67 Latter-day Saint Essential Gospel Talks

This talk is directed toward the youth of the church and has some amazing promises from a prophet of God.  He promises you (not the person sitting next to you, but you) that if you will sincerely and persistently do the spiritual work needed to learn how to hear the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, you will have all the direction you will ever need in your life and you will be given answers to your questions in the Lord's way.  He invites us to be a part of the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on earth - gathering Israel.  He invites each of us to prepare for the gathering by doing 5 things:  hold a seven-day fast from social media, make a weekly sacrifice of time to the Lord for three weeks, keep on the covenant path, pray daily that all of God's children might receive the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and stand out, be different, and be a light.  Will you do these 5 things?

This talk was given right after the announcement that Home and Visiting Teaching was being replaced with a higher and holier way of caring for one another - ministering.  This talk is meant to help everyone understand what ministering looks like and how we can follow the Savior's example in ministering to one another.  Sister Bingham shares several examples of ministering and emphasizes that ministering is loving others as the Savior does.  Are you loving and serving your ministering families as the Savior would?  What can you do to help them feel the Savior's love for them?

In this BYU devotional, Sheri Dew teaches that we are the spiritual runners the Lord has saved for the last leg of the race.  In a race, the strongest runners are saved for the last leg.  The Lord knows our potential and has recommended us for the last leg of the race.  To help us live up to the Lord's recommendation he has given us 5 ways to access his power.  First, there is power in the Word of God.  Second, there is power in the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Third, there is power in the Priesthood.  Fourth, there is power in the House of the Lord.  Fifth, there is power in the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  We can use these principles to be leaders and examples for good in our communities.  In what ways can you be a leader during this last leg of the Lord's spiritual race?

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?