The Lord Is Hastening His Work
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Recognize the Best and Worst of Times
Elder Cook acknowledges the turbulent times we live in, paralleling them with Dickens" famous opening line. While challenges abound, he emphasizes the privilege of living in a time when the gospel is being proclaimed worldwide.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
The Lord is truly hastening His work in our time.Key Points:
- We live in times of great commotion but also of great opportunity.
- The gospel is being proclaimed worldwide despite challenges.
- Reflect on a time when you felt the world was in commotion but found peace through the gospel.
- Consider how you have seen the Lord's work hastened in your own life.
- Share an experience where you witnessed the gospel bringing hope in difficult times.
Embrace the Increase in Converts
The Lord's work is hastening with a significant increase in converts worldwide. Elder Cook highlights the need to welcome and support these new members as they join the Church.
In the last 36 months, nearly 900,000 converts have joined the Church.
We welcome new members with open arms and deep appreciation for the path you have chosen.Key Points:
- Converts are joining the Church in unprecedented numbers.
- Members should welcome and support new converts.
- The Church is growing globally, with significant increases in various regions.
- Share a personal story of how you have welcomed a new convert into your congregation.
- Discuss a time when you felt supported by your church community.
- Reflect on the impact of having a friend or mentor in your spiritual journey.
Support New and Returning Members
Elder Cook emphasizes the sacred duty of Church members to support new and returning members, ensuring they feel loved and included in the community.
Our sacred duty is to accept and welcome new and returning members.
We should love, nurture, and serve those who accept His gospel.Key Points:
- All members share the responsibility to welcome others.
- Building a Zion people requires unity and righteousness.
- New converts need friends, responsibilities, and nurturing.
- Think of a time when you helped a new member feel included in your ward.
- Recall an experience where you felt nurtured by your church community.
- Consider how you can be a friend to someone new in your congregation.
Focus on Covenants and the Covenant Path
Elder Cook stresses the importance of making and keeping covenants, highlighting the temple as a focal point for spiritual growth and preparation for eternal life.
Receiving the ordinances and covenants and living the commandments are essential.
The temple and the ordinances of the temple should be our focus.Key Points:
- Covenants are essential for exaltation.
- Temple ordinances should be a priority.
- Gospel knowledge grows over time and supports covenant keeping.
- Reflect on your first experience attending the temple.
- Share how making and keeping covenants has blessed your life.
- Consider setting a personal goal related to temple attendance.
Strive for Perfection Amidst Imperfection
Elder Cook reminds members that while we strive for perfection, we live in an imperfect world. The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides the means to repent and improve continually.
We live in an imperfect and fallen world, not a celestial world.
His Atonement allows us to repent daily as we fall short.Key Points:
- We will make mistakes in this life.
- The Atonement allows for daily repentance and growth.
- Living prophets guide us through modern challenges.
- Share a personal story of repentance and growth.
- Reflect on how the Atonement has helped you overcome challenges.
- Consider the guidance you have received from living prophets in your life.
