News Release

Apostle Attends Sydney Australia Hebersham Stake Conference

Elder David A. Bednar tells Sydney Latter-day Saints: ‘We are here on earth to become new creatures through Christ’

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Susan Bednar, attended the Sydney Australia Hebersham Stake Conference Sunday (22 February 2015).

Elder Bednar told members and guests of the Church in attendance, “You don’t get over the selfish natural man or natural woman tendencies by yourself, it takes the redeeming power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

“We are to become new creatures through Christ — that’s why we’re here on the earth — to become what God would have us become.”

Elder Bednar referred the congregation to Matthew 4:11, where the Saviour was tempted several times.

“In every instance in the Saviour’s life, He turns outward to others when the natural man or woman in each of us would want us to turn into ourselves.”

Elder Bednar cited the New Testament account of Peter cutting off the ear of a guard as Jesus was being arrested — and Christ’s healing of the guard’s ear.

“Jesus’ time on the cross, when He was suffering much physical pain, He turned to John and asked him to care for His mother. And after all the indignities of His arrest and crucifixion, He asked God to forgive them, “for they know not what they do.”

Elder Bednar continued: “The Father’s plan of happiness is — as we His children come to earth — that we will make good choices so that we may be worthy to return to Him.”

“As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I declare my witness that He lives. With all the various voices that are calling from the world, cling to your covenants and God will never leave you comfortless.”

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