Sunday morning 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 Semiannual General Conference Saturday, Oct. 1, and Sunday, Oct. 2. This blog summarizes key points from the Sunday morning 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.

Sunday, 12:00 pm

President Russell M. Nelson — Overcome the world and find rest

President Russell M. Nelson emphasized his love for members of the church, and said he marvels "at the way you spring into action whenever you see others in need. I stand amazed at the faith and testimony you demonstrate, again and again."He added that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ "love you" and noted it's "vital" to experience their love as "we are accosted daily by an onslaught of sobering news."But "so many wonderful things are ahead," he said. "In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior's power that the world has ever seen," between now and the time of the Lord's Second Coming.The prophet described the present time as the "most complicated time in the world's history, with complexities and challenges that leave many people overwhelmed and exhausted."

"In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior's power that the world has ever seen. ... He will bestow countless privileges, blessings and miracles upon the faithful." #PresidentNelson #GeneralConference #Deseret pic.twitter.com/wl4JCydSoj

— Tad Walch (@Tad_Walch) October 2, 2022But, he said, church members can find rest promised by the Savior, as Jesus says "for my yoke is easy and my burden is light."President Nelson said he grieves for those who leave the church because they feel membership requires too much of them. "Each person who makes covenants in baptismal fonts, in temples, and keeps them, has increased access to the power of Jesus Christ. Please ponder that stunning truth," he said.The reward for keeping covenants with God is heavenly power that helps people through their trials, he said. Church members can overcome the "plagues" of the world and find true rest by seeking and following the promptings of the spirit, and by "repeatedly" embracing the doctrine of Christ.

"My message to you today is that because Jesus Christ overcame this fallen world and because He atoned for each of us, you too can overcome this sin-saturated, self-centered and often exhausting world." #PresidentNelson #GeneralConference #Deseret pic.twitter.com/3OUR20diwT

— Tad Walch (@Tad_Walch) October 2, 2022"As we strive to live the higher laws of Jesus Christ, our hearts and our very natures begin to change," he said.He urged church members to "take charge of your own testimony of Jesus Christ and his gospel," and work for it and nurture it, as well as feed it truth. He said miracles will happen in the lives of those who do so.— Ashley Imlay

Sunday, 11:39 am

Elder David A. Bednar – Put on thy strength, O Zion

Elder David A. Bednar spoke about parables being a defining feature of Christ's teaching.Many parables liken the kingdom of heaven to other familiar things so Christ could more easily teach those he ministered to.

#ElderBednar | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/Y5mOSaXeqA

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) October 2, 2022"The intended meaning or message of a parable typically is not expressed explicitly. Rather, the story only conveys divine truth to a receiver in proportion to his or her faith in God, personal spiritual preparation, and willingness to learn," Elder Bednar said.He said individuals must use their agency to seek and find truth in a parable.Elder Bednar spoke of the parable of the wedding feast, showing how misguided priorities can lead disciples away from Christ.In the parable, one guest showed up to the wedding not wearing the proper attire even though the clothes were provided for him.Elder Bednar explained this action from the unrobed guest was disrespectful and that he had chosen to rebel against the king."The man desired the honor of attending the wedding feast but did not want to follow the custom of the king. He wanted to do things his own way," he said.Elder Bednar said an individual may accept the invitation and sit down at the feast but they do not partake because they chose to not wear the garment of "converting faith in the Lord Jesus and in his divine grace."

"We have both God's call and our individual response to that call, and many may be called but few chosen." @BednarDavidA | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022Similarly, people today may say they choose to follow Christ, yet don't partake of the gospel because they rebel against the commandments. He said many respond to the call from Christ but they do not choose to follow the call."Instead, our hearts, our desires, our honoring of sacred gospel covenants and ordinances, our obedience to the commandments, and, most importantly, the Savior's redeeming grace and mercy determine whether we are counted as one of God's chosen," he said.Elder Bednar promised that as people seek for spiritual eyes and ears, they will be blessed with the capacity and judgment to strengthen their covenant connection with the Lord."We also will receive the power of godliness in our lives — and ultimately be both called to and chosen for the Lord's feast," he said.— Cassidy Wixom

Sunday, 11:33 am

President Steven J. Lund — Lasting discipleship

Over 150,000 youth attended the church's For Strength of Youth conferences this year, according to President Steven J. Lund, general president of the Young Men. He said these youth had "moments of clarity" and spiritual growth during that week, and he encouraged youth to keep that growth instead of slipping backwards.President Lund spoke about how to turn love for God into "lasting discipleship.""Let there be no doubt, it is the very stuff of heroes displayed by our youth when they set their hearts and minds to standing upright against the shifting moral tectonics of our time," he said.

"The stalwart youth of Zion are voyaging through stunning times. Finding joy in this world of prophesied disruption without becoming part of that world, with its blind spot toward holiness, is their particular charge." #PresidentLund | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022President Lund said youth are not facing these challenges by themselves, but with each other, parents, leaders and with a prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, leading them.He said to some it is an act of trust to attend sacrament, but simply attending church can send people home "on higher ground." President Lund said members need to keep doing the things they did to get to that higher ground — praying, reading scriptures and serving others."Like brightly hulled steel ships at sea, we live in a spiritually corrosive environment wherethe most gleaming convictions must be mindfully maintained or they can etch, and then corrode, and then crumble away," President Lund said.

"Experiences like FSY conferences, camps, sacrament meetings, and missions can help to burnish our testimonies, taking us through arcs of growth and spiritual discovery to places of relative peace. ..." 1/3 #PresidentLund @GeneralConference @Deseret pic.twitter.com/228xYidQ3W

— Tad Walch (@Tad_Walch) October 2, 2022He spoke about encouraging a missionary returning home to carry the spiritual momentum from the mission throughout his life. He said discipleship is not just a slogan on a T-shirt."I know that through trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ, and his covenant path, we can find spiritual confidence and peace, as we nurture holy habits and righteous routines that can sustain and fuel the fires of our faith," President Lund said.— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 11:20 am

Elder Joseph W. Sitati — Patterns of discipleship

Elder Joseph W. Sitati, emeritus general authority, focused on the need for church members to practice patterns of faith, humility, love and service.He explained that the pattern of the sun rising and setting each day is one daily reminder "of realities that govern our lives that we cannot change." When we don't respect and align with those eternal realities, "we are unsettled."

"Whenever we care to notice, we see that Heavenly Father has given us sufficient witnesses of truth to govern our lives so we'll know Him and have the blessings of peace and joy." #ElderSitati | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022Elder Sitati noted the Lord promises to provide "a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived," and that "all things denote there is a God."Our hearts need to be receptive to the spirit, and to do so one needs to be humble, meek and lowly, as Christ did when he submitted to baptism "even though he was righteous and holy," he said.

"Humility inclines the heart of the disciple towards repentance and obedience. The Spirit of God is then able to bring truth to that heart, and it will find entry." #ElderSitati #GeneralConference @Deseret pic.twitter.com/zyhy6qWYJ6

— Tad Walch (@Tad_Walch) October 2, 2022Lack of humility contributes to Apostle Paul's prophecy that men shall be "boasters" in the last day, as well as disobedient and unholy, Elder Sitati said.Christ also showed "that with an attitude of humility, it is indeed possible to know and to love God the Father with all our being and to love others as we love ourselves, holding back nothing."His ministry on Earth was a "pattern" for applying those principles, which Elder Sitati described as "outward looking" because they focus on others.He said love for God and service to others "nurtured at home" can lead to the attribute of charity."This resonates with the pattern of consecrated service in the kingdom of God that is set before us by the Lord's living prophets and apostles. We become one with them," Elder Sitati said.— Ashley Imlay

Sunday, 11:13 am

Elder Gerritt W. Gong — Happy and forever

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles began his talk discussing the idea of "Happily Ever After." He said life is messy and things go wrong, yet, many people choose to still believe they can be happy and some things can last forever."True enduring joy and eternity with those we love are the very essence of God's plan of happiness," he said.Elder Gong said that living with faith and obedience in Christ will bring eternal joy into life.

#ElderGong | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/sbf8azo7CF

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) October 2, 2022He shared a story of a woman who delayed doing her father's temple work because he had not been a good father to her when he was alive. After a year of praying and fasting, she decided to complete her father's temple work.She said she saw her father in a dream and he thanked her for doing his temple work and she realized he had changed and she could forgive him. Christ's Atonement will bring peace to the past and hope to the future, Elder Gong said."Temple ordinances do not of themselves change us, or those in the spirit world. But these divine ordinances enable sanctifying covenants with the Lord, which can bring harmony with him and each other," Elder Gong said.Elder Gong gave five doctrinal principles that help people understand the "happy and forever" that can come from the gospel.First, through the Atonement, God promises to unite spirit and body so "we might receive a fullness of joy." Second, being at one with Christ comes through exercising faith and repentance.The third principle is that God knows and loves each person perfectly. Elder Gong encouraged all to not delay repentance, as God knows the intent of our hearts."The blessings of repentance begin as we begin to repent," he said.Fourth, all can become more like Christ as they participate in work for the dead in the temple. The final principle invoked the Golden Rule and said we should offer forgiveness to others as we would want to be forgiven."Our joy becomes full as we feel Jesus Christ's grace and forgiveness for us. And, as we offer the miracle of his grace and forgiveness to each other, the mercy we receive and the mercy we offer can help make life's injustices just," he said.Elder Gong concluded that coming closer to Christ will make people focus less on themselves and in turn heal relationships and hearts leading to happiness for forever.

"True, enduring joy and eternity with those we love are the very essence of God's plan of happiness." —Elder @GerritWGong #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/BfP1wixaau

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 2, 2022"God's work and glory include bringing to pass happy and forever. Eternal life and exaltation are to know God and Jesus Christ so, through godly power, where they are we shall be," he said.— Cassidy Wixom

Sunday, 10:49 am

Sister J. Anette Dennis — His yoke is easy and his burden is light

Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, encouraged members to practice loving others, not judge and to remember God loves every person on earth."As we are filled with the Savior's love, his yoke truly can be easy, and his burden can feel light," she said.

"I have come to more fully appreciate the example of our dear Savior as He spent so much of his time ministering to others with love." #SisterDennis | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022Sister Dennis started her talk speaking of a man who had a bird-hunting dog who was acting poorly, after judging and impatiently treating the dog, he learned she had been severely wounded. She told members of the church to be aware that others could be suffering."How often do we judge others based on their outward appearance and actions, or lack of action, when, if we fully understood, we would instead react with compassion and a desire to help instead of adding to their burdens with our judgment?" she asked.She encouraged members to develop charity and show love to each other. She said Christ invites people to follow his way of love, where everyone belongs and is needed."We are commanded to love others, not to judge them. Let's lay down that heavy burden; it isn't ours to carry. Instead, we can pick up the Savior's yoke of love and compassion," Sister Denis said.

"Everyone needs to feel that they really do belong and are needed in the body of Christ." —Sister J. Anette Dennis #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/dFDV7p9pBG

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 2, 2022She talked of the Savior's example of extending love to those who made mistakes and inviting them to change their lives and live with love."He is the embodiment of charity, of pure love. As we incrementally learn to do what he asks of us … his love will flow through us and make all that he asks not only possible but eventually much easier and lighter and more joyful than we could ever imagine," she said.— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 10:45 am

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland — Lifted upon the cross

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not use the cross as a symbol in practice.He emphasized the "deep respect and profound admiration" for those of faiths who do use the cross.One reason why the church does not use the cross stems from "our Biblical roots," he said. Because crucifixion was one of the most agonizing forms of execution, many of Christ's followers historically chose not to "highlight" it and instead convey their faith through other means.

"The absence of a symbol that was late coming into common use is yet another evidence that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a restoration of true Christian beginnings." @HollandJeffreyR | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022While the cross has been used to symbolize "general Christianity," the church is not a general Christianity, he said. Instead, it is the restored church of the New Testament, Elder Holland added.The church instead emphasizes "the complete miracle of Christ's mission" including his resurrection and his sacrifice through suffering and death. The small image by the artist Bertel Thorvaldsen of the resurrected Christ with the wounds of crucifixion is used as a symbol by the church as a "more public representation of Christ's two-part triumph," he said.

"Another reason for not using iconized crosses is the emphasis on the complete miracle of Christ's mission — his glorious resurrection as well as his sacrificial suffering and death." @HollandJeffreyR | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022"It has to do … with the rock-ribbed integrity and stiff moral backbone that Christians should bring to the call Jesus has given to every one of his disciples," Elder Holland said.He noted that followers of Christ need to carry burdens themselves, and may need to sacrifice and suffer as well. The crosses some bear can include disabilities, mental illnesses, poverty, struggles with gender or sexual identity, and the struggle to find an eternal companion for single adults.

#ElderHolland | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/zitQM8CkxO

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) October 2, 2022Elder Holland noted sometimes promised blessings come soon, and sometimes they come later. He urged church members to follow Christ, even when the path grows dark and crosses grow heavy. He thanked church members for their strength, loyalty and love.— Ashley Imlay

Sunday, 09:55 am

Sunday morning 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.