Study Guide for "A New Normal"

In his talk, "A New Normal", President Russell M. Nelson discusses the unique opportunities and challenges faced by members of the Church in the current times. He invites members to embrace a "new normal" that is centered on turning their hearts, minds, and souls increasingly towards Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of daily repentance, ministering to others, keeping an eternal perspective, and magnifying callings. He also discusses the significance of temples and their role in preparing us for eternal life.

Before Reading

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

What does President Nelson suggest should be our "new normal"?
How does President Nelson suggest we can prepare ourselves to meet our Maker?
What is the role of temples in our spiritual journey according to President Nelson?
What blessings does President Nelson promise to those who obey the laws of God?
What is our divine mandate as members of the Church?

Topics

Embracing a New Normal Centered on God

President Nelson invites us to embrace a "new normal" that involves turning our hearts, minds, and souls increasingly towards Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He suggests that this new normal should include daily repentance, striving for purity in thought, word, and deed, ministering to others, keeping an eternal perspective, and magnifying our callings.

If you really want to embrace a new normal, I invite you to turn your heart, mind, and soul increasingly to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Let that be your new normal.

Embrace your new normal by repenting daily. Seek to be increasingly pure in thought, word, and deed. Minister to others. Keep an eternal perspective. Magnify your callings.

What does President Nelson mean by "a new normal"?
How can we turn our hearts, minds, and souls increasingly towards Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
What are some ways we can embrace this new normal in our daily lives?
How can you incorporate daily repentance into your routine?
What steps can you take to be more pure in thought, word, and deed?
How can you better minister to others and magnify your callings?

Understanding the Role of Temples

President Nelson emphasizes the importance of temples in preparing us for eternal life. He mentions the temporary closure of temples due to the COVID pandemic and the phased reopening. He also announces the construction of six new temples and encourages members to be worthy to enter the holy temple.

That is why we have temples. The Lord’s ordinances and covenants prepare us for eternal life, the greatest of all of God’s blessings.

As we build and maintain these temples, we pray that each of you will build and maintain yourself so you can be worthy to enter the holy temple.

Why are temples important according to President Nelson?
What is the role of temples in preparing us for eternal life?
What does it mean to be "worthy to enter the holy temple"?
What steps can you take to be worthy to enter the holy temple?
How can you prepare yourself to receive the ordinances and covenants in the temple?
What can you do to maintain your spiritual health, similar to how the Church maintains its temples?

Receiving Blessings through Obedience

President Nelson promises blessings to those who obey the laws of God. These blessings include peace beyond mortal understanding, greater courage, increased personal revelation, sweeter harmony in homes, and joy even amid uncertainty.

I bless you with an increased desire and ability to obey the laws of God. I promise that as you do, you will be showered with blessings, including greater courage, increased personal revelation, sweeter harmony in your homes, and joy even amid uncertainty.

What blessings does President Nelson promise to those who obey the laws of God?
How can obedience to God's laws lead to these blessings?
How have you experienced these blessings as a result of obedience?
What steps can you take to increase your desire and ability to obey the laws of God?

Preparing for the Second Coming

President Nelson speaks about our divine mandate of preparing ourselves and the world for the Second Coming of the Lord. He encourages us to go forward together to fulfill this mandate.

May we go forward together to fulfill our divine mandate—that of preparing ourselves and the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.

What does President Nelson mean by our "divine mandate"?
How can we prepare ourselves and the world for the Second Coming of the Lord?
What actions can you take to prepare for the Second Coming?
How can you contribute to preparing the world for the Second Coming of the Lord?