Saturday afternoon session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

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SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding its 191st Semiannual General Conference on Saturday, Oct. 2, and Sunday, Oct. 3. This blog summarizes the key points from the Saturday afternoon session.

Follow along with our blog updates or watch each session live below.

For a glossary of the Latter-day Saint terminology used in this blog, click here.

Saturday, 04:06 pm

Elder Gary A. Stevenson: Simple divinely appointed responsibilities

Elder Gary A. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles' remarks centered on what he described as two elements of the restored gospel — the "divinely appointed responsibilities" of God's work of salvation and exaltation, and "that the gospel is plain, precious, and simple."He said that as we come unto Christ and help others do so as well, "we participate in God's work of salvation and exaltation, which focuses on divinely appointed responsibilities." Those responsibilities align with priesthood keys and the commandment to love our neighbor as ourself.Elder Stevenson emphasized that while the gospel is "simple," the world is "complex" and filled with "turmoil and strife." Those who don't let the complexity of the world enter into the way they "receive and practice" the gospel are blessed, the apostle said.Elder Stevenson told the story of members of the church from around the world who exemplify living the gospel of Jesus Christ, caring for those in need, inviting all to receive the gospel and uniting families for eternity.

"To receive eternal life, we must come unto Christ, and be perfected in him. As we come unto Christ, and help others do the same, we participate in God's work of salvation and exaltation." @StevensonGaryE | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2021After receiving a prompting to immediately go to buy a light bulb, one of those members in Denmark saved a boy who had fallen into a pond. In Colombia, members of one stake helped build a home for a group of teenage siblings who had recently been orphaned. A boy in Cape Verde helped those around him find the gospel. And a woman in Ukraine, after learning of the gospel, became sealed to her husband and together they became temple missionaries and are working on performing ordinances for their ancestors.Elder Stevenson encouraged listeners to follow those members' examples, and promised that all they accomplished "is within our grasp as well."— Ashley Imlay

Saturday, 04:00 pm

Elder Moises Villanueva: Favored of the Lord in all my days

Elder Moises Villanueva of the Seventy shared that during the pandemic he has lost his brother, sister and brother-in-law to COVID-19 and other causes, "despite medical attention, fasting and prayer."The church leader said that he had often wondered why Christ cried when he saw Mary grieving her brother's death even though Christ knew he could bring Lazarus back. He now understands that the Savior wept because he felt her intense pain and grief."The Savior has perfect compassion for us. He doesn't fault us for our short-sightedness," Elder Villanueva said.

"The Savior has perfect compassion for us. He doesn't fault us for our short-sightedness, nor for being limited in visualizing our eternal journey. Rather, He has compassion for our sadness and suffering." —Elder Moisés Villanueva #GeneralConference

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 2, 2021When Elder Villanueva was a missionary, another missionary received news that his mother and younger brother had died in an accident. Not too long after, thieves stole that missionary's bike and stabbed him, putting him in the hospital. He smiled and taught health care workers around him about the gospel while going into surgery. He did not return home despite his difficulties.Book of Mormon prophet Nephi wrote that he had "seen many inflictions" during his life but was "highly favored of the Lord."Elder Villanueva said that Nephi's recorded experiences showed that everyone has trials, but Nephi praised God anyway.When Christ learned that his cousin John the Baptist had been beheaded, he served with compassion and healed people who followed him when he grieved. Service can help with grief, Elder Villanueva explained.

"Our Savior Jesus Christ understands our pains and our afflictions. He wants to ease our burdens and comfort us. We must follow His example by serving and ministering to those with even greater burdens than our own." #ElderVillanueva #GeneralConference

— BYU Daily Universe (@UniverseBYU) October 2, 2021"I have felt his infinite love during my dark days. Our Savior Jesus Christ understands our pains and our afflictions. He wants to ease our burdens and comfort us," Elder Villanueva concluded.— Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 03:52 pm

Elder Christoffel Golden: Preparing for the Second Coming of Christ

Elder Christoffel Golden of the Seventy shared the words of scriptural and modern-day prophets, encouraging listeners to seek for truth and prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ."For those who have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to feel, more than ever before we are required to confront the reality that we are getting ever closer to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ," Golden said.Golden spoke of Nephites and Jews who rejected the idea that Christ would come to Earth. He noted that these people, along with Laman and Lemuel in the Book of Mormon, did not alter their actions and beliefs even after seeing miracles.

"[N]o teaching, no miracle and no appearance even of a heavenly angel … appears to have the persuasive power to convince some individuals to alter their course, outlook or belief that something is true." #ElderGolden | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2021He said that modern knowledge can distract people from understanding the truth of God and developing faith, but that we can find the revelations of God from prophets and scriptures."We live in a modern world filled with great knowledge and much prowess. Nonetheless, these things too often camouflage the unsteady foundation upon which they are built," Golden said.When the Savior comes again to the earth, Golden said, it will be a hard day for the wicked, but for those who are righteous, it will instead be a peaceful day.Golden concluded his talk with a quote from Joseph Smith, "'Shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren' (and may I add, sisters); 'and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad.'"— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 03:39 pm

Elder Ronald A. Rasband: The things of my soul

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles urged all to consider "the things of my soul," which he said "are often clarified and deepened by asking questions."He said the things of his soul prepare him to hear promptings, lift his sights "beyond the ways of the world," and give purpose to his gospel work and to his life.Elder Rasband discussed seven of his personal "things of my soul," which include love for Heavenly Father and the Savior and love for his neighbor. He encouraged all to love those in their lives, including family members, ward members, roommates, colleagues, those not of the same faith and "frankly everyone."

"Isn't it curious that loving ourselves seems to come less easily than loving others? Yet, the Lord has said, 'love thy neighbor as thyself.'" #ElderRasband #GeneralConference

— BYU Daily Universe (@UniverseBYU) October 2, 2021He also urged listeners to "love yourself," which he noted is something many struggle with. Heavenly Father "values the divinity within us," and we need to, too, Elder Rasband said.The apostle also emphasized the importance of keeping the commandments, remaining worthy to attend the temple, and being "joyful and cheerful" among his "things of my soul."

"I call it being recommended to the Lord. Whether you have access to a temple or not, being worthy of a current temple recommend keeps you firmly focused on the things that matter, the covenant path." @RonaldARasband | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2021As today we are "tossed to and fro" and spirituality, decency, integrity and respect are "under attack," Elder Rasband emphasized that we need to "make choices." He encouraged all to follow President Russell M. Nelson's inspired direction to be shielded from "the deceit, craftiness, and secular ways gaining momentum in the world today."— Ashley Imlay

Saturday, 03:28 pm

Elder Erich W. Kopischke: Addressing mental health

The combination of widespread mental illness all over the world and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' doctrine of becoming like Christ and being perfected can add to the taboo surrounding mental illness, said Elder Erich W. Kopischke of the Seventy."As a result, there is too much ignorance, too much silent suffering, and too much despair," he said, which may lead people to feel like they have no place in the church.

"Because mental illness can interfere with our perception of perfection, it remains all too often a taboo. As a result, there is too much ignorance, too much silent suffering and too much despair." #ElderKopischke | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2021Elder Kopischke reminded viewers that when Christ felt the pains of the world, it included the vast array of mental health challenges, so the Savior understands people with mental illness on a personal level.Elder Kopischke's son returned early from his mission after four weeks because of severe panic attacks and depression.Although the son's parents were disappointed, the experience was "infinitely more devastating for him," Elder Kopischke recounted, and eventually led to a further decline of mental health until his son felt like the only answer would be to take his own life."It took the Holy Ghost and a legion of angels on both sides of the veil to save him," the church leader said.Family, ward members and friends supported the family during this difficult time and, thankfully, his son survived and got the care he needed. However, Elder Kopishcke said, he knows that not all stories end so happily.How can parents see signs of mental illness? He recommends staying close to the Lord, educating yourself, remembering you're not alone, watching over each other and holding onto your faith and covenants.

"Learning will lead to more understanding, more acceptance, more compassion, more love." #ElderKopischke #GeneralConference

— BYU Daily Universe (@UniverseBYU) October 2, 2021— Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 03:20 pm

Sister Susan H. Porter: God's love: The most joyous to the soul

Sister Susan H. Porter, first counselor in the Primary general presidency, spoke about God's pure love."When you know and understand how completely you are loved as a child of God, it changes everything," Porter said.Understanding this love, she said, will change how people feel about themselves, others and God's commandments. She encouraged those listening to seek to learn how much they are loved by God through praying to see God's hand in their lives.Porter spoke about the Book of Mormon prophet Nephi who was given visions to help him understand the love of God, including a vision of the birth of the Savior and of the tree of life. The love of God, which she said is represented by light emanating from the tree of life, reaches around the earth and all of God's creations.

"God's love is not found in the circumstances of our lives, but in His presence in our lives." #SisterPorter | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/RZqLSFAqaJ

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2021She said that God's love is available to God's children before they reach the tree of life. This love is what motivates individuals to seek the tree of life.Porter shared examples of individuals who helped Primary children experience the pure love of God, including a Primary teacher who testified to two children in Russia about the individuality of Christ's atonement.Another example she shared was about a man who left the church, but later, after reflecting and talking to friends about his questions, he felt a distinct manifestation of the love of God. He felt directed to begin participating in church, and share that love through his calling, while continuing to consider the questions he had."As we receive his love, we find greater joy in striving to love and serve as he did, becoming "true followers of his son, Jesus Christ,'" Porter said.— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 02:59 pm

Elder Ciro Schmeil of the Seventy: Faith to act and become

Elder Ciro Schmeil of the Seventy recalled a lunch he had with church President Russell M. Nelson soon after Elder Schmeil began his calling. After he asked the prophet for advice, he said President Nelson told him, "You are called for what you can become."He emphasized President Nelson's call for all to become more like Christ and to ask Heavenly Father for His help through prayer.Becoming a better disciple of Jesus Christ requires us to "strengthen our faith by asking, acting, and studying, among other things," Elder Schmeil said.

Elder Schmeil: "To become a better follower of the Savior Jesus Christ is a lifelong journey and we are all in different stages, moving at a different pace. We must keep in mind that this is not a competition, and we are here to love and help each other." #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/6F0hFkm5NZ

— Tad Walch (@Tad_Walch) October 2, 2021Prayer is one of the keys to learn how to become a better disciple of Christ, Elder Schmeil said, by asking to know His will and accepting "that the Lord knows what is better for us."Acting is the second key to becoming a better disciple, he said, and pointed to the Book of Mormon story of Nephi retrieving the golden plates and being led by the spirit along his journey. Christ guides us as we "put forth effort" even when we don't yet know what needs to be done, Elder Schmeil said.We also need to study the scriptures and teach from them to become better disciples of Christ. After Nephi brought back the gold plates, his family used them to find help along their journey to the promised land and to teach their children, Elder Schmeil noted.Finally, those who want to become a better disciple of Christ need to "act to become," even when answers to prayers don't come immediately. Elder Schmeil urged us to "be persistent like Nephi" and persevere day by day.

"Through prayer, scripture study, and action, we can unlock the blessings of heaven and become better followers of the Savior Jesus Christ." —Elder Ciro Schmeil #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/IKxulsXFiA

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 2, 2021— Ashley Imlay

Saturday, 02:45 pm

Elder David A. Bednar: With the power of God in great glory

Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, began the Saturday afternoon session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by recounting Moroni's teachings from when faithful church members believe the angel appeared by Joseph Smith's bedside.One of the first topics Moroni addressed was the Book of Mormon as a way to help individuals on Earth achieve salvation. The angel also quoted the biblical prophet Malachi and how to expand the work of salvation and exaltation for the dead.In 1837, Joseph Smith stated that "the greatest and most important duty is to preach the gospel" — but seven years later, he said that the greatest responsibility was "to seek after our dead." Elder Bednar asked how both could be the greatest. His answer? That they are two sides of the same responsibility: to make covenants through ordinances.Elder Bednar explained that covenants and ordinances bind people to Christ and make them covenant people, "armed with truth and righteousness."

#ElderBednar | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/RA4ACGuMJS

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) October 2, 2021"That bond with Him is the source of spiritual strength in every season of our lives," he said.He recounted stories of members of the church who had gone through difficulties like paralysis, caring for family members with a terminal illness or divorce and were able to find peace, mercy and love through their connection to Christ.

"Covenant promises and blessings are possible only because of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He invites us to look to Him, come unto Him, learn of Him, and bind ourselves to Him through the covenants and ordinances of His restored gospel." —Elder @BednarDavidA #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/PpSS8up8bL

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 2, 2021"Covenant promises and blessings are possible only because of our Savior, Jesus Christ," Elder Bednar concluded.— Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 01:59 pm

Saturday afternoon general conference session begins

Join us as the KSL.com team keeps you up to date with the latest talk summaries, announcements and events during the October general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.