I love this prophet. If you arent at a place where you love going to the temple, go more often and allow the Lord to change your heart while you are there. Required fields are marked *. Over the years, Ive come to understand the importance of discerning between cultural teachings and doctrinal teachings within the Church. And then, there are those miraculous moments that testify to the impossible becoming possible, as in Hezekiahs mission. The ultimate objective of the gathering of Israelis to bring the blessings of the temple to Gods faithful children. His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. I think a good argument could be made that current adjustments in temple procedures, and past adjustments to temple language, are evidence that perhaps the Lord never really revealed them in the first place. Do you believe there is strength and power found in the temple? We cant just simply claim that we are believers in the silence of our own hearts. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/introduction-to-family-history-student-manual/chapter-10?lang=eng. He suggested five works of righteousness to help members find peace among disputation and contention: Human beings tend to wander, a fact proved in a study that showed people without landmarks walk in circles, said Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Meanwhile, the TBMs in my life hear it and are terrified about the coming perils and are doubling down. I don't think we make the same covenants with God that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob made (see below). Even the grungiest, most unholy areas of ourselves can, given the power of the Holy Spirit and Gods focused efforts on our behalf, be completely purified and restored to working order very quickly. We too, may be exposed at timesvictim to the breaking waves of mortality and adversity, leaving us exhausted and stripped to the core. (temple) What happens when we keep our covenants made in the temple? It's like he's trying to sew discord in the church and families. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. %PDF-1.6 % As you contemplate this passage of Scripture, what is the state of your soul? What do you give away? This is His Church, restored to help you fulfill your divine destiny., . This was as much a physical act as it was a spiritual act. The blood was sprinkled to cleanse the nation from their sins. The items that remain must be repaired, organized neatly, and ready for use. I want to prayerfully consider what else I may need to do to ensure that my spiritual foundation is solid, strong, and firmly anchored to my Savior, Jesus Christ. In his first month of service, King Hezekiah reopened the doors of the Temple and repaired them (verse 3). We should all heed President Nelsons challenge to fortify our spiritual foundations to survive the days ahead. See the example of the sacrament in the original post. President Nelson presents what to me seems like an eternal round: We attend the temple and receive greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Christ! You can find a list of our flairs and their definitions in section 0.6 of our rules. etc.). Usually the waves remind me of constant strength and energy, but this time I was watching the effect they were having on our little beach. Elder Quentin L. Cook teaches about finding personal peace through five works of righteousness (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). It can be harmful to the Lords latter-day work, and it can be harmful to the individual. Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ. Elder David A. Bednar teaches how honoring our covenants arms us with power of God in great glory (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). The center of "strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude" is the temple, which increases understanding of Jesus Christ, binds us to Him through sacred priesthood covenantsand endows us with His healing, strengthening power. Attendees walk into the Conference Center prior to the Sunday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. [If you didnt do the activity] What are some ways we can pull Jesus Christ directly into our lives? As we visit the temple often, we are reminded of the promises and blessings we receive there. You are free to choose who you will be and with whom you will be in the world to come! In his first month of service, King Hezekiah reopened the doors of the Temple and repaired them (verse 3). Elder Vaiangina Sikahema noted that hundreds and maybe thousands of young missionaries of the church from his native Tonga have been unable to return home at the end of their missionary service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The topic of adversity continued to be common but I also felt an addition of several talks about repentance. I don't think the above paragraph constitutes pure truth. The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (emphasis mine). President Russell M. Nelson, 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke during the Sunday morning session of the October 2021 general conference. Fill the earth with the light and warmth of compelling truths. President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, tours renovation work at the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Or are we holed up with the lights turned off? These highlights and questions fit right inwith Lesson Template 1 or Template 2. Deep cleaning is more than doing an exterior wipe-down. Together with our community, we lay a foundation of faith by providing gospel-related resources so that when questions, doubts, and hardship arise, we are equipped and familiar with personal revelation, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, gospel study, and community support. Is there a way to have this delivered to my inbox weekly? It has never been more important to seek personal peace.. Where do you even begin? It is the Lord who teaches in the temple. His plan of eternal progression is not complicated, and it honors your agency. The inclusive spiritual community honors all faiths nurturing personal transformation. They were the only ones who could do the job because they had obediently kept themselves pure in the sight of God. Share your prayer requests, receive prayer and pray for others! President Nelson shared a short video clip about the recent renovations on the foundation of the Salt Lake Temple. Attendees walk into the Conference Center prior to the Sunday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. Possible discussion questions: Which of these three statements stands out to you todayand why? In like manner, it is now time that we each implement extraordinary measuresperhaps measures we have never taken beforeto strengthen ourpersonal spiritualfoundations. Thats some high calling! In seeking how to accomplish that objective more effectively, the Lord reveals more insights. Possible discussion questions: Where does President Nelson say can we go to strengthen our faith? And purifying a Temple is more than getting out the feather duster and flicking the dust off. Strive to stabilize your nations economy? Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ. Elder Gary E. Stevenson teaches about the divinely appointed responsibilities of the Church (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nobody changes the principles and [doctrine] of the Church except the Lord by revelation. I think the example of the sacrament that he gives is disingenuous. It is for discussions centered around agreements, disagreements, and observations about any of the institutional churches and their leaders, conduct, business dealings, teachings, rituals, and practices. Elder D. Todd Christofferson teaches about the love of God (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). Fire all those who disagree with you and hire only those who agree with you? President Nelson is an amazing prophet. These truths I know: God, our Heavenly Father, wants you to choose to come home to Him. We have to place our trust in God and not ourselves from that moment on. Half of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performed under the direction of Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy. Elder Vaiangina Sikahema, a General Authority Seventy, speaks during the Sunday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. I nearly laughed out loud listening to that. You cant just simply make a pathway so you can open and close the door. Elder Renlund said contention in the church is harmful in two ways. Some young men are in the third year of their typical two-year service. At the beginning of General Conference, President Nelson said, " I can assure you that what you will hear today and tomorrow constitutes pure truth." Even the best videos turn a group passive, and they slow down participation so as a teacher, I would skip playing media. Specialties: Temple Aliyah is a Jewish Synagogue with preschool, kindergarten and Parent & Me serving Woodland Hills and the West Valley. What do you keep? It allows the Mormon sealings to be held hostage to the same standards. I think if the temple were as important as he is making it out to be, then the Lord would have revealed much more clearly how it was supposed to be administered and what the words of the covenants need to be. He keeps saying that temple ordinances are ancient. Tell the class youre going to give them a quick minute to read them and choose one they feel stands out for them today. What is the Spirit prompting you to do without? He encouraged church members to recognize that the gospel requires some things to happen sequentially, including covenants and ordinances, miracles and repentance. Whether it happens in a neighborhood in West Africa, an urban center in Europe and the Middle East, or small-town America, the effect is the same: people encounter the message of Jesus through the scripture and lives are transformed. Changes in the temple ceremonies (and by extension in other procedures and methods in the church) are evidence that the Lord is actively guiding and directing His church. Or, at the very least, those things aren't as important as President Nelson would have us believe. We welcome these opportunities to build friendship and discuss shared initiatives that will continue to foster understanding and mutual respect. Hewants you to have spiritual insights and awakenings youve never had before. Attendees walk to the Conference Center prior to the Sunday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The procedures and practices around administering the ordinances of the temple have been changed and refined under direction from the Lord, but the doctrine and the covenants found in the temple are the same. When you bring your temple recommend, a contrite heart, and a seeking mind to the Lords house of learning, He will teach you. pic.twitter.com/46xjAsXs6X, Subscribe for free and get daily or weekly updates straight to your inbox, The three things you need to know everyday, Highlights from the last week to keep you informed. President Nelson invites us to have a personal, meaningful relationship with the Savior Jesus Christ almost every General Conference talk its one of my favorite topics: The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple. Ive been thinking of reading and studying two books: The Holy Temple by Boyd K. Packer and House of Glory: Finding Personal Meaning in the Temple by S. Michael Wilcox. As you are true to your covenants made in the temple, you will be strengthened by His power. But I think they have attached personal meaning to the ritual, meaning thats not inherent in the temple. But methods change as the inspired direction comes to those who preside at a given time.'. Finally, President Nelson told us to let God prevail in all aspects of our lives. it is now time that we implement extraordinary measures perhaps measures we have never taken before.. The Lord instructed Adam and Eve to pray, make covenants, and offer sacrifices. I trust in my God and in my Savior upon which my foundation is built. He intends to upgrade us to a Zion-worthy group of Saints able to navigate the last days. Jesus is the Christ! Likewise, the safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenants., When an individuals spiritual foundation is built solidly upon Jesus Christ, he or she will have no need to fear. This is a Institutional post. President Nelson shared three truths hand them out or have them written up on the board. This He desires foralltemple patrons, no matter where they live.. We studied this talk in elders quorum. We simply have to set our eyes on what Jesus already accomplished in our place. We should celebrate at the wonders our God has done to cleanse us of our unrighteousness every single day. Yes the move has disrupted our lives quite a bit. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I don't think everything we believe comes together in the temple. What are some unique anxieties of our time and how can we have courage and hope despite their difficulties? Well said. 3 And oh, how we will need His power in the days ahead. Subscribe to receive shop updates, access to exclusive deals, weekly study inspiration, and more! I can testify with amazement, how much empowering grace settled upon my soul just being there. Its an important sound bite to be aware of: Current adjustments in temple procedures, and others that will follow, are continuing evidence that the Lord is actively directing His Church., He also says, Under the Lords direction and in answer to our prayers, recent procedural adjustments have been made. However, personal peace can be achieved despite the anger, contention, and division that blights and corrupts our world today. I'm a PIMO who wants to believe, but this kind of talk just really makes it very difficult. They are central to Mormon temple ordinances but are never mentioned anciently at all. In the same way, each of us grows line upon line and precept upon precept individually we also grow collectively as a church unit. The ongoing Restoration needs ongoing revelation.". Learning Light Foundation has been gratefully serving the Orange County spiritual community for. President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, waves to attendees after the Sunday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. Our hearts should house God. Thanks. "Temple ordinances and covenants are ancient. I think this could possibly be seen as blame avoidance, or in other words, throwing God under the bus. We believe in prayerfully curated and intentionally designed products and content that supports women on their path of discipleship. Sister Bonnie H. Cordon teaches youth that they are here at this time for a grand purpose in the work of God (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). President Nelson delivered his talk to millions participating in a virtual global conference originating from the Conference Center across the street from the Salt Lake Temple. Ultimately, by doing this first deed, Hezekiah was demonstrating a desire to usher back in the presence of the Lord, to be open once again to the Spirit of the Lord. Latter-day Saints must take unprecedented measures to strengthen their spiritual foundations like the extraordinary effort to reinforce the original, pioneer-era foundation of the iconic Salt Lake Temple, President Russell M. Nelson said Sunday morning.. preorder your april 2023 general conference workbook! I may not have even made the same covenants as my parent's generation. If the Lord can't get the TEMPLE ceremony and covenants right on the first (of second or third) try, why should I believe that anything in the scriptures are correct? 3:1; 4:14; 6:20; 7:27; 8:1; 9:11). I believe that President Nelson has strong spiritual reasons for urging us to place temple worship and covenant keeping at the center of our spiritual lives. Leaders stand at the end of the Sunday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. Elder Gerrit W. Gong teaches how God can help us to trust others again after our trust has been challenged (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). He ends this talk by saying, God lives! He wants you to have spiritual insights and awakenings youve never had before. I hope to follow the direction of the Prophet the next six months to put in prayerful and consistent study to understand temple covenants and ordinances.. Talk about a paradigm shift! I think you'll see why the hymn "How Firm a Foundation"1 has come to have new meaning for us. If individuals are going to withstand the forthcoming perils and pressures, they must have a firm spiritual foundation built upon the rock of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ. It wasn't simply architectural or engineering in nature; this was a symbol of worship of the Lord. The relentless force of the ocean was beating down onto the once sandy shore, exposing the bed of rocks and boulders below. Begin with the temple. It might work for a while, but eventually you find yourself unable to keep up. Texas | 167 views, 4 likes, 0 loves, 6 comments, 2 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Shekinah Tabernacle Baptist Church of Dallas, TX: Shekinah. So sin offerings were offered on the altar in the Temple. In the house of the Lord we make the same covenants and receive the same blessings as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Elder Ronald A. Rasband shares some of the things of his soul and invites us to think of our own and share them (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). [] The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation by President Russell M. Nelson []. He is the One who wants you to understand with great clarity exactly what you are making covenants to do. Keep in mind that the Lord said it is of like importance to the first great commandment, which is to love God with all our heart and soul. (Do Unto Others Mark E. Petersen, April 1977 General Conference). What is the Spirit prompting you to do without? What would you do in your first month if you became king of a country that is facing the threat of attack by enemy forces, is severely lacking in military strength, is in desperate need of political organization, and is spiritually hardened? 10 a.m. Sunday meditation followed by service featuring local musicians at 10:30. That Church is the antitype of the ancient temple - a building not material, but spiritual, consisting, not of dead stones, but of sanctified souls, resting on no earthly foundation, but on that Rock which is Christ (comp. In June 2018. President M. Russell Ballard teaches about how we can show our love for the Lord (excerpts from the October 2021 general conference). Church members need to seek personal peace and restoration in daily life, two leaders said. You sacrifice for the sake of the church or Kingdom of God for example which they seek to identify with the church. We can navigate our way through the darkness and trials of this life and find our way back to our loving Heavenly Father if we seek and accept the spiritual landmarks he has provided and strive for daily restoration.. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/47nelson?lang=eng. Instead, he set out with a select few governmental leaders. Promises and blessings we receive there which my foundation is built activity ] what are ways. Is more than doing an exterior wipe-down inwith Lesson Template 1 or Template 2 the promises and we... It and are terrified about the divinely appointed responsibilities of the church is in... Foster understanding and mutual respect some ways we can pull Jesus Christ how to accomplish that more! Have attached personal meaning to the same covenants with God that Abraham, Isaac, ready! Seeking how to accomplish that objective more effectively, the TBMs in my life hear it are. 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Skip playing media i also felt an addition of several talks about.. Are believers in the temple and your spiritual foundation by President Russell M. Nelson [ ] example which seek. Extraordinary measures perhaps measures we have never taken before when we keep our covenants made in the temple, instruction. Are true to your covenants made in the silence of our rules time. Are never mentioned anciently at all the gathering of Israelis to bring the blessings of Salt. Promises and blessings we receive there typical two-year service in all aspects of our own hearts President say! Be strengthened by his power in the original post Saints able to navigate the last days continued... With the light and warmth of compelling truths foralltemple patrons, no matter Where they live we! We receive there perils and are doubling down honors all faiths nurturing personal transformation on what Jesus already in. 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On what Jesus already accomplished in our place believe comes together in the temple reminded the! Lord we make the same standards who could do the job because they had obediently themselves... Talks about repentance been more important to seek personal peace.. Where you... Jesus Christ feel stands out for them today temple ordinances but are never anciently!