Precious Gifts from God
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the significance of sustaining a new prophet?
- How can faith as small as a mustard seed influence our lives?
- Why is the Sabbath day considered a precious gift?
- What is the importance of the sacrament in our spiritual lives?
- How does service to others help us follow the example of Jesus Christ?
Topics
Sustain the New Prophet
President Ballard emphasizes the importance of sustaining President Russell M. Nelson as the new prophet. He explains that by raising our hands, we promise to hearken to his voice as he receives direction from the Lord.
With our raised hands, we promised to hearken unto his voice as he receives direction from the Lord.
May each one of us completely sustain him and his counselors and follow their direction.
- What does it mean to sustain the prophet?
- Why is it important to follow the direction of the prophet?
- How can you show your support for President Nelson in your daily life?
- Have you had any experiences where following the prophet's counsel blessed your life?
Exercise Faith in Jesus Christ
President Ballard discusses the importance of having faith in Jesus Christ, even if it is as small as a mustard seed. He shares personal experiences and scriptural references to illustrate how faith can help us overcome challenges.
If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, the Lord can help us remove the mountains of discouragement and doubt.
Life can be filled with faith, joy, happiness, hope, and love when we exercise the smallest amount of real faith in Christ.
- What does it mean to have faith as small as a mustard seed?
- How can faith in Jesus Christ help us overcome life's challenges?
- In what areas of your life do you need to exercise more faith?
- Can you recall a time when your faith helped you through a difficult situation?
Honor the Sabbath Day
President Ballard highlights the gift of the Sabbath day, emphasizing its importance in experiencing the Spirit of the Lord without distractions. He encourages members to use technology wisely and to make the Sabbath a day of rest and spiritual renewal.
The power of the Sabbath day is to experience in church and at home the delight, the joy, and the warmth of feeling the Spirit of the Lord without any kind of distraction.
Remember the gift of the Sabbath day.
- Why is the Sabbath day considered a gift from God?
- How can we better honor the Sabbath day?
- What changes can you make to ensure that your Sabbath day is more spiritually enriching?
- How can you minimize distractions on the Sabbath to better feel the Spirit?
Partake of the Sacrament
President Ballard speaks about the importance of the sacrament as a time to renew our covenants and remember Jesus Christ. He reminds members that the sacrament is a sign to the Lord that we always remember Him.
Partaking of the sacrament and renewing our covenants is a sign by us to the Lord that we do always remember Him.
His Atonement is a gracious gift from God.
- What is the significance of partaking of the sacrament?
- How does the sacrament help us remember Jesus Christ?
- How can you make your sacrament experience more meaningful?
- What do you feel when you partake of the sacrament and renew your covenants?
Serve Others
President Ballard encourages members to follow the example of Jesus Christ by serving others. He explains that service can be both formal and informal and that it opens a window to understanding the life and ministry of Christ.
The privilege of service to Heavenly Father’s children is another opportunity to follow the example of His Beloved Son by serving one another.
Service opens a window by which we understand the life and ministry of Christ.
- Why is service to others important in following Jesus Christ's example?
- How does service help us understand the life and ministry of Christ?
- What are some ways you can serve others in your community?
- How has serving others strengthened your testimony of Jesus Christ?
Recognize Jesus Christ as the Most Precious Gift
President Ballard emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the most precious gift from God. He encourages members to keep Christ at the center of their lives and to remember His role as our Savior, Redeemer, and Advocate.
The Lord Jesus Christ is our most precious of all gifts from God.
We must keep Christ as the center of our lives at all times and in all places.
- Why is Jesus Christ considered the most precious gift from God?
- How can we keep Christ at the center of our lives?
- What can you do to ensure that Christ is the focus of your daily life?
- How has your relationship with Jesus Christ influenced your faith and actions?
