Edward Merrill

@RykerJackson97 As a missionary, many would tell us they were born Shinto, married Christian, and will die Buddhist. Seems more culture than religion for many. But there is strong faith and powerful obedience there. Some really incredible members. Always felt that God has big Plans for Japan.

@EdMerrill414 It seems to me, at least from what I’ve read, that Japan is not huge into organized religion generally, but that they are a very spiritual people, and so it can be easy to talk past each other when it comes to the divine.

Theologically, it’s because the light of Christ is given to all men. But even from a purely secular perspective, it’s because they have a deeply honorable culture.

@ATrueMillennial @actsofapostles_ For me, at least, the key is taking the time beforehand to get a confirmation that the leader making the call is called of God. If I have that witness in my heart, a calling (everything) is much easier to accept despite my own circumstances. It also engenders sympathy for them.

Of course we should earnestly seek confirmation of the calling our priesthood leaders extend to us. But should we REQUIRE a confirmation from God before we accept it? No, and here's why. Confirmation of a call sometimes comes right away. But sometimes it comes the moment when you're set apart by priesthood authority. Often it only comes while you're on your feet serving, watching the Spirit magnify your efforts. Occasionally you receive that confirmation only as you're released and you're surprised to feel a mantle fall away you hadn't noticed was there. Frequently, that confirmation arrives many years later as a tender mercy from the Lord when someone thanks you for being in the right place, at the right time, saying the exact words, and you had no idea the impact that left. And sometimes, that confirmation won't come at all during this life. You'll die, wondering "what was that all about?" And then God will tell you: "You're right, that call wasn't inspired. I would have preferred you in Sunday School that year, but your Bishop needed someone in nursery and didn't ask Me. "But that's okay-- I've resolved that with him. You dutifully did what you were asked. I'm the universe's Expert at making miracles out of mistakes. Let me show you the wonders I did because of your humble decision to accept that uninspired calling..."

@ATrueMillennial The struggle is real.

@EdMerrill414 I can tell grammar is important to you. 😉

The Spanish version of "despise" in this verse is "menospreciar," which literally means "to undervalue." That lines up with the attitude we see from Esau. He did not dislike his birthright-- he clearly wanted it when Isaac was willing to give it to him-- but he did not value it as he should. I wonder what spiritual birthrights I "despise" by undervaluing them and letting my immediate concerns and temporary priorities overshadow the weightier matters...

@ATrueMillennial *the

@ATrueMillennial Good call. That fits well with original meaning of the word despise.

You are sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father who loves you, who shares your concerns, who listens to your prayers, and who honors your service.

In a world where so much information is available, it is increasingly important to be certain that what we accept as truth is grounded in eternal principles. The Lord’s scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, will be even more important in our day than they were for prior generations. I recently shared at a BYU devotional that we need to slow down enough to listen to the Spirit and allow Him to direct us. We must all learn to use technology as a servant, not a master. The future of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and our very civilization depend on members and individuals who have deep faith, moral courage, and the ability to navigate an increasingly complex world. The Lord will continue to provide prophets who will guide and focus us on the most important principles. The Lord’s prophets will help this generation move forward and confidently accomplish His purposes. Please do not be discouraged as we all face these unique challenges. You will be blessed. Let us never forget that it was not easy for the Savior in the volatile world, during his mortal sojourn—especially in his final hours as he accomplished the Atonement. I am grateful for our Savior’s ultimate sacrifice in our behalf. I am also grateful for living prophets who can provide us with the guidance we need in our day. President Dallin H. Oaks will provide that spiritually powerful legacy.

@FatherChrisVor1 You’ve misunderstood what the work for the dead is. It’s not a 2nd chance, it’s A chance. The BoM clearly teaches repentance in this life (Alma 34 attached, many other such examples). The work for the dead is only about opportunity, but Christ is the arbiter of that.

This is a dangerous error. “The dead who repent will be redeemed” is not the teaching of Holy Scripture. It is a Mormon error that gives false comfort and endangers souls. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). Not after death. Now. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). Not repentance beyond the grave. Judgment. Our Lord speaks of a “great gulf fixed” (Luke 16:26). It is not crossed after death. The rich man is not invited to repent. He is told they must hear Moses and the prophets while they live (Luke 16:29–31). We do pray for the dead. But we pray for those who died in Christ, asking God to show mercy and perfect what He began (2 Macc. 12:45). We do not preach a second chance after death. Repentance is for this life. Faith is for this life. If you hear His voice today, harden not your heart (Heb. 3:15). Now is the day of salvation.

@TheRyanSmith3 @jaredadairbell Definitely beautifully sung here.

@EdMerrill414 @jaredadairbell Agreed. It’s an ok hymn, but this version of the children’s choir singing it will knock your socks off. It’s the version that is special not so much the hymn.

Step 1: find the lyrics Step 2: play the song on YouTube Step 3: sing along Step 4: clear your throat/wipe away your tears I dare anyone to try and follow these steps without getting choked up. I’m trying to teach my kids this song and I literally cannot do it.

@ClarkG_Gilbert Thank you! I look forward to hearing the talk you mentioned.

Over the past week, I’ve been grateful for opportunities to share my testimony of Jesus Christ and reflect on my new responsibilities following my call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. youtube.com/watch?v=ORUY06…

@jkimballcook I’m curious as to why you feel that way. Do you see some sort of benefit or deeper understanding coming out of that?

maybe my most controversial ecclesiastical/liturgical take: the church should go back to allowing the liturgical forms for Aaronic priesthood office ordination set forth in Moroni 3, without requiring explicit conferral of the Aaronic priesthood before ordination

@limedoorstudio @actsofapostles_ I think Nephi tells us exactly why he did this in chapter 25 onward. When I read those as a sort of explanation or expansion of the Isaiah he quoted, things seem to come together.

This is a very good question. As I've read the Book of Mormon over again, I keep asking it and the answers get better and better.

@StevensonGaryE This isn’t really an answer, but it’s where I have to start.

At general conference, I invited you to join me in a simple one-week, three-step peacemaker plan. I’ve been thinking about you and wondering, how did it go? -Did your home feel more peaceful? -Did you find yourself pausing before posting on social media, choosing to instead build a bridge? -Were you able to reconnect with someone you’ve been distant from? Our small efforts to publish peace don’t go unnoticed. As we take even tiny steps to follow the Savior’s example, we’re becoming more like Him.

@jaredadairbell “And even so I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it, and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me.” D&C 45:9. Covenants=Christ

The Latter-day Saint perspective on Baptism: Faith in Jesus Christ and repentance prepare us for the ordinances of baptism and confirmation. Baptism is the first saving ordinance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we receive this ordinance, we make our first covenant with God. An ordinance is a sacred act or ceremony performed by the authority of the priesthood. Through ordinances we make covenants (sacred promises between us and God). He promises to bless us as we keep our promises with Him. God has provided ordinances and covenants to help us come unto Him and have eternal life. As we receive ordinances and keep the associated covenants, we can experience “the power of godliness” in our lives. The Savior taught that baptism is necessary for us to enter the kingdom of heaven and to become members of His Church. Our Savior set the example by being baptized. When we are baptized and keep our covenant, God promises to forgive our sins through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and bless us with the companionship of the Holy Ghost to sanctify, guide, and comfort us. In our baptismal covenant we witness that we are willing to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, to always remember Him, and to keep His commandments. We promise to love and serve others, “to mourn with those that mourn, … comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times.” We express a determination to serve Jesus Christ to the end of our lives. Jesus taught that we must be baptized by immersion for the remission of our sins. Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and for us, the death of our old life and our spiritual rebirth as sons and daughters of Christ. It must be followed by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost in order to be complete. Children are baptized at the age of accountability, eight years old. Those who die before that age are redeemed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Before baptism, children should be taught the gospel so they are prepared to make a covenant with God. To help us remain faithful to our covenants, Heavenly Father commands us to partake of the sacrament each week. Bread and water are blessed and passed, representing the Savior’s body and blood. We partake in remembrance of His sacrifice and to renew our covenants, receiving anew the promise that the Spirit will be with us. Because many do not have the opportunity to accept the gospel in mortality, the Lord has authorized baptisms for the dead in His temples, allowing those in the spirit world to accept the gospel and qualify for entrance into God’s kingdom.

@GerritWGong I found your talk incredibly interesting Elder Gong. Thank you. I need to read or listen to it again to digest it better. It was spiritually striking.

Years ago, our early morning gospel class memorized Bible passages. Naturally, I was drawn to short verses. This included John 11:35—the shortest verse in scripture, only two words—“Jesus wept.” For me, now, that Jesus weeps in sorrow and joy testifies of the miraculous reality: The divine Son of God came into physical mortality and learned according to the flesh how always to be with and bless us. When we cry out in grief or joy, Jesus Christ understands perfectly. He can be present in the moments when we most need eternity’s great gifts: Jesus Christ’s Atonement, the Resurrection, the Restoration. #GeneralConference #GreaterLove

@bfwebster @BradenDisguised My experience has been that reading the handbook to find out the calling you are actually meant to be magnifying is huge. It really helps you have clarity, which in turn opens you up for direction by the spirit. It also helps keep you from becoming overwhelmed.

Since I just today set apart two counselors for our new EQ President (who himself was set apart by the stake president), I have a few thoughts: 1. Read the handbook. The whole thing. Study the EQ sections with your counselors. 2. Always attend ward council. 3. Invite your ward’s high council rep to your presidency meetings. One of his responsibilities is to help train you. 4. Hold actual face-to-face presidency meetings. Our just-departed EQ president did it immediately after priesthood meeting on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. Our new EQ president plans to do the same. 5. Actively communicate and coordinate with the Relief Society presidency. Your joint responsibility is to take as much of the burden off the bishop (and bishopric) as is possible. 6. Look for ways to build friendship and perform service as a quorum.

What advice would you give a newly called Elders Quorum President? What can he do or prepare for?

@EricRWeinstein Eric, I just wanted to say that I appreciate you voicing this and your steadfastness in refusing to project faux certainty about things no one could possibly be certain about. I’ve been staring at my ballot for over a week feeling quite lost. Existential dread maybe. Not sure.

I am failing this election. I tried. But, I simply failed. I cannot work within these concepts. My world, my country, my America is not on the ballot.

@realKellyKnight @the_churchnews The article makes it clear that "those members" is referring to members who live in hot climates while "others" refers to other members who may not live in a hot climate but still may benefit from the change.

@the_churchnews Who are the “and others?”

"The First Presidency has authorized changes in the garment to bless those members and others who might benefit from the changes," said Church spokesman. thechurchnews.com/leaders/2024/1…