Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
LDS Hymns, no. 223
Monday, December 23, 2024
The Miracles of Jesus
Because of Jesus's Resurrection We Can Have Eternal Life
Introduction
The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ represent the pinnacle of human history and divine intervention. In his article, Jesus Christ Is Our Savior, President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reflects on the miracles of Jesus and the profound implications of His Resurrection for humanity. Through personal experiences and scriptural insights, President Nelson emphasizes the hope, joy, and eternal perspective offered by the Savior's Atonement and Resurrection.
Summary of the Article
President Nelson explores the central role of Jesus Christ's Resurrection in God's plan of salvation. He recounts scriptural accounts of Christ's miracles, including raising the dead and His ultimate triumph over death through His Resurrection. These events illustrate Christ's divine authority and infinite love for humanity.
Drawing on personal experiences of loss, President Nelson testifies of the comfort found in the promise of resurrection and eternal family relationships. He explains how we can prepare to meet God by living faithful lives, honoring covenants, and following Christ's teachings. The article concludes with a call to embrace an eternal perspective, placing faith in the Savior as the foundation for enduring life's trials and anticipating the joy of eternal reunions.
10 Quotes from the Article
“Through His Resurrection and the Restoration of His gospel, Jesus Christ opened to all the opportunity of passing through the veil into His Father’s presence.”
“The Savior’s Resurrection was the ultimate triumph, the ultimate miracle.”
“Because of the Resurrection, our tears of sorrow can turn into tears of joy as we anticipate the future from the perspective of an eternal family.”
“For God’s children, resurrection means that aging, deterioration, and decay will be done away.”
“Death is premature only if we are unprepared to meet God.”
“The rending of the temple veil symbolized that the Great High Priest had passed through the veil of death.”
“We prepare by keeping our focus on the Savior and His gospel.”
“Some of us will live long lives; some of us will live short lives. Long or short, our days are numbered.”
“May we prepare for that glorious day.”
“I witness that we can ‘have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal.’”
Conclusion
The miracles of Jesus Christ, culminating in His Resurrection, affirm the eternal promise of life after death and the reuniting of families. President Nelson's testimony underscores the Savior's role as the Redeemer and invites us to prepare spiritually for eternal life. By honoring covenants, developing Christlike attributes, and embracing faith, we can look forward with hope and joy to the day when we stand in God's presence, reunited with our loved ones for eternity.
Reference
Nelson, R. M. (2023, April). Jesus Christ Is Our Savior. Liahona. Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2023/04/04-jesus-christ-is-our-savior?lang=eng
Keywords
Resurrection, Atonement, Eternal life, Family reunions, Covenant keeping
Following the Savior’s Example: Choosing Peace over Anger
Jesus and child by Carl Bloch
by John Fisher
In his April 2023 General Conference address, Peacemakers Needed, President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, issued a profound invitation to become peacemakers. In a world rife with anger and contention, he urged individuals to choose reconciliation, charity, and Christlike love to build stronger, more peaceful relationships.
Summary
President Nelson’s message centers on the transformative power of peacemaking in daily interactions. Drawing from personal experiences and teachings of Jesus Christ, he identifies contention as a choice that harms relationships and drives away the Spirit. He calls on followers of Christ to rise above bitterness, replace animosity with understanding, and demonstrate charity—"the pure love of Christ."
He highlights the Savior's example as the ultimate peacemaker, encouraging listeners to reflect Christ’s love in all areas of life, including family, church, work, and online. President Nelson emphasizes that true disciples of Jesus Christ build, lift, and inspire, becoming instruments of peace in a divided world.
President Nelson shared a powerful personal story from his early years as a surgeon. While assisting in a difficult operation to amputate a leg infected with gangrene, tensions escalated when a team member performed a task poorly. The lead surgeon erupted in anger, losing control of his emotions and throwing a scalpel loaded with dangerous germs. Shockingly, the contaminated scalpel struck President Nelson’s forearm.
Although he was fortunate not to become infected, the experience left a deep impression. In that moment, President Nelson made two personal commitments: he would never lose control of his emotions in the operating room, and he would never throw anything in anger—whether scalpels or words. This vow extended beyond his professional life, shaping his resolve to control his temper and choose peace over anger in all aspects of life.
This experience served as a lifelong reminder of how destructive uncontrolled anger can be. He drew a parallel between the "contaminated scalpel" and the "venomous contention" present in today's world, emphasizing that anger and harsh words can harm others just as deeply as a physical wound. His story highlights the importance of self-control, compassion, and the commitment to treat others with respect and understanding.
10 Quotes from President Nelson
“Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always.”
“True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers.”
“Anger never persuades. Hostility builds no one. Contention never leads to inspired solutions.”
“How we treat each other really matters! How we speak to and about others really matters.”
“Charity is the antidote to contention. Charity defines a peacemaker.”
“Contention drives away the Spirit—every time.”
“Now is the time to bury your weapons of war.”
“If your verbal arsenal is filled with insults and accusations, now is the time to put them away.”
“Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what [Jesus Christ] would.”
“Let us show that there is a peaceful, respectful way to resolve complex issues and work out disagreements.”
Conclusion
President Nelson’s call to become peacemakers is both timely and essential. By choosing reconciliation over contention, individuals can heal relationships, uplift others, and reflect the Savior’s love in their daily lives. As we embrace charity and humility, we help create a more peaceful, Christ-centered world.
Reference
Nelson, R. M. (2023, April). Peacemakers Needed. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/47nelson?lang=eng
In a stirring address, President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reaffirmed a profound truth: the answer to life’s challenges, questions, and uncertainties is found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. His message invites all to draw closer to the Savior, embrace His atoning sacrifice, and access the healing power He offers. Delivered with Easter approaching, this address underscores the centrality of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith.
Summary President Nelson began by reflecting on the spiritually enriching messages shared at the conference, highlighting the importance of seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost to internalize these divine truths. He reminded listeners that Easter celebrates the Savior's Atonement and Resurrection, which make repentance, forgiveness, and eternal life possible.
He emphasized the importance of studying sacred scriptural accounts, including the Savior’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, His suffering, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and appearances to His followers. President Nelson also urged reflection on Jesus Christ’s appearance to the Nephites in the Americas, pointing to His plea for repentance and His promise of mercy and healing.
Reinforcing the message that Jesus Christ is the answer to all of life’s struggles, President Nelson extended an invitation to “come unto Him” and allow His love and mercy to heal wounds of sin, sadness, and fear. He concluded by linking temple worship to the Savior, emphasizing how temple covenants and ordinances bring unparalleled blessings and draw individuals closer to Christ.
Quotes
“Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.”
“Savor these sacred verses and find every way you can to thank our Heavenly Father for sending us His Only Begotten Son.”
Jesus said, “Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?”
“Jesus Christ extends that same invitation to you today. I plead with you to come unto Him so that He can heal you!”
“Jesus Christ is the reason we build temples. Each is His holy house.”
Conclusion President Nelson’s message serves as a timeless reminder that in every season of life, Jesus Christ provides the solutions, healing, and hope we seek. Through His Atonement, His gospel, and the ordinances of His holy temples, He offers a path of progression, peace, and eternal joy. As Easter approaches, may we renew our commitment to follow Him and find solace in His teachings.
President Russell M. Nelson, at the October 2023 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered a profound message titled “Think Celestial.” At age 99, he shared invaluable lessons from nearly a century of life, emphasizing the significance of eternal choices and the transformative power of focusing on celestial goals.
Summary In his address, President Nelson urged listeners to adopt an eternal perspective by “thinking celestial.” He taught that our choices in mortality determine our eternal destiny, including where we will live, the type of body we will be resurrected with, and with whom we will spend eternity. Drawing on personal experiences, including recent physical challenges, he testified of the Savior’s Atonement as the key to God’s “fabulous plan” for His children. By prioritizing faith, obedience, and moral purity, and through temple worship, individuals can align their lives with eternal principles and receive divine blessings.
“Your choices will determine where you will live throughout eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will live forever.”
“Thinking celestial means being spiritually minded. To be spiritually minded is life eternal.”
“Because of Jesus Christ’s infinite Atonement, our Heavenly Father’s plan is a perfect plan!”
“Put Jesus Christ first because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His Atonement.”
“When you are confronted with a dilemma, think celestial! When tested by temptation, think celestial!”
“The very things that will make your mortal life the best it can be are exactly the same things that will make your life throughout all eternity the best it can be!”
“Mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import.”
“The ordinances and covenants of the temple are of eternal significance.”
“The power to create life is the one privilege of godhood that Heavenly Father allows His mortal children to exercise.”
“The temple is a place of revelation. There you are shown how to progress toward a celestial life.”
Conclusion President Nelson’s call to “think celestial” serves as a reminder to prioritize eternal truths in a temporal world. Through faith in Jesus Christ, adherence to divine laws, and engagement in sacred temple covenants, individuals can find peace, guidance, and eternal joy. This mindset not only prepares us for challenges but transforms trials into opportunities for spiritual growth. President Nelson’s words inspire us to see beyond today and focus on our ultimate celestial goals.
On March 17, 2024, President Russell M. Nelson, the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed women of the Relief Society in a Worldwide Relief Society Devotional. His heartfelt message highlighted the profound influence of women in fulfilling the divine mission of the Church, as well as their unique role in shaping families, communities, and the world. With admiration and gratitude, he shared stories and insights emphasizing the spiritual gifts, leadership abilities, and nurturing qualities that make covenant women vital to the Lord’s work.
Summary
President Nelson’s address celebrated the extraordinary contributions of women in the Church and beyond. He acknowledged their unique spiritual discernment, moral rectitude, and ability to foster faith and gather Israel. He emphasized that women have been central to God’s plan of salvation since the beginning, citing the pivotal roles of Eve and Mary. Through personal anecdotes, he shared the life-changing impact of women in his own life, including his late wife, Dantzel, and his current wife, Wendy.
President Nelson urged women to make the scriptures their guide, the temple their refuge, and prayer their daily compass. He blessed them with spiritual discernment, joy in service, and the courage to fulfill their divine potential. His message was a call to action, encouraging women to use their voices, wisdom, and gifts to influence families, the Church, and the world for good.
Quotes
“It is simply not possible to quantify the life-refining influence of covenant women of God.”
“If the world should ever lose the moral rectitude of its women, the world would never recover.”
“Your family, the Church, and the world need you!”
“Make the scriptures your personal Liahona, the temple your place of refuge, and your prayers the way you learn where the Lord needs you to be that day.”
“Your divine gifts as a daughter of God give you the power not only to change lives but to change the world!”
Conclusion
President Nelson’s message was a powerful reminder of the divine role of women in God’s plan. He recognized their enduring capacity to lead, inspire, and nurture in ways that bless individuals and strengthen the Lord’s Church. Women are called to embrace their divine gifts, rely on spiritual guidance, and engage in the work of salvation with faith and courage. Through their influence, they have the power to shape generations and change the world.
Reference
Nelson, R. M. (2024, March 17). The Influence of Women. Worldwide Relief Society Devotional.
The Kirtland Temple and the Restoration of Priesthood Keys
Kirtland Ohio Temple
By John Fisher
The Kirtland Temple holds profound significance in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Russell M. Nelson eloquently emphasized the essential role of this sacred edifice in the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through remarkable heavenly visitations and the conferral of priesthood keys, the Kirtland Temple became a pivotal location in fulfilling the latter-day mission of the Lord’s Church. This article explores the events of April 3, 1836, the doctrinal implications of priesthood keys, and the temple’s eternal significance for individuals and families.
Summary of Key Events
On Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836, the Kirtland Temple became the site of an extraordinary series of heavenly visitations experienced by Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. The first visitation was from the Lord Jesus Christ, who appeared in resplendent glory. Describing the event, Joseph recorded that the Savior’s “eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun.” During this sacred encounter, Jesus Christ reaffirmed His divine identity, accepted the Kirtland Temple as His house, and made the stunning promise: “I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.”
Following this visitation, three ancient prophets appeared. Moses conferred the keys for the gathering of Israel, Elias committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, and Elijah restored the keys of sealing power. These priesthood keys are essential for temple ordinances and covenants that bind families eternally. Their restoration was crucial for the fulfillment of the Lord’s purposes in the latter days.
Quotes and Teachings
President Nelson underscored the eternal significance of priesthood keys: “Priesthood keys distinguish The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from any other organization on earth. Without priesthood keys, we would lack access to the essential ordinances and covenants that bind us to our loved ones eternally and allow us to live with God.”
He also invited individuals to consider their personal connection to temple worship: “Time in the temple will help you to think celestial and to catch a vision of who you really are, who you can become, and the kind of life you can have forever.”
On the blessings of temple worship, President Nelson promised: “Nothing will help you more to hold fast to the iron rod than worshipping in the temple as regularly as your circumstances permit.”
Conclusion
The events at the Kirtland Temple stand as a testament to the divine mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the restoration of priesthood keys. These keys enable covenant-keeping individuals to receive sacred blessings that extend beyond mortality. As President Nelson highlighted, the temple is the gateway to the greatest blessings God has prepared for His children. Through temple worship, individuals can find strength, revelation, and eternal connections with their loved ones.
President Nelson’s counsel encourages each of us to reflect on the profound spiritual privileges available through temple ordinances. The Kirtland Temple serves as a sacred symbol of God’s love for His children and His eternal plan for their happiness. Let us rejoice in the Restoration and seek the blessings of the temple with faith and devotion.
Elder Dale G. Renlund - Unlocking Power of the Savior
The Transformative Power of the Savior’s Gospel and His Church
"The combination of the Savior’s gospel and His Church unlocks transformative power, enabling us to access God’s grace, make lasting covenants, and become who He intends us to be."
Elder Dale G. Renlund
by John Fisher
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasizes a profound truth in his talk, "This Is My Gospel—This Is My Church," given at the October 2024 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He compares the combination of the gospel of Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the transformative power of dynamite, highlighting how this divine union can change lives and enable individuals to access God's saving and sanctifying power.
Summary
Elder Renlund draws a compelling analogy between the development of dynamite and the relationship between the Savior’s gospel and His Church. Dynamite, made stable by blending nitroglycerin with diatomaceous earth, revolutionized industries by unleashing controlled, transformative power. Similarly, the combination of the gospel of Jesus Christ with His divinely established Church provides the necessary framework for accessing the fullness of God’s power.
The Church administers sacred ordinances, ensures doctrinal purity, and provides a covenantal structure that connects individuals to Christ’s atoning power. Without the Church, doctrinal understanding and the gospel’s transformative effects are prone to instability and fragmentation, as seen throughout history. Elder Renlund emphasizes that the Church is not just a physical entity but a divine organization that enables individuals to make and keep covenants with God, ultimately transforming their lives.
Quotes
On the gospel and Church’s combined power: “The combination of the gospel of Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides powerful and transformative benefits for us.”
On the Church’s divine role: “The Church offers the authoritative way for individuals to participate in ordinances and make lasting covenants with God.”
On the Savior’s relentless love: “Jesus Christ wants nothing more than for us to repent and come unto Him so that He can justify and sanctify us.”
On accessing divine power: “Without the Savior’s gospel and the authority to administer the ordinances thereof, the Church isn’t exceptional.”
On personal transformation through the gospel and Church: “The combination of the Savior’s gospel and His Church transforms our lives.”
Conclusion
Elder Renlund’s talk beautifully illustrates that the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Church are inseparable in their purpose and effect. The gospel provides the perfect doctrine of Christ, while the Church provides the structure, authority, and ordinances to anchor and stabilize that doctrine in our lives. Like dynamite, this combination unlocks transformative power that can shatter the obstacles in our lives and enable us to become who God intends us to be.
By committing ourselves fully to the Savior, His gospel, and His Church, we can access this divine power and experience a life of joy and eternal progress. Elder Renlund invites all to embrace this transformative combination, promising that it will fill our lives with unspeakable joy and help us inherit God’s kingdom.
In his October 2024 General Conference address, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again," President Russell M. Nelson emphasizes the urgency of preparing for the Savior's Second Coming. He highlights the accelerated construction of temples worldwide as a divine directive to gather Israel on both sides of the veil and to ready the world for the Lord's return. President Nelson calls upon individuals to prioritize their discipleship, engage in regular temple worship, and deepen their understanding of Jesus Christ's Atonement. He assures that sincere seekers will find the Savior in the temple, receive answers to their deepest questions, and experience profound joy through His gospel.
Summary
President Nelson described the majesty and urgency of the Lord's work in our time, highlighting the unprecedented pace of temple construction. He explained that temples are being built at the Lord's instruction because their blessings are essential for gathering Israel on both sides of the veil. Furthermore, temples prepare a covenant people to help ready the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. President Nelson urged saints to recognize the sacred significance of this moment in hastening the Lord's work.
Quotes
“I pray that we will not miss the majesty of this moment!”
“The Lord is indeed hastening His work.”
“Why are we building temples at such an unprecedented pace?”
“Why? Because the Lord has instructed us to do so.”
“The blessings of the temple help to gather Israel on both sides of the veil.”
“These blessings also help to prepare a people who will help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord!”
“In a coming day, Jesus will return to the earth as the millennial Messiah.”
Concluding his message, President Nelson testifies of the Savior's imminent return and the joy that awaits the righteous. He invites all to rededicate their lives to Jesus Christ, actively participate in gathering Israel, and prepare the world for the Second Coming. He affirms that as individuals fully turn their hearts to the Savior, they will witness the Lord hastening His work and experience the best that is yet to come.
Promises for Temple Attendance
President Russell M. Nelson has extended several promises to those who engage in temple worship and uphold their covenants:
Miracles in Your Life: "I promise you that the Lord will bring the miracles He knows you need as you make sacrifices to serve and worship in His temples."
Personal Revelation and Protection: "Nothing will protect you more as you encounter the world’s mists of darkness. Nothing will bolster your testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement or help you understand God’s magnificent plan more. Nothing will soothe your spirit more during times of pain. Nothing will open the heavens more. Nothing!"
Increased Access to Divine Power: "Each person who makes covenants in baptismal fonts and temples—and keeps them—has increased access to the power of Jesus Christ."
