Remember the theme. No coincidences.
In October of 2018, less than two years ago, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made a huge change; the switch to two-hour church with an emphasis on having a church and Christ-centered home. How amazing that within two years we are in a position where we are unable to gather together at church.
Coincidence?
Because we haven’t been able to gather for church, you might think we are unable to partake of the sacrament. How grateful I am to have the priesthood authority of God and to have a bishop with the keys to authorize me to bless the sacrament in my home. I was given that opportunity the last two weeks, since we haven’t been able to go to church.
I am so grateful for the organization of the church. I’m grateful for the authority to bless and pass the sacrament in my home. There is no confusion. My bishop gives that authority and I can act on it. Without my bishop’s permission, I could do no such thing, for Christ’s Church is a church of order.
God is planning ahead for us and we are in His hands. This becomes extraordinarily evident when we consider the revelations delivered to us by Russell M. Nelson in the last couple years.
Let’s look at October 2019. God’s Prophet made an interesting statement at this time. We should read it very closely given the current state of our world:
“Thus, the year 2020 will be designated as a bicentennial year. General conference next April will be different from any previous conference. In the next six months, I hope that every member and every family will prepare for a unique conference that will commemorate the very foundations of the restored gospel.”
He continues,
“Select your own questions. Design your own plan. Immerse yourself in the glorious light of the Restoration. As you do, general conference next April will be not only memorable; it will be unforgettable.”
How prophetic. As my former roommate (not a member of my church) noted, “I think that’s a weird coincidence.” Yeah, I’d agree, if I believed in coincidences.
Our Prophet asked us to ponder two questions in order to make this upcoming general conference special. His questions were:
- “How would my life be different if my knowledge gained from the Book of Mormon were suddenly taken away?”
- “How have the events that followed the First Vision made a difference for me and my loved ones?”
I hope we are all considering these questions thoughtfully and prayerfully.
I don’t know what’s coming on April 4 and 5. There may not be any grand announcement; there may be no huge changes. I know it will be a great spiritual growing experience. I know I will come out of this upcoming conference different than I am right now.
And if a great announcement or great change comes, that is wonderful. A living Prophet leads this Church. I believe he is in close communication with Heavenly Father. I know that the direction he sends us will be another step towards God’s great purposes. I can’t wait.
Members of the Church: I hope we don’t forget what our Prophet has said and I hope we’re listening. Look at the world around us. It is a critical time to be listening to the Prophet and heeding the advice he delivers to us.
Here is President Nelson’s concluding statement from last conference:
“Now in closing, I leave with you my love and my blessing that each of you may become happier and holier with each passing day. Meanwhile, please be assured that revelation continues in the Church and will continue under the Lord’s direction until ‘the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done’.
I so bless you, reaffirming my love for you, with my testimony that God lives! Jesus is the Christ! This is His Church and we are His people. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
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Leave a comment on how you’re preparing for conference.
No Coincidences 