New-Testament
Jesus Christ, now resurrected, approaches Mary Magdalene in this scene from a Bible Video.2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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By Mary Richards, Church News
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cited New Testament scriptures, stories and parables in general conference talks in April and October 2022 to teach doctrine and testify of the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Part one recapped the references from the four gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. As Church members study the New Testament with “Come, Follow Me” in 2023, here are some of the scriptures Church leaders used from Acts through Revelation in 2022.
Acts
In his April 2022 general conference message “Following Jesus: Being a Peacemaker,” Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “Every person on earth is the ‘offspring’ of God, but to be called the ‘children of God’ means much, much more,” referring to Acts 17:28.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said in his April address, “To Heal the World,” “The scriptures describe that Jesus ‘went about doing good’ (see Acts 10:38). So must we.” Later, Elder Rasband said, “... Every act of kindness and concern for someone struggling is the covenant way each of us can also ‘[go] about doing good,’ knowing “God [is] with [us]’” (see Acts 10:38).
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in his October general conference talk, “Nourishing and Bearing Your Testimony,” quoted Acts 4:10, 12 when Peter testified: “Be it known unto you all … that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, … doth this man stand here before you. … For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Romans
In April’s message titled “Our Relationship With God,” Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “We are God’s children, set apart for immortality and eternal life. Our destiny is to be His heirs, ‘joint-heirs with Christ’” (see Romans 8:17).
Later Elder Christofferson said, recalling Paul’s expression, we are “joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together’” (see Romans 8:17).
He shared the story of Joseph and Pharaoh, adding, “Surely Joseph could attest “that all things work together for good to them that love God’” (see Romans 8:28).
And finally, Elder Christofferson said, “We will testify with Paul ‘that the sufferings of this present [mortal] time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us’” (see Romans 8:18).
Christ
Christ ordaining the twelve apostles.2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also used Romans 8 in his April talk, “Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny.”
“Sometimes we may not feel His love, but it is always there. God’s love is perfect,” he said, referring to Romans 8:35, 38–39 in the footnotes.
Elder Stevenson told in his October general conference message of a young man named Kevin, who spoke of facing several questions about his faith. Kevin wrote, “A scripture I learned in seminary suddenly came to me. ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ’” (see Romans 1:16).
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in October’s conference talk, “In Partnership With the Lord,” said, “we are all alike unto God.” The reference in the footnotes is Romans 2:11, which reads, “For there is no respect of persons with God.”
1 Corinthians
President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, in April’s talk “Divine Love in the Father’s Plan,” used 1 Corinthians 15:40–41 to speak about the three degrees of glory. Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in October’s talk “Be True to God and His Work,” used the same verses.
In his October general conference message called “Legacy of Encouragement,” President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, spoke of being married to his wife, Sister Kathleen Eyring, for 60 years. “It is because of that experience that I now understand the meaning of these scriptural words: faith, hope, meekness, enduring, seeking not our own, rejoicing in the truth, not thinking evil, and above all, charity,” referring to 1 Corinthians 13.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles mentioned references to the cross in Paul’s teachings in a footnote to his October address, “Lifted Up Upon the Cross.” “There are, of course, references to the cross in Paul’s teachings (see, for example, 1 Corinthians 1:17–18; … ) but these spoke to something much greater than two wooden beams nailed together or any smaller symbol of such,” Elder Holland wrote.
New-Testament
Paul sitting at a table and writing an epistle to the Corinthians in a Bible video.2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in his October talk, “Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth,” said, “The problem is that we don’t always see things as clearly as we would like to. The Apostle Paul compared it to looking ‘through a glass, darkly’” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
Elder Christofferson also referenced that verse in footnote 19 in his April talk when speaking of the Father and the Son: “Come truly to know Them and truly to know yourself.”
Then, in his October instruction, “The Doctrine of Belonging,” Elder Christofferson quoted Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:12–13, 25–26 speaking about the body of Christ.
Elder Rasband in his April talk witnessed that Jesus Christ atoned for our sins, was crucified on a cross, and was resurrected on the third day,” and he referenced 1 Corinthians 15:4 in the footnotes.
In his October general conference message titled “Happy and Forever,” Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles quoted 1 Corinthians 15:22: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
2 Corinthians
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in his April general conference address, “But We Heeded Them Not,” talked about being “transformed by living His doctrine.” Footnote 24 says to see 2 Corinthians 5:17, which reads, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
In the same message, Elder Bednar said one’s capacity to “heed not” is increased by “the doctrine of Christ written ‘with the Spirit of the living God … in fleshy tables of [our hearts].’” This is from 2 Corinthians 3:3.
Elder Soares also referenced this verse in the footnotes to his April talk, “In Awe of Christ and His Gospel.” He said, “Therefore, as we genuinely and continually strive to learn of the Savior and follow His example, I promise you, in His name, that His divine attributes will be written in our minds and hearts.”
Galatians
In his April talk, Elder Renlund said, “The Spirit plays a pivotal role in communicating God’s love to us.” The footnote is Galatians 5:22, which says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.”
Elder Holland lists Galatians 6:14 in a footnote to his October address when speaking about references to the cross in Paul’s teachings.
In Elder Stevenson’s April talk titled, “Love, Share, Invite,” he said, “as we bear one another’s burdens, we ‘fulfil the law of Christ,’” a phrase from Galatians 6:2.
In his October address, Elder Gong said, “God knows and loves us perfectly. ‘God is not mocked,’” from Galatians 6:7.
Elder Soares in his April talk said, in part, “our testimony of the Savior and His gospel will be strengthened, we will keep Christ alive in us” — referencing Galatians 2:20, which includes, “Christ liveth in me.”
Ephesians
In his April instruction, “Our Heartfelt All,” Elder Uchtdorf said looking unto Christ makes everything align into one work: “It is the work of loving and serving God. It is loving and serving God’s children.”
In footnote 13, he continued, “In this way, we see in our lives a fulfillment of the prophecy of the Apostle Paul:’“In the dispensation of the fulness of times [God will] gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth: even in him’” (see Ephesians 1:10).
Elder Christofferson quoted Ephesians 4:12-13 in his October talk. “Paul explained that the Church and its officers are given by God ‘for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ,’” Elder Christofferson said.
Later, in the same message, Elder Christofferson said, “We can feel joy as we pursue, individually and communally, ‘the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.’”
Elder Andersen listed Ephesians 3:17 in a footnote for the phrase “grounded and settled’ in his October address, “Drawing Closer to the Savior.” That verse reads, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.”
In his October talk titled, “This Day,” Elder Rasband said, “I gained a witness by the Spirit that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He is my Savior, that these scriptures are the word of God, and that the gospel is restored.”
He had a footnote to “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World,” which includes … “We gladly declare that the promised Restoration goes forward through continuing revelation. The earth will never again be the same, as God will ‘gather together in one all things in Christ’” (see Ephesians 1:10).
In that same talk, Elder Rasband bore his witness of Jesus Christ, “the cornerstone of our faith.” The footnote lists Ephesians 2:19–20, which says “Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”
Philippians
In his April talk, “Preaching the Gospel of Peace,” President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church, said, “Everyone deserves the chance to know about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Every person deserves to know where they can find the hope and peace that ‘[pass] all understanding,’” from Philippians 4:7.
Elder Holland lists Philippians 3:18 in a footnote to his October talk when speaking about references to the cross in Paul’s teachings.
Colossians
Elder Andersen in October’s conference talk said, “The Apostle Paul counseled us to be rooted, grounded, and settled in our love for the Savior and our determination to follow Him.”
The footnote for the word “rooted” points to Colossians 2:7: “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” A footnote on the word “settled” is Colossians 1:23: “ If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel….”
In April general conference, Elder Soares quoted from Colossians 2:6-8. “Thus, our testimony of the Savior and His gospel will be strengthened, we will keep Christ alive in us, and we will live our lives ‘rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, … abounding therein with thanksgiving.’”
1 Thessalonians
President Nelson in “The Power of Spiritual Momentum” from April general conference explained, “Many actions can ignite positive spiritual momentum. Obedience, love, humility, service, and gratitude are but a few.”
For the word gratitude, President Nelson had a footnote reference to 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which says, “In every thing give thanks.”
1 Timothy
Elder Bednar said in April general conference, “This simply means that we trust in the Savior as our Advocate and Mediator.” The footnote lists 1 Timothy 2:5, which reads, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
New-Testament
Portrait of Jesus Christ from Bible videos.2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.2 Timothy
In his April talk, “Steady in the Storms,” President Eyring quoted the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3:1 — “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”
Elder Stevenson shared the story of a young man named Kevin in his October message who at first was afraid to speak about his faith.
“As Paul wrote to Timothy: ‘God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love. … Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,’” Elder Stevenson said, quoting 2 Timothy 1:7–8.
Elder Rasband talked about perilous times of today in April general conference. “As was prophesied, ‘fires, and tempests,’ ‘wars, rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places,’ ‘and all manner of abominations,’” he said, with the footnote referencing 2 Timothy 3:1–7, 12–13.
Hebrews
In his closing remarks in April general conference titled, “Now is the Time,” President Nelson said, “Now is the time we can bless others and ‘lift up the hands which hang down,’” from Hebrews 12:12.
Elder Renlund listed Hebrews in a footnote in his April talk where he talked about repentance. He said those who plan a sin with the plan to repent afterward “crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh” (Hebrews 6:4–6), and said, “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation” (see Hebrews 10:26–27).
In his April talk, Elder Andersen said, “Sadly, not all will remain firm in their love for the Savior and their determination to keep His commandments.” The footnote said, “The pleasures of sin [are only] for a season” (see Hebrews 11:24–26).
James
President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in his October message, “Follow Jesus Christ With Footsteps of Faith,” said Joseph Smith’s faith to “ask of God” opened the way for the restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The phrase comes from James 1:5.
Elder Holland in April’s talk, “Fear Not: Believe Only!” pled with the youth to begin their search for happiness “by embracing the bounty we have already received from the giver of every good gift,” referencing James 1:17.
James 5:19-20 is in the footnotes for Elder Cook’s April talk. He said, “There is truly eternal joy in helping to bring souls unto Christ.”
Elder Renlund used James 4:3 in his message in October general conference about the framework for personal revelation: “We do not ‘ask amiss,’ with improper motives to promote our own agenda or to fulfill our own pleasure.”
1 Peter
In President Nelson’s opening address in April general conference, he said, “Every person who has made covenants with God has promised to care about others and serve those in need. We can demonstrate faith in God and always be ready to respond to those who ask about ‘the hope that is in [us],’” referencing 1 Peter 3:15.
Elder Holland also used the same verse in April when he spoke of ministering, service, temples and more — “These are a few of the reasons we give for ‘the hope that is in [us].’”
In his April talk, Elder Soares warned against complacency and distancing from the Lord. A footnote pointed to 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
2 Peter
In his October talk, Elder Cook said, “Many have abandoned the admonition of the Savior’s senior Apostle, Peter, to seek Christlike qualities such as temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity,” which in the footnotes points to 2 Peter 1:5–10.
Elder Rasband spoke of becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ in his October talk. In the footnote, he said being a disciple includes embracing His attributes as described by the Apostle Peter in 2 Peter 1:5-7.
1 John
Elder Andersen in his April message said, “The Apostle John reminds us, “We love him, because he first loved us’” (1 John 4:19).
Revelation
In his April talk, Elder Bednar pointed out in his footnotes that “The Word” is a title of Jesus Christ found in several places in the scriptures, including Revelation 19:13.
Elder Christofferson in October referenced Revelation 5:9 in the footnotes when he said, “As the long-prophesied latter-day gathering of the Lord’s covenant people gains momentum, the Church will truly be composed of members from every nation, kindred, tongue and people.”
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