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 Semiannual General Conference Saturday, Oct. 1, and Sunday, Oct. 2. This blog summarizes the key points from the Sunday afternoon 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, 04:06 pm

President Russell M. Nelson — Focus on the temple

President Russell M. Nelson urged church members to follow through with impressions they received during the conference."Our Heavenly Father and his beloved son, Jesus Christ, stand ready to help you. I urge you to increase your efforts to seek their help," he said.He said he and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, previewed the new season of the "Book of Mormon Videos" series and were "inspired" by them. President Nelson showed a brief excerpt from the new series, which depicts the Savior's appearance to the Nephites."It is significant that the Savior chose to appear to the people at the temple. It is his house. It is filled with his power. Let us never lose sight of what the Lord is doing for us," the prophet said.

"I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can." @NelsonRussellM | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022He said that the Savior is "making his temples more accessible" and increasing the pace at which the church is building temples."He is increasing our ability to help gather Israel. He is also making it easier for each of us to become spiritually refined. I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can," President Nelson said.

"He is also making it easier for each of us to become spiritually refined. I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can." @NelsonRussellM #GeneralConference 2/2

— Church News (@the_churchnews) October 2, 2022There are 168 operating temples, and 53 temples are being built, he said, and then announced that new temples will be built in the following locations:

Busan, Korea

Naga, Philippines

Santiago, Philippines

Eket, Nigeria

Chiclayo, Peru

Buenos Aires City Center, Argentina

Londrina, Brazil

Riberão Prêto, Brazil

Huehuetenango, Guatemala

Jacksonville, Florida

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Prosper, Texas

Lone Mountain, Nevada

Tacoma, Washington

Cuernavaca, Mexico

Pachuca, Mexico

Toluca, Mexico

Tula, Mexico

President Nelson urged church members to "focus on the temple in ways you never have before.""I bless you to grow closer to God and Jesus Christ every day. I love you. May God be with you until we meet again, I pray in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen," the prophet said.

"My dear brothers and sisters, may you focus on the temple in ways you never have before. I bless you to grow closer to God and Jesus Christ every day." @NelsonRussellM | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022— Ashley Imlay

Sunday, 03:59 pm

Elder Quentin L. Cook – Be true to God and his work

Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke of a visit to the United Kingdom where he got to testify and relive some memories of when he served a mission there.In preparation for the visit, he reread "Life of Heber C. Kimball," which highlights the importance of having your own individual testimony of the gospel so you do not stumble during difficulties."We each need a personal testimony of God's work and the seminal role of Jesus Christ," Elder Cook said. "...We cannot obtain the celestial kingdom and live with God the father on borrowed light, we need our own testimony of Jesus Christ and his gospel."

"To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for you to have a knowledge of the truth of this work for yourselves," President Kimball said. #ElderCook #GeneralConference #Deseret pic.twitter.com/WM0PMcfIqD

— Tad Walch (@Tad_Walch) October 2, 2022Elder Cook compared this to the Book of Mormon prophet Alma's counsel to his three sons, which focused on having a testimony of Christ and being true to God and his work.Alma also counseled his children to bridle their passions, and Elder Cook, too, focused on bridling anger and lust.Elder Cook condemned abuse of a spouse and of children. He said in many cases anger and abusive language have replaced reason, discussion and civility.He said people have forgotten to seek temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity.In regards to lust, Elder Cook said, "We need to lead pure moral lives by controlling our thoughts, language and actions."Using the Atonement through daily repentance is integral to bridling passions, being forgiven and becoming more like Christ.

"We each need a personal testimony of God's work and the seminal role of Jesus Christ." @CookQuentinL #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) October 2, 2022None can return to God by his or her own good works alone, Elder Cook said. All have sinned and need the Savior's sacrifice and Atonement to help them obtain mercy to live with God."In Alma's day, in Heber (C. Kimball)'s day, and certainly, in our day, we all need to seek our own testimony of Jesus Christ, bridle our passions, repent of our sins and find peace through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and be true to God and his work," Elder Cook said.– Cassidy Wixom

Sunday, 03:46 pm

Elder Isaac K. Morrison — We can do hard things through him

Elder Isaac K. Morrison, a general authority seventy, spoke about trials, sharing personal experiences that helped him learn and grow in his discipleship.When Elder Morrison's third child, Kenneth, was born, it was clear his wife could not have another child. Eighteen months later, that boy died. Elder Morrison had just returned from church service as a stake president that day — he said his wife had mentioned an impression that something was wrong.One of the things he learned from the experience was to listen to and heed his wife's promptings."While some challenges may come because of willful disobedience, we know that many of life's challenges come because of other reasons. Whatever the source of our challenges, they can be a golden opportunity to grow," he said.Elder Morrison said he and his wife learned from their loss and know that Kenneth is theirs in the next life.

"We came to feel united and bound by our temple covenants. We know we can claim Kenneth as ours in the next world because he was born in the covenant." #ElderMorrison | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022"We can be of good cheer and be filled with peace in our tough times. The love we feel because of the Savior and his atonement becomes a powerful resource to us in our trying moments," Elder Morrison said.He said some of his best lessons were learned during hard times when he was out of his comfort zone."The more I cheerfully respond to difficult circumstances, with faith in the Lord, the more I grow in my discipleship," he said.

"The more I cheerfully respond to difficult circumstances with faith in the Lord, the more I grow in my discipleship." #ElderMorrison | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/9eFwbb0JGs

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022Elder Morrison said sacrifice is a consistent part of the gospel, a reminder of Christ's sacrifice for the world. He told members as they exercise faith during trials, Christ will strengthen and help them.— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 03:32 pm

Elder Gary E. Stevenson — Nourishing and bearing your testimony

Elder Gary E. Stevenson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, noted that defining moments come "often and unexpectedly, even when you're still young."Elder Stevenson told the story of a high school student named Kevin who traveled out of state for a student-leadership event.Kevin quickly felt like he was "different" as the only student from Utah, and as other students questioned him about his faith, Elder Stevenson said. But the boy found himself testifying, when asked about his beliefs, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.

"I believe a testimony is innate within us. Yet in order to keep it and more fully develop it, Alma taught that we must nourish our testimony with much care." @StevensonGaryE | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022The student from Utah initially felt embarrassed discussing his faith, but he remembered a scripture that says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ." He went on to "answer as many questions" as he could throughout the week, and he made many friends.Courage like Kevin's "is repeated every day" by members of the church throughout the world, Elder Stevenson said.He asked members to reflect: "Do I understand what a testimony is? Do I know how to share my testimony? What are the obstacles in sharing my testimony? How do I keep my testimony?"

"I promise as you more fully understand what a testimony is, and as you share it, you will overcome obstacles of uncertainty and fear enabling you to nurture and keep this most precious possession, your testimony. @StevensonGaryE | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/gucgnavzI1

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022Key elements of a testimony include the belief that God is your Heavenly Father; that Jesus Christ lives; that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God; and, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's restored church and is led by a living prophet today, he said.Church members can bear their testimony by sharing spiritual feelings with others, and it can happen in formal church meetings, and one-on-one conversations with loved ones and others. One can also bear a testimony through "righteous behavior," Elder Stevenson said.

"Each time you bear vocal witness or demonstrate through your actions your commitment to follow Jesus Christ, you invite others to 'come unto Christ.'" @StevensonGaryE #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) October 2, 2022He urged church members to feed their testimony by reading the words of ancient and modern prophets, and to make it their "highest priority."— Ashley Imlay

Sunday, 03:14 pm

Elder Mark D. Eddy – The virtue of the word

Elder Mark D. Eddy, general authority seventy, spoke of the Book of Mormon prophet Alma making a decision under difficult circumstances.He said Alma was able to make the decision by listening to the spirit and relying on the word of God.Elder Eddy gave three examples from the scriptures where clinging to the virtue of the word of God would help us make decisions.

"Does your soul ache for illumination? If so, please try the virtue of the word of God." —Elder Mark D. Eddy #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/jpnecHbMNe

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 2, 2022When lost in the dark and searching for illumination, or those heartbroken and wishing for something to hope for, Elder Eddy suggests relying on the word of God to find answers."Brothers and sisters, there are so many among us who are yearning for someone we love to be brought to sing redeeming love. In all our efforts, let us remember to try the virtue of the word of God, which is in us," he said.Elder Eddy explained the "word of God" means both the Savior as the word, and the words of the Savior."Thus we learn that there is virtue in the words of ancient and modern prophets precisely because their words are the Lord's words," he said. "My dear friends, accepting this eternal truth is critical to our spiritual survival in the latter days."

"I plead with you to experience the virtue of the word of God, particularly through the Book of Mormon, every day of your life." #ElderEddy | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/cTYzBYAGLa

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022Elder Eddy said prayerfully studying the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, will help individuals draw closer to Christ and make better decisions."Our love for him, our desire to draw closer to him and to abide in his love, will compel us to try the virtue of the word in our lives – both the virtue that flows from him as our personal Savior and Redeemer and the virtue that flows from him through the words of 'the chosen vessels of the Lord,'" he said.Elder Eddy said everyone must drink deeply and often — directly from the source of the word — by seeking Christ."I testify that our Heavenly Father has given us the word because he loves us perfectly and wants each of us to return home to live with him forever," he said. "I know that his virtue flows through the words of his prophets, both past and present."— Cassidy Wixom

Sunday, 03:08 pm

Elder Jonathan S. Schmitt — That they might know thee

Jesus Christ has many different names Elder Jonathan S. Schmitt, of the Seventy, told members. He said to learn the many different names of Jesus Christ and use those to seek to become more like him."Just as Jesus knows each of us by name, one way we can come to better know Jesus is by learning his many names," Elder Schmitt said.Elder Schmitt talked about new names given to Jesus' disciples, which help us understand their mission. Through Christ's names, we can learn more about his mission and character."Knowing his many names also inspires us to become more like him — to develop Christlike attributes that bring joy and purpose to our lives," he said.

#ElderSchmitt | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/HE6e9H9xtZ

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) October 2, 2022Elder Schmitt said he began developing a list of names for Christ after an invitation to members from President Russell M. Nelson. He now has over 300 names on his personal list, including good shepherd; high priest of good things to come; the same yesterday, today and forever; holy one of Israel and faithful and true.He spoke about each name, encouraging members to practice hope and be cheerful, be consistent with habits and routines, and increase holiness by attending the temple."Consistent gospel living helps us to be steadfast and immovable during the storms of life," he said.

"Don't ever give up on Jesus. He will never give up on you." #ElderSchmitt | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022Elder Schmitt again expressed a desire for members to learn about Jesus through his names and become more like him."Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus wants for us to know him because his is the only name under heaven whereby we can be saved," he said.— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 02:54 pm

Elder Ryan K. Olsen — The answer is Jesus

Elder Ryan K. Olsen said when he was called as a member of the Quorum of the Seventy, he was "flooded with emotions" and "overwhelmed." But when the other members of the quorum greeted him and his wife, they said, "Don't worry. You belong.""In our relationship with the Savior, he looks on the heart and is no respecter of persons. Consider how he chose his apostles. He didn't pay attention to status or wealth. He invites us to follow him, and I believe he reassures us that we belong with him," Elder Olsen said.He said that message applies to the youth of the church, in particular. He said his 6-year-old nephew reminded him that Jesus Christ is "the answer to the simplest questions."

"I am grateful for what I learn from the youth. I am grateful for what my children teach me, for what our missionaries teach me, and for what my nieces and nephews teach me." #ElderOlsen | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022"When we have questions or doubts, we may feel that the solutions are too complex or that finding answers is too confusing. May we remember that the adversary, even the father of all lies, is the architect of confusion," Elder Olsen said, while "the Savior is the master of simplicity."He testified that blessings will come to those who serve as they heed the prophet's call."Serving is not about you; it is about the Savior. You will be called to a place, but more importantly you will be called to a people. You will have the great responsibility and blessing of helping new friends understand that the answer is Jesus," he said.Elder Olsen urged the youth to remember throughout their lives, "no matter how difficult or confusing the challenges may be," to remember that the answer is always Jesus.

"The answer to the simplest questions, and to the most complex problems, is always the same. The answer is #JesusChrist. Every solution is found in him." #ElderOlsen #GeneralConference @Deseret pic.twitter.com/YRgxzYf6M5

— Tad Walch (@Tad_Walch) October 2, 2022— Ashley Imlay

Sunday, 02:36 pm

President Henry B. Eyring – Legacy of encouragement

President Henry B. Eyring, of the Quorum of the Twelve, started his talk by encouraging members to strive for exaltation by staying on the covenant path.He said that life will be hard but, regardless of the struggle, what matters most is returning to Heavenly Father through faith in the Savior.He spoke of his mother's legacy of encouragement and charity and compared it to the Book of Mormon prophet Mormon's legacy.

"I see how that gift of charity, the pure love of Christ, strengthened, guided, sustained and changed my mother in the struggle on her way home." @EyringHB | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022President Eyring said Mormon put "Jesus Christ first, as do all who succeed in giving encouragement to those struggling upward on the path to their heavenly home."President Eyring said through faith and meekness, one can increase their confidence amid struggle. He said Mormon's legacy wove together an example of Jesus Christ through meekness, humility, listening to the Holy Ghost and having a firm hope of receiving eternal life.Both Mormon and President Eyring's mother exemplified charity, the pure love of Christ. President Eyring said he has been strengthened through the teachings and examples of people in his life and from prophets in ancient and modern times.President Eyring lovingly spoke of the impact his wife has had on him. Because of her, he said he understands the meaning of faith, hope, meekness, enduring, seeking not our own, rejoicing in the truth, not thinking evil and, above all, charity.

"We have been married for 60 years. It is because of that experience that I now understand the meaning of these scriptural words: faith, hope, meekness, enduring, seeking not our own, rejoicing in the truth, not thinking evil and, above all, charity." @EyringHB #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/50V2nnb3wA

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2022He said the examples of others are necessary for our progress and growth."The Savior knows your struggles in detail. He knows your great potential togrow in faith, hope and charity," President Eyring said.He said commandments and covenants are not tests to control you, but instead are gifts to lift you to receive all the gifts of God and to help you return home to Heavenly Father and to the Lord."We may claim that blessing of eternal life if we will have faith in him enough to repent and become like a child, pure and ready to receive the greatest of all the gifts of God," President Eyring said. "I pray that you will accept his invitation and that you will offer it to others of our Heavenly Father's children."– Cassidy Wixom

Sunday, 01:55 pm

Sunday 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.

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

By KSL.com Staff | Updated - Oct. 2, 2022 at 4:07 p.m. | Posted - Oct. 2, 2022 at 1:55 p.m.

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square sing at the Sunday afternoon session of the 192nd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Sunday. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

President Russell M. Nelson — Focus on the temple

Elder Quentin L. Cook – Be true to God and his work

Elder Isaac K. Morrison — We can do hard things through him

Elder Gary E. Stevenson — Nourishing and bearing your testimony

Elder Mark D. Eddy – The virtue of the word

Elder Jonathan S. Schmitt — That they might know thee

Elder Ryan K. Olsen — The answer is Jesus

President Henry B. Eyring – Legacy of encouragement

Sunday afternoon general conference session begins

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