"...by the Name of Jesus Christ"
President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
- Second Counselor in the First Presidency
📅 0
📖 general conference
On the cross, Jesus Christ, despite His suffering, asks His Father to forgive those who crucified Him.
I often think that one of the most beautiful things in the Christ's life was his words on the cross, when, suffering under the agony of a death that is said to have been the most painful that the ancients could devise, death on the cross, after he had been unjustly, illegally, contrary to all the rules of mercy, condemned and then crucified, when he had been nailed to the cross and was about to give up his life, he said to his Father in heaven, as those who were within hearing testify: '. . . Fa ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...Come the Blessings"
Elder ElRay L. Christiansen
- Assistant to the Council of the Twelve Apostles
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker recounts a story about a young man in legal trouble who felt that no one loved him enough to correct him.
While I was attending a conference in California not so long ago, I was told of one of our members living there, whose business it is to assist those who are in difficulty, that he had been given permission to interview a fine young man who was in serious trouble with the law. The interviewer asked this question: "Would you mind giving me the dominant reason for your being here in this condition?" This young man, after a moment's thought, replied: "I am here because no one loved me enough to co ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...Come the Blessings"
Elder ElRay L. Christiansen
- Assistant to the Council of the Twelve Apostles
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker explains the concept of divine law and agency using the example of Adam and Eve's choice to obey or disobey God's commandment regarding the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
But while he gives us commandments, he also gives us the freedom, the liberty to reject them if we so choose. As he spoke to Adam and Eve in the garden, he told them they could eat of every tree of the garden. This they were free to do. However, he gave commandment that they should not eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, or the penalty of death would follow. They could eat of it if they wished, but they must remember that he forbade itMoses 3:16-17They were at liberty to break ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...For They Shall See God"
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
- Of the Council of the Twelve Apostles
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker compares finding the gift of eternal life to discovering an acre of diamonds in one's own backyard, emphasizing the value and accessibility of this spiritual prize.
Prize of Great Worth
If I were to tell you that in your own back yard you could find an acre of diamonds, would you ignore the suggestion and take no trouble to search? Today, I am telling you that in easy reach there is a prize of inestimable worth. Diamonds can buy one food and shelter. Diamonds can sparkle and glitter. Diamonds can embellish and decorate. But the prize which is within your grasp is more brilliant than jewels. It will not tarnish nor be subject to market trends. I speak of the ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...For They Shall See God"
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
- Of the Council of the Twelve Apostles
📅 0
📖 general conference
Moses's encounter with God is described, highlighting the need for divine protection to withstand the glory of God's presence.
Moses explained that he could endure the divine presence because '. . . the glory of God' (Moses 1:2) was upon him. Jehovah said: 'Wherefore, no man can behold all my works, except he behold all my glory; and no man can behold all my glory, and afterwards remain in the flesh on the earth' (Moses 1:5). In heavenly glorious vision, Moses '. . . beheld the world . . . and all the children of men' (Moses 1:8). It is significant to note that when the protection from such transcendent glory was relaxe ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...For They Shall See God"
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
- Of the Council of the Twelve Apostles
📅 0
📖 general conference
The story of Moses's confrontation with Satan illustrates the power of God's priesthood and the importance of recognizing and resisting evil.
Now came Satan, contending for the subservience of Moses. Satan, also a son of God, had rebelled and had been cast out of heaven and not permitted an earthly body as had his brother Jehovah. Much depended upon the outcome of this spectacular duel. And again, could the mastermind, Lucifer, control and dominate this Prophet Moses who had learned much directly from his Lord? 'Moses, son of man, worship me,' the devil tempted, with promise of worlds and luxuries and power. But, he courageously: '. . ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...For They Shall See God"
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
- Of the Council of the Twelve Apostles
📅 0
📖 general conference
The story of Joseph Smith's First Vision is recounted, emphasizing the significance of this event in restoring knowledge of God to the world.
The Prophet's Vision
This budding prophet had no preconceived false notions and beliefs. He was not steeped in the traditions and legends and superstitions and fables of the centuries. He had nothing to unlearn. He prayed for knowledge and direction. The powers of darkness preceded the light. When he knelt in solitude in the silent forest, his earnest prayer brought on a battle royal which threatened his destruction. For centuries, Lucifer with unlimited dominion had fettered men's minds. He cou ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...Seek not to Counsel the Lord"
Bishop Thorpe B. Isaacson
- First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker reflects on his first assignment to speak at the general conference 10 years prior, expressing gratitude for the blessings and hard work over the years, and the support from his family and the Church members.
It is just ten years ago today that my first assignment came to speak to the general conference of the Church. I would be a very ungrateful person if I did not first publicly thank the Lord for his kindnesses and mercies to me. Time will not permit me to tell you the wonderful blessings that have come to me during these lovely ten years of service. However, I believe I have worked harder during these past ten years than in any other ten years of my life, but likewise this work has given me great ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...Seek not to Counsel the Lord"
Bishop Thorpe B. Isaacson
- First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker describes a spiritually uplifting meeting with the General Authorities in the temple before the conference, highlighting a prayer by Brother Stapley that was felt to have been answered.
I trust the Brethren, and especially Apostle Delbert L. Stapley, will forgive me if I tell you of the kind invitation from the First Presidency to all of the General Authorities to a meeting in the temple prior to the commencement of this general conference. I do not have the time nor the ability to describe to you the spirit of that meeting in the temple on Thursday morning. Brother Stapley offered the prayer, and I am certain that we all felt that his prayer ascended to our Father in heaven an ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...Seek not to Counsel the Lord"
Bishop Thorpe B. Isaacson
- First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker shares an experience with a man who overcame alcoholism, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's help in such trials.
However, because of my sincere interest in the rehabilitation of alcoholics, I would like to pay a tribute to those who are trying to overcome this habit or disease, and to overcome the cruel monster of alcohol. I would like to say a word of encouragement to 11,000 alcoholics in the state of Utah and about 5,000,000 alcoholics in the United States, because of an experience that I had with one of them last night following our missionary meeting held in the Tabernacle. I was very proud of this man ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...Seek not to Counsel the Lord"
Bishop Thorpe B. Isaacson
- First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker recounts a morning meeting with a group of doctors who began their day with a prayer, seeking divine guidance before discussing their business plans.
A few weeks ago a business associate of mine asked me to go with him to make the acquaintance of and visit and talk with eight wonderful young Latter-day Saint practicing physicians. He wanted me to go to see these doctors and meet them, wishing that I would agree to write a letter recommending consideration for these doctors so they could successfully get a loan to build a medical clinic. I agreed to go with him. As we discussed the time for the appointment with these doctors, my friend informe ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God..."
President Nathan Eldon Tanner
- Second Counselor in the First Presidency
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker recounts how his father, who was also his bishop, taught him the importance of seeking the kingdom of God first, by example and advice, especially during their trips to priesthood meetings.
Bishop's, Father's, Advice and Example
As I look back over my life, I should like this evening to pay tribute to and thank my father
and my bishop, who is the same man, for the direction and help and guidance and example he
gave me all the time I was going through the Aaronic Priesthood quorums. He taught me all
the time, ". . . seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness: and all these things,
my boy, will be added unto you."
I remember when I was a deacon, we had no cars, no trucks. ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God..."
President Nathan Eldon Tanner
- Second Counselor in the First Presidency
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker shares a lesson from his youth when his father, disappointed in him for not completing assigned work, simply expressed his expectation of dependability, which profoundly influenced the speaker's sense of responsibility.
I remember another thing he taught me which was very important. As a bishop he was not
able to spend the time at home that some men can who are not bishops. He left us one
afternoon while he was going out to look after his flock in the ward, and my brother and I
were assigned to do certain things. He came back a little sooner than he had intended, or than
we had expected him to come back anyway, and we hadn't accomplished what he had asked
us to do. We had some calves in the corral we thought ne ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God..."
President Nathan Eldon Tanner
- Second Counselor in the First Presidency
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker tells a story about advising his daughter and her friends to have a good time in a way that they would not regret later, highlighting the importance of making choices that allow for future happiness without remorse.
"Have a Good Time"
I have a little story that I have told all over the Church; probably most of you have heard it.
My daughter and her girl friend were at our house, and they were going to a party; then two
young men came and called for them. I sat and talked to them. I love young people. As I was
talking to them, talking about different things, I enjoyed my visit with them, and just before
they were ready to go, I said, "Now, have a good time, kids." But just as they were going out
of the door, ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God..."
President Nathan Eldon Tanner
- Second Counselor in the First Presidency
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker recounts a story of a missionary who, when challenged by a reverend about their service to the Lord, confidently differentiated between serving the Lord in one's own way and serving Him in His way.
The story is told of another missionary over there who was discussing the gospel with one of
the reverends, and the reverend wasn't making the progress that he thought he should, and
finally he turned to the missionary and said, "Well, at least you will agree that we are both
trying to serve the Lord." The missionary looked at him for a moment and said, "Yes, I think
I would—you in your way, and I in his." Now, brethren, that might sound impudent, and
maybe it was, if the story is true. B ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God..."
President Nathan Eldon Tanner
- Second Counselor in the First Presidency
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker reflects on the life of Joseph Smith as a young boy who, after the First Vision, remained faithful and worthy to receive further visitations and priesthood authority despite having no church or support other than his family.
A Boy Taught by Heavenly Beings
As I think of that young boy, fourteen years of age, I would like you to imagine yourself
being that young boy, when he went into the grove and prayed to his Heavenly Father, and
imagine how he felt when God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ appeared to him and God
said, "Joseph, this is my beloved Son, hear him" (seeJS—H 1:17Now that young
man after he left that grove was left alone for three years. He had no bishop, and he had no
teacher. He had no Sund ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...That Ye Love One Another..."
Elder Henry D. Taylor
- Assistant to the Council of the Twelve Apostles
📅 0
📖 general conference
Joseph Smith chose to face martyrdom out of loyalty to the Saints, despite knowing he could escape by going West. Willard Richards and John Taylor displayed great loyalty by defending Joseph and Hyrum Smith during the attack at Carthage Jail, with Taylor being seriously wounded.
The Prophet Joseph Smith fully realized the fate that awaited him and could have undoubtedly escaped martyrdom by going West beyond the reach of his enemies. Rather, he chose to return to Nauvoo and Carthage, being loyal to the Saints he loved so dearly, and who returned his love and affection. Many of his associates pleaded for the privilege of accompanying him and his brother Hyrum to the jail, aware that death could easily result. Willard Richards and John Taylor were granted this permission, ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...Therefore Ye Are Free Indeed"
Elder Marion D. Hanks
- Of the First Council of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
A Marine lieutenant who served four years in the last war humorously expressed his lack of eagerness to be recalled for service by sending a telegram to the board stating he did not want to crowd in ahead of anyone else who wants the experience.
This experience makes me feel like a Marine lieutenant friend of mine. He had been in the last war for four years and when he learned they were considering his recall, he sent the board a telegram in which he said: "I desire to remind you that I spent four years in the last war, and I just want you to know I do not want to crowd in ahead of anyone else who wants the experience.
Forgiveness
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"...To Forgive Is Divine"
Elder Henry D. Taylor
- Assistant to the Council of the Twelve Apostles
📅 0
📖 general conference
A young convict hopes for his family's forgiveness and asks for a white ribbon signal on an apple tree if they forgive him.
I like the story of total and complete forgiveness related by the warden of a western prison. A friend of his happened to be sitting in a railroad coach next to a young man who was obviously depressed. Finally, the young man revealed that he was a convict returning from a distant prison. His imprisonment had brought shame on his family, and they had neither visited him nor written often. He hoped, however, that this was only because they were too poor to travel, too uneducated to write. He also ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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"...To Forgive Is Divine"
Elder Henry D. Taylor
- Assistant to the Council of the Twelve Apostles
📅 0
📖 general conference
Jesus forgives his tormentors during his crucifixion, praying for them despite his suffering.
The most magnificent lesson ever taught respecting forgiveness was given by the Savior. Jesus was subjected by his enemies to what is considered to be the cruelest and most horrible form of death. Crucifixion is excruciatingly painful, with the victim lingering on in increasing agony and torture for hours or even days. Yet, in spite of the humiliation and intense pain he suffered on Calvary's cross, Jesus, with compassion, in Godlike mercy, prayed for his tormentors, 'Father, forgive them; for t ... (continued)
Forgiveness
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