Safely Gathered Home
Contents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does Elder Cook mean by "safely gathered home"?
- What is the role of each member in the gathering of Israel?
- How does the gathering of Israel relate to the plan of salvation?
- What historical examples does Elder Cook provide to illustrate the gathering of Israel?
- What blessings does Elder Cook mention that come from sharing the gospel?
Topics
Understanding the Gathering of Israel
Elder Cook explains the concept of gathering Israel, starting with its origins in the Old Testament, through the scattering of Israel, to the Restoration of the Church and the expanded understanding of this gathering. He emphasizes that those who accept the gospel become part of gathered Israel.
The divinely inspired doctrine that we are all brothers and sisters and “all are alike unto God” underlies this great work of gathering.
Until the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ, including the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the revelation and priesthood keys given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, understanding of the gathering of Israel was fragmentary and limited.
Those who accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, regardless of lineage, become part of gathered Israel.
- What does it mean to be a part of gathered Israel?
- How has the Restoration of the Church expanded our understanding of the gathering of Israel?
- How can you personally contribute to the gathering of Israel?
- How does understanding your part in the gathering of Israel influence your daily decisions and actions?
Historical and Modern Examples of Gathering
Elder Cook shares examples of successful gatherings in the British Isles, the Philippine Islands, and the Polynesian Islands. He also provides statistics on the growth of the Church and the increase in missionary efforts.
The early success in the British Isles is legendary. By 1851, over half the members of the Church were baptized converts living in the British Isles.
I admire the Filipino people; they have a deep and abiding love for the Savior.
Today almost 25 percent of Polynesians, in the Polynesian Islands, are members of the Church.
- What do these examples teach us about the gathering of Israel?
- How has the Church grown in recent years?
- How can you follow the example of these successful gatherings in your own missionary efforts?
- What opportunities do you see for gathering Israel in your own community?
The Role of Members in the Gathering
Elder Cook emphasizes the responsibility of Church members to participate in the gathering of Israel. He encourages members to be beacon-light examples and to love, share, and invite others to come unto Christ.
As viewed through a clear lens, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the great privilege of loving, sharing, inviting, and helping gather Israel to receive the fulness of the Lord’s covenant blessings.
An essential part of this missionary effort is for individual members to become beacon-light examples wherever we live.
Our commitment to love, share, and invite can be greatly expanded.
- What is the role of Church members in the gathering of Israel?
- What does it mean to be a beacon-light example?
- How can you be a beacon-light example in your community?
- What specific actions can you take to love, share, and invite others to come unto Christ?
Blessings of Sharing the Gospel
Elder Cook discusses the blessings that come from sharing the gospel, including joy, peace, protection from temptations, and sustaining power from God. He also mentions the opportunity to share the gospel in the spirit world.
Please understand that there are remarkable blessings in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. The scriptures speak of joy and peace, forgiveness of sins, protection from temptations, and sustaining power from God.
Looking beyond this mortal life, we will be prepared to share the gospel with those “in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead.”
- What are some blessings that come from sharing the gospel?
- How does sharing the gospel prepare us for the next life?
- What blessings have you personally experienced from sharing the gospel?
- How can understanding these blessings motivate you to share the gospel more frequently?
Urgency and Importance of the Gathering
Elder Cook stresses the urgency and importance of the gathering of Israel in these latter days. He shares counsel from President Nelson and encourages members to review their individual and collective efforts to gather Israel.
President Nelson has continuously emphasized that the gathering of Israel is “the greatest challenge, … cause, and … work on earth today.”
No one has addressed the gathering more directly than President Russell M. Nelson: “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel. It is as simple as that.”
My specific prayer today is for every child, young man, young woman, family, quorum, Relief Society, and class to review how we individually and collectively accept dramatic counsel to help gather Israel that has been issued by the Lord and our beloved prophet.
- Why is the gathering of Israel considered the greatest work on earth today?
- What counsel has President Nelson given about the gathering of Israel?
- How can you more fully accept and act on the counsel to gather Israel?
- What can you do to review and improve your individual and collective efforts to gather Israel?