At the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ and its power to save is a correct understanding of the Father and the Son.
As Latter-day Saints and as Christians, we likewise have a strong and deep faith in God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Devotion to God ever remains a sacred and personal matter between each of us and our Maker.
Our quest for eternal life is nothing other than a quest to understand who God is and for us to return to live with Him. The Savior prayed to His Father, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
The Father and the Son are distinctly separate beings, but They are perfectly united and one in power and purpose.
Their oneness is not reserved for Them alone; rather, They desire this same oneness for everyone who will, with devotion, follow and obey Their commandments.
President Ezra Taft Benson with prophetic insight said, "nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our father [in Heaven] and how familiar his face is to us."
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Saturday, November 9, 2013
FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST: ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS
Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.
"come, follow me," the Savior said.
Then let us in his footsteps tread,
For thus alone can we be one
With God's own loved, begotten Son.
All of the messages of this conference help us follow in the footsteps of our Savior, whose example and teachings define the path for every follower of Jesus Christ.
Latter-day Saints understand that we should not be "of the world" or bound to "tradition of men," but like other followers of Christ, we sometimes find it difficult to separate ourselves from the world and its traditions. Some model themselves after worldly ways because, as Jesus said of some whom He taught, "they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God"
Savior may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown
Savior, may I learn to love thee-
Lord, I would follow thee.
Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.
But at least we can understand that achieving this ultimate destiny in eternity is possible only if we follow our Savior, Jesus Christ, who taught that "no man cometh unto the Father, but by me"
Is it enough alone to know
That we must follow him below,
While trav'ling thru this vale of tears?
No, this extends to holier spheres
For thrones, dominions, kingdoms, pow'rs,
And glory great and bliss are our,
If we, throughout eternity,
Obey his words, "Come, follow me."
He invites all of us who are heavy laden to come unto Him, to learn of Him, to follow Him, and thus to find rest to our souls.
"come, follow me," the Savior said.
Then let us in his footsteps tread,
For thus alone can we be one
With God's own loved, begotten Son.
All of the messages of this conference help us follow in the footsteps of our Savior, whose example and teachings define the path for every follower of Jesus Christ.
Latter-day Saints understand that we should not be "of the world" or bound to "tradition of men," but like other followers of Christ, we sometimes find it difficult to separate ourselves from the world and its traditions. Some model themselves after worldly ways because, as Jesus said of some whom He taught, "they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God"
Savior may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown
Savior, may I learn to love thee-
Lord, I would follow thee.
Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.
But at least we can understand that achieving this ultimate destiny in eternity is possible only if we follow our Savior, Jesus Christ, who taught that "no man cometh unto the Father, but by me"
Is it enough alone to know
That we must follow him below,
While trav'ling thru this vale of tears?
No, this extends to holier spheres
For thrones, dominions, kingdoms, pow'rs,
And glory great and bliss are our,
If we, throughout eternity,
Obey his words, "Come, follow me."
He invites all of us who are heavy laden to come unto Him, to learn of Him, to follow Him, and thus to find rest to our souls.
"LORD, I BELIEVE": ELDER JEFFREY R. HOLLAND
Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe.
Observation 1 regarding this account is that when facing the challenge of faith, the father asserts his strength first and only then acknowledges his limitation.
When those moments come and issues surface, the resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes.
The 2 observation is a variation of the first. When problems come and questions arise, do not start your quest for faith by saying how much you do not have, leading as it were with your "unbelief"
In this church, what we know will always trump what we do not know. And remember, in this world, everyone is to walk by faith.
Last observation: When doubt or difficulty come, do not be afraid to ask for help. If we want it as humbly and honestly as this father did, we can get it.
Observation 1 regarding this account is that when facing the challenge of faith, the father asserts his strength first and only then acknowledges his limitation.
When those moments come and issues surface, the resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes.
The 2 observation is a variation of the first. When problems come and questions arise, do not start your quest for faith by saying how much you do not have, leading as it were with your "unbelief"
In this church, what we know will always trump what we do not know. And remember, in this world, everyone is to walk by faith.
Last observation: When doubt or difficulty come, do not be afraid to ask for help. If we want it as humbly and honestly as this father did, we can get it.
OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSINGS: PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON
A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God.
Throughout the ages, men and women have sought for knowledge and understanding concerning this mortal existence and their place and purpose in it, as well as for the way to peace and happiness. Such a search is undertaken by each of us.
This knowledge and understanding are available to all mankind. They are contained in truths which are eternal.
"Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come."
"He that keepeth [God's] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things."
A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God.
There are rules and laws to help ensure our physical safety. Likewise, the Lord has provided guidelines and commandments to help ensure our spiritual safety so that we might successfully navigate this often-treacherous mortal existence and return eventually to our Heavenly Father.
Said President Gordon B. Hinckley, " The happiness of the Latter-day Saints, the peace of the Latter-day saints, the progress of the Latter-day Saints, the prosperity of the Latter-day Saints, and the eternal salvation and exaltation of this people lie in walking in obedience to the counsels of God."
My brothers and sisters, the great test of this life is obedience, "We will prove them herewith, " said the Lord, "to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them."
The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges of the complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord's commandments. I quote once again the words of the Lord: "He that keepeth [God's] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things."
Throughout the ages, men and women have sought for knowledge and understanding concerning this mortal existence and their place and purpose in it, as well as for the way to peace and happiness. Such a search is undertaken by each of us.
This knowledge and understanding are available to all mankind. They are contained in truths which are eternal.
"Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come."
"He that keepeth [God's] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things."
A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God.
There are rules and laws to help ensure our physical safety. Likewise, the Lord has provided guidelines and commandments to help ensure our spiritual safety so that we might successfully navigate this often-treacherous mortal existence and return eventually to our Heavenly Father.
Said President Gordon B. Hinckley, " The happiness of the Latter-day Saints, the peace of the Latter-day saints, the progress of the Latter-day Saints, the prosperity of the Latter-day Saints, and the eternal salvation and exaltation of this people lie in walking in obedience to the counsels of God."
My brothers and sisters, the great test of this life is obedience, "We will prove them herewith, " said the Lord, "to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them."
The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges of the complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord's commandments. I quote once again the words of the Lord: "He that keepeth [God's] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things."
Friday, November 1, 2013
OBEDIENCE TO LAW IS LIBERTY: ELDER L. TOM PERRY
Men and women receive their agency as a gift from God, but their liberty and, in turn, their eternal happiness come from obedience to His laws.
Today we find ourselves in another war. This is not a war of armaments. It is a war of thoughts, words, and deeds. It is a war with sin, and more than ever we need to be reminded of the commandments. Secularism is becoming the norm, and many of its beliefs and practices are in direct conflict with those that were instituted by the Lord Himself for the benefit of His children.
President Harold B. Lee said, "Next to life itself, free agency is God's greatest gift to mankind."
Victory in the War in Heaven was a victory for man's agency.
Satan, however, was not done. His backup plan-the plan he has been executing since the time of Adam and Eve-was to tempt men and women, essentially to prove we are undeserving of the God-given gift of agency. Satan has many reasons for doing what he does. Perhaps the most powerful is the motive of revenge, but he also wants to make men and women miserable like he is miserable. None of us should ever underestimate how driven Satan is to succeed. His role in God's eternal plan creates "opposition in all things" and tests our agency. Each choice you and I make is a test of our agency-whether we choose to be obedient or disobedient to the commandments of God is actually a choice between "liberty and eternal life" and "captivity and death."
A useful way to think about the commandments is they are loving counsel from a wise, all-knowing Heavenly Father. His goal is our eternal happiness, and his commandments are the road map. He has given us to return to Him, which is the only way we will be eternally happy. How significant are the home and the family to our eternal happiness? On page 141 of my little brown book, it states, "indeed our heaven is little more than a projection of our homes into eternity."
There are moral absolutes. Disobedience to the Lord's commandments will always deprive us of His blessings. These things do not change.
May we ever be a light on the hill, an example in keeping the commandments, which have never changed and will never change. Just as this small book encouraged LDS servicemen to stand morally firm in times of war, may we, in this latter-day war, be a beacon to all the earth and particularly to God's children who are seeking the Lord's blessings.
Today we find ourselves in another war. This is not a war of armaments. It is a war of thoughts, words, and deeds. It is a war with sin, and more than ever we need to be reminded of the commandments. Secularism is becoming the norm, and many of its beliefs and practices are in direct conflict with those that were instituted by the Lord Himself for the benefit of His children.
President Harold B. Lee said, "Next to life itself, free agency is God's greatest gift to mankind."
Victory in the War in Heaven was a victory for man's agency.
Satan, however, was not done. His backup plan-the plan he has been executing since the time of Adam and Eve-was to tempt men and women, essentially to prove we are undeserving of the God-given gift of agency. Satan has many reasons for doing what he does. Perhaps the most powerful is the motive of revenge, but he also wants to make men and women miserable like he is miserable. None of us should ever underestimate how driven Satan is to succeed. His role in God's eternal plan creates "opposition in all things" and tests our agency. Each choice you and I make is a test of our agency-whether we choose to be obedient or disobedient to the commandments of God is actually a choice between "liberty and eternal life" and "captivity and death."
A useful way to think about the commandments is they are loving counsel from a wise, all-knowing Heavenly Father. His goal is our eternal happiness, and his commandments are the road map. He has given us to return to Him, which is the only way we will be eternally happy. How significant are the home and the family to our eternal happiness? On page 141 of my little brown book, it states, "indeed our heaven is little more than a projection of our homes into eternity."
There are moral absolutes. Disobedience to the Lord's commandments will always deprive us of His blessings. These things do not change.
May we ever be a light on the hill, an example in keeping the commandments, which have never changed and will never change. Just as this small book encouraged LDS servicemen to stand morally firm in times of war, may we, in this latter-day war, be a beacon to all the earth and particularly to God's children who are seeking the Lord's blessings.
MARRIAGE: WATCH AND LEARN- ELDER L. WHITNEY CLAYTON
The promises of the Lord are extended to all those who follow the pattern of life that builds happy, holy marriage relationships.
First, I have observed that in the happiest marriages both the husband and wife consider their relationship to be a pearl beyond price, a treasure of infinite worth.
They both leave their fathers and mothers and set out together to build a marriage that will prosper for eternity.
Watch and learn: the best marriage partners regard their marriages as priceless
Next, faith. Successful eternal marriages are built on the foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and adherence to His teachings.
I have observed that couples who have made their marriages priceless practice the patterns of faith: they attend sacrament and other meetings every week, hold family home evening, pray and study the scriptures together and as individuals, and pay an honest tithing.
They do not consider the commandments to be a buffet from which they can pick and choose only the most appealing offerings
Faith is the foundation of every virtue that strengthens marriage. Strengthening faith strengthens marriage. Faith grows as we keep the commandments, and so do the harmony and joy in marriage.
Thus, keeping the commandments is fundamental to establishing strong eternal marriages.
Watch and learn: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of happy eternal marriages
Third, repentance. I have learned that happy marriages rely on the gift of repentance. It is an essential element in every good marital relationship.
Spouses who regularly conduct honest self-examination and promptly take needed steps to repent and improve experience a healing balm in their marriages. Repentance helps restore and maintain harmony and peace.
Humility is the essence of repentance. Humility is self-less, not selfish. It doesn't demand its own way or speak with moral superiority. Humility recognizes that no one can change someone else, but with faith, effort, and the help of God, we can undergo our own mighty change of heart. Humility means that both husbands and wives seek to bless, help, and lift each other, putting the other first in every decision.
Watch and learn: repentance and humility build happy marriages
Fourth, respect. I have observed that in wonderful, happy marriages, husbands and wives treat each other as equal partners.
Watch and learn: terrific marriages are completely respectful, transparent, and loyal.
Fifth, love. The happiest marriages I have seen radiate obedience to one of the happiest commandments-that we "live together in love."
Watch and learn: successful couples love each other with complete devotion.
Keep the commandments, and trust the Lord and His perfect love for you. One day every promised blessing concerning marriage will be yours.
First, I have observed that in the happiest marriages both the husband and wife consider their relationship to be a pearl beyond price, a treasure of infinite worth.
They both leave their fathers and mothers and set out together to build a marriage that will prosper for eternity.
Watch and learn: the best marriage partners regard their marriages as priceless
Next, faith. Successful eternal marriages are built on the foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and adherence to His teachings.
I have observed that couples who have made their marriages priceless practice the patterns of faith: they attend sacrament and other meetings every week, hold family home evening, pray and study the scriptures together and as individuals, and pay an honest tithing.
They do not consider the commandments to be a buffet from which they can pick and choose only the most appealing offerings
Faith is the foundation of every virtue that strengthens marriage. Strengthening faith strengthens marriage. Faith grows as we keep the commandments, and so do the harmony and joy in marriage.
Thus, keeping the commandments is fundamental to establishing strong eternal marriages.
Watch and learn: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of happy eternal marriages
Third, repentance. I have learned that happy marriages rely on the gift of repentance. It is an essential element in every good marital relationship.
Spouses who regularly conduct honest self-examination and promptly take needed steps to repent and improve experience a healing balm in their marriages. Repentance helps restore and maintain harmony and peace.
Humility is the essence of repentance. Humility is self-less, not selfish. It doesn't demand its own way or speak with moral superiority. Humility recognizes that no one can change someone else, but with faith, effort, and the help of God, we can undergo our own mighty change of heart. Humility means that both husbands and wives seek to bless, help, and lift each other, putting the other first in every decision.
Watch and learn: repentance and humility build happy marriages
Fourth, respect. I have observed that in wonderful, happy marriages, husbands and wives treat each other as equal partners.
Watch and learn: terrific marriages are completely respectful, transparent, and loyal.
Fifth, love. The happiest marriages I have seen radiate obedience to one of the happiest commandments-that we "live together in love."
Watch and learn: successful couples love each other with complete devotion.
Keep the commandments, and trust the Lord and His perfect love for you. One day every promised blessing concerning marriage will be yours.
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