Study Guide for "Temples, Houses of the Lord Dotting the Earth"

In this talk, Elder Neil L. Andersen discusses the importance of temples in the lives of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He explores the reasons why the Lord is inspiring the construction of more temples around the world, the blessings that come from temple worship, and the role of temples in these latter days.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

Why is the Lord inspiring the construction of more temples around the world?
What blessings come from temple worship?
What role do temples play in these latter days?

Topics

Understanding the Increase in Temples

Elder Andersen discusses the remarkable increase in the number of temples being built around the world. He suggests that one reason for this is because the Lord has promised to strengthen and bless His covenant Saints, and this promise is being fulfilled through the construction of these holy houses.

Have you wondered why the Lord would direct His prophet to now dot the earth with His holy temples?

Across the globe, houses of the Lord are coming closer to us. Why in our day?

Why is the Lord now bringing hundreds of His temples closer to us? One reason is that amid the turmoil and temptations of the world, He has promised to strengthen and bless His covenant Saints, and His promises are being fulfilled!

What reasons does Elder Andersen suggest for the increase in temples?
How do temples fulfill the Lord's promise to strengthen and bless His covenant Saints?
How have you personally been strengthened or blessed through temple worship?
What can you do to support the construction and use of temples around the world?

Blessings from Temple Worship

Elder Andersen discusses the blessings that come from temple worship. He explains that in the temple, we are endowed with heavenly power, we take the name of Christ more completely upon us, we are watched over by angels, and we can receive a fullness of the Holy Ghost.

In His house, we are literally endowed with heavenly power.

In His holy house, we take His name more completely upon us.

Regularly performing ordinances for our ancestors in the temple brings a sweet and sure confirmation that life continues beyond the veil.

As we come with willing hearts to the house of the Lord, the most holy place on earth, we grow up in the Lord and can "receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost."

What blessings does Elder Andersen say come from temple worship?
How does temple worship help us to take the name of Christ more completely upon us?
What does Elder Andersen mean when he says that in the temple, we can "receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost"?
How have you experienced these blessings in your own temple worship?
What can you do to more fully receive these blessings the next time you attend the temple?

The Role of Temples in the Last Days

Elder Andersen discusses the role of temples in these latter days. He suggests that temples are a key part of the Lord's plan to strengthen His covenant people amid the turmoil and disbelief of the world.

The Lord warned that in the last days, there would be distress among nations, people would "be lovers of their own selves," "all things [would] be in commotion," confusion would abound, and "men’s hearts [would] fail them."

With this prophesied commotion and disbelief in the world, the Lord promised that there would be a covenant people, a people eagerly awaiting His return, a people who stand in holy settings and are not moved out of their place.

What role does Elder Andersen suggest temples play in the last days?
How do temples help the Lord's covenant people to stand in holy settings and not be moved out of their place?
How have temples helped you to stand firm amid the turmoil and disbelief of the world?
What can you do to more fully fulfill your role as one of the Lord's covenant people in these latter days?