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 193rd Annual General Conference on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 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, 04:08 pm

President Russell M. Nelson — The answer is always Jesus Christ

President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, closed the last session of the general conference with a series of invitations for church members.He asked conferencegoers to seek the Holy Spirit as they study the messages shared in conference this weekend.President Nelson called Easter "the most important religious observance for followers of Jesus Christ." He invited church members to study scripture verses about the last week of Christ's life and his appearance in the Americas in preparation for celebrating Easter next Sunday.

"One week from today is Easter Sunday. It is the most important religious observation for followers of Jesus Christ." —President @NelsonRussellM #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/kVXj9piWHf

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 2, 2023"Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ," President Nelson said. "Learn more about his Atonement, his love, his mercy, his doctrine and his restored gospel of healing and progression. Turn to him! Follow him!"The prophet also announced plans to build 15 new temples in the following locations around the world:

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

Iquitos, Peru

Teresina, Brazil

Natal, Brazil

Tuguegarao City, Philippines

Iloilo, Philippines

Jakarta, Indonesia

Hamburg, Germany

Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

San Jose, California

Bakersfield, California

Springfield, Missouri

Winchester, Virginia

Charlotte, North Carolina

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

— Gabrielle Shiozawa

Sunday, 03:59 pm

Elder David A. Bednar — 'Abide in me, and I in you, therefore, walk with me'

The prophet Enoch was "acutely aware" of his inadequacies when he was called to serve, Elder David A. Bedar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, and the Lord's instructions to Enoch are applicable to members today.Enoch was told to abide in the Lord, and the Lord would then abide in him."Enoch ultimately became a mighty prophet and a tool in God's hands to accomplish a great work, but he did not start his ministry that way. Rather, his capacity over time was magnified as he learned to abide in and walk with the Son of God," Elder Bednar said.He said Christ has invited everyone to "abide in" him. Elder Bednar suggested ways to do this:

Strengthening covenant bonds

Sincere prayer

Studying Christ's words

Preparing for and partaking of the sacrament

Serving each other

He invited members to seek other additional ways to make Christ the focus of their lives.

"We abide in Christ as we are firm and steadfast in our devotion to the Redeemer and His holy purposes, in times both good and bad."@BednarDavidA | #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) April 2, 2023"The covenant connection we have with our Heavenly Father and his resurrected and living Son is the supernal source of perspective, hope, power, peace and enduring joy; it also is the rock-solid foundation upon which we should build our lives," Elder Bednar said.Elder Bednar encouraged members to plant "the word" in their hearts, including the life and doctrine of Christ.He said walking with the Savior consists of obeying commandments and remembering and keeping covenants.

"I testify that as we press forward in faith and walk in the meekness of the Lord's Spirit we are blessed with power, guidance, protection, and peace." — Elder @BednarDavidA #generalconference pic.twitter.com/CEmQjQjlbO

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 2, 2023"He yearns to bless with his grace and mercy every single person who now lives, who has ever lived, and who will yet live upon the earth," Elder Bednar said.— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 03:46 pm

Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt — Do you know why I, as a Christian, believe in Christ?

Speaking in his first conference since he was released from the church's Young Men's general presidency and called as a general authority seventy, Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt offered his own testimony of Jesus Christ with the story of sharing that testimony with a friend in New Jersey who asked why he believed in Christianity and the church.Following the teachings of Christ leads to eternal life through the doctrine of Christ, Elder Corbitt said. The doctrine of Christ includes faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end, he added."The doctrine of Christ empowers those who are struggling or feel they don't belong in the church," Elder Corbitt said, "because it helps them, as Elder D. Todd Christofferson stated, 'affirm: Jesus Christ died for me (and) loves me.'"

"The doctrine of Christ empowers those who are struggling or feel they don't belong in the Church because it helps them, as Elder D. Todd Christofferson stated, 'affirm Jesus Christ died for me and loves me.'" #ElderCorbitt | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/oHOWoCBC3Z

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 2, 2023Those who struggle following the doctrine of Christ should look to the teachings of Jesus to find solace, just as the ancient Israelites looked to Moses' brass serpent to be healed of a serpent's poison in the Old Testament."Whatever the bites or poison or struggles we experience in this mortal wilderness," Elder Corbitt said, "let us not be as those who, anciently and presently, could have been healed but sadly, 'would not look … because they did not believe that it would heal them.'"— Sean Walker

Sunday, 03:34 pm

Elder W. Mark Bassett — After the fourth day

Elder W. Mark Bassett, a general authority seventy, used the story of Lazarus to illustrate how church members can hold onto faith when handling life challenges.He talked about how Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha, were upset that it took Christ four days to come to their aid (John 11:39).

"The story of Lazarus teaches us principles that can be applied to our own lives as we face our individual challenges."#ElderBassett | #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) April 2, 2023Christ asked them to remove the stone to Lazarus' tomb. He then raised Lazarus from the dead."Sometimes during our own challenges, we might feel like Christ is too late and our hope and faith might even feel challenged," Elder Bassett said. "My witness and testimony is that as we move forward with faith in Jesus Christ, the fourth day will always come."Elder Bassett explained that church members, along with exercising faith, can get help from God to take action on their own behalf. He shared the examples of how Christ's disciples moved the stone to the tomb, Lazarus stood and walked to Christ, and Lazarus' friends and loved ones helped him remove his grave clothes (John 11:44)

"While the Lord expects us to do all things that lie in our power, remember that He will provide needed help in all things as we trust in Him." #ElderBassett | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/uI6ZpEZNUM

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 2, 2023"However, it was only Christ who had the power and authority to raise Lazarus from the dead," he said. "My impression is that the Savior expects us to do all we can do, and he will do what only he can do."Elder Bassett also invited conferencegoers to trust God, keep the commandments and make covenants with God.— Gabrielle Shiozawa

Sunday, 03:28 pm

Elder Vern P. Stanfill — The imperfect harvest

General Authority Seventy Elder Vern P. Stanfill said as a child he was taught by his father about harvesting grain, and was critical when the machine left some behind. His father told him, "It is good enough and the best that this machine can do."After the weather became cold, Elder Stanfill saw migrating birds eat that leftover grain. "Not a kernel was lost," he said. He said often within church culture, people are obsessed with perfection. He said perfectionism is an impossible, self-inflicted standard that causes anxiety and guilt — but being perfected in Jesus Christ pushes us to become better and is measured by personal devotion to God.Elder Stanfill said accepting the invitation to come to Christ leads to the realization that if members do their best, the Savior will make up the difference."We must remember that whatever our best but imperfect offering is, the Savior can make it perfect. No matter how insignificant our efforts may seem, we must never underestimate the Savior's power," he said.

"If we simply do the best we can and trust Him to make up the difference, we can become part of the miracles that surround us." #ElderStanfill | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 2, 2023He said "our clumsy efforts" can, with help from the Savior, lead to miracles and changed lives.Elder Stanfill said members comparing themselves to others is rarely productive, often depressing and prevents them from getting spiritual help. Instead, he encouraged them to follow the example of those they respect who have Christlike attributes."Regardless of how insignificant our efforts may seem, if we are sincere, the Savior will use us to accomplish his work. If we simply do the best we can and trust him to make up the difference, we can become part of the miracles that surround us," Elder Stanfill said.He said because of Christ, members' harvests will not be imperfect. He said members must believe Christ will help and rescue them.— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 03:14 pm

Elder Ronald A. Rasband — Hosanna to the most high God

In celebrating and referring to Palm Sunday and the Christian Holy Week that commemorates the final week of the life of Jesus Christ, Elder Ronald A. Rasband, of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, called the now-worldwide holiday "the most important week in human history."Latter-day Saints around the world join with other Christians in a celebration that runs through Easter Sunday. But Elder Rasband also referenced President Russell M. Nelson in calling for Latter-day Saints to celebrate Palm Sunday not just with the palms referenced at the gates of Jerusalem before the final week of Christ's life, but "by remembering the palms of his hands," a reference to Christ in the Old Testament book of Isaiah.Those early biblical prophecies led up to Christ's life, just as his life pointed toward his final week — namely, the Atonement and resurrection that his followers remember to this day, Elder Rasband said.

"True discipleship is unfailing commitment, obedience to eternal laws, and love of God, first and foremost. Nothing wavering." —Elder @RonaldARasband #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/5c7OFDjnnS

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 2, 2023"Are we continually grateful for the incomparable Atonement of Jesus Christ?" Elder Rasband asked. "Do we feel its purifying power, right now? That is why Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of salvation, went to Jerusalem — to save us all."He then counseled church members to fill their lives and lamps with oil like the 10 virgins from the New Testament parable."Oil comes from believing and acting on prophecy and the words of living prophets," he said. "President Nelson, in particular, his counselors, and the 12 apostles. Oil fills our hearts when we hear and feel the Holy Ghost and act on that divine guidance. Oil pours into our hearts when our choices show we love the Lord and we love what he loves. Oil comes from repenting and seeking the healing of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."— Sean Walker

Sunday, 02:46 pm

President M. Russell Ballard — Remember what matters most

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shared how his testimony of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ has comforted him through the loss of his wife, Barbara.He said one lesson he learned from Barbara is this: "What matters most is what lasts longest."President Ballard then shared his thoughts on what matters most, including developing a relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, maintaining family relationships and following the promptings of the Spirit.

#PresidentBallard | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/A6Si8cJZbL

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) April 2, 2023He also stressed the importance of being converted to God, sharing one's testimony with others, and serving God."Faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of our testimonies," President Ballard said. "A testimony of Jesus Christ, born of and strengthened by the Spirit, changes lives — it changes the way we think and how we live."He invited church members to frequently share their beliefs and what they know about God, not just what they are grateful for.

"I invite you to bear your testimony of Jesus Christ more often. Bear testimony of what you know and believe and what you feel, not just what you are thankful for." @BallardMRussell | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/Vul7jvMPkQ

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 2, 2023"As our conversion to Jesus Christ grows, we naturally want to testify of him — his goodness, love and kindness," President Ballard said. "As you bear testimony of what you know, believe and feel, the Holy Ghost will confirm the truth to those who earnestly listen to your testimony."— Gabrielle Shiozawa

Sunday, 02:38 pm

President Dallin H. Oaks — The teachings of Jesus Christ

In a unique conference talk opening the final session of this general conference, President Dallin H. Oaks quoted scriptures that relate the words of Christ. He opened his talk with "we believe in Christ," and said members worship Christ and follow what he has taught in the scriptures.

"We believe in Christ." —President @OaksDallinH #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/Ute7ppSDrM

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 2, 2023"We are given the scriptures to direct our lives," President Oaks said.He said most of the scriptures that describe Jesus' ministry depict actions, things he did, but President Oaks focused only on things that he said — organizing Christ's words in roughly chronological order.He said Nephi, in the Book of Mormon, taught to "feast upon the words of Christ."President Oaks said because of the commandment from Heavenly Father to Adam and Eve to "hear him," scriptures spoken by "God" or "the Lord" are almost always from Jesus Christ.All of the scriptures he shared came from the four gospels in the New Testament, some with alterations from the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, and Third Nephi in the Book of Mormon.

Quoting the Savior: "This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you." @OaksDallinH | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 2, 2023The final scripture President Oaks shared, which was set apart from the others, was a scripture to teach members about how to follow Christ's teachings: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you," he said quoting John 14:26.President Oaks concluded his remarks by testifying to the truth of the teachings of Jesus Christ.— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 02:00 pm

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

By KSL.com Staff | Updated - April 2, 2023 at 4:08 p.m. | Posted - April 2, 2023 at 2:02 p.m.

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shakes hands with a young girls after the Sunday morning session of general conference in the Conference Center. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

President Russell M. Nelson — The answer is always Jesus Christ

Elder David A. Bednar — 'Abide in me, and I in you, therefore, walk with me'

Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt — Do you know why I, as a Christian, believe in Christ?

Elder W. Mark Bassett — After the fourth day

Elder Vern P. Stanfill — The imperfect harvest

Elder Ronald A. Rasband — Hosanna to the most high God

President M. Russell Ballard — Remember what matters most

President Dallin H. Oaks — The teachings of Jesus Christ

Sunday afternoon general conference session begins

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