https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6MsQ6QBMMY
The invitation from President Russell M. Nelson was to prepare the members for the small part we will play in gathering God's children before the Savior's Second Coming and the building up of Zion.
In his talk in the Saturday morning session he assumed we had asked the question, "In what way is my part vital?" as we prepared by studying the Restoration up to the start of conference in April.
President Eyring said he felt changes in his heart, he felt new gratitude, and filled with joy at the prospect of being invited to participate in the celebration of the ongoing Restoration.
Here's the deal.... If you feel like you may have missed out on the opportunity to join with members of the church in studying about the Restoration earlier this year, "let not your heart be troubled"😃 because President Nelson has designated the entire year to celebrate the commencement of the dispensation of the fullness of times. It makes me curious as to what is in store for the upcoming sessions of General Conference in October 2020. We already know that it will follow the same format as the one back in April. All sessions will be broadcast from a studio location in Salt Lake city. What might we anticipate as we continue to prepare for that? One can only speculate at this time as we get closer to that event. This preparation you realized or will yet realize will be a hinge point in not only the history of the church but also your personal history and spiritual journey as mentioned in President Eyring's talk.
I love President Eyring's optimism in this talk as he tells us, "As part of our preparation for His coming, He will lift each of us so we may rise to spiritual challenges and opportunities unlike any seen in the history of this world."
-Right now we have since seen a shut down of the US economy, civil unrest, protests turned to riots in the streets at the expense of precious lives, families torn apart by political differences and deadly violence. However, having spent the last few months worshiping in a more intimate setting in our individual family's homes, you may have noticed a spiritual strengthening not just personally. You very well may have noticed more unity within your family.
I can say that the trials my family has experienced since the later part of May have turned to blessings and brought us closer together. My wife and I have been on the same page in our decision making regarding our finances, which is essential in a marriage.(We are still making plans and preparations for the end of this year as we anticipate what may come our way.) Not to say that life has been stress free, but I have seen God's hand in our family's life and seen his plan for us play out for the better even through the tough trials we've experienced.
President Eyring quoted the prophet Joseph Smith in a declaration he and his counselors made to members of the church in 1840 about the work yet to be done in the last dispensation:
"The work of the Lord in these last days, is one of vast magnitude and almost beyond the comprehension of mortals. Its glories are past description, and its grandeur unsurpassable. It is the theme which has animated the bosom of prophets and righteous men from the creation of the world down through every succeeding generation to the present time; and it is truly the dispensation of the fullness of times, when all things which are in Christ Jesus, whether in heaven or on the earth, shall be gathered together in Him, and when all things shall be restored, as spoken of by all the holy prophets since the world began; for in it will take place the glorious fulfilment of the promises made to the fathers, while the manifestations of the power of the Most High will be great, glorious, and sublime....We feel disposed to go forward and unite our energies for the upbuilding of the Kingdom, and establishing the Priesthood in their fullness and glory. The work that has to be accomplished in the last days is one of vast importance, and will call into action the energy, skill, talent, and ability of the Saints, so that it may roll forth with that glory and majesty described by the prophet [Daniel][see Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45]; and will consequently require the concentration of the Saints, to accomplish works of such magnitude and grandeur.”
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-joseph-smith/chapter-44?lang=eng
The link has the reference for your convenience and context. As I read through it I was struck by the next paragraphs:
“Dear brethren, feeling desirous to carry out the purposes of God, to which work we have been called; and to be co-workers with Him in this last dispensation; we feel the necessity of having the hearty cooperation of the Saints throughout this land, and upon the islands of the sea. It will be necessary for the Saints to hearken to counsel and turn their attention to the Church, the establishment of the Kingdom, and lay aside every selfish principle, everything low and groveling; and stand forward in the cause of truth, and assist to the utmost of their power, those to whom has been given the pattern and design. …"
Did you catch that detail? We as saints must follow counsel and turn our attention to the Church, establishment of the Kingdom, and lay aside our pride and selfishness. Oh, and there's more...
“Here, then, beloved brethren, is a work to engage in worthy of archangels—a work which will cast into the shade the things which have been heretofore accomplished; a work which kings and prophets and righteous men in former ages have sought, expected, and earnestly desired to see, but died without the sight; and well will it be for those who shall aid in carrying into effect the mighty operations of Jehovah.”
This really is a great time to be alive on the earth. Those from long ago have looked with anticipation to our day. The works which we will play a role in carrying forth will make the miracles recounted in scripture look plain in comparison.
We are given some insight as to what to look ahead to that we have revealed to us through scripture thus far:
· Through His Saints, the Lord will offer the gift of His gospel “to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.”
- Technology and miracles will continue to play a part – as will individual “fishers of men” who minister with power and increasing faith.
- We as a people will become more united amid increasing conflict
- We will be gathered in the spiritual strength of groups and families filled with gospel light
- Even an unbelieving world will recognize The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and realize the power of God upon it.
- Faithful and brave disciples will fearlessly, humbly, and openly take upon them the name of Christ in their everyday lives.
How then can each of us participate
in this work of such magnitude and grandeur?
(President Nelson has taught us how
to grow in spiritual power.)
1-Take repentance as a joyful
opportunity because of our growing faith that Jesus is the Christ
2- Understand and Believe that
Heavenly Father hears our every prayer
3- Strive to Obey and Live the
commandments
These 3 things allow us to grow in our power to
receive continuing revelation.
Remember, Prayer is key.
I'll finish with this last quote from President Eyring's talk...
“Our
ability to make our VITAL contribution to the wonderful continuing Restoration
will increase as we grow in our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and our
Heavenly Father as our loving Father. As we pray in faith we become a vital
part in the Lord’s work as He prepares the world for His Second Coming. I pray that we may all find joy in doing the
work He invites each of us to perform.”
Check out his talk for yourself and see where it leads you.
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