The Final Sign: Globalizing the Gospel and Our Vigilance

Sometimes, when we’re deep in the work—whether we’re in the field, sitting through missionary discussions, or just tackling our own week of personal study—the sheer scope of what we are doing can feel overwhelming. It’s a massive, eternal undertaking. We talk about the Second Coming, and the timeline always seems to be the biggest question mark.

But lately, I’ve been pondering a specific teaching from the Savior, one that really hit me while studying Matthew 24. It wasn't about a secret code, or a specific celestial event we need to watch for. It was about something far more profound, something that speaks directly to the heart of what we, as Latter-day Saints, are called to do.

It’s about the gospel going global. It’s the final sign.

The Gospel Going Global: The Trigger Point

When we look at the transcript excerpt, Jesus’s disciples asked about the signs of His coming. He warned them about wars, famines, and false prophets—all things we see playing out in the world today. But the piece that kept drawing my attention was this: “...and this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14).

Think about that. It’s not a cosmic alarm clock; it’s a mission report. The final sign isn't a visual spectacle; it's a spiritual milestone—the moment every nation has heard the testimony of Jesus Christ. And honestly, brothers and sisters, the way the Lord is orchestrating that today, with the internet, with the ability to translate scriptures into thousands of languages, it feels like we are living right in the middle of that unfolding process.

Our Response: Running With the Current

This realization, while deeply encouraging, also brings a certain urgency. If the work is globalizing—and it *is*! We have amazing tools in our hands, whether it’s through a Book Club in HolyPlaces, or even just using the social scripture study layer in LivingBook to share a powerful insight—then our response cannot be passive. We can’t afford to be standing still.

I remember when I was first getting back from my mission. I thought I knew what "being a missionary" meant. I thought it was about the structured time in the field. But what I learned—what I’m trying to teach now, as a returned missionary—is that the calling doesn't end when you get your transfer papers. The calling *is* the transfer. It’s becoming an internet missionary, a disciple anywhere, all the time.

If we feel that pit in our stomach—that natural anxiety about the world’s trajectory—let’s channel it into focused action. How can we make sure *our* corner of the world, our immediate circle, hears the truth? Do you know someone who has never even heard the full testimony of the restored gospel? That’s where we focus. That’s where we practice our mission prep skills.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill

This week, as you are engaging in your personal study, I want you to practice the "Bridge Builder" technique. When you are discussing doctrine with a friend or family member, don't just state a fact. Instead, build a bridge from something they *already* believe or value to the truth of the gospel. For example, if they value family tradition, bridge that to the eternal nature of the family unit taught in the Book of Mormon. It makes the gospel feel less like a foreign concept and more like the completion of what they already cherish.

The Lord has given us these tools—the digital connectivity, the scholarly resources in LivingBook, the fellowship in HolyPlaces—to participate in the greatest missionary effort in history. Let’s not treat it like a side project; let’s treat it like the central focus of our discipleship.

If this message resonates with you, please consider joining our next gathering. We’re hosting a virtual Bible Study Group focused on the Book of Mormon parallels to the Restoration. It’s a wonderful way to deepen your knowledge and feel the Spirit together. Details are in the comments below!

Keep studying, keep sharing, and keep testifying!