April 2018 Conference Themes

Sometimes, when you listen to conference live with a specific question, it seems as though every speaker addresses your topic!  Then when you study the talks again, sometimes it seems like it was a stretch to call that your topic!  I have had this experience many times, but I also like to keep my ears open for themes in conference.  What themes stood out to you?  These are the themes that stood out to me:

1. Prophets and the solemn assembly
2. Ministering
3. Following the Spirit
4. Preparing for the Second Coming

Prophets and solemn assembly
We had a solemn assembly and sustained a new prophet.  Many, MANY speakers bore testimony of President Nelson being called of God to be His prophet today.  Some speakers directed their entire message to the topic of prophets, solemn assemblies, and President Nelson.  See President Ballard's talk, Elder Stevenson's talk, Elder Andersen's talk, President Nelson's Sunday morning talk,  Am I missing any?

Ministering
Speakers continually used this word on Saturday - I wrote it down with the intention of studying its use in the scriptures, and then on Sunday afternoon, we learned why the emphasis!  The new Ministering program was announced - a higher, holier way of Christlike service.

Following the Spirit
This may have been more of a message for me than a theme - but I kept getting promptings about taking the Holy Spirit for my guide, following the Spirit, and so on.

Preparing for the Second Coming - I kept hearing this over and over, especially on Sunday.  When I went back to look for these quotes, they did not seem as prominent.  But I thought it would be fun to collect the quotes about coming days and anything about preparing for the Savior's return.  Grasping at straws?  You decide.  Emphasis added.

President M. Russell Ballard, Sat morning, this quote talks about difficult tasks ahead:

"If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, the Lord can help us remove the mountains of discouragement and doubt in the tasks ahead of us as we serve with God's children, including family members, Church members, and those who are not yet members of the Church." 

Elder Brian K. Taylor of the 70, Sat morning, this quote brings up the sin-resistant generation phrase that foreshadows Millennial days:

"To mothers, especially young mothers, who often feel overwhelmed and underwater while striving to raise 'a sin-resistant generation,' never underestimate your central role in God's plan."

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, of YW presidency (released), Sat afternoon references celestial families and the "great work" which is God's work:

"Together these beautiful, strong, faithful young women and young men are preparing to be wives and husbands, and mothers and fathers who will raise families worthy of the celestial kingdom of God.
"...  Our precious young women have an important role to play in helping to accomplish this great work."

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo of the 70 on Sat afternoon tells us how to find light in the darkening world:

"I promise that participating in ordinances and honoring the associated covenants will bring you marvelous light and protection in this ever-darkening world."

Brother Douglas D. Holmes, FC in YM Presidency in Priesthood session:

"Young men, God has a work for you to do.  Your Aaronic Priesthood ordination is central to helping His children receive Christ's atoning power.  I promise that as you put these sacred duties at the center of your life, you will feel the power of God as never before.  You will understand your identity as a son of God, called with a holy calling to do His work.  And, like John the Baptist, you will help prepare the way for the coming of His Son." 

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the 12 in Priesthood session:

"I cannot adequately express how excited I am to contemplate the increasingly vital role that elders quorums will play in the future.  The wisdom, experience, capacity, and strength that will be found in these quorums portend a new day and a new standard of priesthood service across the Church." 

Also later:

"Yes, thanks be to God for the men of the priesthood and for the service they will yet render in lifting individuals and families and in establishing Zion." 

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the 12 in Priesthood session:

"Indeed this is a time when the Lord is hastening His work."

President Russell M. Nelson, prophet, in Priesthood session:

"While you sing, think of your duty as God's mighty army to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.  This is our charge.  This is our privilege." 

Sister Reyna I. Aburto, SC in the RS Presidency, Sun morning:

"As we work in unity, our purpose should be to look for and do the Lord's will; our incentive should be the love we feel for God and for our neighbor; and our greatest desire should be to 'labor diligently,' so we can prepare the way for the glorious return of our Savior.  The only way we will be able to do so is 'with one accord.'"

 President Russell M. Nelson, prophet, Sun morning:

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again.  We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory.  But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the 12, Sun afternoon:

"I witness that, as prophesied in the holy scriptures, including in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, 'the Lord's kingdom [is] once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah.'" 

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the 12, Sat afternoon:

"In the spirit of President Nelson's marvelous declarations and testimonies last night and this morning, I bear my own witness that these adjustments are examples of the revelation that has guided this Church from its beginning.  They are yet more evidence that the Lord is hastening His work in its time." 

Also, later:

"...may we labor side by side with the Lord of the vineyard, giving the God and Father of us all a helping hand with His staggering task of answering prayers, providing comfort, drying tears, and strengthening feeble knees. ..." 

Sister Jean B. Bingham, RS president, Sun afternoon opened and closed her talk with references to the Second Coming:

"What a wonderful blessing to live in a time of continual revelation from God!  As we look forward to and embrace the 'restitution of all things,' which has and will come through the prophesied events of our time, we are being prepared for the Savior's Second Coming."

And later:

"I gladly bear my personal witness that these revelatory changes are inspired of God and that, as we embrace them with willing hearts, we will become better prepared to meet His Son, Jesus Christ, at His coming.  We will be closer to becoming a Zion people and will feel surpassing joy with those whom we have helped along the path of discipleship." 

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the 12, Sat afternoon - his entire talk was full of Second Coming imagery - even the talk was "Prepare to Meet God"!  Here are some choice quotes:

"...three ancient prophets, Moses, Elias, and Elijah, appeared and committed keys which were essential to accomplish the Lord's purpose for His restored Church in this dispensation.  That purpose has been simply, but eloquently, defined as gathering Israel, sealing them as families, and preparing the world for the Lord's Second Coming." 

...
"Home and visiting teaching, now 'ministering,' as taught so eloquently in this session, will prepare Latter-day Saints to meet God."
...
"For those of us alive at this time, he increase in temples and family history work is phenomenal.  This pace will continue and accelerate until the Second Coming of the Savior, lest the whole earth 'be utterly wasted at his coming.'"
...
"As individuals, we would do well to evaluate our effort in pursuing missionary work, temple and family history work, and preparations to meet God."