The Work of the Temple and Family History—One and the Same Work
Benjamín De Hoyos, of the Seventy
Elder Benjamín De Hoyos testifies that the work of the temple and family history are one and the same in the Church of Jesus Christ.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How does Elder De Hoyos describe the relationship between temple work and family history?
- What experiences from Church history does Elder De Hoyos share to illustrate his points?
- What are the blessings that come from participating in temple and family history work?
- How does Elder De Hoyos suggest we can engage in this work, even if we feel incapable or overwhelmed?
Topics
Understanding the Work and Purpose of Temples
Elder De Hoyos discusses the importance of temples in the Restoration and the blessings that come from participating in temple ordinances. He recounts the dedication of the Kirtland Temple and the subsequent visitation of the Lord and Elijah the prophet.
"For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house. … And the fame of this house shall spread to foreign lands; and this is the beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people" (Doctrine and Covenants 110:7, 10).
"Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] [the prophet] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come—To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse—Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors" (Doctrine and Covenants 110:14–16).
- What is the purpose of the temple according to Elder De Hoyos?
- What are some of the blessings that come from participating in temple ordinances?
- What happened during the dedication of the Kirtland Temple and why is it significant?
- How have you personally experienced the blessings of temple work?
- What can you do to prepare yourself better to receive the blessings of the temple?
- How can you help others to understand the importance and blessings of temple work?
Exploring the Interconnection of Temple and Family History Work
Elder De Hoyos emphasizes that temple work and family history work are interconnected and form one work in the Church. He shares teachings from Church leaders and historical events that illustrate this connection.
"Events of that historic year established family history research and temple service as one work in the Church" (Elder Russell M. Nelson).
"The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple. Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ. His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. Then, as we keep our covenants, He endows us with His healing, strengthening power" (President Russell M. Nelson).
- How does Elder De Hoyos describe the relationship between temple work and family history work?
- Why does Elder De Hoyos say that these two works are one and the same?
- What teachings from Church leaders does Elder De Hoyos share to illustrate this connection?
- How have you experienced the interconnectedness of temple work and family history work in your own life?
- What can you do to strengthen your understanding and engagement in these works?
- How can you help others to see the connection between temple and family history work?
Engaging in Family History Work
Elder De Hoyos encourages members to engage in family history work, assuring them that they are not alone and that the Church has provided tools and resources to assist them. He emphasizes that family history work is more than just searching for names—it's about uniting families and extending gospel ordinances to them.
Dear brothers and sisters, the Lord encourages us as members of His Church to preserve our own family history, to learn from our ancestors, and to make the necessary arrangements for them to receive the ordinances of the gospel in the temples to help them to progress along the covenant path, which will bless them with an eternal family.
As we follow the guidance of the prophets and learn how to do our family history and perform the temple ordinances for our ancestors, we will experience great joy to the point that we will not want to stop doing it.
- Why does Elder De Hoyos encourage us to engage in family history work?
- What resources does the Church provide to assist in family history work?
- What are the blessings that come from engaging in family history work?
- What steps can you take to engage more fully in family history work?
- How have you experienced the joy that comes from doing family history work?
- What can you do to help others engage in family history work?
