The summary of ‘“Celestial Training in a Telestial World” by Sheri L. Dew | BYU Women's Conference, 2023’

00:00:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker addresses attendees at the BYU Women’s Conference held on May 5th, 2023, expressing enthusiasm and appreciation for being at the event. The speaker fondly recalls attending BYU basketball games at the Marriott Center over the past 50 years and highlights the powerful spirit present when covenant-keeping women gather. The central theme revolves around the concept of “Celestial training” in a challenging world, emphasizing that this spiritual training is meant to prepare individuals for the Celestial Kingdom.

The speaker recounts a story where a stake president reassured church members that, by keeping covenants and striving to progress, they are “shockingly close” to the Celestial Kingdom, which brings hope and encouragement. Despite feeling the challenges and rigorous nature of this spiritual journey, the speaker emphasizes that attendees at the conference are closer to their celestial goals than they might think. Additionally, the speaker reflects on personal experiences and the reassurance of faith, underscoring the importance of maintaining belief in God, Jesus Christ, and the restored gospel.

00:05:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses their faith and commitment to the teachings of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, despite experiencing feelings of judgment from other church members. They emphasize the importance of words in their journey, highlighting their experience as a publisher. They explain how words have always been significant to the Lord, citing biblical references such as “in the beginning was the word.” The power of prophetic words is illustrated through the story of Enoch, whose speech, empowered by God, had a profound impact. The segment outlines the historical efforts of early church leaders like Joseph Smith to publish the truths of the Gospel, even under difficult circumstances. The speaker underscores that words are central to teaching, testifying, and performing miracles within the church, but also warns that Satan understands and tries to undermine the power of truthful words.

00:10:00

In this segment, the video discusses the biblical conflict between Michael and his angels against the dragon and his angels, highlighting that the Great Dragon, also known as the devil, was cast out after failing to prevail. It emphasizes the power of words, noting how Lucifer deceived many heavenly beings and how those who resisted did so through the blood of the Lamb and their testimony. The speaker addresses the modern-day challenge of discerning truth amidst an overwhelming amount of information from various sources like social media and streaming platforms, exacerbated by the rise of artificial intelligence, which can produce plausible but false content. The segment also touches on the dangers of flattery, defined as gratifying by falsification, and how it is used to manipulate and gain followers, citing examples from the Book of Mormon.

00:15:00

In this segment, the speaker discusses the concept of flattery as a manipulative tool often utilized by politicians, companies, and influencers to sway beliefs and actions. They emphasize that flattery is intended to undermine the doctrine of Christ by drawing power from the devil. The challenge for disciples of Christ is to recognize and reject flattery, just as they overcame Lucifer pre-mortally through the blood of the lamb and their testimony.

The segment then shifts to the significance of the temple and teachings from the Prophets of God. The speaker shares their personal experience with temple attendance, recounting how initial reluctance and obedience evolved into a deeper understanding and emotional strength. They reference key scriptures from Doctrine and Covenants, highlighting the profound spiritual privileges and empowerment received through temple covenants, including knowledge, priesthood power, and angelic help.

The speaker underscores that regular temple attendance provides celestial training and has personally helped them navigate disappointments, pressures, and anxieties. The temple experience allows for direct divine teaching and revelation, suggesting that spending time in the temple facilitates personal growth and divine guidance.

00:20:00

In this segment, the speaker shares personal experiences and teachings about the significance and power of temples, emphasizing their role in strengthening faith through Jesus Christ’s Doctrine and covenants. President Russell Nelson’s influence and the respect he commands globally are highlighted, evidenced by dignitaries requesting to meet with him and notable recognitions. Examples include a U.S. ambassador from Eastern Europe and a Muslim leader praising their unique experiences with the First Presidency, and President Nelson receiving accolades such as the inaugural Gandhi King Mandela Peace Prize. The speaker underscores the power and impact of prophets’ words and actions on both individual and global scales.

00:25:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the unique spiritual authority and insight attributed to Prophets, Seers, and Revelators within the Church. They emphasize that the special feeling people experience in the presence of these leaders, such as President Russell M. Nelson and the Quorum of The Twelve Apostles, is due to the priesthood keys they hold, not their personal presence. These leaders are considered the most reliable source of truth on Earth because they are ordained to witness Jesus Christ and possess the ability to foresee and reveal divine truths which ordinary people, including influential figures like journalists and scholars, cannot. The speaker argues that critics should be cautious when challenging or criticizing these leaders, as doing so is akin to criticizing the Lord’s messengers. Following the prophets is described not as blind obedience, but as active and wise discipleship, considering their ability to foresee things others cannot.

00:30:00

In this part of the video, the speaker emphasizes the distinction between the personal imperfections of prophets and the divine accuracy of the revelations they share. Joseph Smith’s acknowledgment of his own imperfections is highlighted, along with the notion that church policies may change as the organization matures, while core doctrine remains unchanged. The video stresses that the uniqueness of the Church’s organizational structure, requiring unanimity among the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, ensures decisions are guided by the Holy Spirit and not individual biases. Trust in prophets is encouraged due to their pure motives focused on the eternal welfare of souls, rather than personal gain. The ultimate authority and head of the Church is Jesus Christ, underscoring the idea that following the prophet is an act of placing trust in God and Jesus.

00:35:00

In this part of the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preparing for the Celestial Kingdom and highlights the rigorous nature of this preparation. They discuss the power of the words from covenant-keeping women, drawing parallels to the 2000 Stripling Warriors whose faith was inspired by their mothers’ teachings. President Russell M. Nelson’s assertion that women are pivotal for the future is quoted, stressing that women’s words have the power to mold lives, touch hearts, and build faith.

The speaker encourages women to support each other and use their words to bear witness to the truth, emphasizing that their testimony of Jesus Christ has the power to change lives. They highlight the significance of the temple and prophets in guiding individuals to Christ, asserting that through Christ’s strength, all things are possible. The presentation concludes with a testimony of Jesus Christ and the importance of following prophetic guidance, delivered at the BYU Women’s Conference on May 5, 2023.