Helping Others Discover the Path Home to Jesus Christ

To those who are struggling to come home, know that it is your Savior who's the one calling you back.

This powerful address given by Elder Clark G. Gilbert during the April 2026 General Conference serves as a beautiful, encouraging reminder of the Savior's infinite mercy and the reality of redemption.

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

Why This Article Has Deep Meaning

This address resonates because it tackles the silent, heavy vulnerabilities so many of us carry. It speaks directly to the modern anxieties of feeling like an outsider, wrestling with private doubts, or feeling fundamentally "not good enough" for God.

By framing Jesus Christ not just as a distant judge, but as a tender Redeemer and Repairer, the message shifts our focus away from our own shortcomings and redirects it toward His grace. It reminds us that the Church isn't a showcase for the perfect, but a refuge for the weary.

What You Can Learn

Perfection is Not a Prerequisite: You do not need to have your entire life or testimony flawlessly sorted out to show up. Christ asks for your best and promises to bridge the gap.

Anchor in Your Known Truths: When hit with doubts or complex questions, you don't have to resolve every single issue instantly. Instead, anchor yourself securely in what you *do* know and feel, and allow the Holy Ghost to guide you through the rest.

How to Best Help Loved Ones: When trying to guide a friend or family member back to the faith, the answer isn't to compromise your standards or "chase" them into the dark. The most powerful thing you can do is joyfully live your own covenants and keep your light shining bright.

Key Points Summary

1. The Savior as the Ultimate Repairer: While choices have real consequences and missteps can bind our future, the gospel provides a way out. Christ specializes in repairing the broken areas of our lives.

2. Overcoming the Four Barriers to Coming Home: Elder Gilbert uses real-life ministering stories to address the four common hurdles that keep people from returning:

• Feeling you don't belong (the fear of walking back through the chapel doors).
• Feeling you don't measure up (the false belief that everyone else is perfect).
• Wrestling with doubts (getting stuck on triggering or secondary faith questions).
• Being trapped by traditions (cultural or familial expectations that conflict with truth).

3. The Illusion of Secular Happiness: Pulling away from faith does not silence life’s deepest questions. Seeking fulfillment outside of Christ’s gospel is ultimately more exhausting than the journey of discipleship.

4. The "Saved a Seat" Principle: True discipleship means actively creating an environment of belonging. Like the students who turned on their phone flashlights in a crowded arena to guide latecomers, we must signal to others that there is a place saved specifically for them.

5 Highlighted Quotes from the Talk 

1. On Grace and Imperfection:

 "Brother Vargas, you don’t have to be perfect to be in this Church. You just have to do your best, and Christ will make up the difference."

2. On the Futility of Searching Outside the Gospel:

"As President Nelson taught, 'The truth is that it is much more exhausting to seek happiness where you can never find it!'"

3. On Handling Doubts and Questions:

"We promised them that as they anchored in the things they did believe, the Lord would help with the things they didn’t.

4. On How to Help Those Who Have Strayed:

"To those who are trying to help those they love, hold on to the truth. Keep your covenants. Helping others requires you to stay in your covenants."

5. On Christ's Personal Invitation:

"To those who are struggling to come home, know that it is your Savior who's the one calling you back. In the end, everyone must make their own choices to come home."

Reference:

Gilbert, Clark G. "Come Home." General Conference, April 2026. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/15gilbert?lang=eng.

Labels: belonging, covenants, Grace, redemption, Testimony

// posted by John Fisher @ June 14, 2026 0 Comments

Lesson Plan: Moses 7 — "Zion is Fled"

This lesson focuses on the ministry of Enoch, the nature of God’s love, and the establishment of Zion. It is designed to help students see God not as a distant observer, but as a Father who is deeply involved in our lives.

I. The Story of Enoch: A Summary

Enoch began his ministry as a man who felt "slow of speech" and unworthy (Moses 6:31). However, through faith, he became a powerful prophet. In Moses 7, we see the culmination of his work. He led the people of God against their enemies, and his faith was so great that "he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled" (Moses 7:13).

His greatest achievement was not military, but spiritual: he founded the City of Holiness, called Zion, which was eventually taken up into heaven because the people lived in perfect righteousness.

II. The Weeping God (Moses 7:28–40)

One of the most profound moments in scripture occurs when Enoch sees the God of Heaven weep.

• The Surprise: Enoch was astonished. He asked, "How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?" (v. 29).

• The Reason: God wept because of the wickedness of His children. He explained that He gave them agency and the commandment to love one another, yet they were "without affection" and hated their own blood (v. 32–33).

• The Lesson: This teaches us that God is not a stoic, unfeeling being. He is moved by our choices and feels "bitterness" when we suffer or reject His love.

III. Key Prophecies: Ancient and Modern

Enoch’s vision spanned the history of the world. He prophesied:

1. The Coming of the Son of Man: Enoch saw the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (v. 47). This title reminds us that the Atonement was central to God's plan before the earth was even formed.

2. The Restoration and the Book of Mormon: God promised that in the last days, "righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth" (v. 62). This refers to the ministry of angels and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon to gather the elect.

3. The Second Coming: Enoch saw the earth "rest" when Christ returns in the latter days (v. 64–65).

Application: These prophecies apply to us today because we are living in the era of the "gathering." Just as Enoch prepared a people for Zion, we are tasked with preparing the world for the Savior’s return by sharing the "truth sent forth out of the earth."

IV. Jesus Christ: The King of Zion (Moses 7:53)

In verse 53, the Lord declares, "I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven."

• The Gate: To "come in at the gate" means to enter the covenant path through baptism.

• Climbing up by Him: This suggests that salvation is an upward journey. We do not reach the "Rock of Heaven" on our own strength; we use His Atonement as the means to ascend.

• King of Kings: Having Christ as our King means we submit our will to His, seeking His laws above the laws of the world.

V. Building Zion in Our Day

The scriptures define Zion as a people who are "of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them" (Moses 7:18).

VI. Clarifying the "Seed of Cain"

The text mentions that the "seed of Cain were black" (Moses 7:22). Within the context of Moses 7, this is described as a result of their own withdrawal from God. In verse 8, it notes they lived in a land of "darkness."

Important Perspective: As modern prophets have taught, God "denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female" (2 Nephi 26:33). The "darkness" or "blackness" mentioned in ancient texts is often a symbolic representation of a spiritual state—being separated from the light of the Spirit—rather than a commentary on race as we define it today.

VII. Discussion Questions

1. How does knowing that God weeps for us change how you pray to Him?

2. What "bitterness" in the world today makes you feel like Enoch (v. 44), and how does the promise of the Second Coming give you hope?

3. What is one specific way our family/class can become more "of one heart" this week?

Labels: covenants, Enoch, Jesus Christ, Noah, Zion

// posted by John Fisher @ February 08, 2026 0 Comments

Understanding Jesus Christ as the God of the Old Testament and what that truth means for covenant discipleship

The Last Judgment by J.W. Scott - mural in Washington D.C. temple

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

One of the most significant doctrinal truths restored in modern times is the clear understanding that Jesus Christ is Jehovah, the God who spoke and acted throughout the Old Testament. This knowledge reshapes how we read scripture, understand God’s dealings with humanity, and view our own covenant relationship with Him. Far from being distant or abstract, the God of the Old Testament is the same loving Redeemer who walked the roads of Galilee and invites us today to “hear Him.”

President Dallin H. Oaks summarized this doctrine succinctly, teaching that when scripture records words spoken by “God” or “the Lord,” those words are “almost always the words of Jehovah, our risen Lord, Jesus Christ” (Oaks, 2023).

Jesus Christ as Jehovah

President Oaks explained:

“The Father introduced His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior and Redeemer and gave us the command to ‘hear Him.’ From this direction we conclude that the scriptural records of words spoken by ‘God’ or the ‘Lord’ are almost always the words of Jehovah, our risen Lord, Jesus Christ.”
(Oaks, 2023, p. 102)

This teaching provides a unifying lens for scripture study. The God who covenanted with Abraham, delivered Israel from Egypt, and spoke through prophets was Jesus Christ acting under the direction of the Father.

This truth is powerfully illustrated in the New Testament. When Jewish leaders challenged Jesus’ authority, He declared, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). This statement provoked outrage because Jesus was directly invoking the divine name revealed to Moses.

In Exodus, when Moses asked whom he should say had sent him, God replied, “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14). Later the Lord clarified, “I am the Lord, and I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob” (Exodus 6:3). By using the phrase “I am,” Jesus unmistakably identified Himself as Jehovah—the covenant God of Israel.

Why This Doctrine Matters

Knowing that Jesus Christ is Jehovah makes the Old Testament deeply personal. The same Savior who invites the weary to come unto Him (see Matthew 11:28) is the God who led Israel through the wilderness, showed mercy again and again, and patiently taught His people through covenants.

This understanding strengthens faith, especially when encountering difficult or complex Old Testament passages. Rather than seeing two different Gods, we see one consistent divine character—perfectly just, infinitely merciful, and unwaveringly committed to the salvation of His children.

Restoring “Plain and Precious” Truths

The Lord foresaw that essential truths about His identity and covenant relationship would be lost over time. Nephi recorded that “many plain and precious things” would be taken from the Bible (1 Nephi 13:26). However, God promised to restore them through additional scripture and revelation.

The Book of Mormon plays a central role in this restoration. According to 2 Nephi 3:12, the Bible and the Book of Mormon “shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines, and establishing peace.” Together, they testify that Jesus Christ is Jehovah and clarify His role across dispensations.

Other restored texts deepen this understanding:

• The Book of Moses, restoring truths from Genesis 1–6

• The Book of Abraham, revealing premortal councils and divine purpose (see Abraham 3:22–28)

• Joseph Smith Translation passages, such as the account of Melchizedek (JST Genesis 14:25–40)

Accounts like Enoch’s Zion (Moses 7:18–19) and Abraham’s vision of the premortal life are “plain and precious” because they reveal the eternal scope of Christ’s ministry and His role as Jehovah before mortality.

Jehovah and Covenant Relationship

The Old Testament is fundamentally a covenant record. The Lord declared to Israel, “Ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me” (Exodus 19:5). That covenant relationship—initiated by Jehovah—continues today.

Understanding Jesus Christ as Jehovah clarifies that He is the covenant-making and covenant-keeping God. Through Him, the “new covenant” promised by Jeremiah—where God’s law is written in our hearts—is fulfilled (Jeremiah 31:31–34).

As we study the Old Testament, important questions naturally arise: Why are covenants essential to my spiritual life? What blessings of love, mercy, and guidance come as I remain faithful to them? The answers consistently lead back to Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Recognizing Jesus Christ as Jehovah transforms how we read the Old Testament. It becomes not merely a historical account, but a living testimony of the Savior’s ongoing relationship with humanity. From burning bush to Sinai, from covenant promises to prophetic warnings, it is Christ who speaks, leads, and redeems.

As we study the Old Testament, restored scripture, and modern prophetic teachings together, we gain a clearer, more unified witness of Jesus Christ—the same yesterday, today, and forever. Knowing Him as Jehovah deepens reverence, strengthens covenant commitment, and anchors faith in the eternal Redeemer.

Reference (APA Style)

Oaks, D. H. (2023, May). The teachings of Jesus Christ. Liahona, 100–105.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2023/05/51oaks?lang=eng

Labels: covenants, Jehovah, Jesus Christ, Old Testament, restored scripture

// posted by John Fisher @ January 04, 2026 0 Comments

Overcoming the World: Finding Rest Through Covenants with God

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

President Russell M. Nelson’s talk, Overcome the World and Find Rest, delivered at the October 2022 General Conference, provides profound spiritual counsel on overcoming the challenges of a troubled world through faith and covenantal relationships with God. President Nelson emphasizes that through the Savior’s Atonement and our own covenant-keeping, we can experience divine rest, strength, and peace. His message inspires hope, encourages self-reflection, and outlines practical steps for spiritual empowerment.

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Summary

In this talk, President Nelson addresses the challenges of living in a "most complicated time" and offers the Savior’s invitation to overcome the world. He explains that overcoming the world means prioritizing God over worldly distractions, trusting divine truths, and growing in faith and obedience. President Nelson underscores that making and keeping covenants provides access to heavenly power, which strengthens us amid life’s trials. He urges listeners to focus on Christ, nurture their testimonies, and embrace the transformative power of the temple. Through faith in Christ and intentional covenant living, we can find true rest, peace, and joy even amidst life’s trials.

President Ezra Taft Benson

President Nelson draws on the wisdom of past Church leaders to emphasize the transformative power of yielding our lives to God. He reaffirms a profound teaching from President Ezra Taft Benson: “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, … lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.” This statement encapsulates the blessings available to those who faithfully commit to following the Lord. President Nelson explains that such divine guidance allows individuals to experience unparalleled joy and peace, even amidst the challenges of a complex and chaotic world. By prioritizing God, covenant-keepers invite His power into their lives, enabling them to achieve greater things than they could on their own.

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Five Quotes from the Talk

1. “Making and keeping covenants actually makes life easier! Each person who makes covenants…has increased access to the power of Jesus Christ.”
2. “Because Jesus Christ overcame this fallen world, and because He atoned for each of us, you too can overcome this sin-saturated, self-centered, and often exhausting world.”
3. “Overcoming the world does not mean becoming perfect in this life…But overcoming the world does mean that your resistance to sin will increase.”
4. “When you yoke yourself to Jesus Christ and do the spiritual work required to overcome the world, He, and He alone, does have the power to lift you above the pull of this world.”
5. “Cherish and honor your covenants above all other commitments. As you let God prevail in your life, I promise you greater peace, confidence, joy, and yes, rest.”

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Conclusion

President Nelson concludes his message with an invitation to rise above worldly distractions and embrace the higher, holier laws of Jesus Christ through covenant-keeping. He promises peace, confidence, and joy to those who faithfully strive to overcome the world. By aligning our lives with Christ and His teachings, we can prepare to meet the Savior and experience divine rest.

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Reference

Nelson, R. M. (2022, October). Overcome the world and find rest. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/47nelson?lang=eng

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Hashtags

#OvercomeTheWorld #Covenants #FaithInChrist #FindingRest #GeneralConference

Labels: covenants, faith, Jesus Christ, overcoming, peace, rest

// posted by John Fisher @ January 17, 2025 0 Comments

The Transformative Power of the Savior’s Gospel and His Church

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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.

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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.

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Quotes

1. 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.”

2. On the Church’s divine role:
   “The Church offers the authoritative way for individuals to participate in ordinances and make lasting covenants with God.”

3. 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.”

4. On accessing divine power:
   “Without the Savior’s gospel and the authority to administer the ordinances thereof, the Church isn’t exceptional.”

5. On personal transformation through the gospel and Church:
   “The combination of the Savior’s gospel and His Church transforms our lives.”

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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.

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Reference

Renlund, D. G. (2024, October). This Is My Gospel—This Is My Church. General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/10/15renlund?lang=eng

Keywords

Gospel of Jesus Christ, Church of Jesus Christ, covenants, divine power, transformation

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Hashtags

#GospelOfJesusChrist #PowerOfCovenants #LDSChurch #FaithAndTransformation #SaviorAndChurch

Labels: Church of Jesus Christ, covenants, Dale G. Renlund, divine power, Gospel of Jesus Christ, transformation

// posted by John Fisher @ December 08, 2024 0 Comments