Study Guide for "The Greatest Easter Story Ever Told"

In his talk, Elder Gary E. Stevenson explores the importance of Easter, the significance of the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the role the Book of Mormon plays in bearing witness to these critical events. He discusses the need for a more Christ-centered Easter celebration and how the Book of Mormon can help us achieve this. He also shares personal experiences that illustrate the power and impact of the Book of Mormon in testifying of Jesus Christ.

Before Reading

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

What is the main message of Elder Stevenson's talk?
How does Elder Stevenson suggest we can make our Easter celebrations more Christ-centered?
What role does the Book of Mormon play in our understanding and celebration of Easter?
How can the Book of Mormon strengthen our testimony of Jesus Christ?
What personal experiences does Elder Stevenson share that illustrate the power of the Book of Mormon?

Topics

Reflecting on Easter Traditions

Elder Stevenson discusses the difference between how we celebrate Christmas and Easter. He suggests that while we manage to balance the fun and thoughtful traditions at Christmas, we may not give Easter the same depth and richness. He encourages us to consider how we can make our Easter celebrations more Christ-centered.

The more I thought about our celebrations, the more I found myself wondering if we are inadvertently shortchanging the true meaning of this holiday, so central to all believers in Jesus Christ.

How do we model the teaching and celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Easter story, with the same balance, fulness, and rich religious tradition of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christmas story?

What is the difference between how we celebrate Christmas and Easter?
How can we make our Easter celebrations more Christ-centered?
What changes can you make to your Easter celebrations to make them more Christ-centered?
How can you incorporate the teachings of Jesus Christ more fully into your Easter traditions?

The Book of Mormon as a Witness of Christ's Resurrection

Elder Stevenson discusses the unique witness of the Book of Mormon, particularly in its account of Jesus Christ's appearance to the inhabitants of the New World in His resurrected glory. He suggests that these accounts can be a crucial part of our Easter tradition.

In addition to the important verses about Easter in the New Testament, we as Latter-day Saints are endowed with a most remarkable Easter gift!

In reality, the Book of Mormon shares the greatest Easter story ever told. Let it not be the greatest Easter story never told.

What is the unique witness of the Book of Mormon?
How does the Book of Mormon testify of Christ's Resurrection?
How can you incorporate the Book of Mormon into your Easter traditions?
What insights have you gained from the Book of Mormon about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?

The Impact of Reading the Book of Mormon

Elder Stevenson shares personal experiences that demonstrate the power and impact of reading and studying the Book of Mormon. He emphasizes that studying regularly from the Book of Mormon can change our lives and strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ.

Anytime we read and study from the Book of Mormon, we can expect remarkable outcomes.

Studying regularly from this book about Jesus Christ will change your life. It will open your eyes to new possibilities. It will increase your hope and fill you with charity.

What are the benefits of reading and studying the Book of Mormon?
How can studying the Book of Mormon strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ?
How has studying the Book of Mormon changed your life?
What can you do to make regular study of the Book of Mormon a part of your daily routine?

The Role of the Book of Mormon in Testifying of Jesus Christ

Elder Stevenson discusses the role of the Book of Mormon in bearing witness of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and that it testifies not only that Christ would come, but that He did come.

We cannot stand as witnesses of Jesus Christ until we can bear witness of Him.

The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ because throughout its sacred pages, one prophet after another testifies not only that Christ would come but that He did come.

What role does the Book of Mormon play in testifying of Jesus Christ?
How does the Book of Mormon bear witness of Jesus Christ?
How has your understanding of Jesus Christ been influenced by the Book of Mormon?
How can you use the Book of Mormon to bear witness of Jesus Christ?

The Impact of Jesus Christ

Elder Stevenson concludes his talk by emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus Christ. He discusses how everything changed and became better because of Jesus Christ, and how life is manageable, especially the painful moments, because of Him.

Because of Jesus Christ, everything changed.

Because of Him, life is manageable—especially the painful moments.

Because of Him, everything is possible.

How has Jesus Christ changed everything?
How does Jesus Christ make life manageable, especially during painful moments?
How has your life changed because of Jesus Christ?
What difficult or painful moments have been made manageable because of Jesus Christ?