Saturday morning session 189th Semiannual General Conference Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Elder Terrence M. Vinson Brother Stephen W. Owen Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Presidency of the Seventy Young Men general president “The prayer of every speaker, When the Savior and His gos- In a complex and contentious world the hope of all who sing, the pel are the framework around with the bombardment of relentless reverence of every guest — we are which people build their lives, messages from social media and all are dedicated to inviting the they can feel enduring joy. news, individuals must deliberately spirit of Him whose Church this is, In Australia, the term “fair take time each day to “disconnect the living Christ, the Lamb of God, dinkum” means people are from the world and connect with the Prince of Peace.” what they say they are — heaven.” Just as hay does not provide Luke in the New Testament essentially, they do what they adequate nourishment for deer, the tells of a blind man on the road mean and they go “all in” when trending news does not offer true to Jericho who, when hearing the they say they are committed. spiritual nourishment. crowd’s commotions, learns of Jesus passing by as the In the game of rugby, players find the greatest en- Church members must press forward on the covenant path reason for the clamor. The blind man persistently cries out joyment of the game when they play their hardest and and be truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through His above the crowd’s noise until he is taken to the Savior, give their all by playing their best. The same is true in prophet, the Lord is preparing His people to face challenges with Who in turn restores his sight and heals him. life and with the gospel. faith. President Russell M. Nelson’s recent call for a home-cen- “As in our New Testament story, those blessed with sight “Giving our all doesn’t mean that we will be contin- tered Church is designed to provide spiritual nutrition to “survive will recognize that, in spite of everything else this confer- ually enveloped in blessings or always have success. and thrive in the latter days.” ence tradition may offer us, it will mean little or nothing But it does mean that we will have joy.” To further support spiritual nourishment in the home, curric- unless we find Jesus at the center of it all.” It is the sacrifices and efforts of each individual that ulum for Aaronic Priesthood and Young Women will be aligned Similarly, Joseph Smith rose above his day’s confusion matter most to the Lord, not their successes. with “Come, Follow Me — For Individuals and Families” starting in and cacophony of competing Christian witnesses, with his “So, the question for each of us is: Are we also fair January 2020. The Church also supports home-centered learning seeking served as the catalyst for the First Vision. dinkum about the gospel? Because being half-hearted through the ordinance of the sacrament and providing the oppor- “I testify … that surely the most thrilling sight and is not being fair dinkum! And God is not known for tunity to gather: “Never underestimate the strength that comes sound in life is that of Jesus not only passing by but His showering praise on the lukewarm.” from gathering with others who are also trying to be strong.” coming to us, stopping beside us and making His abode Nothing on earth is more precious than eternal life. Children and youth need to know they are not alone on the with us.” The Savior committed absolutely in His sacrifice to covenant path. They need more time from bishops, leaders and “Through the incessant din and drumbeat of our day, bring about eternal life for the children of the Lord. parents — not less. Helping connect a young person with heaven may we strive to see Christ at the center of our lives, of our Don’t put off a total commitment to the Lord. “Get fair is another way to provide spiritual nourishment needed to “be faith and of our service. This is where true meaning lies.” dinkum now and feel the joy!” faithful and not faithless.” Elder D. Todd Christofferson Sister Michelle Craig Elder Dale G. Renlund Quorum of the Twelve Apostles First counselor in the Young Women general presidency Quorum of the Twelve Apostles “Saints are those who have Following are four ways to More than a century ago, many entered into the gospel covenant increase one’s spiritual capacity in Congo worshiped inanimate through baptism and are striving to to receive revelation and come to objects. After their conversion follow Christ as His disciples. Thus, know the voice of the Spirit: to Christianity, some would the ‘joy of the saints’ denotes the • “Be intentional about creating intentionally make a pilgrimage joy of becoming Christlike.” time and space to hear God’s voice.” to throw these objects into the Joy comes from keeping God’s The distractions of the world can of- churning waters of a massive commandments, overcoming ten make it difficult to hear His voice, waterfall, where the items sorrow and weakness through but taking time to seek His direction became unrecognizable. “These Christ and serving as the Savior will help all draw closer to Him. actions were a token of a new, served. • “Act without delay.” Following the promptings of the but unwavering, commitment to Jesus Christ.” Keeping the Lord’s commandments enables us more easily Spirit when individuals receive them can help them become Similarly, in the Book of Mormon the Anti-Nephi-Lehies and more fully to feel His love, with the strait and narrow more familiar with the voice of the Spirit in their lives. “laid down the weapons of their rebellion,” burying them path of the commandments leading directly to the tree of life. • “Get your errand from the Lord.” Heavenly Father is eager “deep in the earth” as “a testimony to God … that they We can find joy in overcoming misery in whatever form — to answer prayers that allow His children to help one another. never would use (their) weapons again.” sin, trial, weakness or any other obstacle to happiness. “This Pray and ask the Lord for an errand and He will “use your “Being ‘converted unto the Lord’ means leaving one is the joy of sensing progress in the path of discipleship; the ordinary skills to accomplish His extraordinary work.” course of action, directed by an old belief system, and joy of ‘having received a remission of sins and having peace • “Believe and trust.” When acting as a disciple of the Lord, adopting a new one based on faith in Heavenly Father’s of conscience’ (Mosiah 4:3); the joy of feeling one’s soul individualized or tailored revelation will allow all to perform plan and in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.” expand and grow through the grace of Christ.” their unique roles or missions in life. The Lord will prepare a As faith in Jesus Christ grows, God invites individuals to The fruits of our service to one another in the Church are way for His children to accomplish the things He commands make promises, or covenants, with Him. Covenants anchor part of the joy set before us. “Even in times of discourage- them, but His way may often differ from the expected way. individuals to the Savior and propel them along the path ment or stress, we can minister patiently if we are focused “Each one of us, regardless of age or circumstance can that leads to their heavenly home. on the joy of pleasing God and bringing light, relief and strive to seek, receive and act. As you follow this eternal Commit to a lifelong process of discipleship. “Make and happiness to His children, our brothers and sisters.” pattern ordained for our day, you will draw nearer to Jesus keep covenants. Throw your old ways into deep, churning The ultimate “joy of the saints” comes in knowing that the Christ — His love, His light, His direction, His peace and waterfalls. Completely bury your weapons of rebellion Savior pleads their cause, and no one can conceive of the His healing and enabling power. And you will increase your with no handles sticking out. Because of the Atonement joy which will fill our souls as we hear Jesus pray for us unto spiritual capacity to become an everyday instrument of His of Jesus Christ, making covenants with a real intent to the Father (3 Nephi 17:17). hands in accomplishing His great work.” reliably honor them will bless your life forever.” Saturday morning session 189th Semiannual General Conference President Dallin H. Oaks the following: spirits will live on after death, the righ- official doctrine of the Church. Doing so “does not further First counselor in the First Presidency teous spirits will be divided from the wicked, and most the work of the Lord” and may draw others away from important, the work of salvation continues there. The seeking personal revelation. scriptures teach that resurrection is assured for all and Doctrine is taught by all 15 members of the First Pres- There are many questions the Lord has yet to reveal will occur at different times for different groups. idency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Doctrine can answers to. Some of these questions may concern Aside from these basics about the spirit world, “little also come from prophetic teachings of the president of conditions or relationships in the spirit world or in the else is revealed.” While several members of the Church the Church, reaffirmed by other prophets and apostles.