Follow Jesus Christ with Footsteps of Faith
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How does President Ballard compare our spiritual journey to that of the early pioneers?
- What is the significance of faith and hope in our lives according to President Ballard?
- How does President Ballard describe the role of modern-day missionaries?
- What teachings from President Nelson does President Ballard highlight?
- What does President Ballard say about the importance of following the prophet and staying on the covenant path?
Topics
Embracing Hope and Faith in Jesus Christ
President Ballard emphasizes the hope that comes from following Jesus Christ with faith. He assures us that through Christ, we can overcome our mistakes, sorrows, struggles, trials, and troubles. He highlights the hope found in repentance, forgiveness, and peace through Christ.
I testify that as we follow Jesus Christ with footsteps of faith, there is hope.
There is hope in repentance and being forgiven and in forgiving others.
- What does it mean to follow Jesus Christ with footsteps of faith?
- How does faith in Jesus Christ bring hope into our lives?
- What role does repentance play in our journey of faith?
- How can you apply the principle of following Jesus Christ with footsteps of faith in your life?
- What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ?
- How has your faith in Jesus Christ brought hope into your life?
Recognizing the Pioneers of Faith
President Ballard recounts the trials and tribulations faced by the early pioneers of the Church, including his own ancestors. He emphasizes their unwavering faith in Christ and how their footsteps of faith have blessed subsequent generations. He also highlights the pioneering role of Prophet Joseph Smith in restoring the fullness of the gospel.
My great-grandparents followed Jesus Christ with footsteps of faith throughout each of their trials.
Joseph’s faith to “ask of God” on that spring morning in 1820 opened the way for the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- What trials did the early pioneers face and how did their faith help them overcome these trials?
- How did Prophet Joseph Smith's faith pave the way for the Restoration of the gospel?
- How can you follow the footsteps of faith of the pioneers in your own life?
- What can you learn from the faith of Prophet Joseph Smith?
Being Modern-Day Pioneers
President Ballard discusses the role of modern-day missionaries as pioneers who open the way for others to know God and His Son, Jesus Christ. He encourages young men and women to serve missions and be pioneers by helping others find and stay on the covenant path.
Our missionaries today are modern-day pioneers because they share this glorious message with people around the world.
Your footsteps of faith will help you to follow the Lord’s invitation to serve missions—to be modern-day pioneers—by opening the way for God’s children to find and stay on the covenant path leading back to His glorious presence.
- How are modern-day missionaries pioneers?
- What role do young men and women play in being modern-day pioneers?
- How can you be a modern-day pioneer in your own sphere?
- What steps can you take to help others find and stay on the covenant path?
Following the Prophet and Staying on the Covenant Path
President Ballard emphasizes the importance of following the prophet and staying on the covenant path of faithfulness. He warns against the temptations of Satan that try to dull our commitment and love for God and assures us that we will never be lost to our Savior.
It is important to follow the prophet and keep our feet firmly planted on the covenant path of faithfulness, as it was for the early pioneers.
With the blessing of repentance, we can turn to Him. He will help us learn, grow, and change as we strive to stay on the covenant path.
- Why is it important to follow the prophet and stay on the covenant path?
- How does repentance help us stay on the covenant path?
- How can you better follow the prophet in your life?
- What steps can you take to stay on the covenant path?
Recognizing Jesus Christ as the Ultimate Pioneer
President Ballard testifies that Jesus Christ is the ultimate pioneer who has prepared the way for us to return to our Heavenly Father. He encourages us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ with faith in every footstep.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the ultimate pioneer in preparing the way. Indeed, He is “the way” for the plan of salvation to be accomplished so that we can repent and, through faith in Him, return to our Heavenly Father.
Our Heavenly Father has opened the way for us to return to Him by following His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, with faith in every footstep.
- How is Jesus Christ the ultimate pioneer?
- What does it mean to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ?
- How can you follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ in your daily life?
- What steps can you take to increase your faith in Jesus Christ?
