received. We
can do this!” (April 2021)
Christ Is Risen; Faith in
Him Will Move Mountains – April 2021
“Faith in Jesus Christ is
the greatest power available to us in this life. All things are possible to
them that believe.” (April 2021)
“Each of God’s children
deserves the opportunity to hear and accept the healing, redeeming message of
Jesus Christ. No other message is more vital to our happiness—now and forever.2
No other message is more filled with hope. No other message can eliminate
contention in our society.” (April 2021)
“Faith in Jesus Christ is
the foundation of all belief and the conduit of divine power.” (April 2021)
“The Lord does not
require perfect faith for us to have access to His perfect power. But He does
ask us to believe.” (April 2021)
“To do anything well
requires effort. Becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ is no exception.
Increasing your faith and trust in Him takes effort. May I offer five
suggestions to help you develop that faith and trust. ... First, study. ...
Second, choose to believe in Jesus Christ. ... Third, act in faith. What would
you do if you had more faith? Think about it. Write about it. Then receive more
faith by doing something that requires more faith. ... Fourth, partake of
sacred ordinances worthily. Ordinances unlock the power of God for your life.
... And fifth, ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for help.
... Faith takes work.” (April 2021)
“Do not minimize the
faith you already have.” (April 2021)
“Your growing faith in
Him will move mountains—not the mountains of rock that beautify the earth but
the mountains of misery in your lives. Your flourishing faith will help you
turn challenges into unparalleled growth and opportunity.” (April 2021)
Covid-19 and Temples –
April 2021
“Keep your temple
covenants and blessings foremost in your minds and hearts. Stay true to the
covenants you have made.” (April 2021)
As Covid-19 was becoming
less of a threat, President Nelson announced the opening of temples in four
phases. “For temples in phase 1, qualified couples who have previously received
their own endowments can be sealed as husband and wife. For temples in phase 2,
all ordinances for the living are performed, including one’s own endowment, the
sealing of husband and wife, and the sealing of children to parents. We have
recently amended provisions of phase 2 and allow our youth, new members, and
others with a limited-use recommend to participate in proxy baptisms for their
ancestors. For temples in phase 3, those with scheduled appointments may
participate not only in ordinances for the living but also in all proxy
ordinances for deceased ancestors. Phase 4 is a return to full, regular temple
activity. ... Your temple will be open when local government regulations allow
it.” (April 2021)
“Temples are a vital part
of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness. Ordinances of
the temple fill our lives with power and strength available in no other way. We
thank God for those blessings.” (April 2021)
Pure Truth, Pure
Doctrine, and Pure Revelation – October 2021
“There has never been a
time in the history of the world when knowledge of our Savior is more
personally vital and relevant to every human soul.” (October 2021)
“The pure doctrine of
Christ is powerful. It changes the life of everyone who understands it and
seeks to implement it in his or her life. The doctrine of Christ helps us find
and stay on the covenant path. Staying on that narrow but well-defined path will
ultimately qualify us to receive all that God has.3 Nothing could be worth more
than all our Father has!” (October 2021)
The Temple and Your
Spiritual Foundation – October 2021
“We are sparing no effort
to give this venerable [Salt Lake Temple], which had become increasingly
vulnerable, a foundation that will withstand the forces of nature into the
Millennium. In like manner, it is now time that we each implement extraordinary
measures — perhaps measures we have never taken before — to strengthen our
personal spiritual foundations. Unprecedented times call for unprecedented
measures.” (October 2021)
“… these are the latter
days. If you and I are to withstand the forthcoming perils and pressures, it is
imperative that we each have a firm spiritual foundation built upon the rock of
our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. … So I ask each of you, how firm is your
foundation? And what reinforcements to your testimony and understanding of the
gospel are needed? … 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. Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through
the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ. His essential
ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. Then, as we keep
our covenants, He endows us with His healing, strengthening power. And oh, how
we will need His power in the days ahead. … We have been promised that ‘if [we]
are prepared [we] shall not fear.’” (October 2021)
“President Harold B. Lee
explained why procedures, policies, and even the administration of temple
ordinances continue to change within the Savior’s restored Church. President
Lee said: ‘The principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are divine. Nobody
changes the principles and [doctrine] of the Church except the Lord by
revelation. But methods change as the inspired direction comes to those who
preside at a given time.’” (October 2021)
“Ponder these three
truths: 1. The Restoration is a process, not an event, and will continue until
the Lord comes again. 2. The ultimate objective of the gathering of Israel is
to bring the blessings of the temple to God’s faithful children. 3. As we seek
how to accomplish that objective more effectively, the Lord reveals more
insights. The ongoing Restoration needs ongoing revelation. … Current
adjustments in temple procedures, and others that will follow, are continuing
evidence that the Lord is actively directing His Church.” (October 2021)
“Should distance, health
challenges, or other constraints prohibit your temple attendance for a season,
I invite you to set a regular time to rehearse in your mind the covenants you
have made. … If you don’t yet love to attend the temple, go more often—not
less.” (October 2021)
“… whenever any kind of
upheaval occurs in your life, the safest place to be spiritually is living
inside your temple covenants!” (October 2021)
“Please believe me when I
say that when your spiritual foundation is built solidly upon Jesus Christ, you
have no need to fear. As you are true to your covenants made in the temple, you
will be strengthened by His power. Then, when spiritual earthquakes occur, you
will be able to stand strong because your spiritual foundation is solid and
immovable.” (October 2021)
Make Time for the Lord –
October 2021
“The voices and pressures
of the world are engaging and numerous. But too many voices are deceptive,
seductive, and can pull us off the covenant path. To avoid the inevitable
heartbreak that follows, I plead with you today to counter the lure of the
world by making time for the Lord in your life—each and every day.” (October
2021)
“If most of the
information you get comes from social or other media, your ability to hear the
whisperings of the Spirit will be diminished. If you are not also seeking the
Lord through daily prayer and gospel study, you leave yourself vulnerable to
philosophies that may be intriguing but are not true. Even Saints who are
otherwise faithful can be derailed by the steady beat of Babylon’s band. … My
brothers and sisters, I plead with you to make time for the Lord! Make your own
spiritual foundation firm and able to stand the test of time by doing those
things that allow the Holy Ghost to be with you always. … Never underestimate
the profound truth that ‘the Spirit speaketh … of things as they really are,
and of things as they really will be.’1 ‘It will show unto you all things what
ye should do.’” (October 2021)
Preaching the Gospel of
Peace – April 2022
“We have the sacred
responsibility to share the power and peace of Jesus Christ with all who will
listen.” (April 2022)
“Prophets have foreseen
our day, when there would be wars and rumors of wars and when the whole earth
would be in commotion.1 As followers of Jesus Christ, we plead with leaders of
nations to find peaceful resolutions to their differences. We call upon people
everywhere to pray for those in need, to do what they can to help the
distressed, and to seek the Lord’s help in ending any major conflicts. …
Brothers and sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ has never been needed more
than it is today.” (April 2022)
“His gospel is the only
answer when many in the world are stunned with fear.” (April 2022)
“Every person who has
made covenants with God has promised to care about others and serve those in
need.” (April 2022)
“Today I reaffirm
strongly that the Lord has asked every worthy, able young man to prepare for
and serve a mission. For Latter-day Saint young men, missionary service is a
priesthood responsibility. … For you young and able sisters, a mission is also
a powerful, but optional, opportunity.” … “All missionaries teach and testify
of the Savior.” (April 2022)
The Power of Spiritual
Momentum – April 2022
“Any war is a horrifying
violation of everything the Lord Jesus Christ stands for and teaches. … None of
us can control nations or the actions of others or even members of our own
families. But we can control ourselves. My call today, dear brothers and sisters,
is to end conflicts that are raging in your heart, your home, and your life.
Bury any and all inclinations to hurt others—whether those inclinations be a
temper, a sharp tongue, or a resentment for someone who has hurt you. … How can
we expect peace to exist in the world when we are not individually seeking
peace and harmony?” (April 2022)
“Momentum is a powerful
concept. … So I ask, what can ignite spiritual momentum? … I would like to
suggest five specific actions we can take to help us maintain positive
spiritual momentum. … First: Get on the covenant path and stay there. … my
second suggestion: Discover the joy of daily repentance. … My third suggestion:
Learn about God and how He works. … Suggestion number 4: Seek and expect
miracles. … Suggestion number 5: End conflict in your personal life. … As you
act on these pursuits, I promise you the ability to move forward on the
covenant path with increased momentum, despite whatever obstacles you face. And
I promise you greater strength to resist temptation, more peace of mind,
freedom from fear, and greater unity in your families.” (April 2022)
Now is the Time – April
2022
“Now is the time we can
learn. Now is the time we can repent. Now is the time we can bless others.”
(April 2022)
“Heavenly Father has sent
His children to earth for more than six millennia. Most of those people have
not yet received the ordinances that would qualify them for eternal life. That
is why temples are so significant. That is why the gathering of Israel on both
sides of the veil is the most important cause on earth today.” (“Choices for
Eternity,” Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, May 14, 2022)
What is True? – October
2022
“Abuse constitutes the
influence of the adversary. It is a grievous sin.3 As President of the Church,
I affirm the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ on this issue. Let me be
perfectly clear: any kind of abuse of women, children, or anyone is an abomination
to the Lord. (October 2022)
“Many on earth today ‘are
only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it.’ … God is the
source of all truth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embraces
all truth that God conveys to His children, whether learned in a scientific
laboratory or received by direct revelation from Him.” (October 2022)
Overcome the World and
Find Rest – October 2022
“But, my dear brothers
and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see
the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen.
Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,”1 He will
bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful. …
Nonetheless, we are presently living in what surely is a most complicated time
in the history of the world. The complexities and challenges leave many people
feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.” (October 2022)
“Dear brothers and
sisters, I grieve for those who leave the Church because they feel membership
requires too much of them. They have not yet discovered that making and keeping
covenants actually makes life easier! Each person who makes covenants in baptismal
fonts and in temples—and keeps them—has increased access to the power of Jesus
Christ. Please ponder that stunning truth! … The reward for keeping covenants
with God is heavenly power—power that strengthens us to withstand our trials,
temptations, and heartaches better. This power eases our way. Those who live
the higher laws of Jesus Christ have access to His higher power. Thus, covenant
keepers are entitled to a special kind of rest that comes to them through their
covenantal relationship with God. … Find rest from the intensity, uncertainty,
and anguish of this world by overcoming the world through your covenants with
God.” (October 2022)
“Because the Savior,
through His infinite Atonement, redeemed each of us from weakness, mistakes,
and sin, and because He experienced every pain, worry, and burden you have ever
had,5 then as you truly repent and seek His help, you can rise above this present
precarious world. … You can overcome the spiritually and emotionally exhausting
plagues of the world, including arrogance, pride, anger, immorality, hatred,
greed, jealousy, and fear. Despite the distractions and distortions that swirl
around us, you can find true rest—meaning relief and peace—even amid your most
vexing problems.” “October 2022)
“What does it mean to
overcome the world? It means overcoming the temptation to care more about the
things of this world than the things of God. It means trusting the doctrine of
Christ more than the philosophies of men. It means delighting in truth, denouncing
deception, and becoming “humble followers of Christ.”6 It means choosing to
refrain from anything that drives the Spirit away. It means being willing to
“give away” even our favorite sins.” (October 2022)
“How, then, do we
overcome the world? King Benjamin taught us how. He said that ‘the natural man
is an enemy to God’ and remains so forever ‘unless he yields to the enticings
of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through
the atonement of Christ the Lord.’ Each time you seek for and follow the
promptings of the Spirit, each time you do anything good—things that “the
natural man” would not do—you are overcoming the world.” (October 2022)
“As we strive to live the
higher laws of Jesus Christ, our hearts and our very natures begin to change.
The Savior lifts us above the pull of this fallen world by blessing us with
greater charity, humility, generosity, kindness, self-discipline, peace, and
rest.... Now, you may be thinking this sounds more like hard spiritual work
than rest. But here is the grand truth: while the world insists that power,
possessions, popularity, and pleasures of the flesh bring happiness, they do
not! They cannot!” (October 2022)
“Now, how does overcoming
the world bless our lives? The answer is clear: entering into a covenant
relationship with God binds us to Him in a way that makes everything about life
easier. Please do not misunderstand me: I did not say that making covenants
makes life easy. In fact, expect opposition, because the adversary does not
want you to discover the power of Jesus Christ. But yoking yourself with the
Savior means you have access to His strength and redeeming power.” (October
2022)
“I reaffirm a profound
teaching of President Ezra Taft Benson: ‘Men and women who turn their lives
over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than
they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds,
… lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities,
comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.’” (October 2022)
“... I plead with you
now—to take charge of your own testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. Work
for it. Nurture it so that it will grow. Feed it truth. Don’t pollute it with
false philosophies of unbelieving men and women. As you make the continual strengthening
of your testimony of Jesus Christ your highest priority, watch for miracles to
happen in your life.” (October 2022)
“My plea to you this
morning is to find rest from the intensity, uncertainty, and anguish of this
world by overcoming the world through your covenants with God.” (October 2022)
“I call upon you, my dear
brothers and sisters, to become this righteous people. Cherish and honor your
covenants above all other commitments. As you let God prevail in your life, I
promise you greater peace, confidence, joy, and yes, rest.” (October 2022)
“With the power of the
holy apostleship vested in me, I bless you in your quest to overcome this
world. I bless you to increase your faith in Jesus Christ and learn better how
to draw upon His power. I bless you to be able to discern truth from error. I
bless you to care more about the things of God than the things of this world. I
bless you to see the needs of those around you and strengthen those you love.
Because Jesus Christ overcame this world, you can too. I so testify in the
sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.” (October 2022)
Focus on the Temple –
October 2022
“I promise that increased
time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can.” (October
2022)
“My dear brothers and
sisters, may you focus on the temple in ways you never have before. I bless you
to grow closer to God and Jesus Christ every day. I love you. May God be with
you until we meet again, I pray in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
(October 2022)
Peacemakers Needed –
April 2023
“Civility and decency
seem to have disappeared during this era of polarization and passionate
disagreements. ... Vulgarity, faultfinding, and evil speaking of others are all
too common. Too many pundits, politicians, entertainers, and other influencers
throw insults constantly. I am greatly concerned that so many people seem to
believe that it is completely acceptable to condemn, malign, and vilify anyone
who does not agree with them. Many seem eager to damage another’s reputation
with pathetic and pithy barbs! ...Anger never persuades. Hostility builds no
one. Contention never leads to inspired solutions. Regrettably, we sometimes
see contentious behavior even within our own ranks. We hear of those who
belittle their spouses and children, of those who use angry outbursts to
control others, and of those who punish family members with the “silent
treatment.” We hear of youth and children who bully and of employees who defame
their colleagues. ... My dear brothers and sisters, this should not be. As
disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be examples of how to interact with
others—especially when we have differences of opinion. One of the easiest ways
to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person
treats other people.” (April 2023)
“The Savior made this
clear in His sermons to followers in both hemispheres. ‘Blessed are the
peacemakers,’ He said. ‘Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to
him the other also’ And then, of course, He gave the admonition that challenges
each of us: ‘Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that
hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.’”
(April 2023)
“The Savior’s message is
clear: His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire—no
matter how difficult the situation. True disciples of Jesus Christ are
peacemakers.” (April 2023)
“The Savior’s Atonement
made it possible for us to overcome all evil—including contention.” (April
2023)
“Today, I am asking us to
interact with others in a higher, holier way. Please listen carefully. ‘If
there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy’ that we
can say about another person—whether to his face or behind her back—that should
be our standard of communication.” (April 2023)
“Charity is the antidote
to contention. Charity is the spiritual gift that helps us to cast off the
natural man, who is selfish, defensive, prideful, and jealous. Charity is the
principal characteristic of a true follower of Jesus Christ.13 Charity defines
a peacemaker. ... When we humble ourselves before God and pray with all the
energy of our hearts, God will grant us charity.” (April 2023)
“Now, I am not talking
about ‘peace at any price.’ I am talking about treating others in ways that are
consistent with keeping the covenant you make when you partake of the
sacrament. You covenant to always remember the Savior.” (April 2023)
“My dear brothers and
sisters, the best is yet to come for those who spend their lives building up
others. Today I invite you to examine your discipleship within the context of
the way you treat others. I bless you to make any adjustments that may be needed
so that your behavior is ennobling, respectful, and representative of a true
follower of Jesus Christ. ... I bless you to replace belligerence with
beseeching, animosity with understanding, and contention with peace. (April
2023)
The Answer Is Always
Jesus Christ - (April 2023)
“It [Easter] is the most
important religious observance for followers of Jesus Christ.” (April 2023)
““Will ye not now return
unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? ... “…
Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him
will I receive.” ... Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ extends that same
invitation to you today. I plead with you to come unto Him so that He can heal
you! He will heal you from sin as you repent. He will heal you from sadness and
fear. He will heal you from the wounds of this world. ... Whatever questions or
problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of
Jesus Christ. Learn more about His Atonement, His love, His mercy, His doctrine
and His restored gospel of healing and progression. Turn to Him! Follow Him!””
(April 2023)
“Jesus Christ is the
reason we build temples. Each is His holy house. Making covenants and receiving
essential ordinances in the temple, as well as seeking to draw closer to Him
there, will bless your life in ways no other kind of worship can.” (April 2023)
“My dear brothers and
sisters, I bear witness that Jesus Christ directs the affairs of His Church. I
testify that following Him is the only way to enduring happiness. I know that
His power is descending upon His covenant-keeping people, who are ‘armed with
righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.’” (April 2023)
Think Celestial! –
October 2023
“Because of Jesus
Christ’s infinite Atonement, our Heavenly Father’s plan is a perfect plan! An
understanding of God’s fabulous plan takes the mystery out of life and the
uncertainty out of our future. It allows each of us to choose how we will live
here on earth and where we will live forever. ... Here is the great news of
God’s plan: the very things that will make your mortal life the best it can be
are exactly the same things that will make your life throughout all eternity
the best it can be!” (October 2023)
“Mortality is a master
class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import. Far too many
people live as though this life is all there is. However, your choices today
will determine three things: where you will live throughout all eternity, the
kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will
live forever. So, think celestial.” (October 2023)
“When you make choices, I
invite you to take the long view—an eternal view. Put Jesus Christ first
because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His
Atonement.” (October 2023)
“When you are confronted
with a dilemma, think celestial! When tested by temptation, think celestial!
When life or loved ones let you down, think celestial! When someone dies
prematurely, think celestial. When someone lingers with a devastating illness, think
celestial. When the pressures of life crowd in upon you, think celestial! As
you recover from an accident or injury, as I am doing now, think celestial! ...
As you focus on thinking celestial, expect to encounter opposition.” (October
2023)
“As you think celestial,
you will find yourself avoiding anything that robs you of your agency. ...
Thinking celestial will also help you obey the law of chastity. ... Much of the
world does not believe this, but public opinion is not the arbiter of truth.
... As you think celestial, you will view trials and opposition in a new light.
When someone you love attacks truth, think celestial, and don’t question your
testimony. There is no end to the
adversary’s deceptions. Please be prepared. Never take counsel from those who
do not believe. Seek guidance from voices you can trust—from prophets, seers,
and revelators and from the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, who ‘will show unto
you all things what ye should do.’ Please do the spiritual work to increase
your capacity to receive personal revelation. As you think celestial, your
faith will increase. ... Spending more time in the temple builds faith. And
your service and worship in the temple will help you to think celestial. The
temple is a place of revelation.” (October 2023)
Rejoice in the Gift of
Priesthood Keys – April 2024
“Priesthood keys govern
how the priesthood of God may be used to bring about the Lord’s purposes and
bless all who accept the restored gospel.” (April 2024)
“The Kirtland Temple has
unusual significance in the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Several
events that took place there had been prophesied for millennia and were
essential for the Lord’s restored Church to fulfill its latter-day mission. ...
The most important of these events occurred on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836. On
that day, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery experienced a series of remarkable
visitations. First, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared. ... During this visitation,
the Lord affirmed His identity. He said, ‘I am the first and the last; I am he
who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father. Jesus
Christ then declared that He had accepted the temple as His house and made this
stunning promise: ‘I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.’
This significant promise applies to every dedicated temple today.” (April 2024)
“Following the Savior’s
visitation, Moses appeared. Moses conferred upon Joseph Smith the keys for the
gathering of Israel and the return of the ten tribes. ... When this vision
closed, ‘Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham’
to Joseph. ... Then Elijah the prophet appeared. His appearance fulfilled
Malachi’s promise that before the Second Coming, the Lord would send Elijah to
‘turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children
to their fathers.’ Elijah conferred the keys of the sealing power upon Joseph
Smith. ... The significance of these keys being returned to the earth by three
heavenly messengers under the direction of the Lord cannot be overstated.
Priesthood keys constitute the authority and power of presidency. Priesthood
keys govern how the priesthood of God may be used to bring about the Lord’s
purposes and bless all who accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It is
important to note that prior to the organization of the Church, heavenly
messengers had conferred the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods upon the
Prophet Joseph and had given him keys of both priesthoods. These keys gave
Joseph Smith authority to organize the Church in 1830.” (April 2024)
“Then in the Kirtland
Temple in 1836, the conferral of these three additional priesthood keys—namely,
keys of the gathering of Israel, keys of the gospel of Abraham, and keys of the
sealing power—was essential. These keys authorized Joseph Smith—and all succeeding
Presidents of the Lord’s Church—to gather Israel on both sides of the veil, to
bless all covenant children with the blessings of Abraham, to place a ratifying
seal on priesthood ordinances and covenants, and to seal families eternally.
The power of these priesthood keys is infinite and breathtaking.” (April 2024)
“Priesthood keys
distinguish The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from any other
organization on earth.” (April 2024)
“1. The gathering of
Israel is evidence that God loves all of His children everywhere. 2. The gospel
of Abraham is further evidence that God loves all of His children everywhere.
He invites all to come unto Him—’black and white, bond and free, male and female;
… all are alike unto God.’ 3. The sealing power is supernal evidence of how
much God loves all of His children everywhere and wants each of them to choose
to return home to Him.” (April 2024)
“Priesthood keys restored
through the Prophet Joseph Smith make it possible for every covenant-keeping
man and woman to enjoy incredible personal spiritual privileges.” (April 2024)
“Priesthood keys give us the authority to extend all
of the blessings promised to Abraham to every covenant-keeping man and woman.
Temple work makes these exquisite blessings available to all of God’s children,
regardless of where or when they lived or now live. Let us rejoice that
priesthood keys are once again on the earth!” (April 2024)
“Time in the temple will
help you to think celestial and to catch a vision of who you really are, who
you can become, and the kind of life you can have forever. Regular temple
worship will enhance the way you see yourself and how you fit into God’s magnificent
plan. I promise you that. We are also promised that in the temple we may
‘receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost.’ ... Imagine what that promise means in
terms of having the heavens open for each earnest seeker of eternal truth. ...
We are instructed that all who worship in the temple will have the power of God
and angels having ‘charge over them.’ ... Finally, we are promised that “no
combination of wickedness” will prevail over those who worship in the house of
the Lord.” (April 2024)
“My dear brothers and sisters, here is my promise. Nothing will help you more to hold fast to the iron rod than worshipping in the temple as regularly as your circumstances permit. Nothing will protect you more as you encounter the world’s mists of darkness. Nothing will bolster your testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement or help you understand God’s magnificent plan more. Nothing will soothe your spirit more during times of pain. Nothing will open the heavens more. Nothing!” (April 2024)
The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again (October 2024)
“My dear brothers and sisters, do you see what is happening right before our eyes? I pray that we will not miss the majesty of this moment! The Lord is indeed hastening His work. Why are we building tem-ples at such an unprecedented pace? Why? Because the Lord has instructed us to do so. The blessings of the temple help to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. These blessings also help to prepare a people who will help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord!” (October 2024)
“When the Savior returns “Jesus Christ will govern from both old Jerusalem and the New Jerusalem ‘built upon the American continent.’ From these two centers, He will direct the affairs of His Church. In that day the Lord will be known as ‘King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.’ Those who are with Him will be ‘called, and chosen, and faithful.’ Brothers and sisters, now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Now is the time for us to make our disci-pleship our highest priority. In a world filled with dizzying distractions, how can we do this?” (October 2024)
“Regular worship in the temple will help us. In the house of the Lord, we focus on Jesus Christ. We learn of Him. We make covenants to follow Him. We come to know Him. As we keep our temple cove-nants, we gain greater access to the Lord’s strengthening power. In the temple, we receive protection from the buffetings of the world. We experience the pure love of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father in great abundance! We feel peace and spiritual reassurance, in contrast to the turbulence of the world. Here is my promise to you: Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple. you will feel His mercy. You will find answers to your most vexing questions. You will better comprehend the joy of His gospel. I have learned that the most crucial question we each must answer is this: To whom or to what will I give my life? My decision to follow Jesus Christ is the most important decision I have ever made.” (October 2024)
“Please listen to this promise of Jesus Christ to you: ‘I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.’ There is no limit to the Savior’s capacity to help you. I urge you to devote time each week—for the rest of your life—to in-crease your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is neither too early nor too late for you to become a devout disciple of Jesus Christ.” (October 2024)
“My dear brothers and sisters, in a coming day, Jesus Christ will return to the earth as the millennial Messiah. So today I call upon you to rededicate your lives to Jesus Christ. I call upon you to help gather scattered Israel and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord. I call upon you to talk of Christ, testify of Christ, have faith in Christ, and rejoice in Christ! The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters, because the Savior is coming again! Through the power of the sacred priesthood keys I hold, I declare this truth to you and to all the world!” (October 2024)