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Elder Ronald A. Rasband: 'Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection'

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Notable quotes:

"Our homes are fortresses against the evils of the world."

"Our homes are only as powerful as the spiritual strength of each one of us within the walls."

"When we live the gospel of Jesus Christ, when we draw upon the Savior’s Atonement and press forward with faith, not fear, we are fortified against the wiles of the adversary."

Summary points:

  1. The home should be a fortress that keeps spiritual enemies outside.
  2. The “Come, Follow Me” curriculum is designed to deepen conversion.
  3. Fortification from Satan comes by being obedient, trusting God and renewing sacred covenants.

Talk summary:

People have long built fortresses throughout history to keep the enemy outside. Such fortresses often included a guard tower where watchmen — like prophets — warned of danger and coming attacks.

"Our homes are fortresses against the evils of the world. In our homes we come unto Christ by learning to follow His commandments, by studying the scriptures and praying together, and by helping one another stay on the covenant path.

"The new emphasis on personal and family study in the home through the curriculum 'Come, Follow Me' is designed to “deepen our conversion and help us become more like Jesus Christ.”

By living with faith in Christ, one can feel the peaceful presence of the Holy Ghost, who is a guide to truth and blessings.

"But remember, our homes are only as powerful as the spiritual strength of each one of us within the walls."

Christ's followers are at war with Satan, who knows his days are numbered. "For our protection we must build a fortress of spirituality and protection for our very souls, a fortress that will not be penetrated by the evil one."

Fortification from the Satan's evil efforts comes by being obedient, trusting the Lord, standing for truth, frequently renewing sacred covenants and living a life of integrity.

"When we live the gospel of Jesus Christ, when we draw upon the Savior’s Atonement and press forward with faith, not fear, we are fortified against the wiles of the adversary. Our testimonies connect us to the heavens, and we are blessed with the truth of all things."

In the news:

In February 2019, Elder Rasband called teen suicide a “crisis reaching all around the world” and shared a message of hope in Christ.

Watch this video of Elder Rasband and Elder Bednar leading a tour of the temple in Rome.

Elder Rasband and Elder Bednar were the first to give tours of the Rome Italy Temple for journalists and political dignitaries in January 2019.

During his October 2018 general conference address, Elder Rasband spoke of courage.

About the speaker:

Before Elder Rasband was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Oct. 3, 2015, he served as a General Authority Seventy for 15 years.

Prior to his call as an Apostle, Elder Rasband traveled hundreds of thousands of miles and filled multiple passports during his service to Church members.

Although he attended the University of Utah, Elder Rasband never graduated due to a business opportunity. But in 1995, he received an honorary doctorate of business and commerce from Utah Valley State College.

Recently on social:

  • Elder Rasband shared on Instagram how he had been appointed by President Nelson to help be a part of the task force in Utah to help “tackle the surge in teen suicides.”
  • Watch this video of Elder Rasband and Elder David A. Bednar in front of the Mamertine Prison in Rome, Italy where it is believed the ancient apostles Peter and Paul were once held captive.
  • At the start of the new year, Elder Rasband said that the new Church schedule and studying doctrine in the home will bring members closer to the Lord.
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