With the Power of God in Great Glory
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the significance of Moroni's first visit to Joseph Smith?
- How does Elder Bednar connect the teachings of Joseph Smith to our duties as members of the Church?
- What does it mean to be "bound to the Savior through covenants and ordinances"?
- How does Elder Bednar describe the "covenant people of the Lord"?
- What promises and testimonies does Elder Bednar share at the end of his talk?
Topics
Understanding Moroni's First Visit to Joseph Smith
Elder Bednar discusses Moroni's first visit to Joseph Smith and the significant teachings Moroni shared, including the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the mission of Elijah. These teachings laid the doctrinal foundation for the work of salvation and exaltation on both sides of the veil.
Moroni’s introduction of the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith initiated the work of salvation and exaltation for individuals on this side of the veil in the dispensation of the fulness of times.
In summary, Moroni’s teachings in September of 1823 about the Book of Mormon and the mission of Elijah established the doctrinal foundation for the work of salvation and exaltation on both sides of the veil.
- What was the significance of Moroni's first visit to Joseph Smith?
- What were the key teachings Moroni shared with Joseph Smith?
- How can we apply the teachings of Moroni in our own lives?
- How does the Book of Mormon help us in our work of salvation and exaltation?
Appreciating the Teachings of Joseph Smith
Elder Bednar highlights the teachings of Joseph Smith about the importance of preaching the gospel and seeking after our dead. He explains that these duties emphasize the fundamental truth that covenants and ordinances bind us to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The lessons Joseph Smith learned from Moroni influenced every aspect of his ministry.
I believe the Prophet Joseph Smith was emphasizing in both statements the fundamental truth that covenants, entered into through authoritative priesthood ordinances, can bind us to the Lord Jesus Christ and are the essential core of the work of salvation and exaltation on both sides of the veil.
- What were the key teachings of Joseph Smith as highlighted by Elder Bednar?
- How do these teachings relate to our duties as members of the Church?
- How can we apply the teachings of Joseph Smith in our lives?
- What can we do to better bind ourselves to the Lord through covenants and ordinances?
Being Bound to the Savior through Covenants and Ordinances
Elder Bednar emphasizes the importance of covenants and ordinances in binding us to the Savior. He explains that our bond with the Savior gives us spiritual strength in every season of our lives.
We take the Savior’s yoke upon us as we learn about, worthily receive, and honor sacred covenants and ordinances.
And that bond with Him is the source of spiritual strength in every season of our lives.
- What does it mean to be "bound to the Savior" through covenants and ordinances?
- How do covenants and ordinances give us spiritual strength?
- How can we strengthen our bond with the Savior?
- What can we do to better honor our covenants and ordinances?
Living as the Covenant People of the Lord
Elder Bednar invites us to consider the blessings promised to covenant-keeping disciples of Jesus Christ. He shares examples of modern-day Saints who have been blessed with righteousness and the power of God through their faithfulness to covenants and ordinances.
I testify that the covenant people of the Lord today indeed are armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.
I have witnessed faith, courage, perspective, persistence, and joy that extend far beyond mortal capacity—and that only God could provide.
- What does it mean to be a "covenant person of the Lord"?
- What are some blessings promised to covenant-keeping disciples of Jesus Christ?
- How can we live as covenant people of the Lord?
- What can we do to invite more of God's power and glory into our lives?
Receiving Promises and Testimonies
Elder Bednar testifies of the blessings and promises that come from honoring covenants and binding ourselves to the Savior. He witnesses of the living Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior.
Covenant promises and blessings are possible only because of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
I testify and promise that honoring covenants arms us with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.
- What promises and testimonies does Elder Bednar share at the end of his talk?
- How do these promises relate to our own lives?
- How have you experienced the blessings of keeping covenants?
- What can you do to better honor your covenants and bind yourself to the Savior?
