Time to see things through, though I am very sure this format does not work for me or the material covered. But that is what experiments are for, to find out if a theory works or does not. The General Conference has been good even if my blogging it has not.
Video streaming can be found here. I forgot that on the last post! If I only had a brain…
Sunday Afternoon Session
Robert D. Hales kicked things off with a talk about what it means to be a Christian and then explained what the doctrines of the Church are. It was a direct address to those who do not believe we are Christians. He gave the example of Peter and John leaving their nets to follow Christ to point out what we should be doing. Conversion can only come through the Savior and we are made new in Christ.
Again the story of Jesus speaking to Peter on the shore was repeated, but this time emphasizing “Feed my sheep.” Since topics are not assigned to speakers and left to inspiration from the Spirit, any time a specific part of a scripture is addressed more than once in a conference, I pay attention.
Richard G. Scott spoke on baptism, which is another case of something being addressed more than once. Specifically, the policy of infant baptism was talked about again. Also, baptism by proxy, or work for the dead, that is done in temple was spoken of quite a bit.
Yeah, now my guilt at not getting my ancestral work is getting hit hard. I really do need to get going on that and accept I won’t be able to directly do the ordinances myself.
On a side note, Elder Scott sounds like he has a bad cold. I hope he feels better soon.
Russel M. Osguthorpe (I hope I got the name right) mentioned that there will be new resources for the youth of the the Church to use for teaching that will begin in January. From there, he spoke about teaching and how we need to learn in order to do so. Essentially, the talk was about becoming converted.
Marcus B. Nash began with a story about hiking a trail up a steep mountain. He likened the trek to having faith. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is like the cables lining the path. Trust in the Lord will lead us to see His hand in our lives.
Unbelief in the Lord will cause us to resist the will of God. Faith and reason are like the two wings of an aircraft that allow it to fly. Fear distracts from and undermines faith in the Savior.
Daniel L. Johnson opened his talk by speaking about the importance of baptism and becoming disciples of Christ. Becoming like Him and acting like Him is the end goal of being a disciple. The difficulties and necessity of trials was explained well.
Don R. Clarke recounted being a young Aaronic Priesthood holder and having to fill a card and list what he thought about during sacrament meeting. When he started, the name Christ was absent. Today, many years later, the name Jesus Christ is at the top of the list.
It is nice to see a talk about the importance of the sacrament. I especially liked the part about how we can receive personal revelations and inspiration during sacrament meeting. That has been an oft repeated experience for me.
David A. Bednar spoke of the connection between gaining a testimony and conversion. Despite having a ready testimony of Jesus being the Christ, Peter was told by the Savior that he needed to become converted to teach the Gospel.
Being born again spiritually through Christ takes work and constancy. It requires total commitment. Conversion is an ongoing process that gradually brings our thoughts, words, and deeds in line with the will of the Lord.
Parable of the ten virgins was used to illustrate the connection between testimony and conversion.
President Thomas S. Monson closed out the conference as usual and sends the love of the leadership out to everyone around the world who watched. He just celebrated his 85th birthday. He doesn’t look it. Expressions of gratitude to his counselors, the Twelve Apostles, and all the members of the Church who serve in their callings.
“The purpose of mortality is to grow.”
Only six months until the next general conference now. I will stick to writing notes for my own use rather than attempting to blog it.
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