The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior's Second Coming (President Nelson) . Bradford Patricia Colosimo (23 years), director of arts programming Jon Draeger (35 years), associate professor of chemistry Andrea Robbins (40+ years), instructor of chemistry and algebra, Division of Physical and Computational Sciences. I learned how to be generous from my parents. Missionary work connects people to the covenant the Lord made with Abraham anciently: Thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee, that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations; And I will bless them through thy name; for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and bless thee, as their father (Abraham 2:910). But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith. A necessary prelude to that Second Coming is the long-awaited gathering of scattered Israel (see 1Nephi 15:18; see also the title page of the Book of Mormon). The most important truth the Holy Ghost will ever witness to you is that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.". Zion is the pure in heart (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21). God's Power Always . Mercifully, the invitation to come unto Christ (Jacob 1:7; Moroni 10:32; Doctrine and Covenants 20:59) can also be extended to those who died without a knowledge of the gospel (see Doctrine and Covenants 137:68). 17. Elder Paul B. Pieper of the Seventy conducted the devotional and was joined by his wife, Melissa. Do whatever it takes to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ by increasing your understanding of the doctrine taught in His restored Church and by relentlessly seeking truth. Ministering has replaced home and visiting teaching, the three-hour block became a two-hour block, the principle of home-centered Church-supported learning was established, FSY conferences began worldwide, changes to temple ceremonies and clothing were made, many chapters in the new Church handbook have been gradually updated, the Ensign magazine was retired, structural changes were made to ward leadership responsibilities, Young Men leadership and Young Women classes, a new forthcoming Church hymnbook was announced, and many more. The prophecies of His Second Coming have yet to be fulfilled, he said. The Book of Mormon declares the doctrine of the gathering (see, for example, 1Nephi 10:14). Sister Nelsons remarks focused on making the best use of our time. The prophet also gave a reminder that it is the duty of Latter-day Saints to prepare the world for the Second Coming and that all can come unto Christ, wherever they may be. We are to prepare for our own divine destiny: glory, immortality, and eternal lives (see Romans 2:7; Doctrine and Covenants 75:5). Are You Overthinking How to Share the Gospel? The winners of the Church History Museums 12th International Art Competition have been announced, and the artwork is breathtaking. But when will it actually take place? Come, Follow Me: Book of MormonSupport Articles and Activities, Sherems Skepticism: The Tactics of a Faith Shaker, They Had a Hope of Christs Comingand We Can Too, A Different Perspective on Easter: Five Lessons for Us from Easter in the Book of Mormon, What Church Leaders Are Saying about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Ten Tips for Parenting the Strong-Willed Child, Digital Only: Come, Follow MeBook of Mormon (Alma 13), Nehors Narcissism: The Influence of a Popular Renegade, How Young Adults Are Making a Difference in the Ongoing Restoration, When You Have No Idea What Youre Doing, Think You Dont Have a Purpose as a Young Adult? In this day of intensifying evil, there is nothing that will protect us more than regular time in the temple. President Nelson. president of the United States of America at this present time knows very well what he's doing. Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising. Today, the Lords work in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is moving forward at an accelerated pace. Missionary work is also crucial to that gathering. I pray for His blessings to be with each and every one of you. President Nelson then reiterated his desire for members to prepare for the special 2020 Conference by creating a study plan, selecting questions, and acting on invitations from the spirit. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. It is breathtaking! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is preparing the world for the day when "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord" ( Isaiah 11:9 ). And in 2022, there will be a special Face to Face broadcast for all members specifically on gathering Israel and sharing the gospel. In our time, a whole, complete, and perfect union of all dispensations, keys, and powers are to be welded together (see Doctrine and Covenants 128:18). But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith. The time is coming when those who do not obey the Lord will be separated from those who do (seeDoctrine and Covenants 86:17). During the Nelson era, President Nelson has not given any talks specifically focused on the Second Coming. You are about to access Constant Contacts (http://visitor.constantcontact.com). Missionary work is only the beginning of the blessing. We are engaged in the work of Almighty God. When President Nelson speaks, we feel his love and concern for each member of the church. Spiritual security will always depend upon how one lives, not where one lives. Twelve week courses on finding a better job, starting and growing a business, furthering your education, building emotional resilience, and managing personal finances have helped hundreds of thousands of people worldwide improve their life and their familys situation and become more self-reliant and confident in their economic status. Holiness to The Lord, by Jay Bryant Ward, may not be copied. It is incredible! These changes are put in place to help us become more spiritually self-sufficient and develop a relationship with the Lord. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1Corinthians 2:9; see also Doctrine and Covenants 76:10). How Young Adults Are Making a Difference in the Ongoing Restoration, Think You Dont Have a Purpose as a Young Adult? Do whatever it takes to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ by increasing your understanding of the doctrine taught in His restored Church and by relentlessly seeking truth. The covenants and eternal truths of the temple are at the heart of the gospel, the prophet said in a live broadcast from the auditorium of the Church Office Building on Temple Square. We had some audio issues in post-processing and a cat . In his talk, Preparing for the Lords Return April 2019, Elder Christofferson said: the Spirit made clear to me that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is uniquely empowered and commissioned to accomplish the necessary preparations for the Lords Second Coming; indeed, it was restored for that purpose. The place of gathering for Brazilian Saints is in Brazil; the place of gathering for Nigerian Saints is in Nigeria; the place of gathering for Korean Saints is in Korea. It consisted of only seven words: This is My Beloved Son. Servants of the Lord go forth proclaiming the Restoration. Robbins is one of Pitt-Bradford's . President Nelson admonished these Latter-day Saints to live wisely each day. (SeeEzekiel 47:18.). We are just building up to the climax of this last dispensationwhen the Saviors Second Coming becomes a reality. When I focus on the second coming it doesn't give me peaceA video was circulating back in 2021 that seemed to predict the second coming would occur in October of 2021. . In triumph, He will come again to Jerusalem. A welding link is to be forged between the fathers and the children. This fact of history is absolutely stunning! I humbly testify to you thatas the Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimedthe restored gospel of Jesus Christ will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done (History of the Church, 4:540). The fulfillment, the consummation, of those blessings comes as those who have entered the waters of baptism perfect their lives to the point that they may enter the holy temple. The prophecies of His Second Coming have yet to be fulfilled. See our student membership page for details of student fees. It is our chargeit is our privilegeto help prepare the world for that day. Spending time worshiping the Lord in the temple will help us prepare spiritually for His coming. I humbly testify to you thatas the Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimedthe restored gospel of Jesus Christ will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done (History of the Church, 4:540). A necessary prelude to that Second Coming is the long-awaited gathering of scattered Israel (see 1 Nephi 15:18; see also the title page of the Book of Mormon). We are to build the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth (see Matthew 6:33). The prophecies of His Second Coming have yet to be fulfilled. Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. The Church will have an unprecedented, unparalleled future. Why do we need such resilient faith? He said, "It is the most important work in the world.". President Nelson shared what he called his ABCs of personal preparation for worship in a temple: The prophet urged Saints to research their genealogy and engage in the temples vicarious service of salvation for ancestors. Csp Spring Break 2022Spring Break 2022. ) The Lord has decreed the establishment of Zion (see Doctrine and Covenants 6:6; 11:6) in each realm where He has given His Saints their birth and nationality. This doctrine of the gathering is one of the important teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President M. Russell Ballard speaks in a devotional broadcast from the auditorium in the Church Office Building on Temple Square on Sunday, November 13, 2022. People can be brought to the knowledge of the Lord (3Nephi 20:13) without leaving their homelands. President Nelsons emphasis on the Second Coming has also had an influence on other general authorities: The above chart documents a dramatic increase in usage of the phrase Second Coming in talks given during the Nelson era. President Nelson quotes have the special ability to make your burdens feel lighter. The scriptures tell us that prior to the Second Coming that the whole earth shall be in commotion (D&C 45:26). I promise that if we will do our best to exercise faith in Jesus Christ and access the power of His Atonement through repentance, we will have the knowledge and power of God to help us take the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord. Preparing the church for the Second Coming of the Savior is an unmistakable priority of President Nelson. As part of the planned destiny of the earth and its inhabitants, our kindred dead are to be redeemed (see Doctrine and Covenants 128:15). We are to prepare for our own divine destiny: glory, immortality, and eternal lives (see Romans 2:7; Doctrine and Covenants 75:5). Its title is The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World. Hear Him April 2020. So pray for courage not to give up! Families are to be sealed together for all eternity (seeDoctrine and Covenants 2:23;49:17;138:48;Joseph SmithHistory 1:39). Equally powerful are express promises President Nelson has made during that period of time in other settings (see, e.g., Each of us will be tested. He will be known as Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that [will be] with him [will be those who] are called, and chosen, and faithful (Revelation 17:14) to their trust here in mortality. How amazing is it that messengers from heaven came to give authority and power to this work? Spiritual security will always depend upon how one lives, not where one lives. It is wondrous! The choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location; it is a matter of individual commitment. "I cannot . The Lord has reminded you, your children, and your grandchildren that you are lawful heirs, that you have been reserved in heaven for your specific time and place to be born, to grow and become His standard bearers and covenant people. For this reason, I hope that we take the things written in this . In royal robes of red to symbolize His blood, which oozed from every pore, He shall return to the Holy City (seeDoctrine and Covenants 133:4648). "The Lord is hastening His work and urging us to prepare for His Second Coming," the prophet said. Receiving an endowment there seals members of the Church to the Abrahamic covenant. As part of the planned destiny of the earth and its inhabitants, our kindred dead are to be redeemed (see Doctrine and Covenants 128:15). Meanwhile, here and now, we live in a time of turmoil. FRANCE AND GERMANY. Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd ([frvurt]; 8 September 1901 - 6 September 1966) was a South African politician, a scholar of applied psychology and sociology, and chief editor of Die Transvaler newspaper. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online, 221113_181506_CPowell_Untitled-Job_CEP_0739.jpg, 221113_181506_CPowell_Untitled-Job_CEP_0286.jpg, 221113_181506_CPowell_Untitled-Job_CEP_0542.jpg, 221113_181506_CPowell_Untitled-Job_CEP_0630.jpg, 221113_181506_CPowell_Untitled-Job_CEP_0666.jpg, 221113_181506_CPowell_Untitled-Job_CEP_0456.jpg, 221113_181506_CPowell_Untitled-Job_CEP_0864-(1).jpg, 221113_181506_CPowell_Untitled-Job_CEP_0751.jpg, 221113_181506_CPowell_Untitled-Job_CEP_0925.jpg, 221113_181506_CPowell_Untitled-Job_CEP_0498.jpg, 221113_181506_CPowell_Untitled-Job_CEP_1060-(1).jpg, 221113_181506_CPowell_Untitled-Job_CEP_1069.jpg, 221113_181506_CPowell_Untitled-Job_CEP_1094.jpg, B is for being prepared for worship in a house of the Lord, C is for children and the need to teach them truth. She said, When I am up against an impossible deadline and entirely out of time, energy and ideas, or when I am overwhelmed with far too many things to do, every time I make a sacrifice to the Lord by going to the temple or by doing family history research, I am blessed with the time and energy and ideas (which I was previously completely out of) and with some left over. Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. 7 ways the Church has been thinking outside the box. In fact, if there were no Book of Mormon, the promised gathering of Israel would not occur. It is wondrous! Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth. Why Does King Benjamin Invite Us to Become like a Child? President Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke of the importance of having and maintaining a pure heart. I cannot speak of the Restoration in tempered tones. The greatest gift you could give to the Lord is to keep yourself unspotted from the world, worthy to attend His holy house. So, from the standpoint of Deity, the Book of Mormmon and the establishment of the Church just unlock the door now toward the fulfilling of those two great promises that they have outstanding. His gift to you will be the peace and security of knowing that you are worthy to meet Him, whenever that time comes.. As you walk in the Lords path of righteousness, you will be blessed to continue in His goodness and be a light and a savior unto His people (see Doctrine and Covenants 86:811). It is wondrous! Because difficult days are ahead. Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon (Mosiah 46). From these centers He will direct the affairs of His Church and kingdom. This fact of history is absolutely stunning! The Lord will return to the land that He made holy by His mission there in mortality. Danielle is a features writer and editor for, Writing for LDS Living has given me a unique perspective, and at this point, not a lot catches me by surprise. Instead, he has given us consistent, staccato lightning bolts sprinkled in his talks. Berglind Gunasonrnesssla, Iceland, The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Saviors Second Coming, Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon (Mosiah 45), Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon (Mosiah 13). 3. We do so as we help to gather the elect of the Lord on both sides of the veil. Many of us would like to know when the Second Coming is going to happen. (See Ezekiel 47:18.). Those seven words launched the Restoration of His gospel. A welding link is to be forged between the fathers and the children. "I cannot overstate how vital you and your choices are. As we work to learn about our history, the gospel, and strive perfect ourselves, we become closer to Christ and increase faith in Him, allowing us to look forward to the day when He comes again. In that day He will bear new titles and be surrounded by special Saints. Part of their preparation, however, requires the earthly efforts of others. Every time a temple is dedicated, more light comes into the world. Although no one knows when the Second Coming will be, its important to listen to our Church leaders for things we can do to prepare to be in His presence. But now the gathering takes place in each nation. As you keep your covenants with increasing precision, and as you defend the Church and kingdom of God on the earth today, the Lord will bless you with strength and wisdom to accomplish what only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can accomplish. Reed Halverson, an American Latter-day Saint who served as a mission president in New Zealand in the 1920's and again in the 1940's. The new hymnbook and children's songbook will offer "the same hymns and songs in all languages," the release said. Second, for statements from President Nelson to members addressing anxiety and stress in these historic times, there are better resources (see note at bottom of post). President Nelson shared what he called his ABCs of personal preparation for worship in a temple: A is for ancestors; . To download media files, please first review and agree to the Terms of Use. Why do we need such resilient faith? Within Our Grasp, by Jay Bryant Ward, may not be copied. In many nations our members and missionaries have searched for those of scattered Israel; they have hunted for them out of the holes of the rocks (Jeremiah 16:16); and they have fished for them, as in ancient days. For Since becoming President, (the Nelson era) his references to the Second Coming have increased to 35%. Why do we need such resilient faith? The devotional was for Latter-day Saints in Nevada and some parts of California and Arizona. It causes people to learn about Jesus Christ, to believe His gospel, and to join His Church. The doctrine of the gospel will forever stay the same, but the Lord is changing the way His church does some things. We have perused tbe following article which appeared in the Christian World of April 19 with so much interest that we now re-publi Ronald A. Rasband in April 2020 ( source ): "we are the people charged with ushering in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ". We are engaged in the work of Almighty God. It is our chargeit is our privilegeto help prepare the world for that day. In triumph, He will come again to Jerusalem. In some of the references quoted above, the gathering of Israel is mentioned as a primary aspect of our preparations for the Second Coming. In many nations our members and missionaries have searched for those of scattered Israel; they have hunted for them out of the holes of the rocks (Jeremiah 16:16); and they have fished for them, as in ancient days. In his message, the prophet stated that the Book of Mormon is a sign that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel and fulfill the covenants He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Without the Book of Mormon, there would be no gathering of Israel, he said.