Words such as love, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, The Book of Mormon, testimony, fortress, and covenant path were spoken at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ General Conference on Saturday and Sunday, April 6th and 7th, 2019.
General Conferences take place every six months in April and October. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gather in their homes, church buildings and the Conference Center in Salt Lake City (which seats 21,000) to hear the inspired messages from the leaders of the Church.
In his address to the worldwide membership of the Church, President Russell M. Nelson started his talk by sharing a heartfelt love for his daughter, Wendy, who passed away just 3 months prior. He shared this experience to give connection to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how it brings loving peace during times of sorrow and grief.
“Jesus Christ invites us to take the covenant path back home to our Heavenly Parents and be with those we love.”
President Nelson also invited all to follow the Savior’s plan through the new “Come Follow Me” curriculum. He encouraged the Church members to deepen their faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.
Eight new temples were announced as follows:
Pago Pago, American Samoa
Okinawa City, Okinawa
Neiafu, Tonga
Tooele Valley, Utah
Moses Lake, Washington
San Pedro, Sula, Honduras
Antofagasta, Chile
Budapest, Hungary
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke about the importance of the sacrament meeting hour on Sundays and remembering the Savior. “By commandment we gather for the most universally received ordinance in the Church. It is in memory of Him who asked if the cup He was about to drink could pass, only to soldier on because He knew that for our sake it could not pass.”
As President of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, President M. Russell Ballard admonished us by saying, “All Heavenly Father asks of us is to do the very best we can each day.”
Sister Sharon L. Eubank taught us about Christ and how He is a light that shines in the darkness. She emphasized that when we keep covenants, we are able to bring the Savior’s light to our lives as well as the lives of people we love. “I testify that you are beloved. The Lord knows how hard you are trying. You are making progress. Keep going…Your work is not in vain. You are not alone.”
Now is the time to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ was the theme of Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s talk. “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is uniquely empowered and commissioned to accomplish the necessary preparations for the Lord’s Second Coming.”
Calling Jesus Christ “The Good Shepherd” was a special name Elder Gerrit W. Gong referred to the Redeemer as. Elder Gong talked of how the Good Shepherd gathers, seeks and comes to His people. “As we seek with real intent to follow Jesus Christ, inspiration comes to do good, to love God and to serve Him.”
President Russell M. Nelson’s closing remarks at the end of General Conference had much to do with revelation and the announcement of the 8 new temples. He said, “I leave my love and blessing to you, assuring you that revelation continues in this the Lord’s Church. It will continue until the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say, the work is done.”
If you would like to take the time to listen, study and read any of the General Conference talks, you can go to www.lds.org.
