Study Guide for "Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ"

In his talk, Elder Dale G. Renlund discusses the importance of unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ and the power of covenants. He uses the example of the Congolese Saints, their conversion stories, and their devotion to the gospel, highlighting their commitment to the covenant path. Elder Renlund also emphasizes the importance of faith, the process of conversion, and the role of personal action in nurturing faith.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does it mean to have an unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ?
How does Elder Renlund describe the process of conversion?
What role do covenants play in our spiritual progression?
How does Elder Renlund illustrate the importance of faith and personal action in growing our faith?
What lessons can we learn from the Congolese Saints?

Topics

Understanding Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ

Elder Renlund speaks about the importance of unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ, using the example of Congolese Saints who discarded their old beliefs and traditions to fully embrace the gospel. This commitment is more than an intellectual acceptance of gospel teachings; it transforms our understanding of life's meaning and leads to unchanging fidelity to God.

These actions were a token of a new but unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ.

Being converted unto the Lord means leaving one course of action, directed by an old belief system, and adopting a new one based on faith in Heavenly Father’s plan and in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

What does Elder Renlund mean when he speaks of unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ?
How is this commitment more than an intellectual acceptance of gospel teachings?
How can you demonstrate your unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ in your daily life?
What old beliefs or traditions might you need to discard to fully commit to Jesus Christ?

The Role of Faith and Personal Action in Spiritual Growth

Elder Renlund emphasizes that faith grows as individuals act in faith. These actions include praying, studying the scriptures, partaking of the sacrament, keeping the commandments, and serving others. He asserts that we cannot rely solely on others to bolster our faith, but must choose faith-building actions.

For our faith to grow, we must choose faith-building actions, such as praying, studying the scriptures, partaking of the sacrament, keeping the commandments, and serving others.

What are some faith-building actions that Elder Renlund mentions?
Why is it important to act in faith to grow our faith?
What faith-building actions can you take this week?
How have your actions contributed to your faith growth?

The Power and Importance of Covenants

Elder Renlund discusses the significance of making covenants with God. These covenants are manifestations of our conversion and create a sure foundation for spiritual progression. He warns that a half-hearted commitment to our covenants will not open the door to the sanctifying power of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

As our faith in Jesus Christ grows, God invites us to make promises with Him. These covenants, as such promises are known, are manifestations of our conversion.

But an ambivalent commitment to our covenants will not open the door to the sanctifying power of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

What is the role of covenants in our spiritual progression?
Why is it important to fully commit to our covenants?
How do your covenants with God influence your daily actions and decisions?
What can you do to strengthen your commitment to your covenants?

The Lifelong Process of Discipleship

Elder Renlund invites us to commit to a lifelong process of discipleship, which includes making and keeping covenants. He assures us that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, making covenants with a real intent to reliably honor them will bless our lives forever and help us become more like the Savior.

I invite you to commit to a lifelong process of discipleship. Make and keep covenants. Throw your old ways into deep, churning waterfalls.

You will become more like the Savior as you always remember Him, follow Him, and adore Him.

What does Elder Renlund mean by a "lifelong process of discipleship"?
What are the blessings of making and keeping covenants with a real intent to reliably honor them?
How can you better commit to the lifelong process of discipleship?
What can you do to remember, follow, and adore the Savior more fully?

Lessons from the Congolese Saints

Elder Renlund shares the story of the Congolese Saints, highlighting their unwavering commitment to the gospel despite the challenges they faced. Their faith and dedication serve as an example of the transformative power of the gospel and the blessings that come from keeping covenants with God.

These stalwart members knew the truth when they heard it; they made a covenant at baptism that anchored them to the Savior.

They were present at the dedication of the Kinshasa Temple, 33 years after they signed the petition that led to the official recognition of the Church in Zaire.

What lessons can we learn from the Congolese Saints?
How did their commitment to the gospel influence their actions and decisions?
How can you apply the lessons from the Congolese Saints in your own life?
What challenges have you faced in your commitment to the gospel, and how have you overcome them?