Final Post

With this last post, I had the opportunity to give my General Authority paper. I chose the topic of "The Strengthening and Enabling Power of the Atonement". I was first drawn to this topic at the beginning of the semester because I noticed that the majority of doctrine given by General Authorities on this topic was from Elder Bednar, who happens to be one of my favorite speakers. In addition, I explored additional topics but the Spirit kept prompting me to explore this topic.

As I started preparing for this topic, I looked into talks given by Elder Bednar. One of my favorite quotes that I found from one of his Conference addresses he states, "As we trust in and pull our load with Him during the journey of mortality, truly His yoke is easy and His burden is light. We are not and never need be alone. We can press forward in our daily lived with heavenly help."

https://hurstrobert.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/x-my-yoke-is-easy.jpg 

 As I reflected on this topic and how it has impacted my own life, I could think back to specific instances where I felt that I was being drawn astray, and through the atonement my burden was made light. As we continued with the discussion on this topic in class, the scripture 2 Nephi 25: 22. I really loved this scripture and how it connected to the reading that we had done that night, and additionally my preparation for this paper.

Another topic that we discussed recently was "Preparing for the Second Coming". Overall, I really liked this topic because it is truly so prevalent to our day. In fact, we listed the parallels in the signs that are happening in our day, and the signs that were foretold in ancient times. They were as follows:

• Secret Combinations
• Challenges of following the Prophet
• Good seems bad / Justification 
• Wars and Rumors of wars
• Natural Disasters
• Pride
• Government challenged = no unity
• Miracles  

 As a whole, we also studied in depth 3 Nephi 5. I found that our study of this chapter was super insightful for me as a whole, and I recommend reading through this chapter when studying this topic. Overall, it parallels the teachings in Issiah about the gathering of Israel in these last days.

 As we continued, we studied Christ's ministry among the Nephites. This reading touched me particularly, especially when we read in 3 Nephi chapter 18 that Jesus prayed unto the Father for their behalf, and he wept for their sake as well. This touched me because there are very few instances recorded where Jesus is weeping, and this instance is especially remarkable. Another notable scripture from this chapter was 3 Nephi 18: 24. In this particular scripture, I was touched by the metaphor of light (As I have found that I am drawn to all scriptures with light references...). As I read this verse, it touched my Spirit, so much so that I think I have found one of my new favorite scriptures.

As we continue in our studies of various doctrines of Christ and specifically the Book of Mormon, I have felt myself grow throughout this semester. My testimony has been strengthened by the insights of others, and the insights I have felt through the Spirit as I have done the assigned readings. Truly, these are the latter-days, and it is our duty to spread the gospel with zeal and enthusiasm. I am so very grateful for this gospel, and I know that this is the true restored church upon the earth. I am also so very grateful for the truths that the Book of Mormon holds, and I urge those of you who are interested to contact me for a copy (If you don't already own one). I know that our Heavenly Father truly cares about each of us individually, and he desires each one of us to achieve our wildest dreams. I am grateful for this class and the little things that it has taught me about myself and my testimony, and I highly recommend this class to anyone looking.

http://mormonmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Second-Coming.jpg 

 

I have also included the links to several of Elder Bednar's talks that are worth looking over and I think are absolutely fantastic below:

The Enabling Power of the Atonement- (actually by Carolyn J. Rasmus... but equally great)
Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease- Elder Bednar
The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality - Elder Bednar