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Slide Notes
On Tuesday, August 19, 2014, Elder David A. Bednar gave the keynote address at BYU Education Week, title: To Sweep the Earth As With A Flood.
His topic was member use of social media and the Internet. He emphasized that this address is part two to a talk he gave in 2009 titled "Things as They Really Are."
In that address, he “discussed the spiritual potential and pitfalls of various technologies in our modern world.”
This address “build[s] upon and extend[s] that previous message by focusing upon three related and important topics:
His topic was member use of social media and the Internet. He emphasized that this address is part two to a talk he gave in 2009 titled "Things as They Really Are."
In that address, he “discussed the spiritual potential and pitfalls of various technologies in our modern world.”
This address “build[s] upon and extend[s] that previous message by focusing upon three related and important topics:
To Sweep the Earth As With a Flood
Published on Nov 25, 2015
Social media presentation based upon Elder David A. Bednar's BYU Education Week devotional.
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
To Sweep the Earth As With a Flood
Elder David A. Bednar
On Tuesday, August 19, 2014, Elder David A. Bednar gave the keynote address at BYU Education Week, title: To Sweep the Earth As With A Flood.
His topic was member use of social media and the Internet. He emphasized that this address is part two to a talk he gave in 2009 titled "Things as They Really Are."
In that address, he “discussed the spiritual potential and pitfalls of various technologies in our modern world.”
This address “build[s] upon and extend[s] that previous message by focusing upon three related and important topics:
His topic was member use of social media and the Internet. He emphasized that this address is part two to a talk he gave in 2009 titled "Things as They Really Are."
In that address, he “discussed the spiritual potential and pitfalls of various technologies in our modern world.”
This address “build[s] upon and extend[s] that previous message by focusing upon three related and important topics:
Photo by More Good Foundation
things as they really are
- The Dispensation in Which We Are Living.
- The Dispensation of Fulness of Times and Technology.
- Social Media.
(1) The unique season in the history of the world in which we live, even “the dispensation of the fulness of times,”
(2) The inspired technological and communication innovations that have come forth in this decisive dispensation, and
(3) How we appropriately use these powerful tools to advance the work of salvation in all of the world.
(2) The inspired technological and communication innovations that have come forth in this decisive dispensation, and
(3) How we appropriately use these powerful tools to advance the work of salvation in all of the world.
Photo by Doblonaut
The dispensation in Which we are living
“We live in a truly distinctive dispensation.”
The Dispensation in which we live.
“We live in a truly distinctive dispensation.”
“We live in a truly distinctive dispensation.”
“A gospel dispensation is a period of time in which the necessary priesthood authority, ordinances, and doctrinal knowledge are found on the earth to implement the Father’s plan of salvation for His children. Essential to the establishment of a dispensation is an authorized servant of God, a dispensation head, who holds and exercises the authority and keys of the holy priesthood.”
“A gospel dispensation is a period of time in which the necessary priesthood authority, ordinances, and doctrinal knowledge are found on the earth to implement the Father’s plan of salvation for His children. Essential to the establishment of a dispensation is an authorized servant of God, a dispensation head, who holds and exercises the authority and keys of the holy priesthood.”
“All the ordinances and duties that ever have been required by the Priesthood, under the directions and commandments of the Almighty in any of the dispensations, shall all be had in the last dispensation … , bringing to pass the restoration spoken of by the mouth of all the Holy Prophets” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 511).
“All the ordinances and duties that ever have been required by the Priesthood, under the directions and commandments of the Almighty in any of the dispensations, shall all be had in the last dispensation … , bringing to pass the restoration spoken of by the mouth of all the Holy Prophets” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 511).
As the Apostle Paul declared, “In the dispensation of the fulness of times [God will] gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him” (Ephesians 1:10).”
As the Apostle Paul declared, “In the dispensation of the fulness of times [God will] gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him” (Ephesians 1:10).”
Photo by More Good Foundation
The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times and Technology
The dispensation of the fulness of times and technology.
“We are blessed to live, learn, and serve in this most remarkable dispensation. An important aspect of the fulness that is available to us in this special season is a miraculous progression of innovations and inventions that have enabled and accelerated the work of salvation: from trains to telegraphs to radios to automobiles to airplanes to telephones to transistors to televisions to computers to satellite transmissions to the Internet—and to an almost endless list of technologies and tools that bless our lives. All of these advancements are part of the Lord hastening His work in the latter days.”
“We are blessed to live, learn, and serve in this most remarkable dispensation. An important aspect of the fulness that is available to us in this special season is a miraculous progression of innovations and inventions that have enabled and accelerated the work of salvation: from trains to telegraphs to radios to automobiles to airplanes to telephones to transistors to televisions to computers to satellite transmissions to the Internet—and to an almost endless list of technologies and tools that bless our lives. All of these advancements are part of the Lord hastening His work in the latter days.”
"Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind has been given by direct revelation from God, though but few acknowledge it. It has been given with a view to prepare the way for the ultimate triumph of truth, and the redemption of the earth from the power of sin and Satan. We should take advantage of all these great discoveries, the accumulated wisdom of ages, and give to our children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954], 18–19).”
“In 1862 Brigham Young said: "Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind has been given by direct revelation from God, though but few acknowledge it. It has been given with a view to prepare the way for the ultimate triumph of truth, and the redemption of the earth from the power of sin and Satan. We should take advantage of all these great discoveries, the accumulated wisdom of ages, and give to our children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954], 18–19).” (Create slide.)
Elder Bednar then quoted President Spencer W. Kimball, on missionary work, from a prophetic regional priesthood training presentation that he gave in 1974!
“"I believe that the Lord is anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a glimpse. …
““With the Lord providing these miracles of communication, and with the increased efforts and devotion of our missionaries and all of us, and all others who are ‘sent,’ surely the divine injunction will come to pass: ‘For, verily, the sound must go forth from this place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth—the gospel must be preached unto every creature’ (D&C 58:64)” (“When the World Will Be Converted,” Ensign,Oct. 1974, 10–11).”
SHARE video clip from presentation created from same address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1qjBgysRig
Elder Bednar then quoted President Spencer W. Kimball, on missionary work, from a prophetic regional priesthood training presentation that he gave in 1974!
“"I believe that the Lord is anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a glimpse. …
““With the Lord providing these miracles of communication, and with the increased efforts and devotion of our missionaries and all of us, and all others who are ‘sent,’ surely the divine injunction will come to pass: ‘For, verily, the sound must go forth from this place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth—the gospel must be preached unto every creature’ (D&C 58:64)” (“When the World Will Be Converted,” Ensign,Oct. 1974, 10–11).”
SHARE video clip from presentation created from same address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1qjBgysRig
President Spencer W. Kimball
"I believe that the Lord is anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a glimpse."
"I believe that the Lord is anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a glimpse."
“With the Lord providing these miracles of communication, and with the increased efforts and devotion of our missionaries and all of us, and all others who are ‘sent,’ surely the divine injunction will come to pass: ‘For, verily, the sound must go forth from this place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth—the gospel must be preached unto every creature’ (D&C 58:64)” (“When the World Will Be Converted,” Ensign,Oct. 1974, 10–11).”
SHARE video clip from presentation created from same address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1qjBgysRig
“With the Lord providing these miracles of communication, and with the increased efforts and devotion of our missionaries and all of us, and all others who are ‘sent,’ surely the divine injunction will come to pass: ‘For, verily, the sound must go forth from this place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth—the gospel must be preached unto every creature’ (D&C 58:64)” (“When the World Will Be Converted,” Ensign,Oct. 1974, 10–11).”
SHARE video clip from presentation created from same address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1qjBgysRig
“Messages and pictures that used to require days, weeks, and months to send and receive now can be communicated around the world in seconds. We thank thee, O God, for the prophets who have taught and prepared us for the time in which we live—and who have urged us to use technological advancements to support the ongoing mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
“Messages and pictures that used to require days, weeks, and months to send and receive now can be communicated around the world in seconds. We thank thee, O God, for the prophets who have taught and prepared us for the time in which we live—and who have urged us to use technological advancements to support the ongoing mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” ~ David A Bednar (Create slide.)
Social Media
Average Monthly users
- Facebook - 1.2 Billion.
- YouTube - One Billion.
- Twitter - 250 Million.
- Instagram - 150 Million.
- Pinterest - 70 Million.
Facebook is a networking service used to share messages, images, links, and videos with family, friends, and followers—and has approximately 1.2 billion average monthly users.
YouTube is a platform through which videos can be distributed, viewed, rated, and shared—and has approximately one billion average monthly users.
Twitter is a means of sending and receiving short, quick text messages and images called tweets—and has approximately 250 million average monthly users.
Instagram allows the sharing of pictures and short videos—and has approximately 150 million average monthly users.
Pinterest is a virtual bulletin board used to collect and share content and images from around the web—and has approximately 70 million average monthly users.
YouTube is a platform through which videos can be distributed, viewed, rated, and shared—and has approximately one billion average monthly users.
Twitter is a means of sending and receiving short, quick text messages and images called tweets—and has approximately 250 million average monthly users.
Instagram allows the sharing of pictures and short videos—and has approximately 150 million average monthly users.
Pinterest is a virtual bulletin board used to collect and share content and images from around the web—and has approximately 70 million average monthly users.
“The Lord is hastening His work, and it is no coincidence that these powerful communication innovations and inventions are occurring in the dispensation of the fulness of times. Social media channels are global tools that can personally and positively impact large numbers of individuals and families.”
“The Lord is hastening His work, and it is no coincidence that these powerful communication innovations and inventions are occurring in the dispensation of the fulness of times. Social media channels are global tools that can personally and positively impact large numbers of individuals and families.”
“I believe the time has come for us as disciples of Christ to use these inspired tools [social media] appropriately and more effectively to testify of God the Eternal Father, His plan of happiness for His children, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world; to proclaim the reality of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days; and to accomplish the Lord’s work.”
“I believe the time has come for us as disciples of Christ to use these inspired tools [social media] appropriately and more effectively to testify of God the Eternal Father, His plan of happiness for His children, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world; to proclaim the reality of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days; and to accomplish the Lord’s work.”
Photo by Travis S.
Elder Bednar shared six, recent examples of ways the Church and its members have used
SOCIAL MEDIA
to create gospel conversations, online, and the impact of this combined effort to “noise abroad” the good news of the gospel. Today, we will review three.
(1) Because of Him Church initiative. “To honor the true meaning of Easter, the Church earlier this year produced and distributed a two minute and 40 second video entitled Because of Him. This message focused on the hope, healing, and salvation made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.” Hashtag: #BecauseofHim.
Untitled Slide
Show video: http://easter.mormon.org/
“Because the Church, its members, and those of other faiths actively shared the video on social channels, it was viewed more than five million times during Easter week in 191 countries and territories of the world.”
Untitled Slide
General Authority Social Media Accounts
“This summer the Church established an official Instagram account. In late June and early July, images were shared of President Monson and President Eyring at the Gilbert Arizona cultural celebration, President Monson and President Eyring at a temple dedication, and President Uchtdorf meeting a young girl during a recent trip to Switzerland.”
“What is unique about these photos? The members of the First Presidency themselves specifically chose the photos to be posted.”
“What is unique about these photos? The members of the First Presidency themselves specifically chose the photos to be posted.”
Untitled Slide
“You also may have noticed that some of the Brethren now have their own Twitter accounts, including Elder Ballard, Elder Holland, and me. Additional members of the Twelve may be active on Twitter in the near future.
”
”
Untitled Slide
All of the Brethren also have their own Facebook pages on which they communicate important gospel messages.
So, 'follow' the prophets'!
So, 'follow' the prophets'!
“Social media are helping the leaders and members of the restored Church to fulfill the Lord’s mandate to “go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).”
“Social media are helping the leaders and members of the restored Church to fulfill the Lord’s mandate to “go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).”
Untitled Slide
“Many of you noticed the #LDSconf hashtag that was displayed on the lower left corner of the screen during the October 2013 and April 2014 general conference broadcasts.
What you may not know is that members have used this hashtag to promote general conference for years.
The first use of the #LDSconf hashtag dates back to October 2008, when it was created by a faithful member looking for an opportunity to follow and share conference-related tweets—long before the Church started using it.”
What you may not know is that members have used this hashtag to promote general conference for years.
The first use of the #LDSconf hashtag dates back to October 2008, when it was created by a faithful member looking for an opportunity to follow and share conference-related tweets—long before the Church started using it.”
Meet the Mormons
“A few years ago, the First Presidency approved the production of a feature-length film to help those not of our faith better understand Latter-day Saints as a people. This new film, titled Meet the Mormons, originally was scheduled to be shown exclusively in the Legacy Theater in Salt Lake City and in visitors’ centers around the world. However, with the growth of the social media technologies we have discussed today, we realized that worldwide distribution of the film was now possible through various digital channels.
As Elder M. Russell Ballard explained: “In Shakespeare’s time, he was limited generally to the Globe Theatre, but we now have a global theater. … The doors to the world are literally opened wide” (“When Shall These Things Be?” [Brigham Young University devotional, Mar. 12, 1996], 6; speeches.byu.edu).”
As Elder M. Russell Ballard explained: “In Shakespeare’s time, he was limited generally to the Globe Theatre, but we now have a global theater. … The doors to the world are literally opened wide” (“When Shall These Things Be?” [Brigham Young University devotional, Mar. 12, 1996], 6; speeches.byu.edu).”
“Meet the Mormons addresses common misperceptions about our beliefs and highlights the blessings that come from living the gospel of Jesus Christ. The film will be released after October general conference in several media and channels—first in select theaters in the United States and then, later, in visitors’ centers and on television, Internet movie channels, and social media channels.”
“Meet the Mormons addresses common misperceptions about our beliefs and highlights the blessings that come from living the gospel of Jesus Christ. The film will be released after October general conference in several media and channels—first in select theaters in the United States and then, later, in visitors’ centers and on television, Internet movie channels, and social media channels.”
Show Trailer
Show Trailer
Social Media Guidelines
- Be Authentic and Consistent.
- Edify and Uplift.
- Respect Intellectual Property.
- Be Wise and Vigilant.
Show video segment
1. Be authentic and consistent. Be truthful, honest and accurate online. Our content on social media should be uplifting and constructive, showing we are Disciples of Christ.
2. Edify and Uplift. Don't argue, debate, condemn, or belittle. Share the gospel with genuine love and concern, even if you are bold in defending your beliefs. We should use social media channels to project the light and truth of the restored gospel into a dark and confused world.
3. Respect Intellectual Property. Don't create your own content using someone else's art, name, photos, music, video, or other content without permission.
****Another big announcement was made at this point: "The content in Media Library on LDS.org, unless otherwise indicated, has been cleared for use by members without seeking permission from the Church." Go so social.lds.org for more info.****
4. Be Wise and Vigilant. The most memorable line from this section: The Internet never forgets. He reminded members’ that no matter what the app or program says, something posted on the Internet will be there forever, so be wise with what you post.
1. Be authentic and consistent. Be truthful, honest and accurate online. Our content on social media should be uplifting and constructive, showing we are Disciples of Christ.
2. Edify and Uplift. Don't argue, debate, condemn, or belittle. Share the gospel with genuine love and concern, even if you are bold in defending your beliefs. We should use social media channels to project the light and truth of the restored gospel into a dark and confused world.
3. Respect Intellectual Property. Don't create your own content using someone else's art, name, photos, music, video, or other content without permission.
****Another big announcement was made at this point: "The content in Media Library on LDS.org, unless otherwise indicated, has been cleared for use by members without seeking permission from the Church." Go so social.lds.org for more info.****
4. Be Wise and Vigilant. The most memorable line from this section: The Internet never forgets. He reminded members’ that no matter what the app or program says, something posted on the Internet will be there forever, so be wise with what you post.
An Apostolic Invitation
Show video segment on computer or online.
"Beginning at this place on this day, I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally sweep the earth as with a flood.”
"Beginning at this place on this day, I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally sweep the earth as with a flood.”
Photo by Philerooski
Promised Blessings and Testimony
"As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I invoke this blessing upon you: that you may come to understand more fully the spiritual significance and blessing of living in the dispensation of the fulness of times, that you may have eyes to see clearly both the possibilities and the pitfalls of the remarkable technologies that are available to us today, that you may increase in your capacity to use these inspired tools appropriately, and that you may receive inspiration and guidance about the role you should play in helping to sweep the earth as with a flood of truth and righteousness.
Photo by Justin in SD
"As you press forward in this holy work, I promise you will be blessed in mortality in the individual, specific, and necessary ways that will prepare you for eternity. I so bless you."
"As you press forward in this holy work, I promise you will be blessed in mortality in the individual, specific, and necessary ways that will prepare you for eternity. I so bless you."
