Elder M. Russell Ballard from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described the eternal truths that will help members face the troubled waters of life as we stay on the “Old Ship Zion.”
The member of the Quorum of the Twelve described how that the “Old Ship Zion” has God at the helm and is outfitted by Him and Jesus Christ with eternal truths.
The first eternal truth is that living prophets and apostles have always led Christ’s church. He continued by saying that though these leaders are imperfect and human, they are servants inspired of the Lord to help members reach their heavenly destination.
“It has always been a challenge for the world to accept living prophets and apostles, but it is essential to do so in order to fully understand the Atonement and teachings of Jesus Christ and to receive a fullness of the blessings of the priesthood that follow those He has called.”
The second truth is the plan of salvation. Elder Ballard described this plan as the map of where we came from, our purpose, and where we are going.
He then recounted how knowledge of the plan of salvation and of the Savior’s Atonement helped his family find comfort when two of his granddaughters and a grandson passed away.
The third truth available for us to hold onto within the “Old Ship Zion,” is that Heavenly Father created Adam and Eve for a “lofty” purpose. He said that this purpose was to create mortal bodies so that God’s children could experience mortality.
Elder Ballard also described how Heavenly Father sends messengers to warn his children and to help them seek answers to life’s questions.
An example he used was the issuing of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”
“As Apostles, we reaffirm this solemn warning again today. Please remember that commandments and covenants are priceless truths and doctrines found in the ‘Old Ship Zion’ where God is at the helm.”
The fourth important doctrine was Sabbath Day Observance, with Elder Ballard affirming that the recent emphasis on this topic is direct inspiration from the Lord.
Elder Ballard described that the Sabbath Day keeps members unspotted from the world, provides physical rest, and spiritual refreshment.
He then reminded members that fast and testimony meetings should be used for members to share their gratitude and love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, not for speeches. Elder Ballard also said that an appropriate place for children to be practicing their testimonies is in Primary.
He said that members are blessed when the Sabbath is focused on love and on the Lord, both at church and at home, because it allows members to respond to the Spirit.
Elder Ballard concluded by telling members they should be thankful for the Old Ship Zion, and that without it, they would be adrift in the winds of the adversary.
“God’s plan is in place. He is at the helm, and His great and powerful ship flows toward salvation and exaltation. Remember we cannot reach there by jumping out of the boat and trying to swim there ourselves.”
Other General Conference news:
LDS Church announces three new apostles
Three new apostles to represent Christ throughout the world
English only at LDS General Conference
LDS Quorums of the Seventy now called General Authority Seventies
Slideshow: General Conference Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015
Women’s general session:
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Now is a part of eternity
Sister Carol F. McConkie: The Lord’s agents
Sister Linda S. Reeves: Rewards will come
Sister Rosemary M. Wixom: Divine nature within you
Saturday morning session:
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: It works!
Elder M. Russell Ballard: God is at the helm
Elder Richard J. Maynes: The joy of living a Christ-centered life
Sister Neill F. Marriott: Yielding our hearts to God
Elder Francisco J. Vinas: The pleasing word of God
Saturday afternoon session:
Elder Dallin H. Oaks: Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Elder Bradley D. Foster: It’s never too early and it’s never too late
Elder Robert D. Hales: Meeting the challenges of today’s world
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: Behold thy mother
Priesthood session:
Sunday morning session:
President Thomas S. Monson: Be an example and a light
Elder Ronald A. Rasband: Love one another
Elder Gary E. Stevenson: Fulness of times
Elder Dale G. Renlund: Through God’s eyes
President Russell M. Nelson: A plea to my sisters
Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer: Let the clarion trumpet sound
Elder Claudio R.M. Costa: That they do always remember him
Sunday afternoon session:
President Henry B. Eyring: The Holy Ghost as your companion
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: Why the church
Elder Von G. Keetch: Blessed and happy are those who keep the commandments of God
Sister Carole M. Stephens: If ye love me, keep my commandments
Elder Allen D. Haynie: Remembering in whom we have trusted
Elder Kim B. Clark: Eyes to see and ears to hear
Brother Devin G. Durrant: My heart pondereth them continually
Elder Koichi Aoyagi: Hold on thy way
Elder David A. Bednar: Chosen to bear testimony of my name
Other conference-related coverage:
LDS Quorums of the Seventy now called General Authority Seventies
LDS Church members anticipate counsel on LGBT acceptance
English only at LDS General Conference
Music and the Spoken Word: A Mormon gift to the world
Mormons encouraged to review past sessions before General Conference
Slideshow: General Conference Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015
