Essential Truths—Our Need to Act
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What question did Elder Parrella ask his mother about the afterlife?
- How did the missionaries impact Elder Parrella's family?
- What are the three essential truths Elder Parrella highlights in his talk?
- How does Elder Parrella describe the role of prophets in our lives?
- What is the significance of knowing the true nature of God, according to Elder Parrella?
- Why is Jesus Christ's mission central to our salvation, as explained by Elder Parrella?
Topics
God Calls Prophets to Lead and Guide Us
Elder Parrella emphasizes that one of the essential truths revealed through the First Vision is that God calls prophets to guide, instruct, and warn us. These prophets are God's mouthpieces on earth, and by following their counsel, we can receive protection and blessings.
An essential truth we learn from the First Vision and the Prophet Joseph Smith is that God calls prophets, seers, and revelators to instruct, guide, warn, and lead us.
I am suggesting—maybe more than suggesting—that we always act when our living prophets speak.
- What role do prophets play in guiding us according to Elder Parrella?
- How did Elder Parrella act on the counsel of a prophet in his personal life?
- How can you better follow the counsel of living prophets in your own life?
- Reflect on a time when you acted on the counsel of a prophet. What was the outcome?
Understanding the True Nature of God
Elder Parrella discusses the profound truth of God's nature revealed through the First Vision. He explains that God has a tangible body of flesh and bones, is real, and understands us. This knowledge helps us worship a God who is relatable and deeply concerned about our well-being.
Just imagine how blessed we are to know that God is a being with a body of flesh and bones as tangible as ours, that we can worship a God who is real, whom we can understand, and who has shown and revealed Himself and His Son to His prophets—both prophets of old and prophets in these latter days.
He is a God who hears and answers our prayers; a God who watches us from heaven above and is constantly concerned about our spiritual and temporal well-being.
- What does Elder Parrella teach about the nature of God?
- How does knowing the true nature of God impact our relationship with Him?
- In what ways can you deepen your understanding of God's true nature?
- How does knowing that God understands and cares for you influence your daily actions and decisions?
Jesus Christ Is Our Savior
Elder Parrella highlights the essential truth of Jesus Christ's role as our Savior, revealed through the First Vision. He explains that Jesus Christ's Atonement and Resurrection are central to overcoming death and sin, allowing us to return to God's presence.
A Savior and Redeemer was needed to free us from death and sin. Under Heavenly Father’s direction, Jesus Christ came to earth, suffered, died on the cross, and was resurrected so that we too can be resurrected and, with sincere repentance and the making and keeping of sacred covenants, be once again in the presence of God.
Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Lawgiver, the Holy One of Israel, our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer, our King, our All.
- What does Elder Parrella teach about the mission of Jesus Christ?
- How does Jesus Christ's Atonement and Resurrection affect our ability to return to God's presence?
- How can you show gratitude for Jesus Christ's Atonement in your daily life?
- Reflect on a time when you felt the Savior's influence in overcoming a personal challenge. How did it strengthen your testimony?
