Drawing Closer to the Savior
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What are some of the conditions that would precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
- How does Elder Andersen suggest we strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ?
- What are the three thoughts Elder Andersen shares to deepen our commitment to the Savior?
- How are covenants with the Lord related to our spiritual survival?
- What is the role of the Holy Ghost in our spiritual journey?
Topics
Understanding the Parable of Wheat and Tares
Elder Andersen discusses the parable of the wheat and tares, explaining that in the last days, those who love God (wheat) and those who do not (tares) will grow side by side. It is a reminder to be patient with ourselves as we strive to become true disciples of Christ.
The Lord explained that in this final time prior to His return, the “wheat,” whom He describes as “the children of the kingdom,” would grow side by side with the “tares,” or those who do not love God and do not keep His commandments.
We are all His Latter-day Saints, and although not yet all we want to be, we are serious in our desire to be His true disciples.
- What does the parable of the wheat and tares teach us about the last days?
- How can we be more patient with ourselves in our spiritual journey?
- In what ways can you strive to be a "wheat" amidst the "tares" in your daily life?
- How can you help others to grow as "wheat" in their spiritual journey?
Strengthening Our Faith in Jesus Christ
Elder Andersen emphasizes the need to nurture and fortify our faith in Jesus Christ as evil increases in the world. He reminds us of the Apostle Paul's counsel to be rooted, grounded, and settled in our love for the Savior.
We realize that as evil increases in the world, our spiritual survival, and the spiritual survival of those we love, will require that we more fully nurture, fortify, and strengthen the roots of our faith in Jesus Christ.
This is life eternal,” Jesus prayed, “that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
- Why is it crucial to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ in these latter days?
- What does it mean to be "rooted, grounded, and settled" in our love for the Savior?
- How can you nurture and fortify your faith in Jesus Christ?
- What actions can you take to deepen your love for the Savior?
Making Covenants with the Lord
Elder Andersen talks about the importance of making and keeping covenants with the Lord. He explains that these covenants allow the love of the Savior to sink more deeply into our hearts and bring us closer to Him.
Next, as we better know and love the Savior, we desire even more to promise Him our allegiance and trust. We make covenants with Him.
Making and keeping covenants allows the love of the Savior to sink more deeply into our heart.
- Why are making and keeping covenants with the Lord important in our spiritual journey?
- How do covenants allow the love of the Savior to sink more deeply into our hearts?
- What covenants have you made with the Lord and how are you striving to keep them?
- How have these covenants deepened your relationship with the Savior?
Safeguarding the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Elder Andersen emphasizes the importance of treasuring, protecting, defending, and safeguarding the gift of the Holy Ghost. He reiterates President Nelson's prophetic warning that spiritual survival is not possible without the Holy Ghost's guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence.
Finally, my third thought: in this sacred quest, we treasure, protect, defend, and safeguard the gift of the Holy Ghost.
“It will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”
- Why is safeguarding the gift of the Holy Ghost crucial in our spiritual journey?
- What roles does the Holy Ghost play in our spiritual survival?
- How can you better treasure, protect, defend, and safeguard the gift of the Holy Ghost in your life?
- How has the Holy Ghost guided, directed, comforted, and influenced you in your spiritual journey?
Choosing to Be Different from the World
Elder Andersen shares various experiences of individuals who chose to be different from the world by standing as a witness of Christ. He emphasizes that as disciples of Christ, we need to consciously shape our desires, thoughts, choices, and actions, and separate ourselves from the world through covenants with God.
We are a light to the world, and when necessary, we willingly choose to be different from others.
It is a wondrous journey to be wheat among the tares, sometimes fraught with heartache but always calmed by the maturing and assuring settling of our faith.
- Why is it important for us to choose to be different from the world?
- How can being different from the world help us in our spiritual journey?
- What choices have you made that required you to be different from the world?
- How can you better stand as a witness of Christ in your daily life?
