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Callister - God's Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon - October 2017

3/27/2018

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Brother Callister talks about the Book of Mormon and many of the things that critics say to disprove its truthfulness. He speaks about the divine calling of Joseph Smith as a prophet and the miracle of translation that took place with the coming forth of the book.  He points out several things that the Book of Mormon teaches that were not common beliefs at the time of its translation.
  • The Book of Mormon teaches, contrary to most Christian beliefs, that the Fall of Adam was a positive step forward. It reveals the covenants made at baptism, which are not addressed in the Bible.
  • God’s fingerprints are all over the Book of Mormon, as evidenced by its majestic doctrinal truths, particularly its masterful sermons on the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

He speaks about the Book of Mormon inspiring millions to come unto Christ and to change their lives to live a more Christlike life.
  • It was revelation, not brilliance, that was the source of this book.
  • This book has inspired millions to reject Satan and to live more Christlike lives.

He shares a personal story of a friend who wanted evidence of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.  He eventually learned that the truthfulness comes through the spirit and is given to each of us if we will pray about its truthfulness.
  • One of my good and bright friends left the Church for a time. He recently wrote to me of his return: “Initially, I wanted the Book of Mormon to be proven to me historically, geographically, linguistically, and culturally. But when I changed my focus to what it teaches about the gospel of Jesus Christ and His saving mission, I began to gain a testimony of its truthfulness. One day while reading the Book of Mormon in my room, I paused, knelt down, and gave a heartfelt prayer and felt resoundingly that Heavenly Father whispered to my spirit that the Church and the Book of Mormon were definitely true. My three-and-a-half-year period of reinvestigating the Church led me back wholeheartedly and convincingly to its truthfulness.”

Brother Callister shares his testimony of the Book of Mormon to conclude his talk.
  • The Book of Mormon is one of God’s priceless gifts to us. It is both sword and shield—it sends the word of God into battle to fight for the hearts of the just and serves as an arch defender of the truth. As Saints, we have not only the privilege to defend the Book of Mormon but also the opportunity to take the offense—to preach with power its divine doctrine and bear testimony of its crowning witness of Jesus Christ.
  • The Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God. It is God’s compelling witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ, the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith, and the absolute truth of this Church.

Critics can claim the Book of Mormon is not true, but they can't answer how it miraculously came about.  The only explanation for its existence is that it was translated by the gift and power of God.  Brother Callister gives us many reasons why the book could not have been a work of Joseph Smith.  But more importantly, the Book of Mormon could not have the ability to bring us to Christ if it were not a gift from God.  I have come closer to my Savior by reading the Book of Mormon.  I have become a better disciple of Jesus Christ by living its teachings.  But most important, I have taken the challenge of Moroni and got on my knees and asked God if it were true.  That answer from heaven above is what matters.  Mankind can't create a divine answer to a sincere prayer.
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Ballard - The Trek Continues! - October 2017

3/26/2018

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Elder Ballard continues a theme he has spoken about in several other conferences referring to our ancestors and the journeys they have made in following our Heavenly Father.  He talks about the need for us to remember these valiant servants and to follow their examples in the way we live our lives.
  • The early Saints were not perfect, but they established a foundation upon which we are building families and a society that love and keep covenants, which is highlighted in various news stories around the world because of our commitment to Jesus Christ and our volunteer efforts to help those nearby and far away.

He talks about the need for us to keep ties with our ancestors or we will lose out on great examples of faith.
  • If we lose our ties to those who have gone before us, including our pioneer forefathers and mothers, we will lose a very precious treasure.

He says we need to remember that we are on our own trek and that we must be faithful in all that we do.
  • Although it is appropriate and important to remember the historic 19th-century Mormon pioneer trek, we need to remember that “the trek through life continues!” for each of us as we prove our own “faith in every footstep.”
  • A trek back to our Heavenly Father is the most important trek of our lives, and it continues each day, each week, each month, and each year as we increase our faith in Him and in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

Elder Ballard provides for us several things we can to do not lose our faith and keep on the path back to our Heavenly Father.
  • Keep the doctrine of Christ pure and never be deceived by those who tamper with the doctrine. The gospel of the Father and the Son was restored through Joseph Smith, the prophet for this last dispensation.
  • Do not listen to those who have not been ordained and/or set apart to their Church calling and are not acknowledged by common consent of the members of the Church.
  • Be aware of organizations, groups, or individuals claiming secret answers to doctrinal questions that they say today’s apostles and prophets do not have or understand.
  • Do not listen to those who entice you with get-rich schemes. Our members have lost far too much money, so be careful.

It is important that we use the example of our pioneer ancestors and help each other along the path that leads back to our Father in Heaven.
  • For our pioneer ancestors, independence and self-reliance were vital, but their sense of community was just as important. They worked together and helped one another overcome the physical and emotional challenges of their time. For the men, there was the priesthood quorum, and the women were served by the Relief Society. These outcomes have not changed in our day.

He encourages us to work closely with the missionaries to help all of God's children learn about the power of the gospel.
  • Let us use our energy, strength, and testimonies in assisting our missionaries to find, teach, and baptize God’s children so they may have the power of the gospel doctrine guiding their daily lives.

Elder Ballard concludes with the challenge that we see everyone as a child of God and help all of God's children to come unto Christ.
  • We need to embrace God’s children compassionately and eliminate any prejudice, including racism, sexism, and nationalism. Let it be said that we truly believe the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ are for every child of God.

Elder Ballard does a great job of connecting our lives today to our ancestors of the past.  We all have people that have come before us in life.  We might not all have pioneer ancestors but we all have people that we can look into the past and see how they have shaped our lives and our current situations.  Some of these people may have been good influences that led us to the Savior and some my not have.  But each of us come from a Heavenly Father who loves us.  It is our challenge to build a foundation of righteousness for those that will follow behind us and make sure we are a strong example of ways we all should come unto Christ.
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Eyring - Fear Not to Do Good - October 2017

3/25/2018

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President Eyring begins by talking about the challenge that President Monson issued to the church in the last General Conference.  President Monson encouraged us to make the Book of Mormon a bigger part of our lives.  He says that when we do, we can have the spirit become a bigger part of our lives.
  • Those of us who took his inspired counsel to heart have heard the Spirit more distinctly. We have found a greater power to resist temptation and have felt greater faith in a resurrected Jesus Christ, in His gospel, and in His living Church.

He shares that when we make the Book of Mormon a bigger part of our lives, we will be encouraged to share it with others and the rescue those that are in need of spiritual enlightenment.
  • As we accept President Monson’s invitation to plant in our hearts a testimony of Jesus Christ, we gain the power, the desire, and the courage to go to the rescue of others without concern for our own needs.

President Eyring shares a number of examples of people going to help others as a result of their belief in the Book of Mormon.  He talks about helping after natural disasters in Florida, Texas, and around the work.  These tragedies often result in the churches Helping Hands teams being organized and serving in their communities.
  • Each time there is a tragic event anywhere in the world, Latter-day Saints donate and volunteer to the Church’s humanitarian efforts. An appeal is seldom needed. In fact, on some occasions, we have had to ask would-be volunteers to wait to travel to the recovery site until those directing the work are prepared to receive them.

The desire to help others and to lift them up is a result of making the Book of Mormon part of your life.   The effects of Book of Mormon reading drive us to look out of serve all of Heavenly Fathers children.
  • That desire to bless is the fruit of people gaining a testimony of Jesus Christ, His gospel, His restored Church, and His prophet. That is why the Lord’s people doubt not and fear not. That is why missionaries volunteer for service in every corner of the world. That is why parents pray with their children for others. That is why leaders challenge their youth to take President Monson’s request to immerse themselves in the Book of Mormon to heart. The fruit comes not by being urged by leaders but by the youth and members acting on faith. That faith, put into action, which requires selfless sacrifice, brings the change of heart that allows them to feel the love of God.

He speaks about the last days and that things will continue to be in commotion.  But he don't need to fear what will happen as our faith in found in the Savior and in His promises to us to never leave us alone.
  • We know that in the last days, the world will be in commotion. We know that in the midst of whatever trouble comes, the Lord will lead faithful Latter-day Saints to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. And we know that the Lord’s true disciples will be worthy and prepared to receive Him when He comes again. We need not fear.

President Eyring concludes with encouragement to keep the commandments.  He assures us that angels will be around us to help us and that sometimes, we are those angels for other people.  He shares that our responsibility is to keep the commandments and God will use us for His purposes in the world.
  • I testify that the Lord goes before your face whenever you are on His errand. Sometimes you will be the angel the Lord sends to bear others up. Sometimes you will be the one surrounded by angels who bear you up. But always you will have His Spirit to be in your heart, as you have been promised in every sacrament service. You have only to keep His commandments.

President Eyring reminds us that serving God is a result of us gaining a testimony of the Savior and His gospel.  When we have the truth, we naturally want to share it with others.  How grateful I am to be part of a church that encourages its members to follow the example of the Savior and to reach out to those in need.  It is wonderful to help those that need a little light in their lives.  Serving others is what the Savior would do if He were here.  It is our responsibility to stand in for the Savior and help those that need His help the most.
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