September 2024

It is no coincidence that the temple was the place of Jesus Christ’s first appearance to the Nephites after His resurrection. In fact, nearly every moment the Savior spent with His “other sheep” was at this holy location. There, the law was given and the gospel was proclaimed by the Savior of the World. He also shared His most important desire with the Nephites: “I would that ye should be perfect” (3 Nephi 12:48).

He has come! As the introduction to the Book of Mormon says, “The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after His resurrection.” This moment was the fulfillment of the words of Christ Himself when He told His apostles he must visit the sheep “that are not of this fold” (John 10:16).

No one should ever be persecuted or bullied for their personal beliefs, yet that is exactly what the wicked Nephites did to those who believed in Christ. Many signs and wonders were given to support the faithful in their trials, who were rewarded for their faith when the sign of the Savior’s birth was seen by everyone throughout the land (3 Nephi 1:15-21).

Prophets are often called to warn of the dangers of leaving the covenant path. However, like Samuel the Lamanite, they are also called to proclaim “glad tidings of great joy” (Helaman 16:14). Reflecting on recent General Conference addresses by President Russell M. Nelson, there have been many warnings and tidings of great joy that the prophet has proclaimed. Each one is a personal message from the Lord sent through His servant.

Every day, we have the opportunity to learn something new. We learn best when we are able to review it several times so it sticks with us. The gospel of Jesus Christ is taught in the same way: we learn new things through revelation, and we remember them by living the principles of the gospel every day of our entire lives.