Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing
Contents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does Elder Bednar mean by "home centered and Church supported" gospel learning?
- Why does Elder Bednar emphasize the importance of individual responsibility in learning and living the Lord's teachings?
- How does Elder Bednar suggest we should discuss the temple experience outside of the temple?
- What are the implications of gospel learning becoming increasingly home centered and Church supported?
Topics
Understanding Home-Centered and Church-Supported Gospel Learning
Elder Bednar explains the shift in the Church towards more home-centered and Church-supported gospel learning. He emphasizes the individual's responsibility to learn and live the Lord's teachings, rather than relying solely on the Church. He points out that homes are the ultimate setting for learning, living, and becoming.
We should not expect the Church as an organization to teach or tell us everything we need to know and do to become devoted disciples and endure valiantly to the end.
Our homes are the ultimate setting for learning, living, and becoming.
- What is the role of individual responsibility in gospel learning?
- Why does Elder Bednar emphasize the importance of the home in gospel learning?
- How can you make your home a more effective center for gospel learning?
- What steps can you take to take more responsibility for your own gospel learning?
Emphasizing Personal Revelation and Learning for Ourselves
Elder Bednar underscores the importance of personal revelation and learning for ourselves, using the examples of Joseph Smith and Nephi. He warns against relying solely on the teachings of others and emphasizes the need for personal experience and understanding.
We too need to learn for ourselves.
If all you or I know about Jesus Christ and His restored gospel is what other people teach or tell us, then the foundation of our testimony of Him and His glorious latter-day work is built upon sand.
- Why is it important to learn for ourselves rather than relying solely on the teachings of others?
- How can personal revelation strengthen our testimonies?
- What steps can you take to seek personal revelation?
- How can you ensure that your testimony is built on a solid foundation?
Preparing for Temple Ordinances and Covenants
Elder Bednar discusses the importance of preparing for temple ordinances and covenants at home. He provides guidelines on what can and cannot be discussed about the temple experience outside of the temple and recommends resources for learning more about temple ordinances and covenants.
Indeed, temple preparation is most effective in our homes.
Making our homes sanctuaries wherein we can "stand in holy places" is essential in these latter days.
- Why is it important to prepare for temple ordinances and covenants at home?
- What can and cannot be discussed about the temple experience outside of the temple?
- How can you make your home a sanctuary and a place of temple preparation?
- What resources can you use to learn more about temple ordinances and covenants?
Recognizing the Importance of Spiritual Strength and Stamina
Elder Bednar emphasizes the importance of developing spiritual strength and stamina, noting that this responsibility rests upon each individual. He warns against relying solely on Church meetings and programs for spiritual edification and protection.
We cannot expect simply to attend Church meetings and participate in programs and thereby receive all of the spiritual edification and protection that will enable us "to withstand in the evil day."
The ultimate responsibility for developing spiritual strength and stamina rests upon each one of us.
- Why is it important to develop spiritual strength and stamina?
- Why can't we rely solely on Church meetings and programs for spiritual edification and protection?
- What steps can you take to develop your spiritual strength and stamina?
- How can you ensure that you are not relying solely on Church meetings and programs for your spiritual growth?
Embracing the Promise and Testimony of Home-Centered Gospel Learning
Elder Bednar reassures members that they can successfully implement home-centered gospel learning, regardless of their circumstances. He promises that blessings will come as individuals strive to learn and love the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Yes, you can do this! I promise that enabling blessings will flow into and be evident in your life. Doors will open. The light will shine. Your capacity will be increased to persevere diligently and patiently.
I joyfully witness that compensating blessings will come as we strive to fulfill our individual responsibility to learn and love the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
- What are the promised blessings of home-centered gospel learning?
- How does Elder Bednar's testimony inspire you to embrace home-centered gospel learning?
- How have you experienced blessings from home-centered gospel learning?
- What steps can you take to more fully embrace home-centered gospel learning?