Dallin H. Oaks of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke about what a testimony is and what it means to know spiritual things.

"A testimony of the gospel is a personal witness born to our souls by the Holy Ghost that certain facts of eternal significance are true and that we know then to be true," Elder Oaks said.

He clarified what a testimony is and is not: a testimony is not a travel log, health log, and expression of love or a sermon.

Elder Oaks talked about three different kinds of knowledge and the way to know the truth of things.

"While there are some evidences for gospel truth, scientific methods will not yield spiritual knowledge," he said.

Elder Oaks gave counsel on how to gain a testimony with four steps: really desire to know, ask god in sincere prayer, bearing your testimony and partaking of the sacrament each week.

Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Elder Robert D. Hales spoke of the first article of faith and his testimony of the godhead.

"Since my boyhood, Joseph Smith's experience [with the godhead] has been a guide to me and can be to all of us," he said.

Elder Hales testified that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father are distinct separate beings who hear our prayers. He listed some of Christ's characteristics such as creator, only begotten, Savior and like the Father in purpose. He pointed out that each time Heavenly Father introduces his Son, he tells people to listen to him.

"Jesus, the Son, is not the same being as the Father, but he is like his father," he said.

Gerald N. Lund of the Seventy

Elder Gerald N. Lund spoke about the Holy Ghost and how to open our hearts to its promptings. He began by talking about the Holy Ghost and its characteristics.

"The Holy Ghost comforts, teaches, warns, enlightens and inspires us," he said.

Elder Lund explained that the Holy Spirit can speak with a still voice because He speaks to our hearts and minds with a voice you feel, not hear.

"The heart is a tender place," he said. "It is sensitive to many influences, both positive and negative. It can be hurt by others, it can be deadened by sin, and it can be softened by love."

Elder Lund encouraged Saints to keep their hearts pure and open to the Spirit. He warned against setting hearts on the things of the world and listed the natural consequences - including pride.

Carlos H. Amado of the Seventy

Elder Carlos H. Amado spoke of the three purpose of the Savior's earthly ministry. The first is to carry out the infinite and eternal atonement. The second is to teach doctrine he learned from his father including ordinance and covenants. The third is to build a kingdom by serving others.

Elder Amado pointed out that the last two purposes are also responsibilities of members of the Church.

"To teach his doctrine and to serve our fellow man are two responsibilities we accepted when we were baptized," he said.

Elder Amado spoke of the benefits of service that include bringing us closer to God, helping to forget about personal desires and eliminating pride.

He acknowledged the thousands of missionaries serving selflessly and encouraged all to serve more of themselves.

William R. Walker of the Seventy

Elder William R. Walker spoke about his experiences knowing that the First Presidency has always been called of God.

He recounted living near his grandparents and always seeing a framed picture of the first presidency when he walked into their house and the powerful influence that had on him. He said it was a kind of statement like the scripture in the book of Joshua, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

He pointed out that the fifth article of faith states that a man must be called of God to preach the gospel. He spoke of the pattern or presidencies and that God has revealed the proper order of presidencies.

Elder Walker talked about how we don't have just one man as a leader, but three who lead together. He learned this principle for himself when he was the Deacon's quorum president and relied on his counselors for help.

Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Elder Richard G. Scott spoke about verbal, physical and sexual abuse and the suffering that can be overcome through the atonement of Christ.

Elder Scott explained that moral agency is a vital element in Heavenly Father's plan of happiness and that Heavenly Father knew that some people would use their agency to harm others. He gave hope to those suffering by saying healing is possible.

"I know victims of serious abuse who have successfully made the difficult journey to full healing through the power of the atonement," he said.

Elder Scott warns against Satan's powers saying that Satan wants to separate a suffering soul from healing and Heavenly Father. Satan uses the abuse to create fear, undermine self confidence and keep you from creating healthy relationships.

Elder Scott encourages those who are suffering to talk to a church leader, have faith in Christ's atonement and to have the courage to act now.

L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Elder L. Tom Perry spoke of a recipe for eternal life and just like a cookbook, having a picture of the final product in mind will help.

"I believe that if we create in our mind a clear and true picture of eternal life, we'd start behaving differently," he said.

Elder Perry spoke of how missionaries invite others to come unto Christ. He spoke of faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end as important steps in the gospel.

He spoke of the significance of baptism and how it sets you on the straight and narrow. Baptism is the first saving ordinance. A broken heart and contrite spirit is necessary for repentance and baptism.

Elder Perry spoke of enduring to the end and how repentance and partaking of the sacrament are important to that process.

Copyright Brigham Young University 7 Apr 2008