Talk of Him

Episode 31 July 24 - 30| Acts 16–21 | “The Lord Had Called Us for to Preach the Gospel” #NewTestament #ComeFollowMe #ComeFollowMe2023 #TalkofHim #FindHim Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum on this New Testament episode of Talk of Him as we explore these important themes, topics, and questions from Acts 16-21: How can we come to know God? Inward vs outward displays of religion Divinity in our diversity — Invitation: For our FINAL INVITATION to our audience, we first say farewell and thank you for including us in your spiritual journey each week. We feel like the most meaningful thing we can do this week is to consider how the CFM initiative/program of the Church has helped you become more vertically connected. Find ways to share your faith in authentic and REAL ways. Talk of Him. Find Him. He is everywhere. — Quotes & Links: Link to FIND HIM New Testament Study Guide: https://www.seagullbook.com/find-him-new-testament-come-follow-me-guidebook.html “The gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to unite us. We are ultimately more alike than we are different. As members of God’s family, we are truly brothers and sisters. Paul stated, “And [God] hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.” (2021–A:53, M. Russell Ballard, Hope in Christ) “I had many pleasant gospel conversations. Good people—heads of states and other high officials in India, Pakistan, Jordan, Israel, Italy, Portugal, and other countries showed sincere interest in the Church and its people. Much Church literature has been mailed to new-found, good friends around the world. Their hospitality and friendliness will never be forgotten. Although we felt especially close to members of the Church, we were impressed with the fact that people everywhere are essentially good. They long for peace. They love their families and seek to improve themselves and raise their standards of living. I came back with a greater love for all of God's children—for he has truly ‘made of one blood all nations’” (Ezra Taft Benson, 1958) — Talk of Him is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Episode 30 July 17 - 23 | Acts 10-15 | “The Word of God Grew and Multiplied” #NewTestament #ComeFollowMe #ComeFollowMe2023 #TalkofHim #FindHim Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum on this New Testament episode of Talk of Him as we explore these important themes, topics, and questions from Acts 10-15: God is excited for you to repent Salvation is available to everyone! Changes — Invitation: As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught, “The weakest among us, through God’s grace, can become spiritually strong, because God ‘is no respecter of persons’” (“On Being Genuine,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 80). Instead of focusing on all your weaknesses you are praying will be made strong, reflect on a weakness you have already seen become strengthened. How have grace and the Atonement of Jesus Christ enabled you to transform this weakness to a strength? — Quotes & Links: Link to FIND HIM New Testament Study Guide: https://www.seagullbook.com/find-him-new-testament-come-follow-me-guidebook.html “Can any one of you imagine our Savior letting you and your burdens go unnoticed by Him? The Savior looked upon the Samaritan, the adulterer, the tax collector, the leper, the mentally ill, and the sinner with the same eyes. All were children of His Father. All were redeemable. “Can you imagine Him turning away from someone with doubts about their place in God’s kingdom or from anyone afflicted in any manner? I cannot. In the eyes of Christ, each soul is of infinite worth. No one is preordained to fail. Eternal life is possible for all” (Robert C. Gay, “Taking upon Ourselves the Name of Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, November 2018, 98). “In truth, God does not show favoritism, the things the world values mean nothing to Him. He knows your heart, and He loves you regardless of your title, financial net worth, or number of Instagram followers.” (2020–A:104, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Come and Belong) — Talk of Him is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Episode 29 July 10 - 16 | Acts 6-9 | “What Wilt Thou Have Me to Do?” #NewTestament #ComeFollowMe #ComeFollowMe2023 #TalkofHim #FindHim Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum on this New Testament episode of Talk of Him as we explore these important themes, topics, and questions from Acts 6-9: Who is Saul/Paul? Learning and growing All of God’s children have a capacity for light and truth — Invitation: Do you know anyone that is currently rebelling against Jesus Christ or His Church? How can the story of Paul’s miraculous conversion help you love and find hope for that person? This week, pray to see others as God sees them. Ask God to help you see the inherent strengths and goodness of others. — Quotes & Links: Link to FIND HIM New Testament Study Guide: https://www.seagullbook.com/find-him-new-testament-come-follow-me-guidebook.html “The people who would not believe in Jesus believed in nothing—they said they believed in the prophets, but they did not: if they believed in the prophets, in the scriptures, in Moses, or in God, they would believe in Christ—but they do not. The greatest Christian convert was a man who believed all the wrong things about Christ—it was not what he believed, but his capacity for faith that made Saul of Tarsus eligible for immediate enlightenment.”(Hugh Nibley, “Sophic and Mantic,” CWHN 10:331-32) “It is not easy to understand all the circumstances that contribute to someone’s attitude or reaction. Appearances can be deceptive and oftentimes do not represent an accurate measurement of someone’s behavior. Unlike you and me, Christ is capable of clearly seeing all facets of a given situation. Even knowing all our weaknesses as He does, the Savior does not rashly condemn us but continues to work with us compassionately over time, helping us to remove the beam from our eye” (Elder Ulisses Soares, “The Savior’s Abiding Compassion,” Liahona, November 2021). — Talk of Him is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Episode 28 July 3 - 9 | Acts 1–5 | “Ye Shall Be Witnesses unto Me” #NewTestament #ComeFollowMe #ComeFollowMe2023 #TalkofHim #FindHim Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum on this New Testament episode of Talk of Him as we explore these important themes, topics, and questions from Acts 1-5: Ongoing restoration How have new revelations blessed your life? Infallible proofs The spirit speaks YOUR language — Invitation: Read the Church News article in our show notes outlining the changes and announcements made during the presidency of President Russell M. Nelson. Note any additional revelations given in the years since 2020 and add them to the list. THEN PRAY to God in faith and ask for additional infallible proofs and for a pentecostal-like witness of what is true! God will speak to YOU in YOUR LANGUAGE! — Quotes & Links: Link to the Church News article: https://www.thechurchnews.com/2020/12/30/23217862/president-nelson-announcements-changes-church-prophet Link to FIND HIM New Testament Study Guide: https://www.seagullbook.com/find-him-new-testament-come-follow-me-guidebook.html “What a wonderful blessing to live in a time of continual revelation from God! As we look forward to and embrace the ‘restitution of all things,’ which has and will come through the prophesied events of our time, we are being prepared for the Savior’s Second Coming” (Sister Jean B. Bingham, “Ministering as the Savior Does,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 104). — Talk of Him is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Episode 27 June 26 - July 2 | Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20–21 | “He Is Risen” His name God’s character Abide #NewTestament #ComeFollowMe #ComeFollowMe2023 #TalkofHim #FindHim Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum on this New Testament episode of Talk of Him as we explore these important themes, topics, and questions from Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; and John 20–21: What does the resurrection mean for each of us? Prophetic past tense How do I know if I have been forgiven? Recognizing Him — Invitation: What aspect of Jesus Christ’s Atonement are you most grateful for? Here are some examples: Because of Him, we can learn from our mistakes without being condemned by them. Because of Him, we can receive the grace we need to eventually become like our Heavenly Parents. Because of Him, we will all live again with those we love. Take some time this week to ponder or journal about why Jesus Christ’s Atonement means so much to you. — Links: Link to FIND HIM New Testament Study Guide: https://www.seagullbook.com/find-him-new-testament-come-follow-me-guidebook.html — Talk of Him is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Talk of Him Farewell Announcement

Ministering - Elder Gerrit W. Gong Listen to or read this week's talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/14gong?lang=eng “Higher and holier ministering comes when we pray for “the pure love of Christ” and follow the Spirit.” “Our Savior is our perfect example. Because He is good, He can go about doing good. He blesses the one and the 99. He is ministering personified.” Link to General Conference Journal Edition: https://www.seagullbook.com/general-conference-addresses-journal-edition-april-2023.html?Category_Code=BOOKS

Episode 26 June 19 - 25 | Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19 | “It Is Finished” The Cross Thorns and nails Snake on a stick #NewTestament #ComeFollowMe #ComeFollowMe2023 #TalkofHim #FindHim Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum on this New Testament episode of Talk of Him as we explore these important themes, topics, and questions from Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; and John 19: Symbols of Christianity and the deeper meanings they have Being alone Turning to the Savior in our loneliness and trauma Forgiving the failures of others — Invitation: As you go throughout your week, pay attention to how many times you encounter the symbol of the cross. Each time you do, think about what Jesus suffered so that you can learn from your sins without being condemned by them. — Quotes & Links: Link to FIND HIM New Testament Study Guide: https://www.seagullbook.com/find-him-new-testament-come-follow-me-guidebook.html “We generally do not use the iconography of the cross, I wish to make abundantly clear our deep respect and profound admiration for the faith-filled motives and devoted lives of those who do. … (fn, When Paul speaks of the cross, he is using doctrinal shorthand to speak of the majesty of the Atonement, an arena where Latter-day Saints readily join him and quote him.) …The crosses we bear rather than the ones we wear … [are] solemn reminders that there is a cost to discipleship. … It is one of the most powerful paradoxes of the Crucifixion that the arms of the Savior were stretched wide open and then nailed there, unwittingly but accurately portraying that every man, woman, and child in the entire human family is not only welcome but invited into His redeeming, exalting embrace.” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lifted Up Upon the Cross,” Gen Conf, Oct. 2022) “We are pleased to introduce a symbol that will signify the central place of Jesus Christ in His Church. … At the center of the symbol is a representation of [the] … resurrected, living Lord reaching out to embrace all who will come unto Him. Symbolically, Jesus Christ is standing under an arch. The arch reminds us of the resurrected Savior emerging from the tomb on the third day following His Crucifixion.” (President Russell M. Nelson, Gen Conf Apr 2020) “Because he must ultimately tread this winepress of redemption unaided, can he endure the darkest moment of them all, the shock of the greatest pain? This comes not with thorns and with nails, but with the terror of feeling utterly alone: … Can he bear all of our sins and our fear and loneliness too? He did and he does and he will. We do not know how such great sorrow can be borne, but it is no wonder the sun hid its face in shame. No wonder the veil of the temple was rent. No wonder the very earth convulsed at the plight of this perfect child. And at least one Roman centurion who saw all of this sensed something of what it had meant. In awe, he uttered the declaration for all eternity, “Truly this was the Son of God.” Matt. 27:54” (1989–O:25, Jeffrey R. Holland, “He Loved Them unto the End”) — Talk of Him is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Followers of the Prince of Peace - Elder Ulisses Soares Listen to or read this week's talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/43soares?lang=eng “... the adversary’s tactics is to stir up enmity and hate in the hearts of God’s children. He rejoices when he sees people criticizing, ridiculing, and slandering one another.” “During His earthly ministry, the Savior’s teachings focused—not only, but particularly—on the virtues of love, charity, patience, humility, and compassion—fundamental attributes to those who want to become closer to Him and promote His peace. Such attributes are gifts from God.” Link to General Conference Journal Edition: https://www.seagullbook.com/general-conference-addresses-journal-edition-april-2023.html?Category_Code=BOOKS

Episode 25 June 12 - 18 | John 18 | “Not My Will, but Thine, Be Done” Exhausted Sit by the fire Funeral of Jesus #NewTestament #ComeFollowMe #ComeFollowMe2023 #TalkofHim #FindHim Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum on this New Testament episode of Talk of Him as we explore these important themes, topics, and questions from John 18: How can holy habits help you stay connected to God? Nurturing our conversion The Sacrament — Invitation: How can you make the sacrament more meaningful this week? Then, how can you share your faith in Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice this week? Consider hosting a CFM discussion in your home or posting on social media a personal insight you have had from your weekly worship and studies. — Quotes & Links: Link to FIND HIM New Testament Study Guide: https://www.seagullbook.com/find-him-new-testament-come-follow-me-guidebook.html “What can ignite spiritual momentum? We have seen examples of both positive and negative momentum. We know followers of Jesus Christ who became converted and grew in their faith. But we also know of once-committed believers who fell away. Momentum can swing either way” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” Liahona, May 2022, 97). — Talk of Him is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Have I Truly Been Forgiven? - Elder K. Brett Nattress Listen to or read this week's talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/33nattress?lang=eng “To those who have strayed from the covenant path, please know there is always hope, there is always healing, and there is always a way back.” “Brothers and sisters, I testify that our Heavenly Father always remembers us and that He loves us perfectly. My question is this: Do we remember Him? And do we love Him?” Link to General Conference Journal Edition: https://www.seagullbook.com/general-conference-addresses-journal-edition-april-2023.html?Category_Code=BOOKS

Episode 24 June 5 - 11 | John 14 - 17 | “Continue Ye in My Love” Sixth sense Diversity Walking on eggshells #NewTestament #ComeFollowMe #ComeFollowMe2023 #TalkofHim #FindHim Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum on this New Testament episode of Talk of Him as we explore these important themes, topics, and questions from John 14 - 17: The Spirit makes all the difference How can we avoid contention when we disagree? Building Zion within a diverse society — Invitation: When was the last time you had an encounter with God through His Spirit? What will you do this week in order to commune more deeply with God through the Holy Ghost? — Quotes & Links: Link to FIND HIM New Testament Study Guide: https://www.seagullbook.com/find-him-new-testament-come-follow-me-guidebook.html “The Spirit of God speaking to the spirit of man has power to impart truth with greater effect and understanding than the truth can be imparted by personal contact even with heavenly beings. … Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten.” (President Joseph Fielding Smith, “The Sin against the Holy Ghost,” Instructor, Oct. 1935, 431.) “At this point you may be thinking that this message would really help someone you know. Perhaps you are hoping that it will help him or her to be nicer to you. I hope it will! But I also hope that you will look deeply into your heart to see if there are shards of pride or jealousy that prevent you from becoming a peacemaker. If you are serious about helping to gather Israel and about building relationships that will last throughout the eternities, now is the time to lay aside bitterness. Now is the time to cease insisting that it is your way or no way. Now is the time to stop doing things that make others walk on eggshells for fear of upsetting you. Now is the time to bury your weapons of war.” (President Russell M. Nelson, April 2023) — Talk of Him is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Do You Know Why I as a Christian Believe in Christ? - Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt Listen to or read this week's talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/56corbitt?lang=eng “I know from personal experience that teaching your beloved child why we all desperately need Jesus Christ and how to apply His joyful doctrine is what will strengthen and heal him or her. Let us turn them to Jesus, who is their true advocate with the Father.” “Ask your parents or a leader later on, ‘Why did Jesus have to die?’ And, brothers and sisters, I have a confession to make: despite all I thought I knew about Church doctrine, history, policy, and so on, the answer to this central question to our faith did not come so easily.” Link to General Conference Journal Edition: https://www.seagullbook.com/general-conference-addresses-journal-edition-april-2023.html?Category_Code=BOOKS

Episode 23 May 29 - June 4 | Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13 | “In Remembrance” Gossips CS Lewis Betraying Jesus #NewTestament #ComeFollowMe #ComeFollowMe2023 #TalkofHim #FindHim Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum on this New Testament episode of Talk of Him as we explore these important themes, topics, and questions from Matthew 26; Mark 14; and John 13: How to be a peacemaker Giving grace to others Charity and service — Invitation: Make a goal of serving a stranger this week. Or consider making peace with someone who has hurt or offended you. Remember, our treatment of others is inextricably linked to our treatment of Jesus! — Quotes & Links: Link to FIND HIM New Testament Study Guide: https://www.seagullbook.com/find-him-new-testament-come-follow-me-guidebook.html “Each time I read John chapter 13, I am reminded of the Savior’s perfect example as a peacemaker. Jesus lovingly washed the feet of the Apostles. Then, we read, ‘he was troubled in spirit’ as He thought about one He loved preparing to betray Him. I have tried to imagine the thoughts and feelings of the Savior as Judas left” (Neil L. Andersen, “Following Jesus: Being a Peacemaker,” Liahona, May 2022, 20). “You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. Examine your discipleship within the context of the way you treat others. I bless you to make any adjustments that may be needed so that your behavior is ennobling, respectful and representative of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Charity is the antidote to contention. Charity is the spiritual gift that helps us to cast off the natural man, who is selfish, defensive, prideful, and jealous. Charity is the principal characteristic of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Charity defines a peacemaker.” (Pres. Russell M. Nelson, April 2023) — Talk of Him is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Parents - Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf Listen to or read this week's talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/29uchtdorf?lang=eng “Now, perhaps you feel that your relationship with your child is less than ideal. That’s where the Savior’s power comes in. He heals the sick, and He can heal relationships. He multiplies bread and fish, and He can multiply the love and the joy in your home.” “In Heavenly Father’s plan, families’ relationships are meant to be eternal. This is why, as a parent, you never give up, even if you are not proud of how things went in the past. With Jesus Christ, the Master Healer and Savior, there can always be a new beginning; He always gives hope.” Link to General Conference Journal Edition: https://www.seagullbook.com/general-conference-addresses-journal-edition-april-2023.html?Category_Code=BOOKS

Episode 22 May 22 - 28| Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 24–25; Mark 12–13; Luke 21 | “The Son of Man Shall Come” Jesus is coming All = a little #NewTestament #ComeFollowMe #ComeFollowMe2023 #TalkofHim #FindHim Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum on this New Testament episode of Talk of Him as we explore these important themes, topics, and questions from Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 24–25; Mark 12–13; and Luke 21: The 10 Virgins What does it mean to be “ready” for Jesus to come back? Our covenants connect us to heaven Giving your all — Invitation: What types of daily habits and routines have you established in order to ensure that your personal lamp is always full of oil? What other things has the Spirit prompted you to do in order to become more spiritually self-reliant and prepared for the difficult times that lie ahead? — Quotes & Links: Link to FIND HIM New Testament Study Guide: https://www.seagullbook.com/find-him-new-testament-come-follow-me-guidebook.html “Covenant keepers are entitled to a special kind of rest that comes to them through their covenantal relationship with God.” (Russell M. Nelson, Gen Conf, Oct 2022) “When you … see our Father, you will see a being with whom you have long been acquainted, and he will receive you into his arms, and you will be ready to fall into his embrace and kiss him.” (Brigham Young, “Discourse,” Deseret News, Oct. 1, 1856, 235) “Jesus Christ was the perfect example of loving our Father with all His heart—of doing His will, regardless of the cost. I want to follow His example by doing the same. I am inspired by the wholehearted, whole-souled discipleship of the widow who threw her two mites into the temple treasury. She gave her all. [See Mark 12:41–44] Jesus Christ recognized the abundance of her all where others saw only her lack. The same is true with each of us. He doesn’t see our lack as failure but rather as an opportunity to exercise faith and to grow.” (2022–O:60, Michelle D. Craig, Wholehearted) — Talk of Him is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Christlike Poise - Elder Mark A. Bragg Listen to or read this week's talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/31bragg?lang=eng “... knowing who we are and being true to our divine identity brings calm. Christlike poise requires that we avoid comparing ourselves to others or pretending to be someone we’re not.” “Poise comes when we see things from an eternal perspective. The Lord has counseled His disciples to “lift up your eyes” and to “let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds.” … An eternal view enables Christlike poise.” Link to General Conference Journal Edition: https://www.seagullbook.com/general-conference-addresses-journal-edition-april-2023.html?Category_Code=BOOKS

Episode 21 May 15 - 21| Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12 | “Behold, Thy King Cometh” Having out in a tree My name means Nice to the jerks #NewTestament #ComeFollowMe #ComeFollowMe2023 #TalkofHim #FindHim Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum on this New Testament episode of Talk of Him as we explore these important themes, topics, and questions from Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; and John 12: Jesus sees your worth! How do true disciples treat others? The best is yet to come for those who spend their lives building up others Letting true discipleship begin — Invitation: Is there someone you really struggle with? You know, that someone at work, church, or in your family who seems to trigger you every time you are around them. This week, try praying every day to see them as God sees them. Pray to understand what is in their heart. After your seven-day experiment, see if you feel differently about them — Quotes & Links: Link to FIND HIM New Testament Study Guide: https://www.seagullbook.com/find-him-new-testament-come-follow-me-guidebook.html “Walking with the Savior . . . will change the way you look at others. He will teach you to see them through His eyes, which means seeing past an outward appearance and into the heart (see 1 Samuel 16:7). . . . This is how He was able to see Zacchaeus not as the corrupt tax collector others saw but as an honest, upright son of Abraham (see Luke 19:1–9). If you walk with the Savior long enough, you will learn to see everyone as a child of God with limitless potential, regardless of what his or her past may have been” (Henry B. Eyring, “‘Walk with Me,’” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 85). — Talk of Him is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Jesus Christ is Relief - Camille N. Johnson Listen to or read this week's talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/42johnson?lang=eng “Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is relief. I testify that He did rise again on the third day and, having fulfilled the loving and infinite Atonement, stands with open arms, offering to us the opportunity to rise again, be saved, and be exalted and become like Him. The relief He offers us is everlasting.” “Each of us is carrying a metaphorical backpack…. This metaphorical backpack is where we carry the burdens of living in a fallen world. Our burdens are like rocks in the backpack…. I joyfully declare that our mortal burdens, these rocks in our figurative backpack, need not feel heavy.” Link to General Conference Journal Edition: https://www.seagullbook.com/general-conference-addresses-journal-edition-april-2023.html?Category_Code=BOOKS

Episode 20 May 8-14 | Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18 | “What Lack I Yet?” Candy bars Play dough pliable WYOMING #NewTestament #ComeFollowMe #ComeFollowMe2023 #TalkofHim #FindHim Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum on this New Testament episode of Talk of Him as we explore these important themes, topics, and questions from Matthew 19-20; Mark 10; and Luke 18: God’s Economy More to do vs. more to become Becoming a pliable people What is God asking you to give up? — Invitation: Look for opportunities this week to help a potential “eleventh-hour hire” to experience the joy of laboring in God’s vineyard. Help them see that anyone who runs the race wins. Remind them that the Lord loves effort! — Quotes & Links: Link to FIND HIM New Testament Study Guide: https://www.seagullbook.com/find-him-new-testament-come-follow-me-guidebook.html “We do not obtain our heavenly reward by punching a time clock. What is essential is that our labors in the workplace of the Lord have caused us to become something. For some of us, this requires a longer time than for others. What is important in the end is what we have become by our labors. Many who come in the eleventh hour have been refined and prepared by the Lord in ways other than formal employment in the vineyard” (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, November 2000). “We ought not to think of God’s plan as a cosmic vending machine where we (1) select a desired blessing, (2) insert the required sum of good works, and (3) the order is promptly delivered.” (D. Todd Christofferson, Gen Conf, Apr 2022) “With this unique capability and emphasis on the worth of souls in the sight of God also comes the opportunity for confusion. We live in a materialistic world. Some become confused and seek identity through riches or the accolades of men. The Savior makes it very clear in his teachings that it is not possible to realize the identity of which I speak through such means.” (Victor L. Brown, 1983) — Talk of Him is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.