In his talk, Preparing for the Lords Return April 2019, Elder Christofferson said: the Spirit made clear to me that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is uniquely empowered and commissioned to accomplish the necessary preparations for the Lords Second Coming; indeed, it was restored for that purpose. The promise of the gathering is important, Elder Nelson said, because it is "a promised prelude to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord. This doctrine of the gathering is one of the important teachings of The Church of . Those seven words launched the Restoration of His gospel. Think of it! The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord shall suffer persecution (2Timothy 3:12). Why do we need such resilient faith? The Lord has decreed the establishment of Zion (see Doctrine and Covenants 6:6; 11:6) in each realm where He has given His Saints their birth and nationality. That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1Corinthians 2:9; see also Doctrine and Covenants 76:10). We have the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and sharing His gospel is a joy and a blessing for each of us. We are to be builders of an individual faith in God, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and faith in His Church. All I know for sure is that we are a day closer today than we were yesterday.. President Nelson testified, In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost. Together we can do all that our Heavenly Father needs us to do to. By referring or linking you to this website, we do not endorse or guarantee this content, products, or services offered. Do whatever it takes to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ by increasing your understanding of the doctrine taught in His restored Church and by relentlessly seeking truth. 24:10). (LogOut/ The Book of Mormon declares the doctrine of the gathering (see, for example, 1Nephi 10:14). Within Our Grasp, by Jay Bryant Ward, may not be copied. Why do we need such resilient faith? PTI Imran Khan's Address to Nation (17.02.2023) Comments Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. The place of gathering for Brazilian Saints is in Brazil; the place of gathering for Nigerian Saints is in Nigeria; the place of gathering for Korean Saints is in Korea. We not only teach this doctrine, but we participate in it. We are to build the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth (seeMatthew 6:33). President Nelson then reiterated his desire for members to prepare for the special 2020 Conference by creating a study plan, selecting questions, and acting on invitations from the spirit. Because difficult days are ahead. His gift to you will be the peace and security of knowing that you are worthy to meet Him, whenever that time comes. Do whatever it takes to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ by increasing your understanding of the doctrine taught in His restored Church and by relentlessly seeking truth. In other languages, Handbook 1 and Handbook 2 should continue to be used until the new General . The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord shall suffer persecution (2Timothy 3:12).That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives. It consisted of only seven words: This is My Beloved Son. 17. In this episode Todd, Rivka and Burke discuss the talk, "Preparing for the Second Coming of Christ" by Elder Christoffel Golden from the October 2021 General Conference. Holiness to The Lord, by Jay Bryant Ward, may not be copied. It is incredible! (LogOut/ In fact, if there were no Book of Mormon, the promised gathering of Israel would not occur. It is wondrous! Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising. How exciting is that! The Lord has declared: I give unto you a sign that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion (3Nephi 21:1). I invite all listening to this devotional to talk of Christ, to rejoice in Christ and to preach of Christ, President Ballard said. As you and I take care of the weightier matters, we can become a righteous people who are able, ready and worthy to receive the Lord when He comes again, Sister Nelson said. 41 of 44. First published online in March for the April 2020 Ensign, President Nelson provided an article titled boldly and plainly: "The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior's . 40 of 44. We are to prepare for our own divine destiny: glory, immortality, and eternal lives (see Romans 2:7; Doctrine and Covenants 75:5). We are engaged in the work of Almighty God. It causes people to learn about Jesus Christ, to believe His gospel, and to join His Church. The Lord has declared: I give unto you a sign that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion (3Nephi 21:1). The scriptures tell us that prior to the Second Coming that the whole earth shall be in commotion (D&C 45:26). With increased emphasis on the Second Coming, we should also expect increased emphasis on the gathering of Israel. How amazing is it that messengers from heaven came to give authority and power to this work? President Nelson quotes have the special ability to make your burdens feel lighter. The devotional was for Latter-day Saints in Nevada and some parts of California and Arizona. . In a footnote from his October 2020 general conference address, President Nelson commented that he has spoken of Israel in at least 378 of the more than 800 messages he has delivered during his 36 years as an Apostle. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shares how we can prepare the world for the second coming of Jesus Christ. What Does It Mean to Have the Name of Christ Written in Our Hearts? Those seven words launched the Restoration of His gospel. A necessary prelude to that Second Coming is the long-awaited gathering of scattered Israel (see1Nephi 15:18; see also the title page of the Book of Mormon). How amazing is it that messengers from heaven came to give authority and power to this work? The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord shall suffer persecution (2Timothy 3:12).That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives. FRANCE AND GERMANY. Leaders are urging us to be spiritually and temporally self-sufficient. It is crucial for each member of the Church to gain a personal testimony of the gospel. But if we listen carefully, we can also hear a quiet urgency that time is short and there is much to do. The fulfillment, the consummation, of those blessings comes as those who have entered the waters of baptism perfect their lives to the point that they may enter the holy temple. The choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location; it is a matter of individual commitment. A necessary prelude to that Second Coming is the long-awaited gathering of scattered Israel (see 1 Nephi 15:18; see also the title page of the Book of Mormon). Because difficult days are ahead. It is our chargeit is our privilegeto help prepare the world for that day. So, from the standpoint of Deity, the Book of Mormmon and the establishment of the Church just unlock the door now toward the fulfilling of those two great promises that they have outstanding. President Nelson admonished these Latter-day Saints to live wisely each day. Feed My Sheep, by Jay Bryant Ward, may not be copied. We are engaged in the work of Almighty God. The Environmental Protection Agency concurs with this definition as it is used in. The earth will be returned to its paradisiacal state and be made new. We not only teach this doctrine, but we participate in it. As you keep your covenants with increasing precision, and as you defend the Church and kingdom of God on the earth today, the Lord will bless you with strength and wisdom to accomplish what only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can accomplish. 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I humbly testify to you thatas the Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimedthe restored gospel of Jesus Christ 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 (History of the Church,4:540). Meanwhile, here and now, we live in a time of turmoil. The prophet also gave a reminder that it is the duty of Latter-day Saints to prepare the world for the Second Coming and that all can come unto Christ, wherever they may be. To better prepare for worship in a temple, President Nelson encouraged Church members to study the new For the Strength of Youth guide. I promise that if we will do our best to exercise faith in Jesus Christ and access the power of His Atonement through repentance, we will have the knowledge and power of God to help us take the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord. Answers for young hogs crossword clue, 6 letters. 2. Another temple will yet be built in Jerusalem. We gather pedigree charts, create family group sheets, and do temple work vicariously to gather individuals unto the Lord and into their families (see 1Corinthians 15:29; 1Peter 4:6). The post Update: The Federal Government (Satan Soldiers) On Thursday Extended Its COVID-19 Emergency for Another 90 Days Despite President Joe Biden's Declaring the Pandemic "Over" Weeks Earlier. The most important is to prepare for His coming, for most . How Young Adults Are Making a Difference in the Ongoing Restoration, Think You Dont Have a Purpose as a Young Adult? In many nations our members and missionaries have searched for those of scattered Israel; they have hunted for them out of the holes of the rocks (Jeremiah 16:16); and they have fished for them, as in ancient days. Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon (Mosiah 46). President Nelson explained himself "countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful". The winners of the Church History Museums 12th International Art Competition have been announced, and the artwork is breathtaking. Servants of the Lord go forth proclaiming the Restoration. In his Oct 2018 talk, Sisters Participation in the Gathering of Israel, President Nelson said: You remember that last June, Sister Nelson and I spoke to the youth of the Church. Why Does King Benjamin Invite Us to Become like a Child? It is our chargeit is our privilegeto help prepare the world for that day. As we study Church doctrine and walk the covenant path, we grow closer to Christ and become more prepared for the Second Coming. We provide the link to this third party's website solely as a convenience to you. 2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. You and I get to participate in the ongoing Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. How amazing is it that messengers from heaven came to give authority and power to this work? In addition to temple work, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign to the entire world that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel and fulfill the covenants He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see Genesis 12:23; 3Nephi 21; 29). The great latter-day work of which we are a part was established, on schedule, to bless a waiting and weeping world. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. Reed Halverson, an American Latter-day Saint who served as a mission president in New Zealand in the 1920's and again in the 1940's. The new hymnbook and children's songbook will offer "the same hymns and songs in all languages," the release said. Part of their preparation, however, requires the earthly efforts of others. Pray to cross paths with those who are ready to hear the gospel and embrace its truths.. Left unsaid is the Saviors refrain: Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.. (See Ezekiel 47:18.). There will be a new heaven and a new earth (see Revelation 21:1; Ether 13:9; Doctrine and Covenants 29:2324). From these centers He will direct the affairs of His Church and kingdom. But when will it actually take place? Why do we need such resilient faith? (SeeEzekiel 47:18.). Each of us will be tested. The cause of the gathering is an essential part of helping to, Now, brethren, will you please remain standing and join with our chorus in singing all three verses of Rise Up, O Men of God. While you sing, think of your duty as Gods mighty army to help, I love you and thank you and now bless you with the ability to leave the world behind as you assist in this crucial and urgent work. We are also referring to building faith and testimony in the hearts of those with whom we live, work, and serve. Missionary work is such an important part of the gathering of Israel. (LogOut/ Although no one knows when the Second Coming will be, its important to listen to our Church leaders for things we can do to prepare to be in His presence. Two temples in the broadcast area still to be built will be in Elko and Lone Mountain, Nevada. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith. We do so as we help to gather the elect of the Lord on both sides of the veil. The great latter-day work of which we are a part was established, on schedule, to bless a waiting and weeping world. True, in the early days of the Church, conversion often meant emigration as well. The prophecies of His Second Coming have yet to be fulfilled, he said. The greatest gift you could give to the Lord is to keep yourself unspotted from the world, worthy to attend His holy house. It confirms my enthusiasm and excitement to hear what our leaders have to inspire us with this coming weekend. Spiritual security will always depend upon how one lives, not where one lives. The choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location; it is a matter of individual commitment. If you would like to stay on the page you are viewing please click Cancel. Within Our Grasp, by Jay Bryant Ward, may not be copied. The covenants and eternal truths of the temple are at the heart of the gospel, the prophet said in a live broadcast from the auditorium of the Church Office Building on Temple Square. People can be brought to the knowledge of the Lord (3Nephi 20:13) without leaving their homelands. So pray for courage not to give up! Uttered by Almighty God, that announcement brought a young Joseph Smith to the Lord Jesus Christ. We invited them to enlist in the Lords youth battalion to help gather Israel on both sides of the veil. Additionally, the Church launched self-reliance courses that have also helped many leaders and members learn and understand the importance of self-sufficiency. Spending time worshiping the Lord in the temple will help us prepare spiritually for His coming. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith. Part of their preparation, however, requires the earthly efforts of others. This work is empowered by a divine announcement made 200 years ago. In many nations our members and missionaries have searched for those of scattered Israel; they have hunted for them out of the holes of the rocks (Jeremiah 16:16); and they have fished for them, as in ancient days. Teach them that God is their Heavenly Father and He will help them. "When President Nelson was sustained as president of the Church, 159 temples were operating, an increase of 133 temples in the 34 years during which he served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve. The presence of temples in communities around the globe reminds Latter-day Saints of the importance of faith in the common Father of all humanity, the need for constant improvement of the soul, the possibility of family relationships that reach beyond the grave and the salvation that comes only through the grace of Jesus Christ. It is wherever righteous Saints are. From that temple He shall reign forever as Lord of Lords. Great read!!! Because difficult days are ahead. "The . (See Ezekiel 47:18.). Further, And then shall many beoffended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another (Matt. Other devotional speakers were the prophets wife, Sister Wendy Nelson and President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Our safest insurance is to continue to be worthy of admission to His holy house. It is breathtaking! The Latter-day Saint prophet has given 101 talks in general conference, including 38 as a member of the First Presidency alongside Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring.These Russell M. Nelson quotes are taken from all of his general conference talks from 1984 to 2022. Said Pool, "The D-line, credit to them. Servants of the Lord go forth proclaiming the Restoration. I cannot overstate how vital you and your choices are. Holiness to The Lord, by Jay Bryant Ward, may not be copied. I. He was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for 34 years. Remember that the fulness of Christs ministry lies in the future. For these sacred purposes, holy temples now dot the earth. It is not man . You will remember that I have invited the youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to enlist in the Lords youth battalion to participate in the greatest cause on earth todaythe gathering of Israel. . For these sacred purposes, holy temples now dot the earth. The Lord will return to the land that He made holy by His mission there in mortality. Families are to be sealed together for all eternity (seeDoctrine and Covenants 2:23;49:17;138:48;Joseph SmithHistory 1:39). Since he was sustained as President of the Church just three years ago, President Nelson has announced 83 new templesmore than any other Church president before him (President Hinckleys temple-building legacy led to 78 new temples during his 13 years as Church president). The Lord has declared: I give unto you a sign that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion. (3 Nephi 21:1) The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign to the entire world that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel and fulfill covenants He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In June 2018, the University of Utah honored President Nelson with . I did not realize the increase that exists. It is wherever righteous Saints are. We are just building up to the climax of this last dispensationwhen the Saviors Second Coming becomes a reality.. ", He made a similar statement before announcing the transition to home-centered gospel study in 2018. President Nelson wrote about the importance of eternal families, temples, missionary work, and gathering Israel on both sides of the veil. There will be a new heaven and a new earth (seeRevelation 21:1;Ether 13:9;Doctrine and Covenants 29:2324). Other senior apostles are following President Nelsons lead on this topic as well, as shown below: In his talk, The Role of the Book of Mormon in Conversion Oct 2018, Elder ShayneM. Bowen said: A principal purpose of the Book of Mormon is to gather scattered Israel. The great latter-day work of which we are a part was established, on schedule, to bless a waiting and weeping world. For these sacred purposes, holy temples now dot the earth. It is incredible! For this reason, I hope that we take the things written in this . The most important truth the Holy Ghost will ever witness to you is that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.". In the April 2020 issue of the Ensign, President Russell M. Nelson shared a message on being prepared for the Second Coming of the Savior. Preparing the church for the Second Coming of the Savior is an unmistakable priority of President Nelson. We are to be builders of an individual faith in God, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and faith in His Church. Within Our Grasp, by Jay Bryant Ward, may not be copied. The Church of Jesus Christ currently has 300 temples around the world in operation or some stage of development. As we work to learn about our history, the gospel, and strive perfect ourselves, we become closer to Christ and increase faith in Him, allowing us to look forward to the day when He comes again. Teach your children how to pray. Missionary work is only the beginning of the blessing. All members of the Church have access to the doctrine, ordinances, priesthood keys, and blessings of the gospel, regardless of their location. Sadly, some whom you thought were your friends will betray you. We are to build the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth (see Matthew 6:33). The prophecies of His Second Coming have yet to be fulfilled. I promise that if we will do our best to exercise faith in Jesus Christ and access the power of His Atonement through repentance, we will have the knowledge and power of God to help us take the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord. He closed the conference by saying: "May we go forward together to . Receiving an endowment there seals members of the Church to the Abrahamic covenant. But there are many things we dont know, like when its going to happen. You may also like: Church responds to members mental health challenges with new self-reliance materials. We do so as we help to gather the elect of the Lord on both sides of the veil. You will have days when you will be discouraged. It is wondrous! We not only teach this doctrine, but we participate in it. Enter your email to receive updates on our LDS Living content, 2022 LDS Living A Division of Deseret Book Company, Are we experiencing signs of the Second Coming? This gathering is the greatestchallenge,the greatestcause, andthe greatestwork on earth today! I issued this invitation to our youth because they are unusually gifted in reaching out to others and sharing what they believe in a convincing fashion. In some of the references quoted above, the gathering of Israel is mentioned as a primary aspect of our preparations for the Second Coming. In this talk, I focus solely on the express promises (specifically labeled as such) made by President Nelson in general conference addresses since he became the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A necessary prelude to that Second Coming is the long-awaited gathering of scattered Israel (see 1Nephi 15:18; see also the title page of the Book of Mormon). This general conference data may be accessed at https://searchgeneralconference.com, Questions and comments are welcome at: [emailprotected]. We are part of a great movementthe gathering of scattered Israel. Why? Every time we go to the temple, our lives are reinforced by that light and by the covenants we make with God. "We are just building up to the climax of this last dispensationwhen the Savior's Second Coming becomes a reality." We are to build families and be sealed in holy temples. Berglind Gunasonrnesssla, Iceland, The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Saviors Second Coming, Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon (Mosiah 45), Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon (Mosiah 13). It is wondrous! President M. Russell Ballard speaks in a devotional broadcast from the auditorium in the Church Office Building on Temple Square on Sunday, November 13, 2022. Those seven words launched the Restoration of His gospel. Zion is the pure in heart (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21). Meanwhile, here and now, we live in a time of turmoil. President Nelson shared what he called his ABCs of personal preparation for worship in a temple: The prophet urged Saints to research their genealogy and engage in the temples vicarious service of salvation for ancestors. He will govern from two world capitals: one in old Jerusalem (seeZechariah 14) and the other in the New Jerusalem built upon the American continent (Articles of Faith 1:10). The Lord has reminded you, your children, and your grandchildren that you are lawful heirs, that you have been reserved in heaven for your specific time and place to be born, to grow and become His standard bearers and covenant people. As you walk in the Lords path of righteousness, you will be blessed to continue in His goodness and be a light and a savior unto His people (see Doctrine and Covenants 86:811). Zion is the pure in heart (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21). A welding link is to be forged between the fathers and the children. In one of the first devotional assemblies in the fall of 1975, President Spencer W. Kimball delivered his inspired address "The Second Century of Brigham Young University." 1 I was then president of Brigham Young University, so I listened to and subsequently pondered his talk as intently as any person living. The Lord will return to the land that He made holy by His mission there in mortality. President Russell M. Nelson. He is commonly regarded as the architect of Apartheid. Further, many of you live in locations that attract visitors from all over the world. Preparing for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is far more important than anything else we may be engaged in in life. Church members must also have the courage to be resilient in their faith. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is preparing the world for the day when "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord" ( Isaiah 11:9 ). Receiving an endowment there seals members of the Church to the Abrahamic covenant. The Lord has told us that there are many yet on the earth who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it. We can help. The new Church history bookSaints, Vol 1 and Saints, Vol. The next two volumes will be released over the coming years. The choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location; it is a matter of individual commitment. Brothers and sisters, we need to become and then remain pure in heart, President Ballard said. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is preparing the world for the day when "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord" (Isaiah 11:9). And President Nelson isnt the only one emphasizing the importance of gathering Israel. In many nations our members and missionaries have searched for those of scattered Israel; they have hunted for them out of the holes of the rocks (Jeremiah 16:16); and they have fished for them, as in ancient days. It is wondrous! The following chart compares the emphasis placed on the gathering of Israel in each of the recent eras: Since 1971, 6.6% (239 of 3628) of conference talks have mentioned the gathering of Israel. As you walk in the Lords path of righteousness, you will be blessed to continue in His goodness and be a light and a savior unto His people (seeDoctrine and Covenants 86:811). Then He shall reign for ever and ever (Revelation 11:15). How great shall be our joy in this life and in the next as we each do missionary work and bring more of our Heavenly Fathers children to know the gospel of Jesus Christ and to receive the blessings of the ordinances and covenants of the temple.. From that temple He shall reign forever as Lord of Lords. The Lord has reminded you, your children, and your grandchildren that you are lawful heirs, that you have been reserved in heaven for your specific time and place to be born, to grow and become His standard bearers and covenant people. He will govern from two world capitals: one in old Jerusalem (see Zechariah 14) and the other in the New Jerusalem built upon the American continent (Articles of Faith 1:10). It causes people to learn about Jesus Christ, to believe His gospel, and to join His Church. What Does It Mean to Have the Name of Christ Written in Our Hearts? Ben B. Braun, Deseret News. With scriptural prophesies being fulfilled and with the urgency that President Nelson is expressing regarding the Second Coming, it seems clear that we all need to make our own preparations a high priority in our lives.