My dear brothers and sisters we live in a most difficult dispensation. Challenges controversies complexities swirl around us. These turbulent times were foreseen by the Savior. He warned us that our day adversary would stir up anger hearts of men lead them astray. Yet Heavenly Father never intended deal with maze personal problems social issues on own. God so loved world sent His Only Begotten Son to help And Son Jesus Christ gave life for All could have access godly power?—power sufficient burdens obstacles temptations day. Today I like speak about how can draw into lives power Lord Master Christ. We begin learning Him. “It is impossible us be saved ignorance.” The more know Savior’s ministry mission?—the understand doctrine what did us?—the provide need lives. Earlier this year asked young adults Church consecrate portion their time each week study everything said as recorded standard works. invited let scriptural citations Christ Topical Guide become core curriculum. challenge because had already accepted it myself. read underlined every verse cited listed under main heading 57 subtitles Guide. When finished exciting exercise my wife me impact me. told her “I am different man!” felt renewed devotion Him again Book Mormon own statement mission mortality. declared: came do will Father “And might lifted upon cross.” As Latter-day Saints refer Atonement which made resurrection reality all eternal possible those who repent sins receive keep essential ordinances covenants. It doctrinally incomplete Lord’s atoning sacrifice shortcut phrases such “the Atonement” or enabling “applying “being strengthened Atonement.” expressions present real risk misdirecting faith treating event if living existence capabilities independent Under Father’s great plan Savior suffered. broke bands death. paid price transgressions blots out condition repentance. delivers from physical spiritual There no amorphous entity called may call succor healing forgiveness power. source. Sacred terms Resurrection describe did according hope gain come. sacrifice?—the central act human history?—is best understood appreciated when expressly clearly connect importance was emphasized Prophet Joseph Smith declared emphatically fundamental principles religion are testimony Apostles Prophets concerning died buried rose third day ascended heaven other things pertain only appendages it.” very provided incentive 15 prophets seers revelators issue sign commemorate 2000th anniversary birth. That historic titled “The Living Christ.” Many members memorized its truths. Others barely existence. you seek learn urge invest sacrifice drawn participate another key element accessing power: choose follow True disciples willing stand out up people world. They undaunted devoted courageous. learned during recent assignment Mexico where met government officials well leaders religious denominations. Each thanked members’ heroic successful efforts protect preserve strong marriages families country. nothing easy automatic becoming powerful disciples. Our focus must riveted gospel. mentally rigorous strive look unto thought. But do doubts fears flee. Recently fearless Laurel. She statewide competition her high school same evening she committed stake Relief Society meeting. realized conflict explained leave early attend an important meeting disqualified so. What latter-day Laurel do? kept commitment promised competition. decision replied simply “Well important isn’t it?” Faith propels otherwise not do. motivates action gives also increase make sacred covenants precision. bind give faithful disciples waters baptism. walk along covenant path ordinances. gratefully God’s plan provides blessings extended ancestors died without opportunity obtain mortal Covenant-keeping women ways themselves unspotted there blocking One mother wrote recently: “These troubled perilous times. How blessed increased knowledge salvation inspired guidance loving apostles sail these stormy seas safely. stopped habit turning radio morning. Instead now listen general conference talk mobile phones morning prepare ourselves day.” Another drawing reach faith. Such reaching requires diligent focused effort. Drawing Power Lives April 2017 2010–2019 Russell M. Nelson