Gospel fundamentals for recent converts
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Speaking to recent converts, Elder David S. Baxter of the Seventy shared three gospel fundamentals he "learned along the way" after joining the Church himself.
"First is the motivating, transforming power of faith in Jesus Christ," Elder Baxter said in the Saturday morning session. "Such faith is like spiritual oxygen. As we allow faith to freely flow within us, it awakens and enlivens our spiritual senses. It breathes life into our very souls."
Faith fuels hope and allows people to be spiritually sensitive to the whisperings of the Spirit.
Second, Elder Baxter said, service prompts growth.
"Selfless service is a wonderful antidote to the ills that flow from the worldwide epidemic of self-indulgence," he said. "Some grow bitter or anxious when it seems that not enough attention is being paid to them, when their lives would be so enriched if only they paid more attention to the needs of others."
Service helps people rise above their own cares, concerns and challenges. Miraculously, their own burdens diminish. "We become happier. There is more substance in our lives."
Third, discipleship does not guarantee freedom from the storms of life.
"Even as we are wending our way carefully and faithfully along the straight and narrow path, we encounter obstacle and challenge," Elder Baxter said. "There are days, perhaps even months and years, when life is just hard. We experience our fair share of adversity, heartache, loneliness, pain, grief. Sometimes, it seems, more than our fair share."
Safety, security and hope can be found by holding fast to that which is good, he said.
"As the mists of darkness gather around us, we are only lost if we choose to let go of the iron rod, which is the word of God."
