Gather Together in One All Things in Christ
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What metaphor does Elder Bednar use to illustrate the strength of unity in the gospel?
- How does gathering all things in Christ enhance our spiritual lives?
- What recent Church adjustments does Elder Bednar discuss, and what is their overarching purpose?
- Why does Elder Bednar caution against a checklist approach to gospel living?
- How does Elder Bednar describe the relationship between faith in Christ and repentance?
Topics
Strengthening Faith Through Recent Adjustments
Elder Bednar explains that the recent adjustments in Church programs and schedules are designed to strengthen faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. These changes are not merely logistical but are meant to enhance the spiritual focus and effectiveness of the Church's mission.
The historic adjustments announced today have only one overarching purpose: to strengthen faith in Heavenly Father and His plan and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement.
Please do not focus primarily upon the logistical aspects of what has been announced. We must not allow procedural details to obscure the overarching spiritual reasons these changes now are being made.
- What is the primary purpose of the recent adjustments in Church programs and schedules?
- Why does Elder Bednar emphasize focusing on the spiritual reasons behind the changes rather than the logistical details?
- How can you use the new Sunday meeting schedule to enhance your Sabbath day observance?
- What steps can you take to ensure that your focus remains on spiritual growth rather than procedural details in your Church activities?
Avoiding a Checklist Approach to Gospel Living
Elder Bednar cautions against a segmented, checklist approach to living the gospel. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of integrating gospel principles and focusing on Christ to achieve true spiritual transformation and protection.
Sometimes as members of the Church we segment, separate, and apply the gospel in our lives by creating lengthy checklists of individual topics to study and tasks to accomplish.
The power of the Savior’s gospel to transform and bless us flows from discerning and applying the interrelatedness of its doctrine, principles, and practices.
- What are the potential pitfalls of a checklist approach to gospel living?
- How does focusing on the interrelatedness of gospel principles enhance spiritual growth?
- Reflect on your current approach to gospel study and practice. Are there areas where you can move away from a checklist mentality?
- How can you better integrate different gospel principles in your daily life to draw closer to Christ?
Learning and Linking Gospel Truths
Elder Bednar describes the gospel as a "magnificent tapestry of truth" that, when linked together, provides increased spiritual capacity and perspective. He uses examples from Church teachings and programs to illustrate how gathering all things in Christ creates a unified and complete gospel experience.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is a magnificent tapestry of truth "fitly framed" and woven together.
The fourth article of faith does not simply identify the fundamental principles and ordinances of the restored gospel. Rather, this inspired statement of beliefs gathers together in one all things in Christ.
- How does Elder Bednar describe the gospel of Jesus Christ?
- What examples does Elder Bednar provide to illustrate the concept of gathering all things in Christ?
- How can you better link different gospel principles in your personal study?
- What steps can you take to see the Lord's influence more clearly in your life?
The Role of Faith and Repentance in Gathering All Things in Christ
Elder Bednar explains that true faith in Jesus Christ naturally leads to repentance. He emphasizes that these principles are interconnected and essential for spiritual growth and returning to God's presence.
True faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ—in Him as the divine and Only Begotten Son of the Father and on Him and the redemptive mission He fulfilled.
Repentance is trusting in and relying upon the Redeemer to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
- What is the relationship between faith in Jesus Christ and repentance?
- Why is it important to rely on the Savior for repentance?
- Reflect on your faith in Jesus Christ. How does it influence your willingness to repent?
- In what ways can you more fully rely on the Savior in your daily life?
Recognizing the Unified Work of the Lord
Elder Bednar highlights the sequence and timing of various Church initiatives over the years, showing how they collectively contribute to a unified, home-centered, and Church-supported gospel effort. He encourages members to see these efforts as part of one great work rather than isolated actions.
I believe that the sequence and timing of these actions over many decades can help us to see one united and comprehensive work and not just a series of independent and discrete initiatives.
Church organizations and programs exist to bless individuals and families and are not ends in themselves.
- How does Elder Bednar describe the collective efforts of various Church initiatives?
- What is the ultimate purpose of Church programs and organizations?
- How can you contribute to the unified work of the Lord in your local Church community?
- Reflect on the various Church programs you participate in. How do they help you and your family grow spiritually?
