Sunday 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 192nd Annual General Conference Saturday, April 2, and Sunday, April 3. This blog summarizes the key points from the Sunday 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.

Sunday, 04:06 pm

President Russell M. Nelson — Now is the time

In his message at the close of the 192nd Annual General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, encouraged church members to spend their time wisely and attend the temple.He said he hopes church members have been inspired and blessed during general conference."My prayer is that the Spirit has spoken to you directly about things the Lord would have you do," President Nelson said.President Nelson said that the future is always uncertain and there are things beyond our control, but church members do have control over how they spend their time."Yes, we should learn from the past, and yes, we should prepare for the future. But only now can we do. Now is the time we can learn. Now is the time we can repent. Now is the time we can bless others and 'lift up the hands which hang down,'" he said.President Nelson said there will always be opposition, and encouraged church members to increase their "positive spiritual momentum" so that they can move forward through challenges.

"I plead with you to counter worldly ways by focusing on the eternal blessings of the temple. Your time there brings blessings for eternity." @NelsonRussellM | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 3, 2022One way he said church members can do this is by focusing on the blessings of the temple."I love you, my dear brothers and sisters. And more importantly, the Lord loves you. He is your Savior and your Redeemer. He leads and guides his church. May we be a people worthy of the Lord, who said, 'Ye shall be my people, and I will be your God,'" President Nelson said.The church president also announced plans to build 17 new temples throughout the world in the following locations:

Wellington, New Zealand

Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

Barcelona, Spain

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Cusco, Peru

Maceió, Brazil

Santos, Brazil

San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Mexico City Benemérito, Mexico

Tampa, Florida

Knoxville, Tennessee

Cleveland, Ohio

Wichita, Kansas

Austin, Texas

Missoula, Montana

Montpelier, Idaho

Modesto, California

— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 03:55 pm

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf — Our heartfelt all

With the simple illustration of the widow's mite found in the New Testament, Jesus Christ taught how offerings are measured in the kingdom, said Elder Deiter F. Uchtdorf, of the church's Quorum of Twelve Apostles.The widow submitted one lowly mite, compared to grand and large donations by much wealthier individuals at the temple treasury. But Christ praised the widow's mite, instead of the rich donors."In praising this faithful widow, the Savior gave us a standard to measure our discipleship in all of its many expressions," Elder Uchtdorf said. "Jesus taught that our offering may be large or it may be small, but either way, it must be our heartfelt all."

"To the Lord, the value of the [widow's] donation was measured not by the effect it had on the treasury but by the effect it had on the donor." @UchtdorfDF | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/iQi52JP8ph

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 3, 2022Balancing the time and aspirations to become like Christ can be like riding a bicycle, which takes time and effort to practice but can eventually become seemingly effortless, the apostle said."Whenever I watch someone learning to ride a bike for the first time, I'm reminded that it's not easy balancing yourself on those two narrow wheels," he said. "It takes time. It takes practice. It takes patience. It even takes falling down a time or two.""Staying balanced is all about moving forward," he added.Put another way — and in a much more relatable analogy, the one-time pilot and executive at German airline Lufthansa joked: "Discipleship, like most things in life, can also be compared to flying an airplane.""If we want to find balance in life, and if we want the Savior to lift us heavenward, then our commitment to him and his gospel can't be casual or occasional," Elder Uchtdorf said. "Like the widow at Jerusalem, we must offer him our whole souls. Our offering may be small, but it must come from our heart and soul. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not just one of many things we do."

"When we look at our lives and see a hundred things to do, we feel overwhelmed. When we see one thing — loving and serving God and His children, in a hundred different ways — then we can work on those things with joy." @UchtdorfDF | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/c4cFtocdtt

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 3, 2022Balance and lift require focusing on what is important to get off the ground, just as lifting in the gospel sometimes requires sacrificing to become a disciple of Jesus Christ, Elder Uchtdorf said. Church members may not be required to sacrifice everything to God, but "all are invited to consecrate our lives to him."Such consecration helps to realize what is important, and what matters most, he said."When we look at our lives and see a hundred things to do, we feel overwhelmed," Elder Uchtdorf said. "When we see one thing — loving and serving God and his children, in a hundred different ways — then we can focus on those things with joy. This is how we offer our whole souls — by sacrificing anything that's holding us back and consecrating the rest to the Lord and his purposes."— Sean Walker

Sunday, 03:45 pm

Elder Randy D. Funk — Come into the fold of God

Following Jesus Christ and entering his "fold" can bring members "numerous, joyful and eternal" blessings, Elder Randy D. Funk, general authority seventy of the church, taught Sunday afternoon.Elder Funk explained that as a shepherd calls sheep into the fold at the end of the day, so does God call his children to enter his fold and make covenants like baptism. In a sheepfold, the sheep are kept safe and tended to; similarly, in the fold of God people can "experience his watchful, nurturing care and are blessed."Just as there would be only one entrance to a sheepfold, there is only one entrance to the fold of God: "By and through Jesus Christ" and his doctrine, Elder Funk said.

"To receive the marvelous blessings promised to those who come into the fold of God requires us to do just that — we need to choose to come." #ElderFunk | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 3, 2022As the ancient prophet Alma taught in the Book of Mormon, entering into the fold and following Christ's doctrine brings four blessings:

Being redeemed of God. Elder Funk taught that the only way to be free from sin is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Being resurrected. "After our spirits depart our mortal bodies, we will undoubtedly look forward to when we can again with a resurrected body embrace those we love."

Having eternal life. Not only does eternal life mean to live with God, but it also means to live as he lives, which is "the ultimate purpose and objective of our lives," Elder Funk said.

Having the companionship of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost provides guidance and comfort, he said.

#ElderFunk | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/YSn39cyFiS

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) April 3, 2022Despite the sadness and trials of mortal life, he said being in God's fold can bring peace and the knowledge that eternal life with God is possible.Elder Funk emphasized that to receive these blessings, members must choose to come and enter the fold. He also encouraged members to help others on their journey to the fold of God.— Lisi Merkley

Sunday, 03:32 pm

Elder Ulisses Soares — In awe of Christ and his gospel

Elder Ulisses Soares, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shared a story about a friend of his who visits the Holy Land frequently and always learns something new about the Savior and his ministry. He said the awe his friend has when talking about the Holy Land is contagious."When we truly are in awe of Jesus Christ and his gospel, we are happier, we have more enthusiasm for God's work, and we recognize the Lord's hand in all things," Elder Soares said.He said there is always something wonderful to learn about Christ and the gospel. Throughout his talk, Elder Soares listed many blessings that come from being in awe of the gospel and continuing to learn.

#ElderSoares | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/i1BAKYd4nm

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) April 3, 2022He also said living in awe of the gospel will help church members be "spiritually resilient" and avoid apathy toward the gospel, which he said can lead to doubt."The wonder I refer to is the sensation of emotion, awe or amazement common to all who wholeheartedly center their lives on the Savior and his teachings and humbly recognize his presence in their lives," he said.Elder Soares invited church members to intentionally look to Christ and learn about him. He said doing this will strengthen church members' wonder around the gospel and help them keep covenants through challenges."As we genuinely and continually strive to learn of the Savior and follow his example, I promise you, in his name, that his divine attributes will be written in our minds and hearts, that we will become more like him, and that we will walk with him," he said.

"My beloved brothers and sisters, I pray that we will ever stand in awe of Jesus Christ and His complete, infinite and perfect love." @Ulisses__Soares | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/nnYyy76gEK

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 3, 2022— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 03:17 pm

President Mark L. Pace — Conversion is our goal

As president of the church's Sunday School organization on the church-wide level, President Mark L. Pace spoke highly and heavily of the church's "Come, Follow Me" instruction resource for scripture study.That resource seeks a miracle, the miracle of conversion, "when one person has an experience in the scriptures, and that experience is blessed by the influence of the Holy Ghost," he said. That miracle can occur over and over throughout life."Long-lasting conversion is a lifelong process," President Pace said. "Conversion is our goal."Successful experiences with the scriptures must be your own, he told members."Reading or hearing about another person's experiences and insights can be helpful," he added, "but that won't bring the same converting power. There is no substitute for the time you spend in the scriptures, hearing the Holy Ghost speak directly to you."

#PresidentPace | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/rEcWkLnmBF

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) April 3, 2022President Russell M. Nelson promised four blessings to members as they were invited to "transform our homes into sanctuaries of faith and centers of gospel learning" while implementing the Come, Follow Me curriculum, which President Pace highlighted:

Your sabbath days will be a delight.

Your children will be excited to learn and live the Savior's teachings.

The influence of the adversary in your life will decrease.

These changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining.

"When we study the scriptures, there is no spiritual famine in the land," President Pace said. "In ancient times, as the children of Israel followed the lord's direction, given through the prophet Moses, they were blessed with safety and freedom. Today, as we follow the Lord's direction, given through our living prophet, Russell M. Nelson, we are equally blessed with conversion in our hearts and protection in our homes."

"Spiritual foundations must be constantly reinforced. Long-lasting conversion is a lifelong process. Conversion is our goal." ––President Mark L. Pace #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/ndOYfuQ6IE

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 3, 2022— Sean Walker

Sunday, 03:11 pm

Elder Jörg Klebingat — Valiant discipleship in the latter days

Elder Jörg Klebingat, general authority seventy of the church, encouraged members to use their agency to confidently follow the Savior and ignore the words of those who speak badly of the church.While many voices might mock the faithful members of the church, Elder Klebingat told members that faith in Jesus Christ allows them to live their faith without fear. He asked them if their faith, covenants and love for the Lord outweigh "the praise of the world or the number of likes on social media."He also addressed those who worry that standing up for their faith and teaching others the commandments might "be seen as an act of intolerance." He said it is possible for members to "accept and respect others without endorsing their beliefs or actions," and that they don't need to apologize for or hide their beliefs.

"There is no need to sacrifice truth on the altar of agreeableness and social desirability." #ElderKlebingat #GeneralConference #UniverseBYU

— BYU Daily Universe (@UniverseBYU) April 3, 2022Members who put God's voice ahead of the world's voice may see persecution, but Elder Klebingat told members in this situation to ask if they are "firmly built on the rock of Jesus Christ and his servants."He referred to the prophet and apostles as "the lightning rods for those unhappy with the word of God," but said they are not ashamed of their testimonies and are called to teach the doctrine of God, regardless of the views of the world."Don't be fooled or intimidated by the loud adversarial noises emanating from the great and spacious building," he said. "Their desperate decibels are no match for the serene influence of the still, small voice."He closed by saying, "It's a good day to be good!"

"God won't force us to do good, and the devil can't force us to do evil. … It is our strength that is being tested, not God's." #ElderKlebingat | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 3, 2022— Lisi Merkley

Sunday, 03:02 pm

Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran — The covenant path: The way to eternal life

Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran, of the Seventy, taught members about relying on Jesus Christ to stay on the covenant path and receive the blessings of exaltation."Dear brothers and sisters, each of us is a prince or princess. We have been sent to mortality by a loving Heavenly Father to enjoy the blessing of a body that would become immortal through the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ," Elder Ojediran said.He said Christ invites people to come unto him over 90 times in the scriptures."The Savior himself invites us to come unto him and take his yoke upon us that we may have rest in this tumultuous world," he said.Elder Ojediran said those who keep covenants with God are promised peace now and eternal life. He said the blessings of exaltation are assured, although it is not known when or how they will come.

"The path to perfection is the covenant path, and Jesus Christ is the center of all ordinances and covenants." ––Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/t5Vki20RYz

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 3, 2022Elder Ojediran said enduring to the end and following Christ leads to salvation, and the doctrine of Christ is what helps people find and stay on the covenant path.He said the Savior emphasized two things regarding keeping covenants: the Holy Ghost, who can guide church members on the covenant path, and the ordinance of the sacrament which leads to forgiveness of sin through repentance."We need the Spirit to help us navigate through mortality as we faithfully keep covenants, and the sacrament to energize our spiritual being," Elder Ojediran said.He said church members should work to have the Holy Ghost prepare them to take the sacrament and partake of the sacrament regularly."A happy ending is assured as we prayerfully study and honor the Savior's invitation and enjoy his promised blessings," he said.— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 02:39 pm

President Dallin H. Oaks — Divine love in the Father's plan

The gospel provides members of the church with "a unique understanding of Heavenly Father's plan," President Dallin H. Oaks, of the church's First Presidency, said in opening the final session of the 192nd Annual General Conference on Sunday afternoon.That includes a unique understanding of what most of Christianity refers to as "heaven" and "hell.""From modern revelation, we know that those mansions are in three different kingdoms of glory," President Oaks said. "In the final judgment, each of us will be judged according to our deeds and the desires of our hearts."But little is known about two of those kingdoms, he added, while "the Lord has revealed much about the highest kingdom of glory, which the Bible describes as the 'glory of the sun.'"

#PresidentOaks | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/UTr5sNmVQC

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) April 3, 2022"The covenants made and the blessings promised to the faithful in the temples of God are the key," he added. "This explains our worldwide building of temples."Some are puzzled at this emphasis, not understanding that the covenants and ordinances of the temple guide us toward achieving exaltation. This can only be understood in the context of the revealed truth of three degrees of glory."Still, President Oaks said in making reference to Elder Quentin L. Cook's discourse Saturday, each of the three kingdoms "are more wonderful than we can comprehend."Similarly, each of the church's teachings and policies can be best understood in the context of its reference to "our Heavenly Father's loving plan for all of his children," including its current emphasis on religious freedom, missionary work, parenthood and marriage."The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is properly known as a family-centered church," President Oaks said. "But not well understood is the reality that our family-centeredness is not limited to mortal relationships. Eternal relationships are also fundamental to our theology."

"God desires all of us to strive for His greatest possible blessings by keeping His highest commandments, covenants and ordinances, all of which culminate in His holy temples being built throughout the world." @OaksDallinH | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/QwtXGSFtuP

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 3, 2022For that reason, the apostle said the church has been "required … to oppose social and legal pressures to retreat from his doctrine of marriage between a man and a woman, and to oppose changes that confuse or alter gender or homogenize the differences between men and women," and advocate for principles taught in the church's codified 1995 Proclamation on the Family.— Sean Walker