Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What personal experiences does Elder Gong share in his talk?
- How does Elder Gong describe the relationship between covenants and the Atonement?
- What does Elder Gong testify about the living Christ and latter-day prophets?
- What are the promised blessings that come through restored priesthood keys, doctrine, and authority?
Topics
Reflecting on Personal Experiences
Elder Gong shares a personal story about singing bedtime hymns to his sons and reflects on the overwhelming feelings he experienced when President Russell M. Nelson extended a sacred calling to him.
When our sons were very young, I told them bedtime stories about beagle puppies and hummed bedtime hymns, including "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today."
Words—at least my words—cannot express the overwhelming feelings since President Russell M. Nelson lovingly took my hands in his, my dear Susan at my side, and extended this sacred call from the Lord.
- What personal story does Elder Gong share about his family?
- How did Elder Gong feel when he received his sacred calling from President Nelson?
- What personal experiences have strengthened your faith?
- How can you recognize and cherish moments when you feel the Lord's calling in your life?
Understanding the Harmony of Covenants and the Atonement
Elder Gong explains how covenants and the Atonement of Jesus Christ work together to enable, ennoble, and sanctify us. He emphasizes the power of these sacred elements in helping us hold on and let go.
The song of our risen Savior’s redeeming love celebrates the harmony of covenants (that connect us to God and to each other) and the Atonement of Jesus Christ (that helps us put off the natural man and woman and yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit).
Together, our covenants and our Savior’s Atonement enable and ennoble. Together, they help us hold on and let go. Together, they sweeten, preserve, sanctify, redeem.
- How do covenants connect us to God and to each other?
- What role does the Atonement play in helping us put off the natural man and woman?
- How can you better understand and appreciate the harmony between covenants and the Atonement in your life?
- In what ways can you more fully yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit?
Recognizing the Power of Priesthood Keys and Ordinances
Elder Gong discusses the significance of priesthood keys and ordinances that are available through the restored gospel. He highlights the blessings that come from these sacred elements and their role in our faith and obedience.
Sacred covenants and ordinances, not available anywhere else, are received in 159 holy houses of the Lord in 43 countries.
Promised blessings come through restored priesthood keys, doctrine, and authority, reflecting our faith, obedience, and the promises of His Holy Spirit to us in our generations, in time and eternity.
- What are the promised blessings that come through restored priesthood keys?
- How do sacred covenants and ordinances reflect our faith and obedience?
- How can you more fully participate in and appreciate the ordinances available in the holy temples?
- What steps can you take to strengthen your faith and obedience to receive the promised blessings of priesthood keys?
Embracing Unity and Love in the Church
Elder Gong encourages members to be "knit together in unity and in love" and to follow the invitation of Jesus Christ to "come and see." He emphasizes the importance of living faith, hope, and charity in our daily lives.
Dear brothers and sisters, we belong to each other. We can be "knit together in unity and in love" in all things and in all places.
As the Lord Jesus Christ invites each of us, wherever we are, whatever our circumstances, please "come and see."
- What does it mean to be "knit together in unity and in love"?
- How can we follow the invitation of Jesus Christ to "come and see"?
- In what ways can you contribute to unity and love within your ward or branch?
- How can you invite others to "come and see" the blessings of the gospel?
Testifying of the Living Christ and Latter-day Prophets
Elder Gong bears witness of the living Christ and the restored gospel, testifying of latter-day prophets from Joseph Smith to President Russell M. Nelson. He emphasizes the importance of following the prophet's guidance as we prepare for the Second Coming of the Messiah.
Everything worthy and eternal is centered in the living reality of God, our loving Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement, witnessed by the Holy Ghost.
I testify of latter-day prophets, from the Prophet Joseph Smith to our dear President Russell M. Nelson, whom we joyfully sustain.
- What does Elder Gong testify about the living Christ and latter-day prophets?
- Why is it important to follow the prophet's guidance?
- How can you strengthen your testimony of the living Christ and His Atonement?
- What actions can you take to more faithfully follow the prophet's counsel?
