181st Annual General Conference — Church News coverage
"Even though our understanding of the gospel may not be as deep as is our testimony of its truth, if we place our confidence in the Lord, we will be sustained in all of our difficulties, our trials an afflictions," said Elder Benjamin De Hoyos of the Seventy as he quoted Alma 36 in the Sunday afternoon session of conference.
The promise from the Lord to His saints does not imply exemption from trials but that people will be sustained through them.
Elder De Hoyos spoke of representing the Church in a discussion on a radio talk show where the host asked why the Church goes by such a long name, and does not go by a more commercial name.
He and his companion smiled and explained that the name of the Church was not chosen by man; it was given by the Savior through a prophet in the latter days.
Immediately after, the host recognized the significance of saying the entire name and continued to do so with a sweet smile and spirit the rest of the program.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ were first called Christians in the New Testament, "but they called each other saints," Elder De Hoyos said.
"To the degree that members of the Church live the gospel and follow the counsel of the prophets, they will, little by little and even without noticing it, become sanctified," said Elder De Hoyos.
Humble members of the Church who do the little things — conduct daily family prayer and scripture study, engage in family history and consecrate their time to worship in the temple frequently — become saints. These are the saints who are dedicated to creating eternal families.
Saints are also those who respond to a call to serve as the Lord's missionaries.
"Yes, my brothers and sisters, they become saints," Elder De Hoyos said. "To the degree that they discover that warm and wonderful feeling that is called charity, or the pure love of Christ."
Saints can come to know the Savior through afflictions and trials; even Christ had to suffer all things.
"It does not matter the circumstances, trials or challenges that might surround us; an understanding of the doctrine of Christ and His atonement will be the source of our strength and peace."
