67 Latter-day Saint Essential Gospel Talks

In this talk President Hinkley reminds us of the importance of treating others with Christ-like love, regardless of their ethnicity, background, or beliefs.  He also stresses the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities in the home.  The gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to heal pains of the past and help us feel hope again.  In what ways can you exhibit Christ-like love?

Elder Holland teaches that, to help us overcome the calamities of the latter-days, the Lord gave us the Book of Mormon to combat those challenges and help guide us in difficult times.  He teaches some of the powerful principles it teaches and bears witness of its truthfulness.  As you listen to this talk, ponder how the Book of Mormon has influenced your life.  If it has been a while, commit to read and re-read the Book of Mormon - you will find answers and strength as you do so.

This is a long episode (listen to it at 1.5 speed) but it is filled with so many wonderful principles.  Elder Bednar begins by outlining five principles (not a pattern) of revelation.  First, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost "that it may be with us always", not only in certain moments.  We often act as if revelation is a big event that we must prepare for and that comes infrequently.  However, if we are striving to be worthy, the Spirit will be our constant companion.  Second, sometimes we think promptings from the Spirit should be a big, loud event, but the Spirit is most often still and small and the revelation we receive is incremental and builds upon itself over time.  Third, you do not need to recognize revelation in the moment you receive it.  We often, like Nephi, will see revelation in action after the fact rather than in the moment.  Fourth, revelation is not only about what to do, it's also about when to do.  This also ties into the principle that revelation is incremental and will build over time so that we will know what to do when the moment to do it comes.  Fifth, revelation is more readily recognized when you are in the place and with the people for whom you are seeking revelation.  There is also a great question and answer session about revelation and some excellent tips about teaching others.  As you listen to the talk answer this question:  what are you hearing that has not been said?

President Monson shares a story where, as a young secretary in his Deacon's quorum, he was asked in ward conference to share his testimony.  It taught him to follow Paul's admonition to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you."  He encourages us to prepare for this by following three suggestions that, when observed and followed, will lead to safety.  First, study diligently.  Daily reading and application of the scriptures will have the greatest impact on our lives.  Second, pray fervently remembering that with God all things are possible.  Third, live righteously.  Regardless of our intelligence or talents, God will sustain those who serve in righteousness.  As we do these three things, the Lord will enable us to bear the burdens placed upon us.

Elder Scott shares lessons he's learned throughout his life that have helped him have peace and happiness.  His primary source of peace and happiness has come through his family, his home, and the blessings of temple ordinances.   He talks about the importance of having experiences with our children.  He teaches about building a home with love in it.  To love another righteously is to protect, to elevate, to keep pure and undefiled, and to sacrifice one’s self for the benefit of the other.  He also talks about practices that will lead to a successful marriage.  It's a very tender talk and you can feel the love he has for his wife as you listen to his talk.  What advice will you take from his talk to help you find peace and happiness?

In this BYU Devotional Elder Uchtdorf shares five messages that all of God's Children need.  First, move toward the light - God, like the sun, is always there.  Second, you are better than you think you are.  The scriptures are full of examples of people who thought they weren't good enough but the Lord helps them in their weakness.  Third, learn to love God and your neighbor.  It is the answer to many of life's challenges.  Fourth, conflict is inevitable and contention is a choice.  We cannot control the actions of others, but we can choose how we respond.  Fifth, our Heavenly Father is a God of new beginnings.  Every day can be a fresh start and opportunity to recommit and begin again to lead a more Christ-like life.  Which of these messages was meant for you today?

In this talk Elder Christofferson discusses the importance of moral discipline - the consistent exercise of agency to choose the right because it is right, even when it is hard.  He discusses the role of moral discipline in societies and teaches that moral discipline begins with a constant and consistent teaching and example in the home.  In what ways have you learned and strengthened your moral discipline?   

In this talk, Elder Bednar talks about the importance of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost as part of our baptismal covenant.  He emphasizes the importance of recognizing what thoughts and actions bring the Spirit and which ones withdraw the Spirit.  He discusses the Liahona that guided Lehi's family but worked according to their faithfulness.  The Holy Ghost is our spiritual Liahona - the Spirit will guide us as we are faithful.  As you study this talk, the Holy Ghost will help you know what you need to do to have its companionship in your life more abundantly.   https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/04/that-we-may-always-have-his-spirit-to-be-with-us?lang=eng

Learning to feel, recognize, and follow the promptings of the Spirit is one of the most important skills you will develop in your life.  In this talk, Elder Rasband teaches who the Holy Ghost is, how he speaks to us, and how to always have him with us.  First, strive to live worthy of the Spirit, second, be willing to receive the Spirit, third, recognize the spirit when it comes, and fourth, act on the first prompting.  How does the Holy Ghost speak to you?  What do you do when you receive promptings from the Holy Ghost? https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/let-the-holy-spirit-guide?lang=eng

This is a beautiful and heart-felt talk about our personal relationship with Jesus Christ as our Mediator.  Elder Packer explores justice and mercy through a parable and helps us see that both can only be satisfied with a Mediator.  He pays our debts, he sets the new terms, and he provides the way for us to be free.  Listen to this talk carefully and imagine yourself sitting with Elder Packer as he shares this parable.