General Conference Sunday Morning Notes
President Monson conducting.
President Faust—We care about all of God’s children, who live now or have ever lived or will lived. Refers to 1978 official declaration. The LDS church has many beliefs in common with other churches, but we have differences, too. Testifies of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ established his true church, but then there was a great apostasy or falling away. Priesthood keys were lost and ordinances and doctrines were changed. Falling away was seen by the Apostle Peter. Restitution would only be necessary if there had been a falling away. Reformation came in the 16th century. John Lathrop in England (Joseph Smith was descended from him.) recognized that apostolic keys were not on earth. Roger Williams believed there was no authorized person on earth. They recognized a need for restoration. Apostle John saw an angel flying in the heavens to restore the gospel. Joseph Smith restored the gospel. We want to give every person a chance to know these things. We have the authorized Priesthood, Aaronic and Melchizedek. We can act in the name of God. More priesthood keys restored in Kirtland temple in this, the final dispensation of the fullness of times. The windows of heaven are opened to those who pay tithing. Temple worship restored. Temple work unique to us, and is important and sacred. Knowledge is received there. We are here to prepare to return to God’s presence. Eternal covenants made in the temple. Families are sealed there. All, living or dead, should have the opportunity to hear the gospel. No one’s agency is taken away—they may accept or reject the gospel. Moroni was the angel that John saw restoring the gospel. Book of Mormon comes forth. It is another testament of Christ. Prior to the Restoration, the heavens had been closed for centuries. After the Restoration, they were open again. The D & C and the Pearl of Great Price are in our canon of scripture also. The gospel taught to all prophets from Adam on. We are not a break off from any other church. We should not feel superior, but should feel a great obligation to love and serve others. Philosophers (e.g., Plato, Socrates, Confucius, and others) through the ages were given a portion of the truth to help people. We respect others and need to be respected ourselves.
Elder Jeffery R. Holland—The first words Jesus spoke in his Sermon on the Mount were to the troubled and downtrodden. Elder H. speaks to those suffering trials, to those who feel their lives are broken. Offer of hope—come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest…. “Come unto me” is crucial and is key to the peace we seek. Jesus called the apostles to come and follow him. This is the key to what we are doing here. Following Jesus leads us out of darkness. No other way to be safe or to carry our burdens or find happiness. How does one follow Christ? The scriptures give many answers. First is the desire of our heart (see Alma 32). Just believing with a molecule of faith is the beginning. Next, we must change anything that holds us back. We must repent. We do so only with Jesus’ and God’s divine assistance. In this way our access to Christ’s atonement becomes as unimpeded as possible and Christ does the rest. Next we become as like him as we can. We start with baptism and go on to temple covenants. Follow the son with full purpose of heart…take upon you the name of Christ, said Nephi. Prayer and fasting and meditation and savoring the scriptures and serving others and, above all else, loving with the pure love of Christ (charity). Every time we reach out to Christ, however feebly, we find that he has been waiting to reach out to us. We need to have more experience of following the Savior’s example. True discipleship. Trouble with addiction, trouble with marriage, disease, or depression—come first to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Trust in heaven’s promises. Alma says whoever trusts in God will be supported in their trials. The Savior’s Atonement lifts us from all sins and afflictions. It gives us a reason and a way to improve. The soul that comes unto Christ finds strength beyond our own. Christ will not turn his back on us now. Whatever your distress, don’t give up and don’t yield to fear. “Be not afraid, only believe.” Christ is the answer to every disappointment. If you are broken, please know you can be mended. Quotes a poem (“The Carpenter of Nazareth” ? ). Christ mends all. Come unto Christ and be made whole.
Elder Earl Tingey—The prophet Jacob asked why not speak of the Atonement of Christ…? Alma refers to this as the Great Plan of Happiness. The immortality of the soul and man’s relation to deity. Five truths of the Great Plan of Happiness. First, knowledge of God and his Son, Jesus Christ. They have bodies of flesh and bones. Second, knowing the identity of God & Christ tells us our purpose to come and get a body. Justice and Mercy. Sin and the need to repent through the Atonement of Christ. Third, through the infinite Atonement we can overcome our sins and become completely clean again. Mercy. Alma teaches about this in his talk with his son Corianton. Only unto him that has faith unto repentance…. Adam & Eve were taught the great plan of salvation. Fourth, we are subject to two deaths, physical death and spiritual death after Adam’s Fall. We are all currently separated from God. We want to return to him. Christ’s Atonement overcame both deaths. Resurrection applies to all. Unconditional gift from God. This does not overcome the second death. We must repent for that. This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God. Do not procrastinate. Fifth, Jesus Christ was born of an earthly mother and God as his father. Inherited from both. Was mortal, but was able to give up his life and to take it again. The condescension of Christ. John Taylor said it was necessary that Christ descend below all things so He could lift others. Gethsemane shows Christ’s perfect love. The Atonement allows us to be reconciled to God.
Sister Ann Pingree—Story of older sister missionaries. They demonstrated true spiritual maturity. All of us must grow up unto the Lord. This idea is compelling. We will not mature spiritually until we put away childish things. Prayer, scripture study, keep commandments and covenants. As we do this, we grow spiritually. Willing to take upon us the Name of Christ. Being steadfast and immovable. Determined service to others is required of those who truly desire to grow up unto the Lord. Know how the Lord would have us serve each other. Lift, comfort, and encourage one another. “Hearts knit together in unity and love.” Another way is our willingness to press forward in faith, even when we don’t know what to do. Nephi looked for resolutions rather than looking at roadblocks. 1 Nephi 3:7. Trust in the Lord to help us. We will be asked to do all we can, and sometimes more than we know how to do, but if we have steadfast determination to serve others and press forward in faith, we will be shown great things. Gentle loving steadfast maturity.
Elder Dallin H Oaks—Last year millions read the Book of Mormon. We grew in many ways. What was learned depended on the reader. Desire, readiness to learn, and attunement to the Lord. God loves his children in every nation. The gospel of Jesus Christ is universal in its promise and effect. Scriptures were read by Elder Oaks showing this. Expand our vision and increase our understanding. The BoM teaches that the Savior invites all to come unto him and he denieth none of them. “Bond” includes those with physical or emotional disabilities, those subject to addictions, bound by erroneous ideas, etc. All are alike unto God. God manifesteth himself to all through the Holy Ghost. To every nation, tongue, and people. Gives examples from around the world. The BoM also teaches that Christ died for all men. We must comply with the conditions he has prescribed. Faith, repentance, and baptism. We must hearken to his voice. He desires that all men come to him. Deny yourselves of all ungodliness and love God with all your might, mind, strength…. The Abrahamic covenant opens the door to God’s choicest blessings to all. All then become the covenant people of the Lord. None of us are better than another. Some of Abraham’s descendents scattered all over the world among all nations. The Book of Mormon is a great witness that God loves all people everywhere. God has created all men and remembers all. God’s work is not yet finished. Other scriptures to come forth.
President Hinckley—Different type of talk. Faces sunset of his life. Still has some residual problems per his doctors. Expresses gratitude for God’s blessings. The Lord has watched over and guided his choices. Quotes Robert Frost “The Road Less Traveled.” “Seek ye first the kingdom of God…” Has spoken in every General Conference for the last 48 years since he became a GA. Misses his wife. Owes every good thing in his life to his activity in the church. Quotes from one of his old journals. His heart is full of love and gratitude. Not an obituary. Looks forward to speaking to us in October. Bears testimony.
President Faust—We care about all of God’s children, who live now or have ever lived or will lived. Refers to 1978 official declaration. The LDS church has many beliefs in common with other churches, but we have differences, too. Testifies of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ established his true church, but then there was a great apostasy or falling away. Priesthood keys were lost and ordinances and doctrines were changed. Falling away was seen by the Apostle Peter. Restitution would only be necessary if there had been a falling away. Reformation came in the 16th century. John Lathrop in England (Joseph Smith was descended from him.) recognized that apostolic keys were not on earth. Roger Williams believed there was no authorized person on earth. They recognized a need for restoration. Apostle John saw an angel flying in the heavens to restore the gospel. Joseph Smith restored the gospel. We want to give every person a chance to know these things. We have the authorized Priesthood, Aaronic and Melchizedek. We can act in the name of God. More priesthood keys restored in Kirtland temple in this, the final dispensation of the fullness of times. The windows of heaven are opened to those who pay tithing. Temple worship restored. Temple work unique to us, and is important and sacred. Knowledge is received there. We are here to prepare to return to God’s presence. Eternal covenants made in the temple. Families are sealed there. All, living or dead, should have the opportunity to hear the gospel. No one’s agency is taken away—they may accept or reject the gospel. Moroni was the angel that John saw restoring the gospel. Book of Mormon comes forth. It is another testament of Christ. Prior to the Restoration, the heavens had been closed for centuries. After the Restoration, they were open again. The D & C and the Pearl of Great Price are in our canon of scripture also. The gospel taught to all prophets from Adam on. We are not a break off from any other church. We should not feel superior, but should feel a great obligation to love and serve others. Philosophers (e.g., Plato, Socrates, Confucius, and others) through the ages were given a portion of the truth to help people. We respect others and need to be respected ourselves.
Elder Jeffery R. Holland—The first words Jesus spoke in his Sermon on the Mount were to the troubled and downtrodden. Elder H. speaks to those suffering trials, to those who feel their lives are broken. Offer of hope—come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest…. “Come unto me” is crucial and is key to the peace we seek. Jesus called the apostles to come and follow him. This is the key to what we are doing here. Following Jesus leads us out of darkness. No other way to be safe or to carry our burdens or find happiness. How does one follow Christ? The scriptures give many answers. First is the desire of our heart (see Alma 32). Just believing with a molecule of faith is the beginning. Next, we must change anything that holds us back. We must repent. We do so only with Jesus’ and God’s divine assistance. In this way our access to Christ’s atonement becomes as unimpeded as possible and Christ does the rest. Next we become as like him as we can. We start with baptism and go on to temple covenants. Follow the son with full purpose of heart…take upon you the name of Christ, said Nephi. Prayer and fasting and meditation and savoring the scriptures and serving others and, above all else, loving with the pure love of Christ (charity). Every time we reach out to Christ, however feebly, we find that he has been waiting to reach out to us. We need to have more experience of following the Savior’s example. True discipleship. Trouble with addiction, trouble with marriage, disease, or depression—come first to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Trust in heaven’s promises. Alma says whoever trusts in God will be supported in their trials. The Savior’s Atonement lifts us from all sins and afflictions. It gives us a reason and a way to improve. The soul that comes unto Christ finds strength beyond our own. Christ will not turn his back on us now. Whatever your distress, don’t give up and don’t yield to fear. “Be not afraid, only believe.” Christ is the answer to every disappointment. If you are broken, please know you can be mended. Quotes a poem (“The Carpenter of Nazareth” ? ). Christ mends all. Come unto Christ and be made whole.
Elder Earl Tingey—The prophet Jacob asked why not speak of the Atonement of Christ…? Alma refers to this as the Great Plan of Happiness. The immortality of the soul and man’s relation to deity. Five truths of the Great Plan of Happiness. First, knowledge of God and his Son, Jesus Christ. They have bodies of flesh and bones. Second, knowing the identity of God & Christ tells us our purpose to come and get a body. Justice and Mercy. Sin and the need to repent through the Atonement of Christ. Third, through the infinite Atonement we can overcome our sins and become completely clean again. Mercy. Alma teaches about this in his talk with his son Corianton. Only unto him that has faith unto repentance…. Adam & Eve were taught the great plan of salvation. Fourth, we are subject to two deaths, physical death and spiritual death after Adam’s Fall. We are all currently separated from God. We want to return to him. Christ’s Atonement overcame both deaths. Resurrection applies to all. Unconditional gift from God. This does not overcome the second death. We must repent for that. This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God. Do not procrastinate. Fifth, Jesus Christ was born of an earthly mother and God as his father. Inherited from both. Was mortal, but was able to give up his life and to take it again. The condescension of Christ. John Taylor said it was necessary that Christ descend below all things so He could lift others. Gethsemane shows Christ’s perfect love. The Atonement allows us to be reconciled to God.
Sister Ann Pingree—Story of older sister missionaries. They demonstrated true spiritual maturity. All of us must grow up unto the Lord. This idea is compelling. We will not mature spiritually until we put away childish things. Prayer, scripture study, keep commandments and covenants. As we do this, we grow spiritually. Willing to take upon us the Name of Christ. Being steadfast and immovable. Determined service to others is required of those who truly desire to grow up unto the Lord. Know how the Lord would have us serve each other. Lift, comfort, and encourage one another. “Hearts knit together in unity and love.” Another way is our willingness to press forward in faith, even when we don’t know what to do. Nephi looked for resolutions rather than looking at roadblocks. 1 Nephi 3:7. Trust in the Lord to help us. We will be asked to do all we can, and sometimes more than we know how to do, but if we have steadfast determination to serve others and press forward in faith, we will be shown great things. Gentle loving steadfast maturity.
Elder Dallin H Oaks—Last year millions read the Book of Mormon. We grew in many ways. What was learned depended on the reader. Desire, readiness to learn, and attunement to the Lord. God loves his children in every nation. The gospel of Jesus Christ is universal in its promise and effect. Scriptures were read by Elder Oaks showing this. Expand our vision and increase our understanding. The BoM teaches that the Savior invites all to come unto him and he denieth none of them. “Bond” includes those with physical or emotional disabilities, those subject to addictions, bound by erroneous ideas, etc. All are alike unto God. God manifesteth himself to all through the Holy Ghost. To every nation, tongue, and people. Gives examples from around the world. The BoM also teaches that Christ died for all men. We must comply with the conditions he has prescribed. Faith, repentance, and baptism. We must hearken to his voice. He desires that all men come to him. Deny yourselves of all ungodliness and love God with all your might, mind, strength…. The Abrahamic covenant opens the door to God’s choicest blessings to all. All then become the covenant people of the Lord. None of us are better than another. Some of Abraham’s descendents scattered all over the world among all nations. The Book of Mormon is a great witness that God loves all people everywhere. God has created all men and remembers all. God’s work is not yet finished. Other scriptures to come forth.
President Hinckley—Different type of talk. Faces sunset of his life. Still has some residual problems per his doctors. Expresses gratitude for God’s blessings. The Lord has watched over and guided his choices. Quotes Robert Frost “The Road Less Traveled.” “Seek ye first the kingdom of God…” Has spoken in every General Conference for the last 48 years since he became a GA. Misses his wife. Owes every good thing in his life to his activity in the church. Quotes from one of his old journals. His heart is full of love and gratitude. Not an obituary. Looks forward to speaking to us in October. Bears testimony.
Labels: General Conference
posted by Mary A | 5:23 PM
1 Comments:
Mary, I used your Elder Holland's notes to correct mine on the correct citation to Alma Chapter 32 on faith, which I has listed incorrectly as Alma chapter 30 (on Korihor--hardly in the same category!) Thanks
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