Brian Ashton: Preparing For The Second Coming Of The Lord Jesus Christ

An address given by Brian K. Ashton, delivered November 12, 2024, at the Conference Center Theater.
Brian K. Ashton was appointed by the Board of Education of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the second president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide in 2021. He had served as the organization’s first vice president of field operations since 2018.
President Ashton holds a bachelor of arts degree from Brigham Young University and a master of business administration from the Harvard Business School. He began his career as a management consultant and has been a founder, executive, and board member at several startup companies.
From 2015 to 2019, President Ashton served as Second Counselor in the Church’s Sunday School General Presidency. He served as a missionary in the Peru Lima South Mission.
President Ashton was born in Provo, Utah, the oldest of nine children. He has lived all over the United States during his lifetime.
Brian married Melinda Earl in the St. George Utah Temple in 1996 and they are the parents of seven children. Together, she and Brian presided over the Texas Houston South Mission from 2012 to 2015.

[@Tk.utelab]

It really doesn’t matter when he comes. No one is promised tomorrow. Be ready to meet him now.

[@chrislebleu6821]

I'll most likely never be ready. I have a huge fear of Jesus, as in... well... we're all nothing compared to him, while he can do whatever he wants of us.

[@wylldflower5628]

@ And yet…. He is our spiritual brother, no doubt eons older than most of us at the council in heaven. And still, He loved us enough to go through what He Himself described as torturous, not quitting as He could have chosen to. And now, all He wants of us is our commitment, for us to each commit our whole heart, to being “all in”. We’ll have those challenges either way (though of course we can bring extra on ourselves!) We’re promised to have no more than we actually can cope with, and I’ve had years, and decades, I’ve told myself that over and over, and over! I eventually decided I believed all He’s said about loving us, all He’s said about His hand being outstretched. I believe He really wants as many as possible to succeed, that He’d never make it harder “just because”. (I think too if they didn’t have so much hope for us it’d be a lot easier to end up in outer darkness!)

[@chrislebleu6821]

@@wylldflower5628 You're very, very right!! I'll never give up.

[@RustySpur]

It does matter….period.

[@anitapulsipher]

The Latter-Day Saints will not be immune from all of these difficulties… this reminds me of our Prophet’s call when he said he urges us to prepare spiritually and temporally for the Second Coming.

[@Brian2221-s8l]

@anitapulsipher when you listen to these church leaders they don't say anything more profound than what you already know...

[@ElghinnLightbringer]

Bednar talked about pride, Pres. Nelson said now is the time, we need to be the 5 prepared virgins of the 10, that time is now. There is going to be a great trheshing, dividing the wheat from the tares, even in the Church, and the larger body of Christ.

[@Brian2221-s8l]

@@ElghinnLightbringer nelson knows little...he merely repeats lines already said

[@user-tt3yz7os6u]

He said we will not be immune from the “effects” of the difficulties. We will all be safe from the difficulties I believe if we remain in our covenants. God has always delivered those who remain faithful. I believe in a Heavenly Father who blesses those who are exactly obedient.

[@corinnae6660]

Yes every person needs to have a strong testimony and sacrifice to have more preparedness in all areas.

[@cheryll7399]

Christ is coming sooner than a century as was said--we are the women of the Second Coming of the Lord, by Henry B Eyring

[@gracieloufreebush38]

Agreed. Not sure why members still feel the need to qualify their statements in such a way. We’re close. Still a great talk!

[@elliotmorrell425]

Agreed

[@larrainemoore1880]

I agree! Why give a talk on preparing for the second coming of the Lord if it is even more than 10 years away? We have been preparing! For centuries, but I hope that we don’t have centuries to come before his coming!!!

[@TyleRMatin6532]

Just be prepared. There will always be “wise and foolish virgins” O be wise; what can I say more? Jacob 6:12

[@jenme7926]

I can't wait until the Savior returns!! ❤

[@kevinpyne24]

The Savior has already been coming! (Spring 1820, April 3, 1836, etc) Ether 12:19- And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad. He's come. And yes he's coming again!

[@CHIvan-c1x]

I hope jesus come for me as soon as possible

[@jillosborn6886]

He stands at our door and knocks, all we must do is le Him in.

[@CatchTheBuzz1]

Comes back for all of us. We're getting very tired

[@ildenete3235]

Se estamos na praia escolhemos o tsunami se estamos no campo escolhemos o terremoto. Para tudo é bom estar preparado. Faz tão pouco tempo a última conferência geral, é muito bom relembrar com os profetas como fazer sem ficar desesperados como assistimos nos momentos de crise, mas estar alicerçado na rocha que é Cristo. Deus abençoe a todos nós.

[@jackiechild1199]

Thank you so much for reminding me to focus on what our Prophet & leaders teach us. Especially the scriptures. I love our Savior and I’m so very much trying to be patient and kind to bring others to him ❤

[@Brian2221-s8l]

@@jackiechild1199 I need god not pretended inspired men

[@CHIvan-c1x]

I hope jesus will come for me as soon as possible

[@chandlersimkins5503]

Thank you for your message and service President. I am so grateful for you and your family. I am definitely grateful for The Savior and all He has done for me and continues to do for me. I will do my best to always follow Him.

[@jeff3olsen]

Maranatha!

[@leashiahoehn4489]

Maranatha

[@Dally2016]

Great talk

[@KarlaB-t6x]

Mac Wilberg, conductor of the Tab choir and orchestra, also does many of the arrangements. He’s also amazing.

[@SpoonQueen]

❤

[@LisaPFrampton]

Read Ether chapter 12

[@TheMastersHarvest]

Brian, you may find this useful in your ministry: We can know "when" we are on God's prophetic calendar. It is written in the book of 2nd Esdras. Chapter 11 contains a prophecy that describes a line of American presidents, four of whom are still alive, and two of them are being kept until "the end." All of them are old men. "The end" is fast approaching. Ezra wrote Second Esdras, chapters 11, 12, and 13 many centuries ago, long before the United States existed, yet he accurately describes a line of 15 US presidents starting with Hoover. This 100-year-long prophecy began fulfilling on March 4, 1929. It is now 95% complete. Its perfect fulfillment to this point has established its credibility. Ezra was not guessing. I have condensed the prophecy into a series of short lessons - my gift to you. Please allow me to guide you through them, step by step, and into understanding. Blessings to you and your loved ones.

[@packman579]

D&C 45: 45-48

[@ElghinnLightbringer]

Less than 10 years

[@sarahbennett1904]

Said who? Any proof?

[@jordan-xe2yb]

Centuries?

[@CHIvan-c1x]

How to overcome boredom loneliness insomnia depression side effect etc all problems

[@strawberryme08]

It’s mineral rooted (not loneliness) read on htma on sassyholistics it’s a game changer for health and mental health. Also connection is key for depression connection with God self and others

[@Brian2221-s8l]

@@CHIvan-c1x shut up already with your repeated posts

[@templesofjesus]

@@Brian2221-s8lLove one another.

[@nicolipotatski6288]

Where is Zion supposed to be? I don't want to have to hurt my neighbors. Where do we go?

[@emeraldelle6]

Lol, what?

[@nicolipotatski6288]

Start at 5:27

[@nicolipotatski6288]

I don't want conflict. We just want peace.

[@bloviax]

And what are students accruing student debt supposed to do? Have faith in the foreseen future of the righteous! You are going to take your talents and, as you have covenanted in the temple, consecrate those skills to the building up of the Church and Zion, perhaps only in your own family, community, ward, or directly. It's going to be ok if you are loyal to our kind God and our Lord. Be part of the nucleus of saints who follow the precise words of the prophet, and the Lord will turn all things, hard and easy, to your good seemingly miraculously. Stay in the mainstream of the Church. Seek to make your calling and election sure.

[@CHIvan-c1x]

How to get university degree

[@CHIvan-c1x]

How to be fit and healthy

[@EthPilot]

This guy stole the voice of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption.

[@PascalDupont561]

???

[@tchuwe]

lol, now i can hear,,, I hope,,, I hope.....

[@scojar4733]

Lol, great comment and true! 😅

[@iloveamerica53]

He looks similar too!!

[@CHIvan-c1x]

How to be a millionaire

[@CHIvan-c1x]

Etc

[@trustitcoaching]

Why do we care when the 2nd coming is when you’re enjoying his first one. Wow. Such a seductive topic. And teaches us to not focus on the NOW. He will take care of everyone! We’re not his favorites.

[@chrislebleu6821]

Unfortunately Christ's second coming can still be hundreds of years away if not thousands of years away. Don't forget that in the spirit world time doesn't work the same. If I recall correctly 1,000 years is a day in the spirit world. At least I've been teached this. I hope I'm wrong but at the same time I wouldn't want to be there when the terrible things happens in the very end.

[@wylldflower5628]

I suggest studying President Nelson’s comments about the Second Coming in the order he’s made them. (I still find “the last half of the ninth inning” idea compelling, especially as the bottom of the 9th is only played when it can change the outcome of the game….when that team can win if their decisions and actions come together in the best way possible. 😊 ) As to fear-while there will be challenges for all in the lead-up to the Second Coming many of the scriptures about many of the more alarming things to happen also refer to these applying to the unrighteousness-as occurred in 3rd Nephi. While it can still be a number of years away I can’t think of many levels of evil that the world isn’t already pretty fully embracing. I think it’s fairly likely we’re frogs in a pot. As much as we’re aware how bad things are it’s hard to not be at least somewhat acclimatized as we are trying to both gauge the world against gospel standards and also love those around us without judgement. But maybe with that acclimating, maybe we’re also acclimated to those very things that Are terrible, so that we can keep…carrying on carrying on!! I don’t know if that helps at all, but I hope so.

[@chrislebleu6821]

@@wylldflower5628 Yes, it strongly helps!! Also, I apologize for my comment. I go through bursts of depression sometimes.

[@jillosborn6886]

I guess it depends on what stage of the procession you are looking for. The Bridegroom is already on His way. At what point we each acknowledge that and go out to meet Him may be different. I don't want to wait till the end after the procession and wedding feast are finished and the bride and groom emerge as a married couple, when every knee shall bow and tongue confess. I want to be standing at the start line like the first people to show up to watch a parade. I want to see the first float and shout Hosanna. I want to join in the wedding procession and shout to all who will listen that it has started. The time is already upon us! If you look around you will see the commotion and hear the noise. Don't be afraid of the loud sirens blaring. They are the signs that He is coming! They are announcing, the time is already here. The world is ending, because Satan is the prince of this world and his reign of darkness is ending. Christ, the King is coming to inherit His Kingdom. That is so exciting! Life as we know it, IS ending, because something WAY better is beginning.

[@teresawilson8237]

⁠@@wylldflower5628 yes, the 9th inning quote was a big eye opener for me. I also like his quote stating that we are in the latter part of the latter days! We are at the end of the end and need to do our spiritual work now, time is running out! President Neilson’s talks about the second coming are so compelling! I can feel the urgency in my soul.

[@Brian2221-s8l]

@chrislebleu6821 not likely as the earth is already falling apart with severe troubles

[@ArthurPenndragon333]

There's a lot of things that need to happen before the second coming will happen. It won't happen in your lifetime.

[@tamrabaker7110]

Then you aren't paying attention...He's almost here, be ready.

[@debbieapperson3026]

No man knows the day nor the hour of our Saviors return. The important thing for us to do is prepare ourselves spiritually.🥰🙏👍

[@crissie70]

@@debbieapperson3026 Joseph Smith disagrees with that sentiment. He said that of course the Prophet will know because God will do nothing except He reveals it to His Prophets. The scripture you mentioned was meant for only those living at the time, according to Joseph Smith. But yes, regardless of when He comes, we need to be preparing NOW as Pres. Nelson has urged us to do because "time is running out!"

[@tamrabaker7110]

@@debbieapperson3026 but if you are paying attention you might know the week or the year...just sayin. Don't miss Him.

[@justinhayward42]

@@debbieapperson3026The prophet knows. See Amos 3:7.

[@Brian2221-s8l]

I don't need these self appointed prophets

[@patrickthiel9709]

I do. They are called by Christ to serve and led by the Holy Spirit to do the work of our Savior and Redeemer. I need to humbly listen to the Lord's voice and live worthy of the Holy Ghost who imparts it unto me according to my prayer, faith and willingness to obey.

[@Brian2221-s8l]

@patrickthiel9709 I continually hear God's voice despite that I no longer follow the mormon leaders and I feel much more at peace as well...they are not what the seem to be

[@CameronVanTassell]

Review whatever you see as scripture (Bible, Book of Mormon..... whatever you consider scripture) and see what happens every time people reject the Prophets. It's never good for those people. I pray for God to watch over you in whatever way you choose to go forward.

[@CatchTheBuzz1]

​@@CameronVanTassellamen!

[@fionamaile3327]

@@Brian2221-s8lI would ask why you are still listening to their words then? Are you sure there is not a Part of you still that knows their words are true. Perhaps you have been hurt by someone or something. If so, I am sorry. After listening to Elder Bednars talk in conference about Pride. I asked myself if I had any that I needed to repent of and was shown how my hurt (even though valid) was a form of pride. I needed to repent for holding onto it and let it go. I asked for the Saviour to Erase it and Replace it with forgiveness and love. Since doing that I have felt so much happier, peaceful and experiencing greater joy. All because I listened to the words of a prophet and exercised my faith on the word. I hope you might have the same experience. With love