Temple Bound
God's children are searching in greater numbers for answers and hoping for miracles as they look to Jesus Christ for relief. On 'Temple Bound,' hosted by Will Humphreys, explore how temples offer not just solace but also powerful tools for navigating these turbulent times through faith in Jesus Christ.
Tune in every Monday to hear Will Humphreys engage with guests who bring inspiring stories, profound teachings, and insights into accessing divine guidance through temple service.
Each episode promises to enrich your understanding and strengthen your connection to the Savior in unique and transformative ways.
Whether you're seeking answers, yearning for peace, or in need of a miracle, 'Temple Bound' is your weekly spiritual refuge, helping you anchor your soul to the Savior. Join us on this sacred journey to deepen your faith and discover the blessings of temple worship.
Temple Bound
Deepen Your Temple Connection: Highlights from General Conference
Welcome to a very special edition of Temple Bound! We've meticulously gathered every precious gem spoken about temples during the recent General Conference. Prepare to have your heart stirred and your understanding deepened as we journey through a symphony of inspired words, all focused on the sacred House of the Lord.
This isn't just a recap; it's a focused immersion. We've distilled the essence of these talks into five core themes that illuminate the profound significance of temples in our lives:
- Elevate Your Confidence in Christ Through Temple Service: Discover how consistent worship and service within the temple walls cultivate greater virtue and charity, leading to an unshakeable confidence in your approach to God. President Nelson himself guides us on this path!
- Find Divine Healing and Personal Revelation Within Holy Walls: Uncover the temple's power as a sanctuary for spiritual healing and a conduit for personal revelation. Hear insights from Elder Benjamin T. and Elder Christopher Kim on experiencing the pure, unconditional love of our Heavenly Parents within its sacred space.
- Unlock Covenant Strength to Conquer Life's Trials: Explore how the covenants made and kept in the temple become anchors of strength in the face of life's inevitable storms. Elder Gong and Elder McCune share powerful perspectives on the enduring power of these sacred promises.
- Participate in the Grand Gathering of Israel Through Temple Worship: Understand the pivotal role of temple ordinances, especially vicarious work, in the ongoing gathering of Israel. Let Elder Sours and Elder White illuminate how your service connects you to this vital work.
- Witness God's Unfolding Love and the Glorious Gifts of the Restoration in His Temples: Reflect on how the increasing number of temples worldwide stands as a testament to God's boundless love and the magnificent gifts of the Restoration. Elder Karen and Elder Bednar offer profound insights into this divine expression.
But this episode is more than just information – it's an invitation. We encourage you to truly listen with your heart. As you absorb these powerful messages. Over the next six months, focus on these principles and share this episode with others. We believe you'll witness remarkable blessings.
Don't forget to connect with Temple Bound! Share your thoughts on these themes, suggest future episode topics, and let us know what questions burn in your heart. You can leave your insights in the show notes below or connect with us over on Instagram or TikTok.
Hello and welcome to Temple Bound Guys. Today is going to be a totally different episode. I'm so excited for this one. This is one you're going to want to share, because what I've done is I went through and found every reference about temples from the last April 25 General Conference and have spliced all of the audio together so that you can, in this episode, listen from beginning to end all the different references to the temple. Now we're doing it in reverse we're starting with President Nelson's talk, which was the last one from General Conference, and we're going to work our way backwards, just because of how awesome it sounds. So here are my five key themes I want you to listen for.
Speaker 1:I would say these are the top five themes about temples from the last General Conference, starting with President Nelson. Number one is that temples increase our confidence. Second, that temples are places of healing and personal revelation. Number three temple covenants give us strength to overcome life's challenges. There's a number of talks on that one. Number four temple worship is central to the gathering of Israel. And lastly, temples reflect God's love and the gifts of the restoration. So I love this pattern of like building confidence in God right Through charity and virtue, and then in that confidence we get healed and personal revelation that gives us the strength to overcome, and then from that place of being strong, we're able to gather Israel and experience the love of the restoration.
Speaker 1:It's this really cool cycle but, like in each one of these themes, there were multiple talks that spoke into that. The first theme it was mostly President Nelson, but the second theme of that healing place and personal revelation, that was Elder Benjamin Tay and Elder Christopher Kim. The third point of Temple Covenant's giving us strength to overcome life's challenges, that was Elder Gong and Elder McCoon. And then Gathering of Israel was Elder Soares and Elder Whiting. Lastly, that whole gifts of love from the gifts of restoration, that's Elder Kieran and Elder Bednar.
Speaker 1:So we're going to be putting all of those references together. So enjoy this episode. But here's my challenge before you listen to this, I would love for you to pass this along to friends, family, even people in your ward maybe the temple family leader from your ward or stake and I challenge you to really focus on these five central themes across the next six months. So listen for the themes, the blessings, all the instruction that we're given regarding temples, and I promise that, as you do, the Spirit will help you unlock miracles in your life that you're needing, that you're aware of, and maybe some miracles you're not aware of. Enjoy the show.
Speaker 2:Regular worship in the house of the Lord increases our capacity for both virtue and charity. Thus, time in the temple increases our confidence before the Lord. Increased time in the temple will help us prepare for the second coming of our Savior, jesus Christ. We do not know the day or the hour of his coming, but I do know that the Lord is prompting me to urge us to get ready for that great and dreadful day. As we diligently seek to have charity and virtue fill our lives, our confidence in approaching God will increase. I invite you to take intentional steps to grow in your confidence before the Lord. Then, as we go to our Heavenly Father with increasing confidence, we will be filled with more joy and your faith in Jesus Christ will increase. We will begin to experience spiritual power that exceeds our greatest hopes. We are grateful to the Lord for the acceleration of temple building in recent years under his direction. Today, we announce plans to construct a temple in each of these 15 locations Reynosa, mexico.
Speaker 2:Chorillos, peru, riviera Uruguay, campo Grande, brazil. Rio's, peru, riviera Uruguay, campo Grande Brazil, porto, portugal, ullo, nigeria. San Jose del Monte, philippines, numea, new Caledonia, liverpool, australia, caldwell, idaho, flagstaff, arizona, rapid City, south Dakota, greenville, south Carolina, norfolk, virginia, greenville, south Carolina, norfolk, virginia, spanish Fork, utah.
Speaker 3:President Russell M Nelson has invited us to remove, with the Savior's help, the old debris in our lives and to lay aside bitterness. He has encouraged us to bolster our spiritual foundations through centering our lives on the Savior and on the ordinances and covenants of His temple. He promised that as we keep our temple covenants we gain greater access to the Lord's strengthening power. We experience the pure love of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father in great abundance.
Speaker 4:You may be wondering what do I have to do to receive this gift from God? Well, actually nothing. It is a gift from the giver. It is simply a fact. Just let it in. You are his child, you are beloved of him. Do not complicate it. Do not block the receiving of this gift with thoughts that you are somehow undeserving. The reality is, none of us is deserving. All the Father's gifts are received only through the merits, mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah. But how His generous heart longs for each of His children to receive them. Then, as your new or renewed understanding dawns on you, rejoice in thanking the giver of this gift, of this gift.
Speaker 4:Since finding my faith in my mid-twenties, I've awakened to the realisation that I truly am a son of God. The more fully I internalise this gift, the more keenly I know I am, who I am and how completely I am loved. Some things that have helped me grow in understanding are the words of Scripture, my patriarchal blessing, temple worship, serving others, expressing gratitude and sacred prayer with my father. I marvel how earlier sorrow, pain and grief in my life would have been reframed. Sorrow, pain and grief in my life would have been reframed, soothed and much of it overcome, had I known this beautiful truth.
Speaker 5:Helping others along their covenant path may take the form of an unconventional act of service. As an example, during my current assignment in the Philippines, I learned of the Agamada family. They were baptized in 2023, and then they eagerly set a date to be sealed as a family in the nearby Erdaneta Philippines temple. However, just before their appointment, several typhoons struck the region. Brother Agamada, a rice farmer, was unable to plant his crops during the harsh storms. When the tempest finally passed, he needed to quickly plant the rice. While the harsh storms. When the tempest finally passed, he needed to quickly plant the rice. While the ground was soaked with water, ideal conditions for planting. Sadly, the temple trip would have to be postponed.
Speaker 5:Two disciples, elder and Sister Kowelan, along with three young service missionaries, heard of the Agamata family's struggle and offered to help. Despite having no farming experience. Working under the blistering sun, they helped plant the seedlings, allowing the Agamatas to complete their task and attend their temple sealing as scheduled. Elder Coelan observed that the Agamata's countenances glowed as we saw them dressed in white in the house of the Lord. The joy we felt ministering to the one is a joy beyond compare. The Agamata's now enjoy the rich blessings of being sealed as an eternal family because a few fellow disciples who were filled with charity, a sign of their discipleship, determined to help their brothers and sisters forward along their covenant path.
Speaker 6:Another revelation the prophet Joseph Smith was instructed that temples erected unto the Lord should be a place of reverence to him.
Speaker 6:Throughout his ministry, our dear prophet, president Russell M Nelson, has strongly emphasized our worship in reverence in the sacred temple In the house of the Lord, we are taught about entering into the holy presence of the Father and the Son.
Speaker 6:I have always found it instructive and even inspiring that one of the first things we do upon entering the temple and preparing ourselves to participate in the sacred ordinances there is to remove our shoes and change into our white clothing, like Moses. If we are intentional, we can recognize that, taking off our worldly shoes in the beginning of stepping onto holy ground and being transformed in higher and holier ways. Brothers and sisters, we do not need to climb to the top of a mountain, like Moses did, to discover reverence for sacred things and convert our discipleship into a deeper level of spirituality and devotion. We can find it, for example, as we strive to protect our home environment from worldly influences. This can be accomplished by sincerely and fervently praying before our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ and seeking to better know our Savior through our diligent study of the Word of God found in the Scriptures and in the teachings of our prophets.
Speaker 7:Restoration also came as a resurrected Jesus Christ, moses Elias Elijah returned priesthood keys and authority at the newly dedicated Kirtland Temple on Easter Sunday 1836. In that setting, on that day, to the restored Church of Jesus Christ, came God's authority and blessings to gather his children, prepare his children to return to him and unite families for eternity. To return to him and unite families for eternity. Restoration that day fulfilled prophecy by occurring both on Easter and Passover, including the Kervin Temple. I recently visited sacred places in Ohio where the Prophet Joseph and others saw and envisioned God, our Father, and his Son, jesus Christ. The prophet Joseph saw what heaven is like. In heaven, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, saves all the works of his hands in a kingdom of glory. The only exceptions are those who willfully deny the Son after the Father has revealed Him. At the Puebla, mexico temple dedication, tears of happiness wet the face of a dear sister. Her features radiate faith and sacrifice. She says Todos mis hijos están aquí en el templo hoy. All my children are here in the temple today.
Speaker 7:Generations gathered in the house of the Lord bring tears of joy and gratitude. In cruel civil war, families and neighbors did unspeakable things to each other. Bitter tears are slowly giving way to hope. Her voice trembling, a woman in a small village says neighbor, before I go to my grave, I want you to know where to find your missing family members. A radiant bride and handsome groom are being sealed in the house of the Lord. She is 70 years old, as is he, a beautiful bride. She is worthily waited for this day. She shyly swishes her bridal dress this way, then that way. We shed joyful tears. God's promises are fulfilled. His covenants bring blessings.
Speaker 9:One of the most powerful ways we may contribute to God's compensating blessings is through the vicarious work we do for our ancestors in the house of the Lord, using our gifts and abilities to provide blessings to those who did not have the opportunity to receive them during their mortal lives. The loving service we offer in holy temples reminds us that the Savior's grace extends beyond this life. In the life to come, we may be given new opportunities to accomplish what we could not do in this mortal life.
Speaker 10:Have you ever wondered why we're asked to do things in God's kingdom that fails so far beyond our reach With life's demands. Have you asked why we even need callings in the church? Well, I have, and I got an answer in general conference when President Nelson said Now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the second coming of our Lord and Savior, jesus the Christ. When President Nelson said this, the Spirit taught me that as we participate in God's work, we prepare ourselves and others for Christ's return. The Lord's promise is compelling to me. That callings, ministering, temple worship, following promptings and other ways we embark in God's work uniquely prepare us to meet the Savior In the majesty of this moment.
Speaker 10:As God's kingdom expands and temples dot the earth, there is a growing need for willing souls to engage in God's work Selflessly. Serving is the very essence of Christlike discipleship, but serving is rarely convenient. This is why I admire you covenant-keeping disciples who set aside your desires, your challenges, to serve God by serving his children. This includes our dear missionaries. God delights to honor you for serving him in righteousness.
Speaker 11:Six years after the formal organization of the church in the Kirtland Temple, Moses, Elias and Elijah committed to Joseph the additional authority necessary to accomplish God's work in the latter days. Moses committed the keys of the gathering of Israel. Elias committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, including the restoration of the Abrahamic covenant. Elijah committed to seal the keys of the sealing power, providing the authority that allows ordinances performed on earth to be binding in eternity, such as joining families together in eternal relationships that transcend death.
Speaker 12:There follow additional priesthood ordinances and covenants made in the house of the Lord that further sanctify us. The ceremonies and ordinances of the temple constitute an elevated form of worship. President Russell M Nelson has emphasized that every man and every woman who participates in priesthood ordinances and who makes and keeps covenants with God has direct access to the power of God. God has direct access to the power of God. This is not only a power we draw upon to serve and to bless. It's also the divine power that works in us to refine and purify us as we walk the covenant path, the sanctifying power of godliness is manifest in us.
Speaker 8:We also remember him when we go to the temple. The house of the Lord Temples gives us a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ as the center of the covenant that leads us to eternal life, the greatest of the views of God. Attending the temple has given me comfort and great hope about our eternal destiny. I have experienced heavenly connections with people on both sides of the veil. I have seen healing media closing the lives of my young children, two of whom live with unseen illnesses that require daily care for the rest of this life.
Speaker 13:The church symbol. In 2020, president Nelson introduced a new visual identifier for the church. This symbol reflects the truth that Christ is at the center of His church and should be at the center of our lives. We now see this familiar symbol on temple recommends, church magazines and websites, as the icon for the gospel library, and even on military ID tags for many members of the church serving in the armed forces. This symbol includes the name of the church contained within a cornerstone, a reminder that Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. Shown here in Cambodian and used in 145 languages. Thordvilsen's beloved marble Christus statue, which has become widely associated with the church and is found in visitor centers and on temple grounds around the world. Its prominence in the church symbol suggests that Christ should be the center of all we do.
Speaker 14:Likewise, the Savior's outstretched arms indicate His promise to embrace all who will come unto him, Met at a church activity and shortly after decided to get married and sealed in the burned Switzerland temple. Waiting at the railway station, having spent the last of their little savings for the trip to the temple, they wondered how they would make ends meet, but were confident that it would all work out and it did.
Speaker 15:Pretenders would try to deceive the very elect and that many disciples would be duped. We should neither believe those who falsely claim divine sanction, nor venture into metaphorical deserts or secret chambers to be taught by counterfeits. The Book of Mormon teaches us how we can differentiate deceivers from disciples. Disciples always promote believing in God, serving Him and doing good. We won't be deceived when we seek and take counsel from trusted individuals who are themselves faithful disciples of the Savior. We can also avoid deception by worshiping regularly in the temple. This helps us maintain an eternal perspective and protects us from influences that might distract or divert us from the covenant path.
Speaker 16:If you are sincere and humble, you will hear his answer and begin a personal and lasting relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Not only that, but your religious habits will become meaningful. For instance, you will look forward to your prayers, personal study and temple worship as opportunities to get to know them and be with them.
Speaker 2:You will nourish your faith and your testimony as you feast at the sacrament table each week and as you worship in the house of the Lord.
Speaker 17:Really important is regular attendance in a temple where possible. The temple provides a continuing remembrance of the Savior's atonement and what it overcomes. And, even more important, temple attendance allows us to provide a spiritual rescue for our deceased loved ones and more distant ancestors. President Russell M Nelson, at our last conference, emphasized this principle and added Temple blessings help to prepare a people who will help prepare the world for the second coming of the Lord.
Speaker 18:Today the Church has 367 temples in various stages of design, construction or operation. And for what purpose? The answer is proclaimed on each temple holiness to the Lord. The temple opens the way to the highest blessings our Father in heaven has for each one of us, brothers and sisters. We are hastening our holiness as we live temple-worthy, as we worship in the house of the Lord and as we make covenants with God for ourselves and on behalf of our ancestors on the other side of the veil. President Nelson has said the assaults of the adversary are increasing exponentially in intensity and in variety. Our need to be in the temple on a regular basis has never been greater. I plead with you to take a prayerful look at how you spend your time In his house. We can feel the Lord's hallowed presence and transcendent peace.
Speaker 18:Last year I was privileged to preside at the dedication of the Mendoza Argentina Temple Mendoza Argentina Temple. In my message I referred to Elder Melvin J Ballard's 1926 prophecy that the work of the Lord would grow slowly for a time in South America, just as an oak grows slowly from an acorn. It will not shoot up in a day, but thousands would join the church and the nations of South America would become a power in the church. I saw that prophecy fulfilled right before my eyes. Mendoza, once a small acorn has become a mighty oak.
Speaker 19:A magnificent sculpture depicting the five wise virgins was recently placed on Temple Square, just outside the doors to the Relief Society building and in the shadow of the Salt Lake Temple. It is a location befitting application of the parable, because when we make and keep covenants, particularly those available in the house of the Lord, we fill our lamps with the oil of conversion.
Speaker 1:Thank you for listening to today's episode. We want to hear from you. What additional show ideas would you like to hear about? What questions do you have in your heart that we can help answer? Please leave those in the show notes of today's episode or over on Instagram. Thank you for your cooperation in helping make this show the best it can be. Until next time.
