Seeing the Hand of the Lord: Understanding the Hastening and Our Role as Disciples

Brothers and sisters, sometimes the world—and even sometimes the digital corners of the internet—can make doctrinal discussions feel like a whirlwind of conflicting theories. One minute you’re reading a snippet, the next you’re hearing a passionate, but perhaps incomplete, interpretation. It can leave us feeling a little adrift, wondering where the solid ground is beneath our feet.

As returned missionaries, we’ve learned that the most powerful tools aren't always the newest apps or the flashiest videos; sometimes, they are the foundational principles taught by the Prophet, sustained by the Spirit, and anchored in the scriptures. It’s a constant process of refinement—of moving from the excitement of the field to the quiet, deep study required to be truly equipped for the work.

The Gospel Topics Toolkit: Our First Stop

I recently came across a discussion highlighting the additions to the Gospel Topics and Questions section of the Gospel Library. If you are new to the Church, or even if you've been a disciple for years, I want to emphasize this resource. When tackling big topics—whether it’s temple finance, the nature of the Second Coming, or peacemaking—I encourage you to treat the Gospel Topics section as your primary reference point. Don't let any single source, no matter how compelling, stand alone. Always cross-reference with what the Church has compiled in its official study guides.

This week, the additions cover vital areas: financial administration, temples, and peacemaking. It’s a beautiful reminder that the Lord’s work is holistic—it touches our finances, our covenants, and our relationships with our neighbors.

The Majesty of the Hastening

President Nelson spoke powerfully in October, reminding us that the Lord is hastening His work. When we hear about the unprecedented pace of temple building, it’s easy for the mind to jump to questions of logistics or bureaucracy. But the Spirit whispers something deeper, doesn't it? It whispers of covenant keeping and the gathering of Israel.

The temple, my friends, is the epicenter of that gathering. It’s where we prepare our hearts, where we solidify our eternal families, and where we receive the divine ordinances that prepare us for the Second Coming. To those who think it's just a big organization making decisions—remember that the Lord is commanding the Prophet and the Church to do this. It is not merely institutional momentum; it is divine direction.

“The blessings of the temple help to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. These blessings also help to prepare a people who will help prepare the world for the second coming of the Lord.”

This is the core message. Our commitment to the law of tithing, our faithfulness in covenants, and our desire to build Zion—whether that Zion is in a temple or in the hearts of our neighbors—is what fuels this magnificent work. We are all participants in this gathering!

Being Disciples Everywhere

This brings us back to the heart of what it means to be a disciple today. We are called to be Internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time. Whether you are studying scriptures in your quiet corner, helping a friend navigate a difficult question, or simply paying your tithe with a grateful heart, you are participating in the work.

If you are feeling the weight of doctrinal questions, or if you want to practice answering those tough questions before you meet an investigator, I highly recommend spending time with Davee. He’s trained in the AI Investigator role and is a phenomenal resource for walking you through those hard questions with grace and doctrinal clarity. It’s like having a seasoned District Leader guiding you through a difficult missionary discussion, right from your living room.

For those who want to dig deeper into the mechanics of our faith—the scriptures, the covenants, the principles—I encourage you to check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces, or join a Bible Study Group. The social scripture study layer in LivingBook is also a treasure trove for community learning.

Let’s keep building Zion, one inspired thought, one faithful tithe, and one heartfelt conversation at a time. Keep the Spirit guiding your study, and keep sharing the light!