Saturday Morning Session
President Russell M Nelson, Opening Message
“Though today’s restrictions relate to a virulent virus, life’s personal trials stretch far beyond this pandemic. Future trials could result from an accident, a natural disaster, or an unexpected personal heartache.”
30 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.
“Of course, we can store our own reserves of food, water, and savings. But equally crucial is our need to fill our personal spiritual storehouses with faith, truth, and testimony.
“Our ultimate quest in life is to prepare to meet our Maker. We do this by striving daily to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. And we do that as we repent daily and receive His cleansing, healing, and strengthening power. Then we can feel enduring peace and joy, even during turbulent times. This is exactly why the Lord has implored us to stand in holy places and ‘be not moved.’”
“That admonition given to Joseph is for each of us. 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.”
“The purpose of this and every general conference is to help us to hear Him. We have prayed, and invite you to pray, that the Spirit of the Lord will be with us in such rich abundance that you can hear the messages that the Savior has especially for you—messages that will bring peace to your soul. Messages that will heal your broken heart. Messages that will illuminate your mind. Messages that will help you know what to do as you move ahead through times of turmoil and trial.”
“The most important lasting effects of this historic conference will be as our hearts change and we commence a lifelong quest to hear Him.”
President M Russell Ballard, Shall We Not Go On in So Great a Cause?
“I am not sure that many of us realize the physical and emotional challenges that starting over presented the Smith family—clearing land, planting orchards and fields, building a small log home and other farm structures, hiring out as day laborers, and making home goods to sell in town.”
“During this time of great [religious] excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. … [Yet] so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong.” (Joseph Smith—History 1:8)
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
“Joseph also began to learn what ancient prophets experienced—rejection, opposition, and persecution.”
“During their lives, Joseph and Hyrum faced mobs and persecution together. For example, they languished in the most wretched conditions in the Liberty Jail in Missouri for five months during the cold winter of 1838–39.”
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Elder James R Rasband, Ensuring a Righteous Judgment
“A vital and peace-giving contribution of the Book of Mormon to our understanding of the Savior’s Atonement is its teaching that Christ’s merciful sacrifice fulfills all the demands of justice. As Alma explained, ‘God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.’ The Father’s plan of mercy—what the scriptures also call the plan of happiness or the plan of salvation—could not be accomplished unless all the demands of justice were satisfied.
“But what exactly are the ‘demands of justice’?”
“The thought that rescued Alma … is this: Restoring what you cannot restore, healing the wound you cannot heal, fixing that which you broke and you cannot fix is the very purpose of the atonement of Christ.” (Boyd K. Packer, “The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 19–20.)
‘Accountability for sin depends on the light we have been given and hinges on our ability to exercise our agency.”
“Although the Savior has power to mend what we cannot fix, He commands us to do all we can to make restitution as part of our repentance.”
Sister Joy D Jones, An Especially Noble Calling
“It would be impossible to measure the influence that … women have, not only on families but also on the Lord’s Church, as wives, mothers, and grandmothers; as sisters and aunts; as teachers and leaders; and especially as exemplars and devout defenders of the faith.” (Russell M. Nelson, “A Plea to My Sisters,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 95–96.)
“I plead with my sisters of [the] Church … to step forward! Take your rightful and needful place in your home, in your community, and in the kingdom of God—more than you ever have before.” (Russell M. Nelson, “A Plea to My Sisters,” 97.)
“The Lord loves effort, and effort brings rewards. We keep practicing. We are always progressing as long as we are striving to follow the Lord. He doesn’t expect perfection today. We keep climbing our personal Mount Sinai. As in times past, our journey does indeed take effort, hard work, and study, but our commitment to progress brings eternal rewards.”
“Learning is integral to progression, especially as the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost teaches us what is needful for each of us to lay aside—meaning that which could distract us or delay our progression.”
“In addition, Joseph Smith restored the knowledge that we have divine potential and eternal worth. Because of that relationship with our Heavenly Father, I believe He expects us to receive revelation from Him.”
“I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 96.)
“Sisters, I pray that we will recognize and cherish priesthood power as we ‘cleave unto [our] covenants,’22 embrace the truths of the scriptures, and heed the words of our living prophets.”
“The world’s greatest champion of woman and womanhood is Jesus the Christ.” (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed. (1916), 475.)
Elder Neil L Anderson, Spiritually Defining Memories
“I don’t blame any one for not believing my history. If I had not experienced what I have, I would not have believed it myself.”(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 525)
“After relieving the obstruction of the first valve, we exposed the second valve. We found it to be intact but so badly dilated that it could no longer function as it should. While examining this valve, a message was distinctly impressed upon my mind: Reduce the circumference of the ring. I announced that message to my assistant. ‘The valve tissue will be sufficient if we can effectively reduce the ring toward its normal size.’
“But how? … A picture came vividly to my mind, showing how stitches could be placed—to make a pleat here and a tuck there. … I still remember that mental image—complete with dotted lines where sutures should be placed. The repair was completed as diagrammed in my mind. We tested the valve and found the leak to be reduced remarkably. My assistant said, ‘It’s a miracle.’”6 (Russell M. Nelson, “Sweet Power of Prayer,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2003, 8)
“I invite you to think deeply and often about this key question: How do you hear Him? I also invite you to take steps to hear Him better and more often.” (Russell M. Nelson, “‘How Do You #HearHim?’ A Special Invitation,” Feb. 26, 2020, blog.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)
“Tonight, and tomorrow night, you might pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my [family]?” (Henry B. Eyring, “O Remember, Remember,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 69.)
“Faith, obedience, humility, and real intent open the windows of heaven.”
“When personal difficulty, doubt, or discouragement darken our path, or when world conditions beyond our control lead us to wonder about the future, the spiritually defining memories from our book of life are like luminous stones that help brighten the road ahead, assuring us that God knows us, loves us, and has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to help us return home.”
“the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, … shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance.” (John 14:26)
“Embrace your sacred memories. Believe them. Write them down. Share them with your family.”
“I promise you that as you willingly acknowledge and carefully treasure the spiritually defining events in your life, more and more will come to you.”
Brother Douglas D Holmes, Deep in Our Heart
“We will see how the Lord is trying to help us—all of us—get His gospel deeper in our hearts.”
“The first principle is relationships. Because they are such a natural part of the Church of Jesus Christ, we sometimes forget the importance of relationships in our ongoing journey to Christ. We are not expected to find or walk the covenant path alone. We need love and support from parents, other family members, friends, and leaders who are also walking the path.
“These kinds of relationships take time. Time to be together. Time to laugh, play, learn, and serve together. Time to appreciate each other’s interests and challenges. Time to be open and honest with each other as we strive to be better together. These relationships are one of the primary purposes of gathering as families, quorums, classes, and congregations. They are the foundation for effective ministering.”
“Seeing others as God does is a gift. I invite all of us to seek for this gift.”
“With ever-increasing secular forces pulling at us, we need the strength that comes from loving relationships. So as we plan activities, meetings, and other gatherings, let us remember an overarching purpose of these gatherings is to build loving relationships that unite us and help get the gospel of Jesus Christ deeper in our hearts.”
“When we choose to repent, we choose to change! We allow the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves. … We choose to become more like Jesus Christ!” (Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 67.)
“Underlying President Nelson’s invitation to repent is the principle of agency. We must choose repentance for ourselves. The gospel can’t be forced into our hearts.”
“Our Heavenly Father’s goal in parenting is not to have His children do what is right; it is to have His children choose to do what is right.” (Dale G. Renlund, “Choose You This Day,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 104)
“The gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest cause in the world.”
“If [our] youth are too underwhelmed [by God’s work], they are more likely to be overwhelmed by the world.” (Neal A. Maxwell, “Unto the Rising Generation,” 11. Elder Maxwell continued: “Functionally, how many deacons and teachers quorum presidencies consist of merely calling on someone to offer a prayer or pass the sacrament? Brethren, these really are special spirits, and they can do things of significance if given a chance!”)
“I promise, as we focus on these principles—relationships, revelation, agency, repentance, and sacrifice—the gospel of Jesus Christ will sink deeper in all our hearts. We will see the Restoration move forward to its ultimate purpose, the redemption of Israel and the establishment of Zion, where Christ will reign as King of kings.”
President Henry B Eyring, Prayers of Faith
“The time to act is now. This is a hinge point in the history of the Church, and your part is vital.” (Russell M. Nelson, “My 2020 Invitation to You: Share the Message of the Restoration of the Savior’s Gospel,” Jan. 1, 2020, blog.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)
”Perhaps you read and prayed about the events of the Restoration. Perhaps, more than ever before, you read the accounts of those few times when God the Father introduced His Beloved Son.”
“The work of the Lord in these last days, is one of vast magnitude and almost beyond the comprehension of mortals. Its glories are past description, and its grandeur unsurpassable. It is the theme which has animated the bosom of prophets and righteous men from the creation of the world down through every succeeding generation to the present time; and it is truly the dispensation of the fullness of times, when all things which are in Christ Jesus, whether in heaven or on the earth, shall be gathered together in Him, and when all things shall be restored, as spoken of by all the holy prophets since the world began; for in it will take place the glorious fulfilment of the promises made to the fathers, while the manifestations of the power of the Most High will be great, glorious, and sublime.”
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“We feel disposed to go forward and unite our energies for the upbuilding of the Kingdom, and establishing the Priesthood in their fullness and glory. The work which has to be accomplished in the last days is one of vast importance, and will call into action the energy, skill, talent, and ability of the Saints, so that it may roll forth with that glory and majesty described by the prophet [Daniel] [see Daniel 2:34–35, 44–45]; and will consequently require the concentration of the Saints, to accomplish works of such magnitude and grandeur.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 512–13.)
“Through His Saints, the Lord will offer the gift of His gospel ‘to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.’ Technology and miracles will continue to play a part—as will individual ‘fishers of men’ who minister with power and increasing faith.”
“When we take repentance as a joyful opportunity because of our growing faith that Jesus is the Christ, when we understand and believe that Heavenly Father hears our every prayer, when we strive to obey and live the commandments, we grow in our power to receive continuing revelation. The Holy Ghost can be our constant companion. A feeling of light will stay with us even as the world around us becomes darker.”
“I do not know any other way for the Latter-day Saints than for every breath to be virtually a prayer for God to guide and direct his people.” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe (1954), 43–44.)
“I know from experience that Satan and his servants try to make us feel that we must not pray.”
Saturday Afternoon Session
Elder Ullises Suarez, The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon
“I read the entire Book of Mormon for the first time when I was a young seminary student.”
“I testify that this sacred record ‘puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.’(Introduction to the Book of Mormon.)”
“I testify that the Book of Mormon is God’s instrument to bring about the gathering of Israel in our day and to help people come to know His Son, Jesus Christ.”
Elder John A McCune, Come unto Christ—Living as Latter-day Saints
2 Nephi 4:17
17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.
“As members of the Savior’s Church, we have made covenants with Him and have become His spiritually begotten sons and daughters.”
Mosiah 5:7
7 And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.
“As we labor with Christ, our most deeply focused efforts should be within our own homes. There will be times when family members and close friends will face challenges. The voices of the world, and maybe their own desires, might cause them to question truth. We should do everything we can to help them feel both the Savior’s love and our love.”
“Our ability to help others come unto Christ or return to Christ will largely be determined by the example we set through our own personal commitment to stay on the covenant path.”
Bishop Gerrald Causse, A Living Witness of the Living Christ
“The statue of the Christus, which adorns the grounds of the Paris Temple and other Church properties, testifies of our love for the Savior.”
“This sublime scene is the climax of the Book of Mormon. The entire ‘good news’ of the gospel is contained in this image of the Savior tenderly extending His ‘arms of mercy’ to invite each individual to come unto Him and receive the blessings of His Atonement.”
“Plain and precious truths about the Savior’s Atonement resound throughout the Book of Mormon. As I list several of these truths, I invite you to reflect on how they have changed or could change your life.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a free gift offered to all who have lived, who currently live, and who will live on the earth.
In addition to bearing the burden of our sins, the Christ took upon Himself our sorrows, infirmities, sufferings, and sicknesses and all the afflictions inherent in the mortal condition of man. There is no anguish, no pain or sadness that He did not suffer for us.
The atoning sacrifice of the Savior allows us to overcome the negative consequences of Adam’s Fall, including physical death. Because of Christ, all of God’s children born on this earth, regardless of their righteousness, will experience the reuniting of their spirits and bodies through the power of the Resurrection and return to Him to “be judged … according to [their] works.”
In contrast, receiving the full blessings of the Savior’s Atonement is conditioned upon our diligence in living the “doctrine of Christ.” In his dream, Lehi saw the “strait and narrow path” that leads to the tree of life. Its fruit, which represents the love of God as expressed through the exquisite blessings of Christ’s Atonement, “is most precious and most desirable … [and] is the greatest of all the gifts of God.” In order to access this fruit, we must exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent, “hearken unto the word of God,” receive essential ordinances, and keep sacred covenants until the end of our lives.
Through His Atonement, Jesus Christ not only washes away our sins, but He also provides enabling power through which His disciples may “[put] off the natural man,” progress “line upon line,” and increase in holiness so that one day they might become perfect beings in the image of Christ, qualified to live again with God and inherit all the blessings of the kingdom of heaven.”
“Alma’s question could also be rephrased to ask, when was the last time you felt the sweet influence of the Savior’s Atonement in your life? This happens when you feel an “exquisite and sweet” joy come over you that bears witness to your soul that your sins are forgiven; or when painful trials suddenly become lighter to bear; or when your heart is softened and you are able to express forgiveness to someone who has hurt you. Or it may be each time you notice your capacity to love and serve others has increased or that the process of sanctification is making you a different person, patterned after the Savior’s example."Alma’s question could also be rephrased to ask, when was the last time you felt the sweet influence of the Savior’s Atonement in your life? This happens when you feel an “exquisite and sweet” joy come over you that bears witness to your soul that your sins are forgiven; or when painful trials suddenly become lighter to bear; or when your heart is softened and you are able to express forgiveness to someone who has hurt you. Or it may be each time you notice your capacity to love and serve others has increased or that the process of sanctification is making you a different person, patterned after the Savior’s example.”
“I bear witness that all these experiences are real and are evidence that lives can be changed through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. The Book of Mormon clarifies and expands our knowledge of this supernal gift.”
Elder Dale G Renlund, Consider the Goodness and Greatness of God
“The title page explains that one of the Book of Mormon’s purposes is ‘to show unto the remnant of the house of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers.’ The Book of Mormon’s conclusion includes Moroni’s appeal: ‘Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things … that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men … and ponder it in your hearts.’”
“Our Heavenly Father wants us to recall His and His Beloved Son’s goodness, not for Their own gratification but for the influence such remembrance has on us...By reflecting on Their compassion, we become more humble, prayerful, and steadfast.”
“These truths should give us a new heart and prompt us to choose to follow Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Yet even new hearts may be ‘prone to wander, … prone to leave the God [we] love.’ To fight this tendency, we need to reflect every day on the gifts we have received and on what they entailed.”
“When we consider the goodness of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, our trust in Them increases. Our prayers change because we know God is our Father and we are His children. We seek not to change His will but to align our will with His and secure for ourselves blessings that He wants to grant, conditioned on our asking for them. We yearn to be more meek, more pure, more steadfast, more Christlike. These changes qualify us for additional heavenly blessings.”
“By acknowledging that every good thing comes from Jesus Christ, we will communicate our faith more effectively to others. We will have courage when confronted with seemingly impossible tasks and circumstances.”
“Our Heavenly Father, referring to His Beloved Son, said, “Hear Him!” As you act on those words and listen to Him, remember, joyfully and reverently, that the Savior loves to restore what you cannot restore; He loves to heal wounds you cannot heal; He loves to fix what has been irreparably broken; He compensates for any unfairness inflicted on you; and He loves to permanently mend even shattered hearts.”
“As I have reflected on gifts from our Heavenly Father and from Jesus Christ, I have come to know of Their infinite love and Their incomprehensible compassion for all Heavenly Father’s children. This knowledge has changed me, and it will change you too.”
Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai, The Power of the Book of Mormon in Conversion
“If we each underwent a spiritual examination, what would we learn about ourselves? What adjustments would our spiritual physician prescribe? For us to become who we need to be, it is essential that we know what to do and do what we know.”
“With the Bible, the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ and teaches how we can know truth and become like Him.”
“Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion.” Conversion requires us to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
“The Lord’s action plan for us—the doctrine of Christ—is taught most clearly in the Book of Mormon. It includes:”
First, exercising faith in Jesus Christ by trusting Him, keeping His commandments, and knowing that He will help us.
Second, repenting daily of our shortcomings and experiencing joy and peace when He forgives us. Repentance requires us to forgive others and helps us to move forward. The Savior has promised to forgive us as often as we repent.
Third, making and keeping covenants with God through ordinances such as baptism. This will keep us on the covenant path that leads to Him.
Fourth, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift allows us the constant companionship of one who sanctifies, comforts, and guides us.
And fifth, enduring to the end by pressing forward steadfastly while feasting daily upon the word of Christ. By feasting from the Book of Mormon and holding fast to its teachings, we can overcome temptations and receive guidance and protection throughout our lives.”
“As you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day.” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 62–63.)
“As we experiment upon its words, we will obtain a witness of its truthfulness.”
Elder Gary E Stevens, A Good Foundation against the Time to Come
“I want to see [the] temple built in a manner that it will endure through the millennium. This is not the only temple we shall build; there will be hundreds of them built and dedicated to the Lord. This temple will be known as the first temple built in the mountains by the Latter Day Saints. … I want that temple … to stand as a proud monument of the faith, perseverance and industry of the saints of God in the mountains.” (“Remarks by President Brigham Young,” Deseret News, Oct. 14, 1863, 97.)
“As I contemplate the next four years of the life of this beautiful, noble, exalted, and awe-inspiring Salt Lake Temple, I envision it more as a time of renewal rather than a time of closure! In a similar way, we might ask ourselves, ‘How could this extensive renewal of the Salt Lake Temple inspire us to undergo our own spiritual renewal, reconstruction, rebirth, revitalization, or restoration?’
An introspective look may reveal that we too and our families could benefit from our doing some needed maintenance and renovation work, even a seismic upgrade! We might start such a process by asking:
‘What does my foundation look like?’”
Ephesians 2:20–21
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
“We will do so as we fulfill the charge of the Apostle Paul to ‘[lay] up in store for [ourselves] a good foundation against the time to come, that [we] may lay hold on eternal life.’”
Saturday Evening Session
Elder Garrit W Gong, Hosanna and Hallelujah—The Living Jesus Christ: The Heart of Restoration and Easter
“Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. Traditionally, palms are a sacred symbol to express joy in our Lord, as in Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem…”
“Of course, the significance of Palm Sunday goes beyond crowds greeting Jesus with palms. On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem in ways the faithful recognized as fulfillment of prophecy.”
“The sacred events between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday are the story of hosanna and hallelujah. Hosanna is our plea for God to save. Hallelujah expresses our praise to the Lord for the hope of salvation and exaltation. In hosanna and hallelujah we recognize the living Jesus Christ as the heart of Easter and latter-day restoration.”
“The coming of Elijah in the Kirtland Temple also fulfilled Malachi’s Old Testament prophecy that Elijah would return “before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”23 In doing so, Elijah’s appearance coincided, though not by coincidence, with the Jewish Passover season, which tradition reverently anticipates Elijah’s return.”
“The angel of death passed by the houses marked with the symbolic blood of the lamb.28 That passing by, or pass over, represents Jesus Christ ultimately overcoming death.”
“resurrection includes physical restoration of our ‘proper and perfect frame’; ‘every limb and joint,’ ‘even a hair of the head shall not be lost.’30 This promise gives hope to those who have lost limbs; those who have lost ability to see, hear, or walk; or those thought lost to relentless disease, mental illness, or other diminished capacity. He finds us. He makes us whole.”
“In new ways and new places, we can do and become, line upon line, kindness upon kindness, individually and together.”
Sister Laudy Ruth Kaouk, How the Priesthood Blesses Youth
“The blessings of the priesthood are infinitely greater than the one who is asked to administer the gift. … As we are worthy, the ordinances of the priesthood enrich our lives.” (Neil L. Andersen, “Power in the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 92.)
Brother Enzo Serge Petelo, How the Priesthood Blesses Youth
“We cannot sit idly and expect the Lord to use us in His great work. We must not wait for those who need our aid to seek us out; it is our duty as priesthood holders to exemplify and stand as witnesses of God.”
Sister Jean B Bingham, United in Accomplishing God’s Work
“Satan incites comparison as a tool to create feelings of being superior or inferior, hiding the eternal truth that men’s and women’s innate differences are God given and equally valued.”
“...we are most effective when we are willing to learn from one another and are united in our goal to become disciples of Jesus Christ and help others along that path.”
“Seeing women as vital participants is not about creating parity but about understanding doctrinal truth. Rather than establishing a program to bring that about, we can actively work to value women as God does: as essential partners in the work of salvation and exaltation.”
President Henry B Eyring, He Goes before Us
Doctrine and Covenants 110:
16 Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors.
“Although the temple endowment as we know it today wasn’t administered in the Kirtland Temple, in fulfillment of prophecy, preparatory temple ordinances began to be introduced there, along with an outpouring of spiritual manifestations which armed those called on missions with the promised endowment of “power from on high”6 that led to a great gathering through missionary service.”
President Dallin H Oaks, The Melchizedek Priesthood and the Keys
“The power of the priesthood exists both in the Church and in the family organization. But priesthood power and priesthood authority function differently in the Church than they do in the family.”
“In His sermon to multitudes recorded in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon, the Savior taught that mortal bodies can be full of light or full of darkness.”
“If our ‘eye be single’—in other words, if we are concentrating on receiving eternal light and understanding—He explained, ‘thy whole body shall be full of light (Matthew 6:22; 3 Nephi 13:22).”
“the light or darkness in our bodies depends on how we see—or receive—the eternal truths we are taught.”
President Russell M Nelson, Opening the Heavens for Help
“As we commemorate the event that was launched in 1820, it is important to remember that while we revere Joseph Smith as a prophet of God, this is not the church of Joseph Smith, nor is it the church of Mormon. This is the Church of Jesus Christ.”
“Previously, I promised that if we would ‘do our best to restore the correct name of the Lord’s Church,’ He would ‘pour down His power and blessings upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints, the likes of which we have never seen.’5 I renew that promise today.”
“we are pleased to introduce a symbol that will signify the central place of Jesus Christ in His Church.
“This symbol includes the name of the Church contained within a cornerstone. Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone.
“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.”
“Let us put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ into action!”
“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.”
Sunday Morning Session
Elder Ronald A Rasband - Fulfillment of Prophecy
“Daniel prophesied the Lord’s Church would rise in the last days as a small stone ‘cut out of the mountain without hands.’ Without hands, meaning by divine intervention, the Lord’s Church would increase in magnitude until it fills the whole earth, ‘never [to] be destroyed … [but to] stand for ever.”
“The devoted Apostle Peter described ‘times of restitution of all things … since the world began.’ The Apostle Paul wrote that in the fulness of times, God would ‘gather … in one all things in Christ,’”
2 Nephi 3:6
6 For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins.
“John the Revelator prophesied of an angel of the Almighty bringing together important elements of the Restoration with these words: ‘And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.’ Moroni was that angel.”
“Other prophets foretold of our day. Malachi spoke of Elijah turning ‘the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.’ Elijah has come...”
Isaiah 2:2
2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
Micah 4:1–2
1 But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
“We do not know when the Savior will return, but this we do know. We must be prepared in heart and mind, worthy to receive Him, and honored to be part of all that was prophesied so long ago.”
“No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” (Chapter 11: The Organization and Destiny of the True and Living Church
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith)
Sister Bonnie H Cordon, That They May See
“we can be filled with the light of our Savior. However, that light is not meant for you and me alone. Jesus Christ has called upon us to “let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.’”
“The Lord’s invitation to let our light so shine is not just about randomly waving a beam of light and making the world generally brighter. It is about focusing our light so others may see the way to Christ. It is gathering Israel on this side of the veil—helping others see the next step forward in making and keeping sacred covenants with God.”
“He reminds us that He will bring the light if we will just point others to Him.”
“I testify the Lord will magnify every small effort.”
“I invite all of us to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be compassionately aware of those around us.”
“I invite all of us to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be compassionately aware of those around us.”
12 ¶ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Elder Jeffrey R Holland, A Perfect Brightness of Hope
“To borrow a phrase from William Ellery Channing, a prominent religious figure of the day, we would have looked for the ‘parental character of God,’ which Channing considered ‘the first great doctrine of Christianity.’”
“We certainly pray for those who are giving such magnificent health care. When we have conquered this—and we will—may we be equally committed to freeing the world from the virus of hunger, freeing neighborhoods and nations from the virus of poverty.”
2 Nephi 31:19–20
19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
Elder David A Bednar, “Let This House Be Built unto My Name”
“We do not build or enter holy temples solely to have a memorable individual or family experience. Rather, the covenants received and the ordinances performed in temples are essential to the sanctifying of our hearts and for the ultimate exaltation of God’s sons and daughters.”
Doctrine and Covenants 110:6, 9–10
6 Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name.
9 Yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out, and the endowment with which my servants have been endowed in this house.
10 And the fame of this house shall spread to foreign lands; and this is the beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people. Even so. Amen.
“Please note the phrases the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice and the fame of this house shall spread to foreign lands. These were stunning declarations in April of 1836, when the Church had only a relative handful of members and one temple.”
“The building up of Zion is a cause that has interested the people of God in every age; it is a theme upon which prophets, priests and kings have dwelt with peculiar delight; they have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and prophesied of this our day; but they died without the sight; … it is left for us to see, participate in and help to roll forward the Latter-day glory.”(Teachings: Joseph Smith, 186.)
President Russell M Nelson, Hear Him
“Just think of the good each of us can do during this time of global upheaval.”
“What does it mean for you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth?”
“The Book of Mormon chronicles the classic rise and fall of two major civilizations.”
“The adversary is clever. For millennia he has been making good look evil and evil look good. His messages tend to be loud, bold, and boastful.”
“...consider the fact that in these three instances just mentioned, just before the Father introduced the Son, the people involved were in a state of fear and, to some degree, desperation.”
“Our Father knows that when we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear, what will help us the very most is to hear His Son.”
“We simply cannot rely upon information we bump into on social media.”
“When these temporary COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, please schedule regular time to worship and serve in the temple. Every minute of that time will bless you and your family in ways nothing else can.”
“Ask the Lord to teach you how to open the heavens to bless your life and the lives of those you love and serve.”
“I promise that as you increase your time in temple and family history work, you will increase and improve your ability to hear Him.”
“What will happen as you more intentionally hear, hearken, and heed what the Savior has said and what He is saying now through His prophets? I promise that you will be blessed with additional power to deal with temptation, struggles, and weakness. I promise miracles in your marriage, family relationships, and daily work. And I promise that your capacity to feel joy will increase even if turbulence increases in your life.”
“Now as we contemplate this significant time in the history of the world and the Lord’s charge to gather scattered Israel in preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, we, the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles, issue the following proclamation. Its title is ‘The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World.’ It is authored by the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
“In humility, we declare that in answer to his prayer, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph and inaugurated the ‘restitution of all things’”
Acts 3:21
21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
Sunday Afternoon Session
President Dallin H Oaks, The Great Plan
“We have been reminded of the miraculous coming forth of the Book of Mormon, whose central purpose is to testify of Jesus Christ and His doctrine.”
“As spirits, we desired to achieve the eternal life enjoyed by our heavenly parents.”
“Sometimes our needed growth is achieved better by suffering and adversity than by comfort and tranquility.”
“The restored gospel assures us that the Resurrection can include the opportunity to be with our family members—husband, wife, children, and parents. This is a powerful encouragement for us to fulfill our family responsibilities in mortality. It helps us live together in love in this life in anticipation of joyful reunions and associations in the next.”
“modern revelation teaches us that our progress need not conclude with the end of mortality. Little has been revealed about this important assurance. We are told that this life is the time to prepare to meet God and that we should not procrastinate our repentance (see Alma 34:32–33). Still, we are taught that in the spirit world the gospel is preached even to “the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth” (Doctrine and Covenants 138:29) and that those taught there are capable of repentance in advance of the Final Judgment (see verses 31–34, 57–59).”
Doctrine and Covenants 49:15–16
15 And again, verily I say unto you, that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man.
16 Wherefore, it is lawful that he should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation;
“The power to create mortal life is the most exalted power God has given His children. Its use was mandated in the first commandment to Adam and Eve, but another important commandment was given to forbid its misuse. Outside the bonds of marriage, all uses of the procreative power are to one degree or another a sinful degrading and perversion of the most divine attribute of men and women. The emphasis the restored gospel places on this law of chastity is because of the purpose of our procreative powers in the accomplishment of God’s plan.”
“We know that two centuries after the Restoration, the spirit world now includes many mortally experienced workers to accomplish the preaching that occurs there. We also know that we now have many more temples to perform the ordinances of eternity for those who repent and embrace the Lord’s gospel on either side of the veil of death.”
“In conclusion, I share the conviction that has come to me from many letters and by reviewing many requests to return to the Church after name removal or apostasy. Many of our members do not fully understand this plan of salvation, which answers most questions about the doctrine and inspired policies of the restored Church. We who know God’s plan and who have covenanted to participate have a clear responsibility to teach these truths and do all that we can to further them for others and in our own circumstances in mortality.”
Elder Quentin L Cook, The Blessing of Continuing Revelation to Prophets and Personal Revelation to Guide Our Lives
“President Russell M. Nelson has been a commissioned agent of the Lord especially with respect to revelations to help families build sanctuaries of faith in their homes, gather scattered Israel on both sides of the veil, and bless endowed members in sacred temple ordinance matters.”
“As a stake president, I not only received important revelation but also received personal correction that was necessary to accomplish the Lord’s purposes.”
“Most of our guidance comes from the Holy Ghost. Sometimes and for some purposes, it comes directly from the Lord.”
“I paraphrase what Wilford Woodruff said about the Prophet Joseph Smith; it is equally true of President Nelson. I have seen ‘the workings of the Spirit of God with him, and the revelations of Jesus Christ unto him and the fulfillment of those revelations.’”
Ricardo P. Giménez, Finding Refuge from the Storms of Life
“Faith is the antidote for fear”(President Russell M Nelson, Let Your Faith Show,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 29).
Helaman 5:12
12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.
“Suffering is universal; how we react to suffering is individual. Suffering can take us one of two ways. It can be a strengthening and purifying experience combined with faith, or it can be a destructive force in our lives if we do not have the faith in the Lord’s atoning sacrifice” (Elder Robert D Hales,“Your Sorrow Shall Be Turned to Joy,” Ensign, Nov. 1983, 66).
“to one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” (This statement has been attributed to Thomas Aquinas but is most likely a loose paraphrase of things he taught.)
1 Peter 4:12–13
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf, Come and Belong
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is structured to provide opportunities to practice the fundamentals of discipleship. Through our participation in the Church, we learn to recognize and act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We develop the disposition of reaching out in compassion and kindness to others.”
“These opportunities allow us to grow in spirit, mind, and character.”
“Your prayers do not have to be loud or eloquent or grammatically correct in order to reach heaven.”
“We are His beloved children.
“Even those who reject Him.
“Even those who, like a headstrong, unruly child, become angry with God and His Church, pack their bags, and storm out the door proclaiming that they’re running away and never coming back.”
“Our loving Heavenly Father has not given us every answer. He expects us to figure out many things for ourselves. He expects us to believe—even when it’s difficult to do so.
“He expects us to straighten our shoulders and develop a little resolve—a little backbone—and take another step forward.
“That is the way we learn and grow.
“Would you honestly want everything spelled out in every detail? Would you honestly want every question answered? Every destination mapped out?
“I believe most of us would tire very quickly of this sort of heavenly micromanagement.”
Elder L Whitney Clayton, The Finest Homes
“...establishing the finest homes has everything to do with the personal qualities of the people who live there.”
“The attributes of Christ are acquired in the “process of time”1 by intentional progress along the covenant path.”
“As we patiently pursue the Savior’s covenant path, our home becomes ‘a house of glory, a house of order, [and] a house of God.’”
“Daily repentance is a transformative tool that enables us to grow a little kinder, more loving, and more understanding.”
“We should follow the example being given to us by the Salt Lake Temple renovation and take time to evaluate our own spiritual seismic engineering to make sure it is up to date.”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Elder D. Todd Christofferson
“Throughout this general conference we have spoken and sung with joy about the fulfillment of the long-ago prophesied ‘restitution of all things,’ about bringing ‘together in one all things in Christ,’ about the return of the fulness of the gospel, priesthood, and Church of Jesus Christ to the earth, all of which we capture in the title ‘the Restoration.’”
“While our invitations are without compulsion, we hope people will find them compelling. For that to be so, I believe at least three things are required: first, your love; second, your example; and third, your use of the Book of Mormon.”
“I introduce the second requirement for successfully sharing the message of the Restoration with this question: what is it that will make your invitation appealing to someone? Isn’t it you, the example of your life? Many who have heard and received the message of the Restoration were initially attracted by what they perceived in a member or members of the Church of Jesus Christ. “
“...we cannot escape the fact that we need to understand and live the principles of the restored gospel as best we can for our invitations to be inviting. It is something often referred to today as authenticity. If the love of Christ dwells in us, others will know that our love for them is genuine. If the light of the Holy Spirit burns within us, it will rekindle the Light of Christ within them.“
“...the Lord is pleased with every effort we make, no matter the outcome; a declined invitation is no reason for our association to end; and a lack of interest today may well turn to interest tomorrow. Regardless, our love remains constant.”
President Russell M Nelson, Go Forward in Faith
“Next Sunday is Easter Sunday, when we will again commemorate the Atonement and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of His Atonement, His gift of resurrection will come to all who have ever lived. And His gift of eternal life will come to all who qualify by fidelity to ordinances and covenants made in His holy temples.”
“The many inspiring components of this April 2020 general conference—and the sacred week that we now begin—can be summarized by two divinely decreed words: “‘Hear Him.’”
“We pray that you will begin anew truly to hear, hearken to, and heed the words of the Savior.2 I promise that decreased fear and increased faith will follow.”
“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.” (Wilford Woodruff, dedicatory prayer of the Salt Lake Temple, Apr. 6, 1893, ChurchofJesusChrist.org; emphasis added.)
“Brothers and sisters, during times of our distress when temples are closed, you can still draw upon the power of your temple covenants and endowment as you honor your covenants. Please use this time when temples are closed to continue to live a temple-worthy life or to become temple worthy.”
“Today we are pleased to announce plans to construct eight new temples in the following locations: Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Tallahassee, Florida; Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Benin City, Nigeria; Syracuse, Utah; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.”
“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.”
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