The Testimony of Jesus | D. Todd Christofferson | April 2024 General Conference

My invitation is to act now to secure your place as one who is valiant in the testimony of Jesus.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson speaks at the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held on April 6-7, 2024.
www.churchofje...

[@NDC-d9s]

That is exactly what I said to my daughter on Saturday. I said," Mama is going back to church, she said, "What about the Elders that disregarded your thoughts and/or concerns." I then informed her that the spirit had spoken to me , wanting me to go back and engraved the truth in my heart and mind that it was not the Elders church ,that it was JESUS CHRIST'S CHURCH. AND HE WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE LAST WORD AND IS IN CONTROL OF ALL THINGS, NOT MAN ON EARTH . HE SEES , HE HEARS, AND KNOWS ALL THINGS. THANK YOU , FATHER GOD, FOR OPENING MY EYES AND HANDLING ALL MY CONCERNS PROPERLY . BOY !! HOW I LOVE YOU. AMEN 🙏 YOU AND YOU ALONE , RECEIVE ALL THE GLORY. ❤ 😊THANK YOU FOR SHARING, GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU, BEAUTIFUL SOULS. ✝️ 🌹 PEACE 🕊 LOVE ❤️ & LIGHT 🕯

[@NDC-d9s]

Forgive me , my apologies. GOD will ALWAYS HAVE THE LAST, WORD. ALWAYS !! AGAIN, I THANK YOU FOR SHARING, SOOOO.... VERY TRUE INDEED. 😊 GOD BLESS ALL ❤ ✝️ 🕊

[@chloeprit]

It's amazing how the spirit works. I remember feeling anxious about the 3 kingdoms of glory, when the celestial kingdom is where I want to be, I was worried about the idea of 'being valiant in the testimony of Jesus'. Elder Todd Christopherson has made my anxiousness lighter. Thank you. :)

[@shawnbrigance3993]

This family's story humbled me

[@pahukolofoou]

Daily worshiping God strengthens my testimony in Him and the Savior. Equally the same, the more I share my testimony, the more I feel and understand His love for me and the rest of the human kind, His children.

[@Lyl6387]

This talk is meant for me 😊 Thank you, Elder Christofferson ❤

[@amyzullo4193]

This talk was so powerful! We love and sustain you Elder Christopherson. I marvel at His mercy rejoice everyday for my “burning testimony” of the Lord and His redeeming power to forgive me, to comfort, succor and guide me with his light.

[@ernawong5220]

Remember Lehi's story He had challenges with Laman and Lemuel. He did his best as a father to teach his children rifhteous principles. Ultimately. It is our agency to choose the path to hold on to the iron rod or fall away. Even Heanenly Father lost 1/3 of His children to the enticement of Lucifer. Was He a failure? As for me and my 8 living children and my grandchildren (Who as of now are closely holding to the iron rod, doing our best in the gospel of Jesus Christ . ) we are grateful to follow our Savior Jesus Christ and feel of His love.

[@leslielacqurico9688]

Beautiful..love this.❤

[@damm1957]

In 1980 I was baptized. I left the church because I fell off the path. In 2015 the Elders started to come visit me after I told them I wasn't interested or worthy to return. With a lot of arm twisting I went back. Got my endowment and hold a Temple Recommend. I having my records removed from a church that doesn't understand the atonement or forgiveness and wants to remember my past sins that I am more aware of then they need to remind me of.

[@e_8074]

We want you here with us. We need you, brother. Every soul has a special mission and unique gifts and the Savior always, always wants both you and me and everyone to be a part of his church-serving and trying and forgiving and loving one another. Don't go away; stay with us and help us become a people who can receive the Savior when he soon returns. Onward and upward!

[@nathanbanks2935]

Hi, I too wasn't on the covenant path for a while. Since I returned to full activity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I learned these truths, that were taught by the apostle Paul in the New Testament: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;..." In other words, it doesn't matter much how much a person has strayed from the path, because if we truly repent, we can be forgiven. I testify to you, that your sins can be forgiven by daily repentance, and just trying hard to love God and those around us. The reason we can still remember our mistakes, is so we can remember not to go down that "road," again. Jesus Christ doesn't ever wait for us to sin, so that he can punish us, like some cruel school teacher. He waits patiently for us to want to return, than he runs to you and I with arms wide open, and embraces us with his love, through the virtue of the Holy Ghost! I love you! God loves you! We need your help, unique talents, and even your perspective as someone who once strayed from the path, so that now you can help us to bless others who stepped away too! God bless you in your life's journey towards our Savior.

[@damm1957]

@@nathanbanks2935 The way the church treats me you would think my sins trump the atonement as I am unable to serve in any capacity. Not even a service elder. The Elders in my ward live below me. The mission office has them so against me that they are told, I'm assuming, to avoid me. So no... I cant stay some place I'm treated with animosity and vilified.

[@nathanbanks2935]

Hi again, I'm sorry to hear that some members of the church are challenging to deal with. There is a big difference between people who happen to be members of the church, and Christ's New Testament Latter-day Church. I was treated very unkindly by fellow members of the church, who should have been following the church's doctrine, or the doctrine of Christ, however I know that noone is perfect except for God, so I realize that church is a hospital for sinners, not a sanctuary for perfect Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches us to love God and all mankind, especially to love our enemies. If everyone were to adhere to these doctrines the world would be a much better place. I hope all goes well for you in your life.

[@rorys162]

I am sorry that’s happened. I have had horrible experiences with members which led me to fall off the path as well. Coming back, I realized I mattered more than their nasty comments because I was miserable. Now, I focus on how the scriptures and words of the prophet and apostles make me feel. The word of God feels good. I still say the church is not its members because it is an unfortunate truth that they can be unforgiving and unwelcoming. It is easier said than done but ignore them, friend. God welcomes you. God forgives you. It is HIS church not theirs.

[@beatricesavasta6710]

Thank you for this useful reminder and exhortation.

[@gissellefelix3475]

He kept his eyes towards the eternity. Great advise.

[@michaelmichaelc1748]

Just love this talk. Well to be honest they are all informative, inspiring and encouraging. May the Lord God bless our Church leaders and their loved ones ❤🙏😊

[@whathappy6052]

Amen indeed

[@melodipopham1844]

The story of the family in Hawaii especially touched my heart ❤. I am so humbled by the strength and humility shown by such faithful disciples of Christ. "Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever." Alma 37:36

[@crystaldawn9255]

This is a message that I really feel members of the church need and have needed desperately. Especially with all the news media and the supplies to all other members of the church and their actions, or in actions or whatever always remember the number one reason people leave the church is because they are offended by other people in the church come up but this is the Lord's Church

[@Triathletforlife]

My parents are the most “faithful” members of the church I can think of. All of their 5 children have left the church and these are the talks that drive my parents into the deepest depressions. It breaks my heart to hear all these truth claims of the afterlife which none can be validated but do such good job of dividing religiously splintered families. All of my siblings and their spouses and children have close and personal relationships…while our parents sulk in the corner of the room hoping that one day we will all come back. I’m so thankful I’m not apart of this kind of craziness anymore.

[@michaelolson6513]

Sorry to hear your siblings and you have a strained relationship with your parents. I can understand why religion splinters families, its a harsh irony how a strong value of the church is to unify families forever, and yet so very often it becomes a dividing force within families. Sending good vibes and prayers to you and your family that you all can find peace, love and harmony together again despite differences in belief or whatever.

[@5959stevo]

I f your parents are great examples of faith. Then the failure is yours, not theirs.

[@GilOsuna]

Are you still valiant to the testimony of Jesus? That was the purpose of the talk.

[@VICTOR7oh2]

Bro is Mad at the truth. Who do you expect to be with for all eternity if you aren't 1 with anyone? Only the gospel of jesus christ makes us 1 just as he and the father are one.

[@e_8074]

We love you, we want you, we need you. Your parents need your forgiveness and understanding just as much as you need theirs. What the Savior's church needs is people just like you and your siblings who can help us love better and forgive better and be more and more like Jesus Christ. We're here on earth for a reason. Pride and offense blinds our spiritual eyes. Humility and forgiveness open our eyes to who we, and our loved ones, really are. The choice is ours: we can seek our Heavenly Father in prayer, search his holy scriptures, and he will answer us through the Spirit. Life is short and I testify that these are indeed the last of the latter days. Come and join us and help us follow Jesus Christ and be who we are all meant to be. God bless you!

[@DerGlaetze]

This made my wife and I saddened. Although we both strive diligently in the gospel, we feel we have failed in being able to be inculcate the Gospel in our two daughters’ lives. They haven’t been back to church for years. I sometimes feel like I am wearing an invisible F on my forehead, when we sit down in Sacrament meeting, as we see those families who have all the ducks lined up in a row. I guess we have been less valiant, somehow. It seems like our family will be affected for generations to come, because my wife and I somehow messed up.

[@bretasorenson2475]

Do not despair or think you have not done well. As Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley taught, "Do the best you can, and it will all work out." May you find peace.😊❤

[@carliclarke6869]

My heart goes out to you. That is so painful. But I don't think that means you've failed. Remember, even apostles' children leave the church. Jared Halverson from Unshaken gave some wonderful counsel on this subject. I wish I could remember which of his episodes it's from. But I hope you're able to find it, and find peace and rest for your heart. ❤

[@clabelle6224]

Remember each of us individually are on our own unique spiritual journey of personal growth. Our Heavenly Father loves our children even more perfectly and deeply than we can ever envision. He will allow them every opportunity to bring them home to His presence. Our children have their own unique personalities, gifts and talents, and weaknesses too. This is where we trust in the Lord with all our hearts. He sent our children to earth knowing there are no perfect children or parents, yet we trusted the process of growth would ultimately be made for our good. As our children exercise their agency or struggle with their faith and relationship with Heavenly Father, the most stabilizing and healing influence you can bring to their souls, is your unconditional love and even if not agreeing with their choices, respect the agency they have been given. Making space for their experiences will stop any feeling that you seek to exercise control over them, will strengthen your relationship, and leave them free of external pressure to find their way spiritually. God is ever aware of them and of you. As you seek to honor your own covenants the bonds that will ultimately bring your children home, will be strengthened. In the meantime, don't mourn them, as if the outcomes are sure. Seek to let them know you have faith in them, and support every good effort in their lives. As parents we strive to be filled with and share God's love, do what is within our power, and then leave the rest to Him.

[@williamkinikini]

You may find solace, in the fact that your infinite love for your daughters, is in the similitude of the great love that our Father & Mother in Heaven have for all of their children, since the fall of Adam & Eve… It’s indeed painful, but trust in God & all will be well.💯❤️❤️❤️

[@ImAHusband809]

Now you know how God feels. Agency is often times painful but essential truth. I know amazimg families whose kids fell away.

[@5959stevo]

No matter how well you teach your children. Thre are powerful outside forces that give your children other ideas they havethe agency to choose. The best we can do is take care of ourselves and be a shining example. Everyone makes their own decisions.

[@iraflores8144]

This is a wonderful reminder of what we should become.

[@thomasdavidholton1571]

Marvelous Words. Thank you, Elder Christopherson!

[@silviahernandez4891]

Propheta Christferson...Like you Conference...Good 👍 Blessing 💙 Edwin Noria Hernandez

[@recursosyvaloreshumanos9582]

I WANT to live in tthe celestial Kindom,,i want ot be more valiant in the testimony oF JESUSS, i want to repent daily to think CELESTIAL DAYLI,,TO PRYA CELESTIAL, TO ACT CELESTIAL, TO FEEL CELESTIAL,,NO become celestial,,,,all the verbs celestial,,,we ca do it,,,let us do it

[@silviahernandez4891]

Brother and Sister...is Time For 🙏 Prayer is Time For Reflection...Pte Russell... 🎂❤😊 Happy Birthday today year 2024 Together With Jesus Christ Blessing Edwin Noria Hernandez

[@recursosyvaloreshumanos9582]

I love the plaineess of his teaching cause nowadays almost everyone gets offended fot the word of GOD,,,,,why ? why will they get offended ?.....................we are inviting and giving example partaiking of the FRUITS OF MERCY....we neeed to repent daily ,,,dayliy,,,daily,,,,,,, Now people do not want to repent,,,,they get offender,,,,,,by the intivation,,,we all should be repenting ddaily,,, do no procastinate,,,till you get caught,,,,,, noboyd seees me,,,i do this an that and noboy knows,,,,,,,,bla bla bla,,,,,lies,,,,of the father of lies,,,,,repentance give p ower,,,celestial thinking power,,,,repentence,,,,cast away the devil,,,repentance,,,brings the HOLY GHOST inmidiatly,,,,i love to repent dayli,,to feel peace,,,peace,,,,every 12 hours a day

[@BrotherSergeant]

Amen.

[@recursosyvaloreshumanos9582]

Alma 35:15 Y Alma estaba afligido por la iniquidad de su pueblo, sí, por las guerras, y la efusión de sangre y contiendas que existían entre ellos; y habiendo salido a declarar la palabra, o enviado para declarar la palabra a los habitantes de todas las ciudades, y viendo que el corazón del pueblo empezaba a endurecerse y a sentirse ofendido a causa de lo estricto de la palabra, su corazón se angustió en extremo....

[@rkawilliams3521]

I’m indeed missing something. I’ve never been more scared or depressed after hearing this talk. Worried about my family as well. 😢

[@bretasorenson2475]

I understand. I just rely on Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley's statement: "Do your best, and it will all work out." We can & may have an influence on our grown children & others, but if you just love them where they are it, it will all work out in the end. This is my belief and encouragement to you based on what other General Authorties have said in the past. May you have peace.😊❤ Of course, you can & should continue praying for your family. Consider adding their names to the Temple prayer roll. Sometimes, these things are the very actions we need to do. Consider going to the closest Temple and there pray for them and ponder on what else you might do. Most of all, pray for peace.

[@nathanbanks2935]

Hi, Like the other comment below quoting President Hinkley talking about doing our best, If we do our best and let the grace of Christ help us to be clean, we will absolutely make it to the Celestial Kingdom! We need to trust more on what Jesus can do to transform each of us, rather than our own works. Of course good works are important, but they don't save us, but Jesus Christ can save anyone who really loves him, and others.

[@matthewhunter6421]

Nothing you can do about the past, but you can make Celestial decisions going forward, and that's all the Lord requires of us.

[@silviahernandez4891]

Pte Nelson Russell...Christfferson...Glory The Father Celestial...Jesus Christ...Blessing Edwin Noria Hernandez

[@micahcavanough6362]

I've already got my second anointing, one way ticket to the celestial boii!

[@patriciashears25]

What do you mean by that statement please?

[@dcrbdh]

As someone who struggles with anxiety and scrupulosity, being told that there is some small deviation I could make that will hurt my family for generations is crazy making.

[@nathanbanks2935]

We are so very blessed to be able to come to this beautiful earth, so that we can have the opportunity do the will of Jesus Christ. If we are faithful in following Christ, we can be with our loved ones, in celestial glory forever! I know that God lives, that he loves us individually, and that he has a Devine plan for each of us, so that we can choose to come back into his arms forever!

[@JaefarSABNW]

The afterlife is more than exacting, but we should still try for the best in every deed.

[@gefil8781]

Great talk. Grateful for the focus on our Savior. The story reminds me of how some were treated during C when they didn't wear the mask or get the thingy in the arm.

[@christopherjones2669]

A stake president in Logan, UT stake 15 years ago, said in stake conference, "A good Muslim will go to the top of the Terrestrial kingdom." And we could say the same of atheists, Hindu, Baptists, Jews, Methodists, Buddhists and LDS. No requirement to believe in God to get to the middle 2nd heaven. Honesty and morality and striving get one there. Your actions matter more than you getting the correct name of God. I've worked with Muslim man in NW of USA and he had better language than many Christian co-workers, and better attitude, surely that man will go to higher glory than Christians. Yet all can still change so nobody last chapter is written. People that control mouth (Matt. 12:36) will go to higher glory than those who do not. A person in Asia or Africa that believes in community and traditional family will go further in next life than a person in North America who doesn't. And any politician, worldwide, who believes in religious liberty will have nice top high reward forever and ever. We know who you are. Being nice marriage partner and person that gives away money and serves will go to that middle 2nd heaven too. John 3 and John 6 and 3 Nephi 11 talk of the 3rd heaven of which prophet Paul spoke. "Labor not for the meat which perisheth." (John 6:27), at times, we are asked the impossible. (and Lord not asking us to not work or not eat). And many at the end of John 6 leave the faith.

[@TheHappyNarwhals]

Yeah none of that going here and there in this or that kingdom you said is church doctrine- we know we have a perfect judge in Christ though. But saying all that stuff just doesn’t help because you don’t know someone’s heart, thoughts and desires. God does

[@zionmama150]

I needed this talk

[@churchofjesuschristgeneralconf]

So glad to hear that Elder Christofferson's talk could inspire and uplift you!