Saturday, October 2, 2010

14 Fundamentals in Following The Prophet by Ezra Taft Benson


If you heard Elder Claudio R. M. Costa's talk in this first session of General Conference, then you know that the following talk by President Ezra Taft Benson should be the basis for your family's Family Home Evening this week!  Our assignment is to study it and find examples from this conference and discuss with our families.

What an awesome talk!  Here is an excerpt from LDS.org

"...Let us summarize this grand key, these “Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet”, for our salvation depends on them.



1. The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.

2. The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.

3. The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.

4. The prophet will never lead the church astray.

5. The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.

6. The prophet does not have to say “Thus Saith the Lord,” to give us scripture.

7. The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.

8. The prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.

9. The prophet can receive revelation on any matter, temporal or spiritual.

10. The prophet may advise on civic matters.

11. The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.

12. The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.

13. The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—the highest quorum in the Church.

14. The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the First Presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer.

I testify that these fourteen fundamentals in following the living prophet are true. If we want to know how well we stand with the Lord then let us ask ourselves how well we stand with His mortal captain—how close do our lives harmonize with the Lord’s anointed—the living Prophet—President of the Church, and with the Quorum of the First Presidency.

May God bless us all to look to the Prophet and the Presidency in the critical and crucial days ahead is my prayer."

11 comments:

  1. And it was repeated by Elder Duncan (I think) in the Saturday afternoon session. It must be very important. Thank you for sharing.

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  2. Yes, it was Elder Duncan! I love it when that happens. He also read all 14...

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  3. I'm sure during Elder Costa's talk Elder Duncan was thinking, "Oh no! He's giving my talk, now what will I do?" LOL

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  4. LOVED all of the talks so far! Can't wait until tomorrow!!

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  5. thanks, for reprinting it here. I heard the talk and enjoyed it. Check my blog tomorrow for conference stuff.

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  6. I loved these talks so much! Thanks for putting them up! You are quick!

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  7. Conference was amazing today. So lucky to get another day tomorrow! I'm also looking forward to Monday night because FHE is planned already;)

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  8. I am so glad you provided that talk (so quickly, too). Both times during conference and reading through it now - I have the same reaction. I can hear my inner voice quietly humming the primary song "Follow the Prophet" and examples popping into my mind that confirm the truth of each of the 14 fundamentals. This is important enough to frame and hang next to The Family: A Proclamation to the World - in PLAIN VIEW - where it can be reviewed daily.

    I am still overwhelmed by the words of today's session. I am on overload.

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  9. You forgot to mention Elder Duncan's talk (as has already been posted in comments)... I think that this is definitely a "must study" thing! Thanks for highlighting it already! Anyone think we'll get it again today?

    I've been on the stand to give a talk and had someone "steal" my scripture or quote. And manically flipping through my Scriptures in hopes for an alternate before that youth speaker sits down... What do you do when a General Authority steals your talk at General Conference? Bwahahahahaha :)

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  10. I didn't mention Elder Duncan, because I posted this before Elder Duncan spoke! :)

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