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

By KSL.com Staff | Updated - Oct. 1, 2022 at 7:45 p.m. | Posted - Oct. 1, 2022 at 5:55 p.m.

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SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding its 192nd Semiannual General Conference Saturday, Oct. 1, and Sunday, Oct. 2. This blog summarizes the key points from the Saturday evening session.

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

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

Saturday, 07:45 pm

Elder Neil L. Andersen — Drawing closer to the Savior

Elder Neil L Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said that prior to Christ's second coming there will be good and evil on every side. Elder Andersen said today requires a more concentrated effort to stay away from worldly influences, but the Lord will not desert us."We realize that as evil increases in the world, our spiritual survival, and the spiritual survival of those we love, will require that we more fully nurture, fortify and strengthen the roots of our faith in Jesus Christ," Elder Andersen said.He said there is an added blessing of power as members strengthen their faith and keep his commandments, but that it is an ongoing process.Elder Andersen said temples can help separate members from worldly influences while helping them learn about their purpose."Making and keeping covenants allows the love of the Savior to sink more deeply into our heart," he said.

"Having faith in Jesus Christ and being a true disciple is more than a one-time decision—more than a one-time event. It is a sacred, ongoing process that grows and expands through the seasons of our lives, continuing until we kneel at His feet." Elder @AndersenNeilL | pic.twitter.com/nOftsjRpFe

— Trent Toone (@tbtoone) October 2, 2022Elder Andersen read comments from his recent social media post asking members about choices "that required them to be different from the world."He said millions of members stretch across the Earth into all nations and cultures, shining light into the world while waiting for "the glorious return of our Lord and Savior." Elder Andersen encouraged members to separate themselves from the world by being distinct, but not isolate themselves.

"With every righteous movement toward Him, we see Him more clearly. We adore Him and try in our small ways to emulate him." @AndersenNeilL | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022"As you allow your love for the Savior and his love for you to sink deep into your heart, I promise you added confidence, peace and joy in meeting the challenges of your life," he said.Elder Andersen ended his talk by assuring members that Christ promised together his people, represented by wheat, from the world.— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 07:17 pm

Elder Denelson Silva — Courage to proclaim the truth

Elder Denelson Silva of the Seventy shared his conversion story, which began when a college classmate shared the Book of Mormon with him.During the first few years of his membership, he learned that "when I decided to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, I had accepted the task of not only defending the truth, but also of proclaiming it," he said.Silva explained that becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ didn't serve as a guarantee that someone would avoid all hard times and criticism and moments of doubt. However, he continued, there is a promise that people can get through those times with the help of God and that they won't be alone.

#ElderSilva | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/XrPkJ6HGel

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) October 2, 2022He went on to explain that once someone learns of the truth, it is then their responsibility to share that truth with others."The opportunity for missionary service in our youth is unique. Please, young men, do not postpone your preparation to serve the Lord as a missionary," Silva said. He also added that young women who want to serve missions are "very welcome in the vineyard of the Lord."But the work of sharing truth isn't exclusive to the young, he explained. People who are at different stages of life, including being married, are also necessary and should prepare themselves to serve however they can."Live healthy lives, seeking for temporal and spiritual self-reliance, because the opportunities to do what the Lord would do for his children are not limited to one age group," Silva said.He ended with a promise that those who proclaim the truth and live the truth will find peace, even during difficult and chaotic times.

"As you proceed firmly in Christ and with courage not only to proclaim the truth but to live the truth, you will find comfort and peace during the turbulence that you shall encounter in these days." —Elder Denelson Silva #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/S5naMo9f32

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 2, 2022— Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 07:09 pm

Elder Kevin W. Pearson — Are you still willing?

Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy directed thoughts midway through the Saturday evening session of general conference toward a question: "How many times have we witnessed unto God that we are willing, and what does that mean 'to be willing'?""Keeping my covenants must be more than good intentions," Elder Pearson said, before adding, "Partaking of the sacrament is not a passive religious ritual implying our mere consent. It is a powerful reminder of the reality and centrality of Christ's infinite atonement, and the need to always remember him and keep his commandments."Latter-day Saints should build their spiritual foundation on Jesus Christ, and not on "social media influencers or TikTok enthusiasts," he said."The precepts of men rarely align with divine truth," Elder Pearson added. "The church is a gathering place of imperfect individuals who love God and who are willing to follow the Lord Jesus Christ."

#ElderPearson | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/ZNLXhtYSJR

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) October 2, 2022One's willingness and evidence of commitment are shown by the importance that church members place on Sabbath day observance, paying an honest tithe, holding a current temple recommend, attending the temple and honoring temple covenants, Elder Pearson said.God expects plenty from his children, Elder Pearson said. But those expectations come with gifts that include the easing of burdens, calming of fears, giving of strength and bringing of "peace and understanding to our hearts in times of distress and grief."The purpose of life is to prove willingness — and full willingness leads to a fullness of joy. It's more than a "simple checklist," Elder Pearson mentioned, but a "process of spiritual growth and deepening commitment to Jesus Christ.""We cannot afford to take vacation days or personal time off from our willingness to 'stand as witnesses of God in all times, and in all things and in all places …," he said. "Discipleship is not cheap, because the companionship of the Holy Ghost is priceless."

"Discipleship is not cheap, because the companionship of the Holy Ghost is priceless." —Elder Kevin W. Pearson #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/ErhfgBlvQ8

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 2, 2022The most powerful spiritual influence in the life of a child is the righteous example of parents and grandparents who keep their temple covenants, Elder Pearson said, adding they also teach their children to have faith in Jesus Christ, and help them "carry their own lamps of testimony filled with spiritual oil," he added, referring to the New Testament's parable of the 10 virgins.Those who build a solid foundation on Christ "will not fail, and … need not fear."— Sean Walker

Saturday, 07:01 pm

Sister Michelle D. Craig — Wholehearted

Jesus Christ's disciples always go through hard times, Sister Michelle D.Craig said, but Jesus promised he would not leave them alone to face these issues.The first counselor in the Young Women general presidency told members of the church they are asked to dig deep to find strength to keep going and be joyful in their personal trials."The Savior fulfills his promise to be with us, his disciples, but we must continually look to him (to) help us recognize and enjoy his presence," she said.

#SisterCraig | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/Ydaijsm4h1

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) October 2, 2022Sister Craig said disciples of Christ should believe they can keep covenants even through trials, act in faith and "be wholehearted and joyful" in devotion to Christ."I am learning that Heavenly Father is more interested in my growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ than he is with my comfort. I may not always want it to be that way — but it is!" she said.Sister Craig said sometimes people are so weighed down they don't think to do something simple and act with faith in Christ to solve their own problems. She noted that Christ encouraged lepers to go to the priests, and they were healed through taking that action."Trials do not mean that the plan is failing; they are part of the plan meant to help me seek God. I become more like him when I endure patiently and, hopefully, like him, when in agony, I pray more earnestly."

"And until the day that the everyday wounds of mortality are healed, I will wait upon the Lord and trust Him—His timing, His wisdom, His plan." #SisterCraig #GeneralConference #UniverseBYU #trustontheLord

— The Daily Universe (@UniverseBYU) October 2, 2022Sister Craig talked about her commitment to stand with the Lord and keep getting up and keep covenants."Arm in arm with you, I want to stand with him forever. Wholehearted. Knowing that when we love Jesus Christ with all our hearts, he gives us all in return," Sister Craig said.— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 06:49 pm

Bishop Gérald Caussé — Our earthly stewardship

Presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bishop Gérald Caussé, began the Saturday evening session of the October 2022 general conference by talking about taking care of the Earth and God's creations on the Earth.He explained that the creation of the Earth was to create a setting for people to be tested, and that from Adam and Eve, part of that test was to take care of God's creations."Our Heavenly Father allows us to use earthly resources according to our own free will. Yet, our agency should not be interpreted as a license to use or consume the riches of this world without wisdom or restraint," he said.In fact, Bishop Caussé explained, taking care of Earth is a sacred duty and part of discipleship. And members of the church should use the natural resources they have been given "more reverently and prudently."

#BishopCaussé | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/Q0DUHSLcSx

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) October 2, 2022He stated that caring for the planet also means caring for the other human beings on the Earth, as a gardener cares lovingly for plants in a garden.

"Our stewardship over God's creations also includes, at its pinnacle, a sacred duty to love, respect, and care for all human beings with whom we share the earth." —Bishop Gérald Caussé #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/cfpYEm8Dj1

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 2, 2022Bishop Caussé talked about the parable of the talents and commented on how, like the people of the story, people should not just work to conserve and preserve the Earth and the natural resources they have been given, but also improve upon it and leave it better.He then concluded with the idea that one of the greatest things a disciple can do to show good stewardship is to become a co-creator with God by having children and helping children learn, grow and thrive.— Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 06:00 pm

Saturday evening 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.