Prepare to Meet God
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What were the divine manifestations that occurred during the Kirtland Temple dedication?
- Which ancient prophets restored priesthood keys in the Kirtland Temple?
- What are the three divinely appointed responsibilities discussed by Elder Cook?
- How does Elder Cook describe the importance of righteousness, unity, and equality in fulfilling our responsibilities?
- What guidance does Elder Cook offer for preparing to meet God?
Topics
Reflecting on the Kirtland Temple Dedication
Elder Cook recounts the divine manifestations during the Kirtland Temple dedication, emphasizing its significance for the restored Church. He highlights the appearance of three ancient prophets—Moses, Elias, and Elijah—who restored essential priesthood keys.
Eliza R. Snow, speaking of the Kirtland Temple dedication (which she attended), said: "The ceremonies of that dedication may be rehearsed, but no mortal language can describe the heavenly manifestations of that memorable day."
This occurred on April 3, 1836, almost exactly 182 years ago from this Easter Sunday. It was also the Passover season—one of those rare times when Easter and Passover overlap.
- What were the divine manifestations experienced during the Kirtland Temple dedication?
- Which prophets appeared during the Kirtland Temple dedication and what keys did they restore?
- How can reflecting on the Kirtland Temple dedication strengthen your faith?
- What steps can you take to honor the priesthood keys restored by Moses, Elias, and Elijah?
Understanding Divinely Appointed Responsibilities
Elder Cook outlines the three divinely appointed responsibilities: missionary work (gathering of Israel), the Abrahamic covenant (preparing members for the kingdom of God), and temple and family history work (sealing power). He explains how these responsibilities are overseen by executive councils within the Church.
Moses appeared and committed the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, which is missionary work.
Elias appeared and committed the keys of the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, which includes the restoration of the Abrahamic covenant.
Elijah appeared and committed the keys of the sealing power in this dispensation, which is family history work and temple ordinances enabling salvation for the living and the dead.
- What are the three divinely appointed responsibilities discussed by Elder Cook?
- How do the executive councils within the Church oversee these responsibilities?
- What can you do to contribute to missionary work in your community?
- How can you better understand and live the principles of the Abrahamic covenant?
- What actions can you take to engage in temple and family history work?
Assessing Our Efforts in Fulfilling Responsibilities
Elder Cook evaluates the Church's progress in fulfilling the divinely appointed responsibilities. He highlights the growth in missionary work, the impact of recent changes in priesthood quorums, and the expansion of temple and family history work.
Today almost 70,000 missionaries are spread across the earth preaching His gospel to gather His elect.
The announcement in the priesthood session with respect to elders and high priests quorums will unleash priesthood power and authority.
The increase in temples and family history work is phenomenal. This pace will continue and accelerate until the Second Coming of the Savior.
- What progress has the Church made in missionary work?
- How have recent changes in priesthood quorums impacted the Church?
- What is the significance of the increase in temples and family history work?
- How can you support and participate in missionary work?
- What changes have you noticed in your ward or stake as a result of the recent priesthood quorum adjustments?
- How can you contribute to family history work and temple attendance?
Emphasizing Righteousness, Unity, and Equality
Elder Cook stresses the importance of righteousness, unity, and equality in fulfilling our responsibilities. He discusses the consequences of sin, the need for repentance, and the importance of unity within the Church. He also highlights the equality experienced in temple ordinances.
This life is the time for all of us to prepare to meet God.
The Savior declared, "If ye are not one ye are not mine."
The Book of Mormon makes it clear that there must be no -ites, tribes, or classes. We must be united and equal before God.
- Why is righteousness essential in preparing to meet God?
- What is the significance of unity within the Church?
- How does equality manifest in temple ordinances?
- What steps can you take to improve your personal righteousness?
- How can you foster unity within your ward or branch?
- In what ways can you contribute to promoting equality within the Church?
Receiving Divine Guidance
Elder Cook testifies of the divine guidance received by senior Church leaders. He shares his experience of sustaining President Russell M. Nelson as the prophet and emphasizes the importance of following prophetic counsel.
Senior Church leaders who preside over the divinely appointed purposes of the Church receive divine assistance.
Guidance for the Church as a whole comes only to His prophet.
I testify that he was foreordained and has been prepared his entire life to be the Lord’s prophet for our day.
- How do senior Church leaders receive divine guidance?
- What is the role of the prophet in guiding the Church?
- How can you better follow the counsel of the prophet and other Church leaders?
- What experiences have you had that testify of the importance of prophetic guidance?
