Saturday afternoon session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

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SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding its 193rd Semiannual General Conference Saturday, Sept. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 1. This blog summarizes the key points from the Saturday afternoon session.

Follow along with our blog updates below, or watch each session live here.

For a glossary of the Latter-day Saint terminology used in this blog, click here.

Saturday, 03:54 pm

Elder Ronald A. Rasband — How great will be your joy

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, called on older members of the church to serve senior missions."To gather Israel, we need missionaries, many more than are serving," Elder Rasband said. "There are so many ways senior missionaries can do what no one else can. You are a remarkable force for good, seasoned in the church and poised to encourage and rescue God's children."

The senior missionaries change the very landscape with their testimony of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. - @RonaldARasband #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) September 30, 2023He shared the story of meeting a woman named Rebecca who was taught by Elder Rasband's parents when they were serving a senior mission in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Rebecca told Elder Rasband about the "warmth and love" she felt from his parents.Elder Rasband said serving a senior mission can mean traveling to serve as a full-time missionary, but it can also mean serving from home. Senior service options include helping missionaries and young adults, working in family history centers or employment centers, serving in mission offices and temples, working on church farms and teaching institute classes, he said.

A mission might be the greatest chapter in a couple's life. - @RonaldARasband #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) September 30, 2023"I have called many couples to serve and watched as the light of Christ has filled their countenances," Elder Rasband said. "At their return, they have described growing closer to the Lord and closer to one another, feeling the spirit of the Lord pour down upon them and knowing they are making a difference. Who would not want that?"— Gabrielle Shiozawa

Saturday, 03:52 pm

Elder Alan T. Phillips — God knows and loves you

Elder Alan T. Phillips, a general authority seventy, began his talk by sharing a story about leaving his young son at a gas station. The situation made him think of the parables of lost things, including a son, that Christ shared.When we feel lost, there are truths that can help us find our way. The first is that we are children of God.

Your life has meaning and purpose. ... You are a beloved child of Heavenly Father. You are the subject matter of all these parables and teachings. God loves you so much that He sent His Son to heal, rescue and redeem you. #GeneralConference #ElderPhillips pic.twitter.com/a0xsrdQzoF

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) September 30, 2023"Do not misunderstand or devalue how important you are to your Father in Heaven. You are not an accidental byproduct of nature, a cosmic orphan, or the result of matter plus time plus chance. Where there is design there is a designer," he said.He referenced Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's explanation that the word "religion" comes from a Latin word that means "to tie," and it's meant to tie us together and support each other. We can help find each other when we're feeling lost, just like Christ did.

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of caring for those in need — the hungry, the stranger, the sick, the poor, the imprisoned. His work is our work. #GeneralConference #ElderPhillips pic.twitter.com/WpsKEAlTeb

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) September 30, 2023The second truth is that Christ atoned for our sins."Our Savior's mission was to provide both a way to return to Heavenly Father and relief in the journey," he said.When we exercise faith and come unto the Savior by making and keeping covenants, he will yoke himself with us to lift the burden, Elder Phillips explained.The third truth is that Heavenly Father loves his children. Elder Phillips spoke of his love for his own son and how perfect and great Heavenly Father's love is for his children.Then he specifically addressed members of Generation Z and Generation Alpha, saying that faith takes work, but that they can turn to Christ if they're feeling lost or have questions.— Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 03:41 pm

Elder Yoon Hwan Choi — Do you want to be happy?

Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, a general authority seventy, encouraged members to make and keep covenants."Isn't it simple to be happy? Just make covenants and keep them in your lives," he said.Elder Choi said a returned missionary recently wrote to him and talked about his experience dealing with anxiety and depression. When he prayed for help, the missionary felt prompted that if he would just pay his tithing, that would help. The former missionary paid his tithing, returned to church, and said he felt his mental health improving."You also may ask Heavenly Father for peace, but the answer may be different than what you anticipate it will be. As long as you seek to know of the Savior and pray to Heavenly Father, he will give you a customized answer for you," Elder Choi said.

"There are many other things that distract us from staying on the covenant path. No matter what it is, it is never too late to turn our hearts to Heavenly Father for help". #ElderChoi #GeneralConference #UniverseBYU

— The Daily Universe (@UniverseBYU) September 30, 2023Elder Choi also spoke about when he was called to be a bishop, which happened during a difficult time in his life as he was a young father with financial challenges. He accepted the calling and six years later, when he was released, his wife heard a voice saying he had been called as bishop to help her."Looking back at the past six years, she realized that all of the many challenges that seemed to be endless had now been resolved along the way," Elder Choi said.

Whenever the Lord asks us to serve in any calling, whether it is a lighter or heavy calling, He sees our needs. He provides the strength we need and has blessings ready to be poured out upon us as we faithfully serve. #GeneralConference #ElderChoi pic.twitter.com/QgFpjtg565

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) September 30, 2023His wife told him because of their marriage, she can do things she couldn't do alone, like reach things on high shelves or go outside in the dark, thanks to his help. He said members yoking themselves to the Savior can have the same effect."As we yoke ourselves to him, we can do things we couldn't do on our own because he can do the things we cannot do for ourselves," Elder Choi said.— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 03:21 pm

Elder Gary E. Stevenson — Promptings of the spirit

Elder Gary E. Stevenson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, talked about the "learning curve" involved in mastering one's spiritual gifts, and said "spiritual exercise" can include praying, studying the scriptures, keeping one's covenants with God, following the commandments and worthily taking the sacrament.

God endows His children with many spiritual gifts, making them spiritually gifted people. Covenant-keeping members of the Church are bestowed with gifts of the Spirit. - @StevensonGaryE #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) September 30, 2023"The Lord invites us to earnestly seek the best gifts, even spiritual gifts," he said. "He gives spiritual gifts to bless us and to use in blessing others."Elder Stevenson shared four principles to help people recognize the spirit:

Spend time in holy places.

Spend time with righteous people.

Share truths about God with others.

Listen to the Holy Spirit.

He said following those guidelines will help people receive more promptings, more peace and comfort, magnified abilities and the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

As we listen and act on spiritual promptings, the Holy Ghost magnifies our abilities and capacities to far exceed what we can do on our own. - @StevensonGaryE #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/i0c5colGr7

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) September 30, 2023Elder Stevenson also cautioned listeners to make sure their spiritual impressions align with church teachings, use one's intelligence and best judgment, not seek inspiration for others outside of one's stewardship, and not force spiritual matters."Your ability to invite and recognize the promptings of the Spirit will develop a step at a time," he said. "It is a gradual process that requires diligent, patient effort."Elder Stevenson invited everyone, especially young people, to look in the mirror and say, "Wow, look at me! I am amazing! I am a child of God! He knows me! He loves me! I am gifted — gifted with the Holy Ghost as my constant companion!"— Gabrielle Shiozawa

Saturday, 03:15 pm

Elder Joaquin E. Costa — The power of Jesus Christ in our lives every day

Elder Joaquin E. Costa, a general authority seventy, said he and his wife love hearing the stories of people they serve, witnessing their losses and grief as well as their joys and success.In his talk, he asked, what gives people the power to go through hard things?"I have found that the source of that strength is faith in Jesus Christ, as we seek to come unto him each and every day," he answered.Having faith during hard times might seem impossible, but people who come unto Christ during these times are given comfort and strength to keep going, he said.

"Sometimes we may think 'I need to fix my life before I come to Jesus', but the truth is that we come to Jesus to fix our lives through Him."#ElderCosta #GeneralConference #UniverseBYU

— The Daily Universe (@UniverseBYU) September 30, 2023"We don't come to Jesus because we are perfect. We come to him because we are flawed and in him we can 'be perfected,'" Elder Costa said.He shared that one simple way he comes unto Christ every morning when he wakes up is to pray and read his scriptures instead of looking at his phone. Then when he does look at his phone and sees the problems and conflict, he has a source of energy to keep going and keep his covenants."Sometimes people think that obedience is transactional. Our covenants are not merely transactional; they are transformational," Elder Costa said.He explained that keeping our covenants helps us stay closer to Christ and receive his power to get through hard things with a softened heart.

"We don't come to Jesus because we are perfect. We come to Him because we are flawed and in Him we can 'be perfected.'" —Elder Joaquin E. Costa #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/uE37H5phjY

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) September 30, 2023This kind of faith helped a young woman who was pushed in front of a train by a thief and lost her leg. It helped her father, who has taken care of her afterward. It helped Chilean Latter-day Saints after recent fires in December 2022. And it also helps people through private losses that won't be known to many. In short, it can help anyone who comes unto Christ, he concluded.— Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 03:00 pm

Brother Jan E. Newman — Preserving the voice of the covenant people in the rising generation

Brother Jan E. Newman, second counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, encouraged parents to teach their children about Jesus Christ. He began his talk speaking about Jesus Christ's visit to the Americas described in the Book of Mormon."It's no wonder that after this sacred event, these children grew up to help establish a society of peace, prosperity and Christlike love that lasted for generations," he said.

For the rising generation, it's not enough for faith in Jesus Christ to be "the tradition of their fathers." They need to own faith in Christ for themselves. - #BrotherNewman #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) September 30, 2023Brother Newman said Christ still invites parents to bring their children to him. He encouraged parents to talk about Jesus with a "constant, ongoing effort.""We can ensure that the voice of the covenant people is not silent in the ears of the rising generation and that Jesus is not a Sunday-only topic," he said.Brother Newman said children can find hope and learn about Christ through the scriptures. He said one scripture study session or family home evening may not seem like it accomplishes much, but ongoing efforts will make a difference.

One of our most sacred responsibilities is to help our children come to know deeply and specifically that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, their personal Savior and Redeemer, who stands at the head of His Church. #GeneralConference #BrotherNewman pic.twitter.com/907sQsgZMx

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) September 30, 2023"You are doing much better than you think. Just keep working at it. Your children are watching, listening and learning. … They may forget the Savior for a season, but I promise you, he will never forget them!" Brother Newman said.— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 02:48 pm

Elder Neil L. Andersen — Opening the windows of heaven

Elder Neil L. Andersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said blessings and spiritual protection come to those who faithfully pay tithing."The windows of heaven open in many ways. Some are temporal, but many are spiritual. Some are subtle and easy to overlook. Trust in the Lord's timing; the blessings always come," he said.

Being honest in our tithes is one way we show our willingness to put the Lord first in our lives, above our own cares and interest. I promise you that as you trust in the Lord, and the blessings of heaven follow. - @AndersenNeilL #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) September 30, 2023Elder Andersen also said the power of paying tithing comes from the trust doing so shows in God. He encouraged members to trust how church leaders use money from tithing and fast offerings to provide for others' needs.A few of the ways that money is used include building and maintaining temples, helping missionaries afford to serve a mission, establishing congregations and meetinghouses around the world and sponsoring church institutions of higher education.

The world speaks of tithing in terms of our money, but the sacred law of tithing is principally a matter of our faith. - @AndersenNeilL #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) September 30, 2023"All that we have and all that we are comes from God. As disciples of Christ, we willingly share with those around us," Elder Andersen said. "The only permanent solution to the poverty of this world is the gospel of Jesus Christ."He promised that those who are faithful will see God's power and blessings in their lives.— Gabrielle Shiozawa

Saturday, 02:00 pm

Saturday afternoon general conference session begins

Join us as the KSL.com team keeps you up to date with the latest talk summaries, announcements and events during the October general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.