The Following Blog Description Explains Why My Blog is named: "Four Books of Scripture Testify of Jesus Christ!
Jesus the Christ -by Del Parson
 |
| Jesus the Christ -by Del Parson |
WELCOME, NEW AND REGULAR VIEWERS OF THIS BLOG: In this and in every additional post of this blog you will be led on a carefully and prayerfully planned exciting and inspiring journey as you prepare by means of a guided study of the four sacred books of scripture I am shown holding above; which will assist you in becoming more righteously happy now and more fully prepared for eventual After-Mortality Eternal Endeavors on your part, along with your loved ones and countless other mortals who are seeking to qualify as our Heavenly Father's worthy children.
Those enabling Books of Scripture were brought about through the love of the Heavenly Father of our immortal spirits which now inhabit our mortal bodies; and were a key part of the Restoration of the Gospel, and of the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through the Prophet Joseph Smith early in the Nineteenth Century. Leading out in all of this, was of course, Our Heavenly Father's Only Begotten Son who is our Lord, Savior, and Redeemer, Jesus Christ (who initially was our eldest spirit brother and is the only one of us our Heavenly Father will have ever sired into mortality).
Jesus accomplished His Infinite Atonement, the Ultimate Mortal Sacrifice, along with His infallibly witnessed Resurrection. He is our Redeemer and Savior and has opened the way for each of us to learn with certainty through those four books of scripture, and through the inspired teachings of His prophets, seers and revelators of our day and those authorized by them; that some time after our mortal deaths, because of His atonement and resurrection, and depending on the level of individual righteousness we each attain to, through His grace, we can eventually experience Eternal Life in our own resurrected bodies, which in the case of those who fully heeded all of His scriptural guidance and the guidance of His authorized living servants, there will be full possession of Godly capabilities! J. Neil Birch
To Access This Blog's Index, Please Scroll Down To the Fifth Paragraph From the End of This Post! For Those of You Who May Be In a Hurry to Access it, Here it is now: Neil Birch's Blog Index.
****
TODAY'S THEME:
I, J. Neil Birch, Author of this Post as you have been informed
in my Introduction, have chosen this week to feature the
October 2013 General Conference talk given by Elder Robert
D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church
mentioned above. First, I desire that you each learn about his
background before he was called to his position as an Apostle
of the Lord Jesus Christ along with something about his family:
http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/what-are-prophets/bio/robert-d-hales?lang=eng
Now you will have the opportunity of listening to Elder Hales
deliver his most recent General C0nference Address which is
the subject of this Blog Post of mine:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/general-conference-strengthening-faith-and-testimony?lang=eng
Now it is my opportunity of assisting you to benefit from the
Notes which Elder Hales inserted at the very end of his General
Conference Talk which you just listened to. I invite you to
read through Elder Hales' talk in order that I may assist
you in your efforts to more fully benefit from Elder Hale's
notes in making those notes of his as fully functional as possible:
To do so I will insert various professionally done paintings
and make his notes explicit in an effort to make each of
them more fully beneficial:
General Conference:
****
TODAY'S THEME:
I, J. Neil Birch, Author of this Post as you have been informed
in my Introduction, have chosen this week to feature the
October 2013 General Conference talk given by Elder Robert
D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church
mentioned above. First, I desire that you each learn about his
background before he was called to his position as an Apostle
of the Lord Jesus Christ along with something about his family:
http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/what-are-prophets/bio/robert-d-hales?lang=eng
Now you will have the opportunity of listening to Elder Hales
deliver his most recent General C0nference Address which is
the subject of this Blog Post of mine:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/general-conference-strengthening-faith-and-testimony?lang=eng
Now it is my opportunity of assisting you to benefit from the
Notes which Elder Hales inserted at the very end of his General
Conference Talk which you just listened to. I invite you to
read through Elder Hales' talk in order that I may assist
you in your efforts to more fully benefit from Elder Hale's
notes in making those notes of his as fully functional as possible:
To do so I will insert various professionally done paintings
and make his notes explicit in an effort to make each of
them more fully beneficial:
General Conference:
in my Introduction, have chosen this week to feature the
October 2013 General Conference talk given by Elder Robert
D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church
mentioned above. First, I desire that you each learn about his
background before he was called to his position as an Apostle
of the Lord Jesus Christ along with something about his family:
http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/what-are-prophets/bio/robert-d-hales?lang=eng
Now you will have the opportunity of listening to Elder Hales
deliver his most recent General C0nference Address which is
the subject of this Blog Post of mine:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/general-conference-strengthening-faith-and-testimony?lang=eng
Now it is my opportunity of assisting you to benefit from the
Notes which Elder Hales inserted at the very end of his General
Conference Talk which you just listened to. I invite you to
read through Elder Hales' talk in order that I may assist
you in your efforts to more fully benefit from Elder Hale's
notes in making those notes of his as fully functional as possible:
To do so I will insert various professionally done paintings
and make his notes explicit in an effort to make each of
them more fully beneficial:
General Conference:
Strengthening Faith
and Testimony
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Oh, how we need general conference!
Through conferences our faith is
fortified and our testimonies deepened.
Thank you, President Monson, for your teaching and example of
Christlike service and your charge for all of us to be missionaries.
We ever pray for thee.
In our dispensation, the Savior Jesus Christ referred to a
gathering of Saints as “my general conference.”1
Doctrine and Covenants 124: 88 Let my servant William
go and proclaim my everlasting gospel with a loud voice, and
with great joy, as he shall be moved upon by my Spirit, unto
the inhabitants of Warsaw, and also unto the inhabitants of
Carthage, and also unto the inhabitants of Burlington, and also
unto the inhabitants of Madison, and await patiently and
diligently for further instructions at my general conference,
saith the Lord.
Wherever we are in this world, however we receive these
proceedings, I testify that we are gathered in His
conference. I also testify that we will hear His word,
for He has said, “Whether by mine own voice or by
the voice of my servants, it is the same.”2
Doctrine and Covenants 1:38 What I the Lord have
spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and
though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall
not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own
voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.
Conferences have always been part of the true Church of Jesus
Christ. Adam gathered his posterity and prophesied of things to
come.
Adam and Eve Teaching their Children -by Del Parson
Moses Taught Israel Important things! -by Judith Mehr
The Savior taught multitudes gathered both in the Holy Land
and on the American continent.
Jesus Visits the Americas
Peter gathered believers in Jerusalem!
(No Painting Available)
The Whitmer Log House in Fayette, New York Where the First General
Conference in these Latter Days was convened.
The first general conference in these latter days was convened
just two months after the Church was organized, and
conferences have continued to this very day. These conferences
are always under the direction of the Lord, and His Holy Spirit
guides them.
Doctrine and Covenants 46:2 But notwithstanding those things
which are written, it always has been given to the elders of my
church from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings
as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit.
We are not assigned specific topics. Over weeks and months,
often through sleepless nights, we wait upon the Lord.
Through fasting, praying, studying, and pondering, we learn
the message that He wants us to give. Some might ask,
“Why doesn’t the inspiration come more easily and quickly?”
The Lord taught Oliver Cowdery, “You must study it out in
your mind; then you must ask me if it be right.”
Doctrine and Covenants 9:8 But, behold, I say unto you, that
you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be
right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn
within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
Conference messages come to us after prayerful
preparation, through the Holy Ghost. This principle is true
for all members of the Church as we prepare to participate in
ward, stake, and general conferences. We study out in our
minds what we need and desire from Heavenly Father, and
we pray to understand and apply that which we are taught.
As the time for conference arrives, we sacrifice other activities,
“laying aside the things of this world, [to] seek for the things of
a better.”
Doctrine and Covenants 25:10 And verily I say unto thee that
thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things
of a better.
King Benjamin Preaches to the
Nephites -by Gary Kapp
Mosiah 2: 5 And it came to pass that when they came up to
the temple, they pitched their tents round about, every man
according to his family, consisting of his wife, and his sons, and his
daughters, and their sons, and their daughters, from the eldest
down to the youngest, every family being separate one from
another.
Children and youth love to be included. We make a serious mistake
if we assume that the conference is above their intellect and spiritual
sensitivity. To the young members of the Church, I promise that if
you will listen, you will feel the Spirit well up within you. The Lord
will tell you what He wants you to do with your life. In Conferences
we can receive the word of the Lord meant just for us.
One member testified: “As I listened to your address, I was
astounded. …
Your talk was personal revelation directly from the Lord to my
family. I have never experienced such a strong manifestation of the
Spirit in my life as those minutes when the Holy Ghost spoke directly
to me.”
Another said, “I have never before felt so profoundly that a talk was
being given to me.” This is possible because the Holy Ghost carries
the word of the Lord unto our hearts in terms we can understand.7
2 Nephi 33:1 And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which
were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like
unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy
Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the
children of men.
When I take notes at conference, I do not always write down
exactly what the speaker is saying; I note the personalized
direction the Spirit is giving me. What is said is not as important
as what we hear and what we feel.8
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1976/10/a-report-and-a
-challenge?lang=eng
That is why we make an effort to experience conference in a
setting where the still, small voice of the Spirit can be clearly
heard, felt, and understood. Oh, how we need general conference!
Through conferences our faith is fortified and our testimonies deepened.
And when we are converted, we strengthen each other to stand
strong amid the fiery darts of these last days.
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan
hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when
thou are converted, strengthen thy brethren.
In recent decades the Church has largely been spared the terrible
misunderstandings and persecutions experienced by the early
Saints. It will not always be so. The world is moving away from
the Lord faster and farther than ever before. The adversary has
been loosed upon the earth. We watch, hear, read, study, and
share the words of prophets to be forewarned and protected.
For example, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”
was given long before we experienced the challenges now
facing the family. “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the
Apostles” was prepared in advance of when we will need it
most.
We may not know all the reasons why the prophets and
conference speakers address us with certain topics in
conference, but the Lord does. President Harold B. Lee taught:
“The only safety we have as members of this church is to …
give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall
give through His prophet.
There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may
not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may
contradict your [personal] views. It may contradict your social
views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you
listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself,
with patience and faith, the promise is that ‘the gates of hell
shall not prevail against you; … and the Lord God will disperse
the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens
to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.’
(Doctrine and Covenants 21:”10 6 For by doing these
things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and
the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from
before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good and
his name’s glory.
How did President Lee know what we would be facing in our day?
He knew because he was a prophet, seer, and revelator. And if
we listen and obey the prophets now, including those who will
speak in this very conference, we will be strengthened and
protected.
The greatest blessings of general conference come to us after
the conference is over. Remember the pattern recorded
frequently in scripture: we gather to hear the words of the Lord,
and we return to our homes to live them.
After King Benjamin taught his people, “he dismissed the multitude,
and they returned, every one, according to their families, to their
own houses.”11
Mosiah 6:3 And again, it came to pass that when king Benjamin
had made an end of all these things, and had consecrated his son
Mosiah to be a ruler and a king over his people, and had given him
all the charges concerning the kingdom, and also had appointed
priests to teach the people, that thereby they might hear and know
the commandments of God, and to stir them up in remembrance of
the oath which they had made, he dismissed the multitude, and they
returned, every one, according to their families, to their own houses.
In his day, King Limhi did the same.12
4 And it came to pass that after he had done all this, that king Limhi
dismissed the multitude, and caused that they should return every one
unto his own house.
After teaching and ministering to the people at the temple in Bountiful,
the Savior entreated the people,
3Nephi 17:3 “Therefore, Go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon
the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye
may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto
you again.”
We accept the Savior’s invitation when we ponder and pray to
understand what we have been taught and then go forward and do
His will. Remember President Spencer W. Kimball’s words: “I have made
up my mind that when I go home from this [general] conference … there
are many, many areas in my life that I can perfect. I have made a mental
list of them, and I expect to go to work as soon as we get through.”
Spencer W. Kimball, "Spoken from Their Hearts," Ensign, Nov. 1975,
111. (14)
President Monson recently said: “I encourage you to read the talks …
and to ponder the messages contained therein. I have found in my own
life that I gain even more from these inspired sermons when I study them
in greater depth.”
In addition to inviting us to hold personal and family scripture
study, Heavenly Father wants us to regularly to study and testify
and apply what we have and apply what we have learned in
conference. I testify that those who put their trust in the Lord
and heed this counsel in faith will gain great strength to bless
themselves and to overcome.
Heavenly Father has provided the way. At this conference, 97 percent of
the Church can hear these messages in their own language. Millions
of members in 197 countries will watch this conference in 95 languages.
In just two or three days the messages will appear on LDS.org in English,
and within one week they will begin to be available in 52 languages. Now
we receive the printed Church magazines within three weeks of the
general conference. No longer do we have to wait months for the talks to
arrive by mail. On a computer, phone, or other electronic device, we can
read, listen to, watch, and share the teachings of the prophets. Anytime,
anywhere, we can enlarge our knowledge, strengthen our faith and
testimony, protect our families, and lead them safely home.
The messages of this conference will also be woven into the online youth
curriculum. Parents, you may access youth lessons for yourself on LDS.org.
Find out what your children are learning, and make it the subject of your
own study, family discussions, family home evenings, family councils,
and personal interviews with each of your children concerning what they
need to be taught individually. I encourage all members to use the resources
on the Church’s websites and mobile apps. They are continually being
refined so that they are easier to use and more relevant to our lives.
On LDS.org you will find resources to help you study the gospel, strengthen
your home and family, and serve in your calling. You can also find your
ancestors who need temple ordinances and resources to support you in the
work of salvation, including sharing the gospel. Parents can take the lead
in preparing their children for baptism, the priesthood, full-time missions,
and the temple. They can help us walk the strait and narrow path of temple
ordinances and covenants and qualify for the blessing of eternal life.
In last April’s conference, in the general priesthood meeting, I told about
my father drawing a picture of a knight in armor to teach me about putting
on the whole armor of God and the spiritual protection it brings. After that
session was over, a father reported to his family what he had learned.
Inspired, their young son Jason searched LDS.org to hear the message for
himself. A few days later he appeared in family home evening to share the
lesson with his brothers and sisters. Here he is.
A simple conference message, inspired of the Lord, received by a child,
was taught to a family in a personal, powerful way. I love his breastplate
of righteousness. I love his shield of faith to thwart the fiery darts of the
adversary. These are the blessings of conference.
My brothers and sisters, I bear my special witness that the Lord Jesus Christ
lives and stands at the head of this Church. This is His general conference.
I promise you in His name that if you pray with a sincere desire to hear your
Heavenly Father’s voice in the messages of this conference, you will discover
that He has spoken to you t+
____________
Now as is usually done in each of these Blog Posts of mine, I, Neil Birch
suggest that you consider gathering together those nearby who might
desire to join you in singing one of the LDS Hymns.
I feel that Hymn # 243 from the LDS Hymn Book, "Let Us All Press On"
fits the message delivered by Elder Hales.You may think of others and
if you do you can scroll through the Internet device provided
you, to find them.
You may want to have those present with you who want to sing to
choose which part: Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Base, they each would like
to sing. The music is provided in this link which you can access
by clicking.
_____
DISCLAIMER This website is not owned by or affiliated with the Church
Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon or LDS
Church). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position
of the Church.
____________
TO ACCESS NEIL BIRCH'S BLOG INDEX To Either Read the Full
Index Item Which Refers To This Blog Post, (Or An Item Which Refers To Any Other
Blog Post You May Desire To Access): After Reading All of This Paragraph Please
Click on the Post Title Shown at the End of this following paragraph:
When You See a Portrayal of Our Savior Jesus Christ Sitting Next To
a Little Boy, Please, Scroll Down To our Target: General Conference!
This Blog Post is Based on the October 2013 General Conference Talk
of Elder Robert Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. -Post 47u
____________
"Four Books of Scripture Testify of Jesus Christ! Legal /Statement.
Thank you for visiting. The author retains intellectual property and
creative licensing rights. Permission to use or reprint must be given
in writing. © Est.2008 Neil Birch Legal /Statement.
____________
I deeply appreciate your readership and hope you found very
beneficial, that which was presented to you in this blog post.
If you have any questions about what you have read or
viewed in this post or in any previous posts of mine,
or if you even have a curiosity about the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, and or its teachings, please
e-mail me. I'm Neil and my e-mail address is:
jneilmelva@gmail.com. If you contact me I'll get back
to you just as soon as possible.
Neil Birch
Oh, how we need general conference!
Through conferences our faith is
fortified and our testimonies deepened.
Thank you, President Monson, for your teaching and example of
Christlike service and your charge for all of us to be missionaries.
We ever pray for thee.
Christlike service and your charge for all of us to be missionaries.
We ever pray for thee.
In our dispensation, the Savior Jesus Christ referred to a
gathering of Saints as “my general conference.”1
gathering of Saints as “my general conference.”1
Doctrine and Covenants 124: 88 Let my servant William
go and proclaim my everlasting gospel with a loud voice, and
with great joy, as he shall be moved upon by my Spirit, unto
the inhabitants of Warsaw, and also unto the inhabitants of
Carthage, and also unto the inhabitants of Burlington, and also
unto the inhabitants of Madison, and await patiently and
diligently for further instructions at my general conference,
saith the Lord.
Wherever we are in this world, however we receive these
proceedings, I testify that we are gathered in His
conference. I also testify that we will hear His word,
for He has said, “Whether by mine own voice or by
the voice of my servants, it is the same.”2
proceedings, I testify that we are gathered in His
conference. I also testify that we will hear His word,
for He has said, “Whether by mine own voice or by
the voice of my servants, it is the same.”2
Doctrine and Covenants 1:38 What I the Lord have
spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and
though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall
not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own
voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.
Conferences have always been part of the true Church of Jesus
Christ. Adam gathered his posterity and prophesied of things to
come.
 |
| Adam and Eve Teaching their Children -by Del Parson |
 |
| Moses Taught Israel Important things! -by Judith Mehr |
The Savior taught multitudes gathered both in the Holy Land
and on the American continent.
 |
| Jesus Visits the Americas |
Peter gathered believers in Jerusalem!
(No Painting Available)
 |
| The Whitmer Log House in Fayette, New York Where the First General Conference in these Latter Days was convened. |
just two months after the Church was organized, and
conferences have continued to this very day. These conferences
are always under the direction of the Lord, and His Holy Spirit
guides them.
Doctrine and Covenants 46:2 But notwithstanding those things
which are written, it always has been given to the elders of my
church from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings
as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit.
church from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings
as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit.
We are not assigned specific topics. Over weeks and months,
often through sleepless nights, we wait upon the Lord.
Through fasting, praying, studying, and pondering, we learn
the message that He wants us to give. Some might ask,
“Why doesn’t the inspiration come more easily and quickly?”
often through sleepless nights, we wait upon the Lord.
Through fasting, praying, studying, and pondering, we learn
the message that He wants us to give. Some might ask,
“Why doesn’t the inspiration come more easily and quickly?”
The Lord taught Oliver Cowdery, “You must study it out in
your mind; then you must ask me if it be right.”
your mind; then you must ask me if it be right.”
Doctrine and Covenants 9:8 But, behold, I say unto you, that
you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be
right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn
within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be
right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn
within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
Conference messages come to us after prayerful
preparation, through the Holy Ghost. This principle is true
for all members of the Church as we prepare to participate in
ward, stake, and general conferences. We study out in our
minds what we need and desire from Heavenly Father, and
we pray to understand and apply that which we are taught.
As the time for conference arrives, we sacrifice other activities,
“laying aside the things of this world, [to] seek for the things of
a better.”
preparation, through the Holy Ghost. This principle is true
for all members of the Church as we prepare to participate in
ward, stake, and general conferences. We study out in our
minds what we need and desire from Heavenly Father, and
we pray to understand and apply that which we are taught.
As the time for conference arrives, we sacrifice other activities,
“laying aside the things of this world, [to] seek for the things of
a better.”
Doctrine and Covenants 25:10 And verily I say unto thee that
thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things
of a better.
thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things
of a better.
 |
| King Benjamin Preaches to the Nephites -by Gary Kapp |
Mosiah 2: 5 And it came to pass that when they came up to
the temple, they pitched their tents round about, every man
according to his family, consisting of his wife, and his sons, and his
daughters, and their sons, and their daughters, from the eldest
down to the youngest, every family being separate one from
another.
Children and youth love to be included. We make a serious mistake
if we assume that the conference is above their intellect and spiritual
sensitivity. To the young members of the Church, I promise that if
you will listen, you will feel the Spirit well up within you. The Lord
will tell you what He wants you to do with your life. In Conferences
we can receive the word of the Lord meant just for us.
One member testified: “As I listened to your address, I was
astounded. …
if we assume that the conference is above their intellect and spiritual
sensitivity. To the young members of the Church, I promise that if
you will listen, you will feel the Spirit well up within you. The Lord
will tell you what He wants you to do with your life. In Conferences
we can receive the word of the Lord meant just for us.
One member testified: “As I listened to your address, I was
astounded. …
Your talk was personal revelation directly from the Lord to my
family. I have never experienced such a strong manifestation of the
Spirit in my life as those minutes when the Holy Ghost spoke directly
to me.”
family. I have never experienced such a strong manifestation of the
Spirit in my life as those minutes when the Holy Ghost spoke directly
to me.”
Another said, “I have never before felt so profoundly that a talk was
being given to me.” This is possible because the Holy Ghost carries
the word of the Lord unto our hearts in terms we can understand.7
being given to me.” This is possible because the Holy Ghost carries
the word of the Lord unto our hearts in terms we can understand.7
2 Nephi 33:1 And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which
were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like
unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy
Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the
children of men.
were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like
unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy
Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the
children of men.
When I take notes at conference, I do not always write down
exactly what the speaker is saying; I note the personalized
direction the Spirit is giving me. What is said is not as important
as what we hear and what we feel.8
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1976/10/a-report-and-a
-challenge?lang=eng
exactly what the speaker is saying; I note the personalized
direction the Spirit is giving me. What is said is not as important
as what we hear and what we feel.8
-challenge?lang=eng
That is why we make an effort to experience conference in a
setting where the still, small voice of the Spirit can be clearly
heard, felt, and understood. Oh, how we need general conference!
Through conferences our faith is fortified and our testimonies deepened.
And when we are converted, we strengthen each other to stand
strong amid the fiery darts of these last days.
setting where the still, small voice of the Spirit can be clearly
heard, felt, and understood. Oh, how we need general conference!
Through conferences our faith is fortified and our testimonies deepened.
And when we are converted, we strengthen each other to stand
strong amid the fiery darts of these last days.
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan
hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.
hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when
thou are converted, strengthen thy brethren.
thou are converted, strengthen thy brethren.
In recent decades the Church has largely been spared the terrible
misunderstandings and persecutions experienced by the early
Saints. It will not always be so. The world is moving away from
the Lord faster and farther than ever before. The adversary has
been loosed upon the earth. We watch, hear, read, study, and
share the words of prophets to be forewarned and protected.
misunderstandings and persecutions experienced by the early
Saints. It will not always be so. The world is moving away from
the Lord faster and farther than ever before. The adversary has
been loosed upon the earth. We watch, hear, read, study, and
share the words of prophets to be forewarned and protected.
For example, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”
was given long before we experienced the challenges now
facing the family. “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the
Apostles” was prepared in advance of when we will need it
most.
was given long before we experienced the challenges now
facing the family. “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the
Apostles” was prepared in advance of when we will need it
most.
We may not know all the reasons why the prophets and
conference speakers address us with certain topics in
conference, but the Lord does. President Harold B. Lee taught:
“The only safety we have as members of this church is to …
give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall
give through His prophet.
conference speakers address us with certain topics in
conference, but the Lord does. President Harold B. Lee taught:
“The only safety we have as members of this church is to …
give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall
give through His prophet.
There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may
not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may
contradict your [personal] views. It may contradict your social
views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you
listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself,
with patience and faith, the promise is that ‘the gates of hell
shall not prevail against you; … and the Lord God will disperse
the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens
to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.’
not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may
contradict your [personal] views. It may contradict your social
views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you
listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself,
with patience and faith, the promise is that ‘the gates of hell
shall not prevail against you; … and the Lord God will disperse
the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens
to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.’
(Doctrine and Covenants 21:”10 6 For by doing these
things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and
the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from
before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good and
his name’s glory.
things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and
the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from
before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good and
his name’s glory.
How did President Lee know what we would be facing in our day?
He knew because he was a prophet, seer, and revelator. And if
we listen and obey the prophets now, including those who will
speak in this very conference, we will be strengthened and
protected.
He knew because he was a prophet, seer, and revelator. And if
we listen and obey the prophets now, including those who will
speak in this very conference, we will be strengthened and
protected.
The greatest blessings of general conference come to us after
the conference is over. Remember the pattern recorded
frequently in scripture: we gather to hear the words of the Lord,
and we return to our homes to live them.
the conference is over. Remember the pattern recorded
frequently in scripture: we gather to hear the words of the Lord,
and we return to our homes to live them.
After King Benjamin taught his people, “he dismissed the multitude,
and they returned, every one, according to their families, to their
own houses.”11
and they returned, every one, according to their families, to their
own houses.”11
Mosiah 6:3 And again, it came to pass that when king Benjamin
had made an end of all these things, and had consecrated his son
Mosiah to be a ruler and a king over his people, and had given him
all the charges concerning the kingdom, and also had appointed
priests to teach the people, that thereby they might hear and know
the commandments of God, and to stir them up in remembrance of
the oath which they had made, he dismissed the multitude, and they
returned, every one, according to their families, to their own houses.
had made an end of all these things, and had consecrated his son
Mosiah to be a ruler and a king over his people, and had given him
all the charges concerning the kingdom, and also had appointed
priests to teach the people, that thereby they might hear and know
the commandments of God, and to stir them up in remembrance of
the oath which they had made, he dismissed the multitude, and they
returned, every one, according to their families, to their own houses.
In his day, King Limhi did the same.12
4 And it came to pass that after he had done all this, that king Limhi
dismissed the multitude, and caused that they should return every one
unto his own house.
dismissed the multitude, and caused that they should return every one
unto his own house.
After teaching and ministering to the people at the temple in Bountiful,
the Savior entreated the people,
the Savior entreated the people,
3Nephi 17:3 “Therefore, Go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon
the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye
may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto
you again.”
the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye
may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto
you again.”
We accept the Savior’s invitation when we ponder and pray to
understand what we have been taught and then go forward and do
His will. Remember President Spencer W. Kimball’s words: “I have made
up my mind that when I go home from this [general] conference … there
are many, many areas in my life that I can perfect. I have made a mental
list of them, and I expect to go to work as soon as we get through.”
Spencer W. Kimball, "Spoken from Their Hearts," Ensign, Nov. 1975,
111. (14)
understand what we have been taught and then go forward and do
His will. Remember President Spencer W. Kimball’s words: “I have made
up my mind that when I go home from this [general] conference … there
are many, many areas in my life that I can perfect. I have made a mental
list of them, and I expect to go to work as soon as we get through.”
Spencer W. Kimball, "Spoken from Their Hearts," Ensign, Nov. 1975,
111. (14)
President Monson recently said: “I encourage you to read the talks …
and to ponder the messages contained therein. I have found in my own
life that I gain even more from these inspired sermons when I study them
in greater depth.”
and to ponder the messages contained therein. I have found in my own
life that I gain even more from these inspired sermons when I study them
in greater depth.”
In addition to inviting us to hold personal and family scripture
study, Heavenly Father wants us to regularly to study and testify
and apply what we have and apply what we have learned in
conference. I testify that those who put their trust in the Lord
and heed this counsel in faith will gain great strength to bless
themselves and to overcome.
Heavenly Father has provided the way. At this conference, 97 percent of
the Church can hear these messages in their own language. Millions
of members in 197 countries will watch this conference in 95 languages.
study, Heavenly Father wants us to regularly to study and testify
and apply what we have and apply what we have learned in
conference. I testify that those who put their trust in the Lord
and heed this counsel in faith will gain great strength to bless
themselves and to overcome.
Heavenly Father has provided the way. At this conference, 97 percent of
the Church can hear these messages in their own language. Millions
of members in 197 countries will watch this conference in 95 languages.
In just two or three days the messages will appear on LDS.org in English,
and within one week they will begin to be available in 52 languages. Now
we receive the printed Church magazines within three weeks of the
general conference. No longer do we have to wait months for the talks to
arrive by mail. On a computer, phone, or other electronic device, we can
read, listen to, watch, and share the teachings of the prophets. Anytime,
anywhere, we can enlarge our knowledge, strengthen our faith and
testimony, protect our families, and lead them safely home.
and within one week they will begin to be available in 52 languages. Now
we receive the printed Church magazines within three weeks of the
general conference. No longer do we have to wait months for the talks to
arrive by mail. On a computer, phone, or other electronic device, we can
read, listen to, watch, and share the teachings of the prophets. Anytime,
anywhere, we can enlarge our knowledge, strengthen our faith and
testimony, protect our families, and lead them safely home.
The messages of this conference will also be woven into the online youth
curriculum. Parents, you may access youth lessons for yourself on LDS.org.
Find out what your children are learning, and make it the subject of your
own study, family discussions, family home evenings, family councils,
and personal interviews with each of your children concerning what they
need to be taught individually. I encourage all members to use the resources
on the Church’s websites and mobile apps. They are continually being
refined so that they are easier to use and more relevant to our lives.
On LDS.org you will find resources to help you study the gospel, strengthen
your home and family, and serve in your calling. You can also find your
ancestors who need temple ordinances and resources to support you in the
work of salvation, including sharing the gospel. Parents can take the lead
in preparing their children for baptism, the priesthood, full-time missions,
and the temple. They can help us walk the strait and narrow path of temple
ordinances and covenants and qualify for the blessing of eternal life.
In last April’s conference, in the general priesthood meeting, I told about curriculum. Parents, you may access youth lessons for yourself on LDS.org.
Find out what your children are learning, and make it the subject of your
own study, family discussions, family home evenings, family councils,
and personal interviews with each of your children concerning what they
need to be taught individually. I encourage all members to use the resources
on the Church’s websites and mobile apps. They are continually being
refined so that they are easier to use and more relevant to our lives.
On LDS.org you will find resources to help you study the gospel, strengthen
your home and family, and serve in your calling. You can also find your
ancestors who need temple ordinances and resources to support you in the
work of salvation, including sharing the gospel. Parents can take the lead
in preparing their children for baptism, the priesthood, full-time missions,
and the temple. They can help us walk the strait and narrow path of temple
ordinances and covenants and qualify for the blessing of eternal life.
my father drawing a picture of a knight in armor to teach me about putting
on the whole armor of God and the spiritual protection it brings. After that
session was over, a father reported to his family what he had learned.
Inspired, their young son Jason searched LDS.org to hear the message for
himself. A few days later he appeared in family home evening to share the
lesson with his brothers and sisters. Here he is.
A simple conference message, inspired of the Lord, received by a child,
was taught to a family in a personal, powerful way. I love his breastplate
of righteousness. I love his shield of faith to thwart the fiery darts of the
adversary. These are the blessings of conference.
My brothers and sisters, I bear my special witness that the Lord Jesus Christ
lives and stands at the head of this Church. This is His general conference.
I promise you in His name that if you pray with a sincere desire to hear your
Heavenly Father’s voice in the messages of this conference, you will discover
that He has spoken to you t+
____________
lives and stands at the head of this Church. This is His general conference.
I promise you in His name that if you pray with a sincere desire to hear your
Heavenly Father’s voice in the messages of this conference, you will discover
that He has spoken to you t+
____________
Now as is usually done in each of these Blog Posts of mine, I, Neil Birch
suggest that you consider gathering together those nearby who might
desire to join you in singing one of the LDS Hymns.
suggest that you consider gathering together those nearby who might
desire to join you in singing one of the LDS Hymns.
I feel that Hymn # 243 from the LDS Hymn Book, "Let Us All Press On"
fits the message delivered by Elder Hales.You may think of others and
if you do you can scroll through the Internet device provided
fits the message delivered by Elder Hales.You may think of others and
if you do you can scroll through the Internet device provided
you, to find them.
You may want to have those present with you who want to sing to
choose which part: Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Base, they each would like
to sing. The music is provided in this link which you can access
choose which part: Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Base, they each would like
to sing. The music is provided in this link which you can access
by clicking.
_____
DISCLAIMER This website is not owned by or affiliated with the Church
Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon or LDS
Church). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position
of the Church.
____________
TO ACCESS NEIL BIRCH'S BLOG INDEX To Either Read the Full
Index Item Which Refers To This Blog Post, (Or An Item Which Refers To Any Other
Blog Post You May Desire To Access): After Reading All of This Paragraph Please
Click on the Post Title Shown at the End of this following paragraph:
When You See a Portrayal of Our Savior Jesus Christ Sitting Next To
a Little Boy, Please, Scroll Down To our Target: General Conference!
This Blog Post is Based on the October 2013 General Conference Talk
of Elder Robert Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. -Post 47u
____________
"Four Books of Scripture Testify of Jesus Christ! Legal /Statement.
Thank you for visiting. The author retains intellectual property and
creative licensing rights. Permission to use or reprint must be given
in writing. © Est.2008 Neil Birch Legal /Statement.
____________
I deeply appreciate your readership and hope you found very
beneficial, that which was presented to you in this blog post.
If you have any questions about what you have read or
viewed in this post or in any previous posts of mine,
or if you even have a curiosity about the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, and or its teachings, please
e-mail me. I'm Neil and my e-mail address is:
jneilmelva@gmail.com. If you contact me I'll get back
to you just as soon as possible.
Neil Birch
