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 194th Annual General Conference Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7. This blog summarizes the key points from the Saturday afternoon session.

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

Here is a glossary of the Latter-day Saint terminology used in this blog.

Saturday, 04:08 pm

Elder Quentin L. Cook — Be one with Christ

Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke about Christ's atonement and encouraged members to focus on becoming one with Christ and include others in that "oneness."He said the reality of the atonement "came home" to him at age 25 when his grandfather taught him to focus on the Savior's atonement."He taught me that no one can return to God by good works alone without the benefit of the Savior's atonement. I can remember to this day the great love and appreciation Grandpa had for the Savior and his atonement," he said.Elder Cook said before Christ's crucifixion, the Savior prayed for oneness for all of his followers, including members today.

"On matters of principle, conduct, religious observance and righteous living, we are in control. Our faith in and worship of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, is a choice that we make." — @cookquentinl #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/UdvzkwjAvx

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 6, 2024Receiving mercy from the Lord is not based on economic status or race but on being one with Christ and his teachings, Elder Cook said. He encouraged members not to emphasize differences, and to remember everyone is alike to God.Elder Cook said everyone is required to repent and keep Christ's commandments to receive eternal life."Agency is the ability to choose and act. It is essential to the Plan of Salvation. Without moral agency, we could not learn, progress or choose to be one with Christ," he said.

"It is significant that all the qualifications for baptism are spiritual. No economic or social attainment is necessary. The poor and the rich have the same spiritual requirements."#ElderCook #GeneralConference #UniverseBYU

— The Daily Universe (@UniverseBYU) April 6, 2024Elder Cook said the effort to excel is a righteous endeavor, but members should not diminish the success of others or create barriers for them. He said a focus on occupation should not be elevated above the family and being one with Christ."We are united by our love of and faith in Jesus Christ and as children of a loving Heavenly Father. The essence of truly belonging is to be one with Christ," Elder Cook said.— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 03:49 pm

Brother Michael T. Nelson — Relationships influence choices

Brother Michael T. Nelson, second counselor in the Young Men general presidency, spoke of the Book of Mormon story of Helaman and the young stripling warriors. He related them to the faithful youth and their leaders in the church today.He shared how Helaman loved the young men like sons and saw their potential. As their leader, he knew them and loved them.

"The entire ward will be blessed and strengthened as members focus on the rising generation." — #BrotherNelson #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 6, 2024"Stake presidents ensure that bishops and Young Women presidents are instructed in fulfilling their responsibilities for the youth," he saidBrother Nelson spoke of the responsibility faithful parents have to teach their children the commandments and to "walk uprightly" before God.He spoke of the many resources available in the church that can help parents and youth meet any challenge or trial they may face. These resources include wards and stakes, bishops, quarterly interviews with leaders, handbooks, and the scriptures, among others."It doesn't matter that our efforts are imperfect. When we partner with the Lord, we can trust that our efforts will be in line with what he (God) would do for the youth," he said.Brother Nelson encouraged parents, leaders and ward members to be examples of valiant disciples of Jesus Christ and show the youth what it means to live as one.

"Our youth amaze us with their courage, their faith and their abilities. As they choose to be fully engaged disciples of Jesus Christ, His gospel will be etched upon their hearts. Following Him will become a part of who they are – not just what they do." - #BrotherNelson…

— Church News (@the_churchnews) April 6, 2024He concluded his talk by expressing his confidence in the youth of the church, saying that they are "among Heavenly Father's most noble spirits." He testified that the youth were born in this day to gather Israel through their powerful witnesses of Jesus Christ.— Sicily Stanton

Saturday, 03:34 pm

Elder Gerrit W. Gong — All things for your good

Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, began his talk by stating that life can be hard and uncertain, but we can be certain that "all things shall work together for your good."

"Jesus Christ's atonement can deliver and redeem us from sin. But Jesus Christ also intimately understands our every pain."#ElderGong #GeneralConference #UniverseBYU

— The Daily Universe (@UniverseBYU) April 6, 2024"Left on our own, we may not know our own good," he elaborated, because people are flawed and limited. Trusting in God and Jesus Christ and following them can help people know what their own good is.Elder Gong said the promise that all things can work together for good is based on people doing their part to:

Gain eternal perspective.

Understand trials may be short.

Recognize affliction can be consecrated.

Acknowledge that accidents, illness and even death are a part of mortality.

Elder Gong shared many stories of people who went through hardships and found that staying faithful and patient led to things working out for their own good in the end.

"When we trust God and His love for us, even our greatest heartbreaks can in the end work together for our good." — Elder @GerritWGong #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/9d7hfapPLl

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 6, 2024He explained that the church has increased the number of temples it builds around the world to bring people temple blessings that will work for their good and give members a greater perspective on mortality. Elder Gong encouraged people to visit the temple often and consider getting their own temple clothes.

"When we are still, open, and reverent, we may feel the beauty, purpose, and serenity of the covenant belonging the Lord offers." - @GerritWGong #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) April 6, 2024"In time and eternity, the purpose of creation and the nature of God himself are to bring all things together for our good. This is the Lord's eternal purpose. It is his eternal perspective. It is his eternal promise," he said.— Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 03:17 pm

Elder Jose L. Alonso — Jesus Christ at the center of our lives

Life is full of trials, and Elder Jose L. Alonso, a general authority seventy, said these trials lead members to yearn for refuge and wonder where they can place their trust and find love. He said the answer is Jesus Christ."The profound questions of the soul, those that surface in our darkest hours and highest trials, are addressed through the unwavering love of Jesus Christ," he said.Elder Alonso said Christ extends a hand to everyone, and through his atonement they are offered a gift of hope and healing when they reach out in faith.

"As we diligently seek spiritual guidance, we embark on a deeply transformative odyssey that strengthens our testimony." - #ElderAlonso #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) April 6, 2024"His invitation to us transcends a simple call; it is a divine pledge, reinforced by the enduring power of his grace," he said.He talked about Christ feeding a crowd with only five loaves and two fishes. Elder Alonso said it is easy to be worried about the difficulties, but Christ is instead focused on God — offering gratitude to him and acknowledging his ability to help."While the disciples were preoccupied with the immediate challenge, Jesus demonstrated his trust and love for his Father, coupled with an unwavering love for the people," Elder Alsonso said.He said by centering their lives on Christ, members can achieve his outlook and strength and "turn (their) trials into victories."

"By placing Christ at the core of our thoughts and deeds, we align ourselves with His outlook and strength. This adjustment does not discount our struggles. Instead, it helps us to navigate through them under divine guidance." — #ElderAlonso #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/iMFqecJ9Bm

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 6, 2024"Jesus Christ is our hope and the answer to life's greatest pains. … He is the living water, fulfilling the deepest needs of our souls with his constant love and kindness," he said.Elder Alonso said Christ heals and forgives people when they seek to change."It is in him that we discover the strength to overcome, the courage to persevere, and the peace that surpasses all understanding," he said.— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 03:12 pm

Elder Brent H. Nielson — A record of what I have both seen and heard

Elder Brent H. Nielson, general authority seventy, opened his talk by telling a story of his time as a lawyer and how he came to realize the terms "witness" and "testimony" related to both his work as a lawyer and as a member of the church.

"'Witness' and 'testimony' are terms that we use as we share our knowledge and feelings about the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ." — #ElderNielson #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 6, 2024"It became clear to me that I had a responsibility to bear my witness, to testify of the name of Jesus Christ wherever I traveled in the world," he said.Elder Nielson shared examples of people from the scriptures who were eyewitnesses of Christ and testified of him.These examples included the ancient prophet Mormon, the Savior's apostles Peter and John, and the Book of Mormon saints who witnessed the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ.Speaking of his experience in the church as a general authority, his time serving in the Pacific Area and as a part of the Missionary Department in Asia, Elder Nielson testified of the tremendous growth he has witnessed in the church through the faithful members across the world.

"I testify today that I have observed this profound Restoration of the Savior's gospel with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears. I am a witness of God's work across the world." — #ElderNielson #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 6, 2024"I honor the past and current missionaries of the church and remind our rising generation of President Russell M. Nelson's invitation to come and gather Israel," he said.Elder Nielson shared a sentiment of continuing to build up the church around the world by preparing missionaries to serve, making and keeping sacred covenants in the temple, and continuing to keep the commandments of God. He said it is through a "united witness that we continue to move forward with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and his gospel."— Sicily Stanton

Saturday, 02:50 pm

Elder Massimo De Feo — Rise! He calleth thee

Elder Massimo De Feo began his remarks by telling conferencegoers about how his sight started becoming blurry and dark a few months ago. The doctors told the general authority seventy that he would need to have injections directly into his eye every four weeks for the rest of his life or risk losing his eyesight.This experience inspired him to think about his spiritual vision and what treatment might be needed to correct that.Elder De Feo shared the story of Bartimaeus, a man in the Bible who recognized Christ and his divine role even though Bartimaeus was blind. When Christ asked him to rise, he rose and cast away his beggar's coat and went to Jesus by following Jesus's voice. Then Bartimaeus received his sight and continued to follow Jesus.

"One of the most important lessons in this story is that this man exercised true faith in Jesus Christ and received a miracle because he asked with real intent; the real intent to follow Him." — #ElderDeFeo #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 6, 2024From this story, Elder De Feo pulled principles — that we keep a clear spiritual vision when we:

Focus on Jesus Christ and stay true to what we know to be true.

Leave the natural man behind, repent and begin a new life in Christ.

Hear the voice of the Lord and allow him to guide us.

Endure to the end by following Christ.

"This gospel is the answer for everything because Jesus Christ is the answer for everyone." — Elder Massimo De Feo #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/UzaJDnLCQN

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 6, 2024"For me, keeping a clear spiritual vision is all about focusing on Jesus Christ," he concluded.— Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 02:45 pm

Elder David A. Bednar — Be still, and know that I am God

Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, began his talk Saturday afternoon speaking about his experience leading journalists through a temple open house.He said one of the journalists, after sitting in the celestial room, said they did not know quiet and stillness like they had felt in the room was possible."The journalist's reaction highlighted one important aspect of stillness — overcoming and tuning out the commotion of our external environment," Elder Bednar said.He encouraged members to consider "a higher and holier dimension of stillness," which he said is a blessing available for members seeking to become the Lord's covenant people."As the foundation of our lives is built upon the Savior, we are blessed to 'be still,'" he said.Elder Bednar said being still is more than just not talking, it is a reminder to focus on the Savior as the source of stillness."True faith is always focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ — in him as the divine andonly begotten son of the eternal father, and on him and the redemptive mission he fulfilled," Elder Bednar said.

"Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, our Mediator, and our Advocate with the Eternal Father and the rock upon which we should build the spiritual foundation of our lives." —Elder @BednarDavidA #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/pTaGuUmDGB

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 6, 2024He encouraged members to build their foundation on the rock of Christ and said a strong connection between the ground and a foundation is "essential." He said members can remain firm if their lives are connected to the rock of Christ, through covenants and ordinances.Elder Bednar said the purpose of sacred time and holy places — in meetinghouses, at temples and at home — is to focus members' attention on Heavenly Father, his plan, Christ's atonement, and the Holy Ghost.

"Our homes should be the ultimate combination of both sacred time and holy place wherein individuals and families can 'be still.'" - @bednardavida #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) April 6, 2024He told members if they are still in these places they can "know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are his children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior."— Emily Ashcraft