Opening Remarks
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What are some of the key adjustments President Nelson introduces in his talk?
- How does President Nelson describe the role of youth in the Church?
- What is the long-standing objective of the Church according to President Nelson?
- Why does President Nelson emphasize a home-centered approach to gospel learning?
Topics
Expressing Gratitude and Acknowledgement
President Nelson begins his remarks by expressing deep gratitude for the sustaining prayers of the members and acknowledging their efforts to follow through with the counsel given at the previous General Conference. He highlights the diligent work of stake presidencies, elders quorums, and Relief Society sisters in ministering to others.
We are deeply grateful for your sustaining prayers. We can feel their effect. Thank you!
We are inspired by your goodness and extraordinary efforts to bring the Savior’s love to your families, neighbors, and friends and to minister to them as He would.
- Why does President Nelson express gratitude to the members?
- How have stake presidencies, elders quorums, and Relief Society sisters been following through with previous counsel?
- In what ways can you continue to support and sustain Church leaders through your prayers?
- How can you bring the Savior's love to your family, neighbors, and friends in your daily life?
Recognizing the Efforts of the Youth
President Nelson acknowledges the significant contributions of the youth in the Church, particularly those who have joined the Lord’s youth battalion to help gather scattered Israel. He commends their efforts and encourages them to continue setting a standard for others to follow.
We are overjoyed with the number of our youth who have joined the Lord’s youth battalion to help gather scattered Israel.
And what a difference you youth are making!
- What role do the youth play in the Church according to President Nelson?
- How are the youth making a difference in the Church and in the world?
- How can you, as a youth or someone who supports youth, contribute to the gathering of scattered Israel?
- What standards can you set and follow to make a positive difference in your community?
Introducing a Home-Centered, Church-Supported Approach
President Nelson introduces a new approach to gospel learning that emphasizes a home-centered, Church-supported model. This shift is intended to help members increase their faith, make and keep covenants, and strengthen their families despite the adversary’s increasing attacks.
It is time for a home-centered Church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward, and stake buildings.
To survive spiritually, we need counterstrategies and proactive plans.
- What does President Nelson mean by a home-centered, Church-supported approach?
- Why is this new approach necessary in today’s world?
- How can you implement a home-centered approach to gospel learning in your family?
- What proactive plans can you create to strengthen your faith and protect your family from spiritual attacks?
The Role of Parents and the Church in Teaching Doctrine
President Nelson emphasizes that parents have the primary responsibility to teach doctrine to their children, while the Church’s role is to assist each member in increasing their gospel knowledge. He highlights the importance of an integrated curriculum to strengthen families and individuals.
Parents have the primary responsibility to teach the doctrine to their children.
It is the responsibility of the Church to assist each member in the divinely defined goal of increasing his or her gospel knowledge.
- What is the primary responsibility of parents according to President Nelson?
- How does the Church assist members in their spiritual growth?
- As a parent, how can you better fulfill your responsibility to teach your children doctrine?
- How can you utilize Church resources to assist in your individual and family’s gospel learning?
Testifying of Christ and the Church
In his concluding remarks, President Nelson bears testimony of God, Jesus Christ, and the divine direction of the Church through prophecy and revelation. He affirms his faith in the living reality of God and the Savior.
My dear brothers and sisters, I know that God lives! Jesus is the Christ!
This is His Church that He directs by prophecy and revelation to His humble servants.
- What does President Nelson testify of in his concluding remarks?
- How does President Nelson describe the direction of the Church?
- How can you strengthen your testimony of God and Jesus Christ?
- What experiences have you had that affirm your faith in the divine direction of the Church?
