General Conference: Saturday Afternoon 2 April 2011
Sustaining and statistics.
President Packer
Why do the people murmur because of this thing?…you shall call the church in my name. “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” We should refer to ourselves by the revealed name. The use of our church’s name is important as we seek to spread Christianity throughout the world.
The Priesthood was restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by John the Baptist, and Peter, James, and John. Today “every man may speak by the power of God.” We believe in prophesy, revelation, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Lord revealed the Word of Wisdom long before the effects of the use of these substances were known. The Lord also said that the use of the procreative power is to only be used between a man and his wife. Everything else is sin. The Great Plan of Happiness is centered on family life with marriage as an equal partnership.
“John, leave it alone. Nothing you can do will bring her back, and anything that you do will only make it worse.”
Condemn not the things of God, so that you can be found spotless at the judgment seat of Christ. Be in the world but not of the world.
Elder Nelson
His 18 month old wanted to get close to the TV to see his grandpa. One day he’ll serve a mission, get married, be a father. One day, he will have to say good bye to his parents. The only death that is truly pre-mature is when the one is not prepared to meet death. We live to die, and we die to live again. Illness, injury, and accident will ever be present. We live in a time of turmoil. We have a great cause for concern, but we do not lead to let our fears take over our faith. Teach in faith to keep all the commandments of God. They are there to keep us safe and bring us joy. Do not develop a cafeteria approach to obedience. Keeping the commandments will provide physical and spiritual protection.
Unfailing faith is fortified through prayer. If we pray with an eternal perspective, we will know that the Lord does hear our prayers. Tithe payers develop faith until tithing becomes a special privilege. Tithing will keep your name enrolled with the people of God. You were reserved in heaven to be born in this day. As you walk in the path of righteousness, you will be a light and a savior to His people. “The power and authority of this priesthood holds the keys to all the spiritual blessings of this church.” “I the Lord would fight their battles, and their children’s battles, and their children’s children down to the third and fourth generation.” “Fear not, be of good church; the future is as bright as your faith.” (President Monson)
Elder Maynes
Many who have been interested in learning of our church are interested in our doctrine of the family: that families can be together forever. Paul taught that Heavenly Father is the Father of our spirits. “I am a Child of God.” The same sociality that exists between us here, will exist there, only coupled with eternal weight of glory. (Joseph Smith)
Selfishness, greed, and poverty seek to destroy the plan. Satan wants to thwart our happiness by destroying family. We need to hold family home evening, family prayers, scripture time, and family meals. There is great power and protection for us and our youth in establishing celestial traditions in our homes. We understand and believe in the eternal nature of the family. This understanding and believe should cause us to do everything in our power to have a Christ-centered home.
Elder Samuelson
“Who is entitled to have a testimony?” Everyone who is willing to pay the price or keep the commandments may have a testimony.
“Who does one obtain the necessary information?” When you receive these things, ask God. (Read, pondered, prayed, committed to follow answer to the prayer) By the power of Holy Ghost you may know the truth.
A testimony needs constant nourishment.
Everyone has worth because we are all children of God. Trust in Him.
A change of heart often occurs gradually.
A fundamental purpose of life is to grow and stretch.
Trust in things we believe and know.
Teaching others strengthens our own testimonies.
Do little but necessary things: prayer, gospel study, church and temple worship.
Don’t have higher standards for others than we do for ourselves.
Don’t be too hard on yourselves when you make a mistake.
We gain testimonies because of what we do.
Elder Oaks
The importance of desire. What do I really desire? What is my most important desire? Desires develop our character.
1. Food
We need food.
2. Shelter
3. Sleep
We can avert these desires by stronger desires. Our ultimate desire should be to be born of God and have eternal life. “What shall I do that I may be born of God and have eternal life…I will give away all my sins to know thee and to be saved at the last day.”
Property, prominence, pride, and power—worldly quartet.
Elder Ballard
You are so busy looking for large nuggets, that you are missing the little flecks of gold, which bring great wealth.
Flecks of gospel gold that will lead us to eternal life.
Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind. Love thy neighbor as thyself. When we love our Heavenly Father and Jesus, then we are able to love our neighbors and serve them.
1. Charity begins at home
Practice the golden rule. Teach our family members to have love for each other.
2. Our wards and branches should be a place where we practice the golden rule.
Create unity. Where charity exists, there is no place for gossip or unkind words. Through love an service we can help our brothers and sisters, one by one, come back.
3. We can serve in our communities.
Reach out to those who have need of our help. Kindness is a measure of greatness.
4. Missionary service.
We should seek to develop the gift of Charity, the pure love of Christ.
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