Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a spiritual organism, not contained within the confines of a physical organization. President Nelson makes a distinction between covenants and core gospel truths vs. methods and procedures. However, I definitely have two places that I want to examine and improve: I love you, dear brothers and sisters. Learn how your comment data is processed. Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ. This was as much a physical act as it was a spiritual act. 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. What a powerhouse invitation straight from the prophet to YOU. What are your favorite ways to reinforce your gospel understanding? President Nelsons counsel is clear and direct, yet he empowers us. Ask Him how you can rededicate your life to holy service to Him. Think of it as your personal, daily restoration, he said. This is not a new challenge but it is a critical one., First, contention weakens our collective witness to the world of Jesus Christ and the redemption that comes through His merits, mercy and grace, and everyone knows that we are not his disciples when we do not show love one to another., Second, contention is spiritually unhealthy for us as individuals. In June 2018. Nobody changes the principles and [doctrine] of the Church except the Lord by revelation. We believe in prayerfully curated and intentionally designed products and content that supports women on their path of discipleship. President Nelson shared three truths hand them out or have them written up on the board. Now, imagine that you are tasked with getting that wreck room cleared out, and the sooner you get it cleared the better. He wants you to have spiritual insights and awakenings youve never had before. The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation Whenever any kind of upheaval occurs in . 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. Dont be afraid of initial silence as people think the questions through. 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. Hewants you to comprehend your privileges, promises, and responsibilities. I think of that verse in Matthew 10:32 that says, "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven (NASB). However, personal peace can be achieved despite the anger, contention, and division that blights and corrupts our world today. The ongoing Restoration needs ongoing revelation. That is not to say that all clean-up jobs are instant or that we wont ever have to get down with a toothbrush and scrub the floors of our heart. These truths I know: God, our Heavenly Father, wantsyouto choose to come home to Him. In his first official communication of 2022, President Russell M. Nelson, leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared important advice: "Be more resolute in being kind to others and strengthening your own spiritual foundation.". President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks Oct. 3, 2021, during the Sunday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference, which was held in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. 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. Spiritual doors will open. Even with a few changes, its still a Masonic ritual with Mormon flair. 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. I noticed the elements of rock and earth, immovable and solid, that remained in their place day after day, wave after wave. 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 far as attending the temple, I have felt like my husband and I are doing very well. 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. Like the ongoing renovations to the Salt Lake Temple, he invited listeners to strengthen personal spiritual foundations. The ongoing Restoration needs ongoing revelation.". 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. Nelsonsaid Sunday morning. We are sparing no effort to give this venerable temple, which had become increasingly vulnerable, a foundation that will withstand the forces of nature into the Millennium, President Nelson said. It wasn't simply architectural or engineering in nature; this was a symbol of worship of the Lord. "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. Likewise, whenever any kind of upheaval occurs in your life, the safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenants! Enter your email address so you don't miss any posts! If you and I are to withstand the forthcoming perils and pressures, it is imperative that we each have a firm spiritual foundation built upon the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.". This He desires for all temple patrons, no matter where they live.". When your spiritual foundation is build solidly upon Jesus Christ, you have no need to fear. Actually, the plan for temples was established even before the foundation of the world," President Russell M. Nelson says. 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. He asks us to consider what reinforcements we may need. Your diligent efforts to do so will reinforce and strengthen your spiritual foundation. His plan of eternal progression is not complicated, and it honors your agency. President HaroldB. Lee explained why procedures, policies, and even the administration of temple ordinances continue to change within the Saviors restored Church. When you bring your temple recommend, a contrite heart, and a seeking mind to the Lords house of learning, He will teach you. Back in the Old Testament days, Jesus wasnt there to be the atonement, so the people had to sacrifice animals. In every age, the temple has underscored the precious truth that those who make covenants with God and keep them are children of the covenant. These truths I know: God, our Heavenly Father, wants you to choose to come home to Him. Thanks. Reopening the Temple - Usher in God's Presence. 7: 25). Have you ever received revelation in the temple regarding your own life? The Salt Lake Temple under renovation 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. It has never been more important to seek personal peace.. You are so welcome. We studied this talk in elders quorum. I am talking about Jesus Christ, and He knows just how to clean out our temples (see Heb. 2023 The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., A nonprofit 501 (c)(3) Charitable Organization. This is a Institutional post. President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, tours the renovation work at the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City on Saturday, May 22, 2021. We take ourselves off of the throne and put Christ back into His high place as King of our lives. Now is the time to develop that relationship and that understanding. This is a prophetic warning. President Nelson presents what to me seems like an eternal round: We attend the temple and receive greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. Increased spiritual power brings with it inspiration from the Holy Ghost, which encourages to return to the temple for greater understanding and spiritual power. So I ask each of you, how firm isyourfoundation? Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), 5 Highlights for The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation by President Nelson, General Conference Talks with 5 Highlights. You are free to choose who you will beand with whom you will bein the world to come! hb```a``Z0A2l@q!`zn00P pP@B,N_00Utt40I!`/r@`bd6eRlK They were the only ones who could do the job because they had obediently kept themselves pure in the sight of God. He delivered the message, accompanied by striking video and other images of his visit to the renovation site in May, during the 191st Semiannual General Conference. Some might even consider that the kind of senility that would warrant an arrest to the mental institution or the kind of political motive that might label you a traitor charged with treason. This is top-down spiritual restoration that would affect not only him and his family, not only his nation at the present, but the nation of Israel in the future. . Hewants you to have spiritual insights and awakenings youve never had before. People of all faiths and perspectives are welcome to engage in civil, respectful discussion about topics related to Mormonism. He ends this talk by saying, God lives! Joseph Fielding Smith (1976),308]. The problem is that you are in this same state that the Apostle Paul mentions, and that is that the things you do you dont want to do, and the things you dont want to do you do (Rom. The idea was not just to assess the newly restored Temple. Note: If you would like some tips on how to feel more confident while teaching try 9 Tips for More Class Participation.. "Temple ordinances and covenants are ancient." This link was really interesting: https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Question:_Did_Joseph_Smith_make_up_the_temple_ordinances_or_borrow_them_from_an_earthly_source%3F. The Restoration is a process, not an event, and will continue until the Lord comes again. How can we build our foundation on Jesus Christ what does that phrase mean to you? 12:43-45 for an example).Its imperative that we ask that the Holy Spirit fill our cleansed vessels so that evil cannot reenter. Whenever any kind of upheaval occurs in your life, the safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenants! We look to the blood of the Lamb. Or, at the very least, those things aren't as important as President Nelson would have us believe. Youth Program at 10:30. www . His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. Then have someone read this quote and start a class discussion with thought-provoking questions (some suggestions found after the quote). "Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God. My husband and I recently went to the temple after a long absence (a significant move halfway across the US and other difficult circumstances made it hard to go previously.) What, are you crazy? Simply Beautiful! I don't understand the insistence on attempting to draw similarities to things which are obviously very different. Increased spiritual power brings with it inspiration from the Holy Ghost, which encourages to return to the temple for greater understanding and spiritual power. Subscribe to receive shop updates, access to exclusive deals, weekly study inspiration, and more! I wonder what he would say to those of us who just cant feel that it helps us? A spiritual house that has been swept clean of defilement will not stay clean without a dedication to God. As you contemplate this passage of Scripture, what is the state of your soul? It can be harmful to the Lords latter-day work, and it can be harmful to the individual. If you choose to live your life out of sequence, you will find life more difficult and chaotic, he said. Only someone who talks directly to God could have that kind of wonderful stuff to say! He prescribed what he called an ongoing daily infusion of heavenly light regular prayer, pondering scriptures and self-introspection. Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, with his wife Sister Susan Gong waves to attendees after the Sunday morning session of the 191st 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. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Consider how administering the sacrament has changed over the years. And what reinforcements to your testimony and understanding of the gospel are needed? He said the temple will be the safest place in the Salt Lake Valley when the work is done. The temples spires have been removed and stored, the towers are surrounded by scaffolding and the foundation exposed for the work to strengthen them. He went with the city officials for the dedication ceremony of the Temple (verse 20). 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.. Have we been letting God enter in freely and unencumbered? If you study the talk with the footnotes, you will find that his message goes even deeper. 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. Indeed, 'whenever the Lord has had a people on the earth who will obey His word, they have been commanded to build temples.' Thats some high calling! If the Jewish people did not behave like a people meant to represent God - to be a kingdom of spiritual leaders, and a holy people (Exodus 19:6) - what value was the Temple? The temple lies at the center of strengthening faith and spiritual fortitude because everything taught in the temple increases understanding of Jesus Christ. Now, lets go back to you and me. 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. And the Most Holy One has a mandate for you to help a nation seek His kingdom and His righteousness. The way you are going to do that is through reestablishing holy worship of God among the people. Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Corinthians 3:2, 17; 2 Corinthians 6:16). 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