It is with reverence and solemn reflection that we may ponder all the joys, the struggles, the events, and labors of the past year (2024), both individually and collectively in pursuit of our election, calling, and stewardship of the blessings we have received as the sons and daughters of God in this Second Invitation. When we review our part in the presence and light of God, we should feel the revelatory strength of his guiding hand in the rebuilding, the redoubling, and the refining of our labors going forward in accordance with the word of God as given through the words and testimonies of the prophets of God throughout all the dispensations of time. We should recall and reflect upon the gentle, inspiring, and trying moments wherein we have been faithful in moving this work forward and wherein we have been reluctant, or held back our full strength, and thereby given license to the adversary to sow discord. Let us go forward in the exceeding great and precious promises of the Lord (2 Peter 1:4), walking in the full and pleasant unity of the spirit (Psalms 133:1-3) as we solemnly embark (Psalms 46:10) upon this next phase of the journey in all humility and meekness throughout the new year (2025). Yes, let us here and now dedicate our lives with divine resilience as we walk in the presence of the promises of the Lord with the sincerity of heart and moved by contrite feelings (Nephites 13:14-15) that moves the hand of God (Sealed Moses 5:35).
Yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion, who have obeyed my gospel; for they shall receive for their reward the good things of the earth, and it shall bring forth in its strength.
And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time—they that are faithful and diligent before me. (D&C 59:3-4).
The Editorial in the August 2024 Herald of the Second Invitation introduced the empaneling of the two quorums in accordance with the revelations given through the Prophet Maurício to the General Authorities. Those selected have been fervently engaged in the development of the five ministries and instructional materials as established by the Apostle Paul for the perfecting of the Saints that we may fulfil the purposes of God in transforming his people in the stature of the fulness of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16). This was and is the impetus selecting the Quorum of Apostles in Zion under the direction of this Church of Christ Presidency and the Executive Quorum of Apostles under the Direction of the United Order Presidency. This project represents the carving and fitting of the columns of the spiritual temple of the Lord as they are grouped and unified in only one purpose in building the work commissioned by God in the recent and all past revelations (Nephites 7:8). This purpose in the perfecting of the people of God as citizens of Zion.
This project, coming from God, requires first that the people possess the citizenship of Zion in their hearts and this will be the means by which the people of God will show themselves apt and worthy to live in Zion, having a broken heart and a contrite spirit before the Lord. (Nephites 7:6).
Our living Prophet Maurício Artur Berger announced a program being developed by the leadership so that we can establish a path for members of this Church of Christ. May we understand and gradually gain the conditions to become part of the United Order over which he presides. This process will require the vigilant labors of all to establish and strengthen the missions and branches and accommodate the sacrament of the Lord in accordance with the instructions of heaven as given in the revelations and the ministration of the three Nephites.
We will not hesitate to send apostles to these branches, whether their numbers are large or small, to appoint and ordain local elders and bishops, chosen from among their number, so that together with the body of General Authorities they may shepherd and supervise the flock. —Acts 14:21-23; 20:17, 28 … For this work to move forward in an orderly and unified manner, it is vital that the apostles of both quorums be men and women who are determined to participate in the work Jesus has commissioned them to do and who, by their selfless example, encourage others to do the same. (Herald, August Issue, Announcement).
This is a phase going forward that will verily try the souls of men as in the days of the first invitation wherein Brother Joseph Smith admonished the Apostles:
Stand fast, ye Saints of God, hold on a little while longer, and the storm of life will be past, and you will be rewarded by that God whose servants you are, and who will duly appreciate all your toils and afflictions for Christ’s sake and the Gospel’s. your names will be handed down to posterity as Saints of God and virtuous men. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.185). The Lord has given us this promise:
And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time—they that are faithful and diligent before me. Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him. (D&C 59:4-5).
