Study Guide for "Hope in Christ"

In his talk, "Hope in Christ", President M. Russell Ballard discusses the importance of hope in Christ and the sense of belonging that comes from being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He emphasizes the love of our Heavenly Father and our divine identity as His children. He also addresses the feelings of loneliness and isolation that many experience, particularly those who are single, and encourages all members to serve and contribute to the Church.

Before Reading

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

What does it mean to have hope in Christ?
How does knowing we are loved by our Heavenly Father affect our sense of belonging?
What advice does President Ballard give to those who feel lonely or isolated?
How does our divine identity as children of God influence our understanding of ourselves?
What role does service play in increasing our hope in Christ?

Topics

Understanding Our Divine Identity

President Ballard discusses the importance of understanding our divine identity as children of God. He emphasizes that this knowledge brings a sense of belonging and is essential for our spiritual health.

Knowing that we are loved by our Heavenly Father will help us know who we are and know that we belong to His great eternal family.

Because we are the spirit children of God, everyone has a divine origin, nature, and potential.

This is our identity! This is who we really are!

What does it mean to be a child of God?
How does understanding our divine identity affect our sense of belonging?
Why is it important to know that we are loved by our Heavenly Father?
How can you deepen your understanding of your divine identity?
In what ways can you remind yourself that you are a child of God?
How does knowing you are a child of God influence your daily decisions and actions?

Coping with Loneliness and Isolation

President Ballard acknowledges the loneliness and isolation that many people experience, especially those who are single or have lost loved ones. He encourages turning to the Lord for hope and belonging, and emphasizes that marital status does not determine one's capacity to serve in the Church.

Like these ancient disciples nearly 2,000 years ago, many of you may also feel lonely from time to time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted this sense of isolation and loneliness for many.

Marital status has nothing to do with one’s capacity to serve.

What does President Ballard say about the feelings of loneliness and isolation that many people experience?
How does turning to the Lord help us cope with these feelings?
Why does President Ballard emphasize that marital status does not determine one's capacity to serve in the Church?
Have you ever felt lonely or isolated? How did you cope with these feelings?
How can you turn to the Lord when you feel lonely or isolated?
What can you do to serve in the Church, regardless of your marital status?

Having Hope in Christ

President Ballard discusses the importance of having hope in Christ, which he describes as an expectation that will be realized. He explains that this hope is essential for overcoming adversity, fostering spiritual resilience, and understanding our divine identity.

I speak of hope in Christ not as wishful thinking. Instead, I speak of hope as an expectation that will be realized.

When we have hope in Christ, we come to know that as we need to make and keep sacred covenants, our fondest desires and dreams can be fulfilled through Him.

What does it mean to have hope in Christ?
Why is having hope in Christ essential for overcoming adversity and fostering spiritual resilience?
How does having hope in Christ help us understand our divine identity?
How can you cultivate hope in Christ in your own life?
What challenges or adversities have you overcome through hope in Christ?
How does your hope in Christ influence your commitment to making and keeping sacred covenants?

Serving Others Increases Hope in Christ

President Ballard highlights the role of service in increasing our hope in Christ. He encourages all members, regardless of their marital status, to serve in the Church, using their God-given gifts and talents to build up His kingdom.

I have learned over the years that our hope in Christ increases when we serve others.

Every member in our quorums, organizations, wards, and stakes has God-given gifts and talents that can help build up His kingdom now.

How does serving others increase our hope in Christ?
Why does President Ballard encourage all members to serve in the Church?
What role do our God-given gifts and talents play in building up the kingdom of God?
How have you experienced an increase in hope in Christ through serving others?
What are your God-given gifts and talents, and how can you use them to serve in the Church?
What opportunities for service are available to you in your current circumstances?

Assurances and Promises of the Gospel

President Ballard discusses several principles related to the assurances and promises of the Gospel, including the opportunity for exaltation for all who are faithful, the assurance of blessings in the Lord's own time, the importance of continued obedience and spiritual progress, and the promise of eternal life for those who repent and live His commandments.

In the Lord’s own way and time, no blessing will be withheld from His faithful Saints.

Waiting upon the Lord implies action.

All those who accept the Savior’s gracious gift of repentance and live His commandments will receive eternal life.

What assurances and promises does President Ballard discuss in his talk?
What does it mean to "wait upon the Lord"?
What is the promise of eternal life for those who repent and live the commandments of the Lord?
How do the assurances and promises of the Gospel affect your faith and hope in Christ?
What can you do to "wait upon the Lord" in your daily life?
How does the promise of eternal life influence your commitment to repentance and obedience to the commandments?