Summary of the Sunday Afternoon Session

 
Individual Talk Summaries

• Elder Dale G. Renlund: ‘Jesus Christ Is the Treasure’
• Elder John C. Pingree Jr.: ‘Eternal Truth’
• Elder Valeri V. Cordón: ‘Divine Parenting Lessons’
• Elder J. Kimo Esplin: ‘The Savior’s Healing Power “Upon the Isles of the Sea”’
• Elder Gerrit W. Gong: ‘Love Is Spoken Here’
• President Russell M. Nelson: ‘Think Celestial’ 

Watch the full Sunday afternoon session now.

President Russell M. Nelson concluded the October 2023 general conference with the invitations to “think celestial” (be spiritually minded) and “put Jesus Christ first.”

The leader of the global church shared September 28 that he would be participating remotely due to a back injury. His message given from a seated position was recorded earlier and played Sunday afternoon during the final general conference session.

Newroom President Nelson Issues Conference Invitation to ‘Think Celestial’

Sharing one lesson from his near-century of living, President Nelson said, “Heavenly Father’s plan for us is fabulous, that what we do in this life really matters, and that the Savior’s Atonement is what makes our Father’s plan possible.”

Thinking celestial will change one’s heart and lead to praying more sincerely. “As you think celestial, you will view trials and opposition in a new light.”

“When you make choices, I invite you to take the long view — an eternal view,” he said. He then announced 20 temples.

Newroom The Church of Jesus Christ Will Build 20 New Temples

“Jesus Christ is our treasure,” said Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He is “the mark” to look to and the treasure to be sought, referring to the long search and eventual discovery in 1923 of King Tut's burial chamber in Egpyt.

“If we incorrectly imagine that there is a need for something beyond what [Jesus Christ] offers, we deny or diminish the scope and power He can have in our lives.”

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said three languages of the gospel are warmth and reverence, service and sacrifice, and covenant belonging.

We can draw closer to Jesus Christ and each other through Church callings, fellowship, sociality and service. “May we each learn to speak and hear His love here, in our hearts and homes, and in our gospel callings, activities, ministering and service,” he said.

Elder John C. Pingree, General Authority Seventy, said both truth and love are essential for our spiritual development. “Truth provides the doctrine, principles and laws necessary to gain eternal life,” he said, “while love engenders the motivation needed to embrace and act upon what is true.”

Elder Valeri V. Cordón, General Authority Seventy, said parents have three crucial responsibilities of teaching freely, modeling discipleship and inviting their children to act. “As parents, we are God’s agents in the care of our children. We must do everything we can to create an environment where our children can feel His divine influence.”

The blessings of the temple and covenants bind Latter-day Saints to each other and to the Savior, taught Elder J. Kimo Esplin, General Authority Seventy. “The Savior heals individuals, families and nations — even those that once stood as bitter enemies,” he said, sharing a story of Okinawan woman and her family from 1945 who later found healing from the gospel and temple covenants.

Elder Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier General Authority Seventy, said the restored gospel of Jesus Christ “is the great equalizer.” Church members “try to place the Savior and their covenants at the center of their lives and to live the gospel joyfully. ... which “raises our sights and allows us to see each other through the flawless unchanging lens of our sacred covenants.”