Sharing the Message of the Restoration and the Resurrection
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- Why is the message of the Restoration urgent today?
- What are the three things Elder Christofferson believes are required to make our invitations to the gospel compelling?
- How does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ give meaning to our mortal lives and our existence?
- What role does the Book of Mormon play in sharing the message of the Restoration?
- What is the ultimate promise of the Restoration?
Topics
The Universality of the Restoration
Elder Christofferson emphasizes that the Restoration is not just for those who are already members of the Church, but it is meant for everyone. The revelations of the First Vision, the Book of Mormon, the priesthood ordinances, and the Church and its blessings are intended for all who want them.
The Restoration belongs to the world, and its message is especially urgent today.
- What does it mean when Elder Christofferson says that the Restoration is meant for everyone?
- How is the message of the Restoration urgent today?
- How can you share the message of the Restoration with those around you?
- How has the Restoration impacted your life?
Sharing the Message of the Restoration
Elder Christofferson shares stories of the sacrifices made by members of the Church to share the message of the Restoration. He emphasizes that our invitations to others to come unto Christ should be compelling and should be an expression of selfless love.
While our invitations are without compulsion, we hope people will find them compelling. For that to be so, I believe at least three things are required: first, your love; second, your example; and third, your use of the Book of Mormon.
- What are the three things Elder Christofferson believes are required to make our invitations compelling?
- How can we express selfless love in sharing the message of the Restoration?
- How can you apply these three principles in sharing the gospel with others?
- How have you experienced selfless love in your efforts to share the gospel?
The Power of the Book of Mormon
Elder Christofferson discusses the importance of the Book of Mormon in sharing the message of the Restoration. He refers to it as the instrument of conversion designed by God for this last gospel dispensation and stresses that when we share the Book of Mormon, we share the Restoration.
The third requisite is liberal use of the instrument of conversion that God designed for this last gospel dispensation, the Book of Mormon. It is palpable evidence of Joseph Smith’s prophetic calling and convincing evidence of the divinity and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Why is the Book of Mormon a crucial tool in sharing the message of the Restoration?
- How does the Book of Mormon serve as evidence of Joseph Smith’s prophetic calling and the divinity and Resurrection of Jesus Christ?
- How have you used the Book of Mormon in sharing the gospel?
- How has the Book of Mormon helped you gain a testimony of the Restoration and the Resurrection?
The Power of the Resurrection
Elder Christofferson testifies of the power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which gives meaning to our mortal lives and our very existence. He states that because of the Resurrection, the Restoration has meaning.
The ultimate promise of the Restoration is redemption through Jesus Christ. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the proof that He, in fact, possesses power to redeem all who will come unto Him—redeem them from sorrow, injustice, regret, sin, and even death.
- How does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ give meaning to our mortal lives and our existence?
- What does Elder Christofferson mean when he says that because of the Resurrection, the Restoration has meaning?
- How has the Resurrection of Jesus Christ impacted your life?
- How can you share the power of the Resurrection with others?
Testimony of the Restoration and the Resurrection
Elder Christofferson concludes his talk by bearing his testimony of the Restoration and the Resurrection. He testifies that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah, the Only Begotten Son of God, and the resurrected Redeemer of all mankind.
I humbly add my witness to Joseph’s and to that of the apostles and prophets before him and the apostles and prophets who have succeeded him, that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah, the Only Begotten Son of God, and the resurrected Redeemer of all mankind.
- What does Elder Christofferson testify of in his talk?
- How does his testimony reinforce the messages of the Restoration and the Resurrection?
- How has Elder Christofferson’s testimony impacted your understanding of the Restoration and the Resurrection?
- How can you bear your own testimony of these principles to others?
