A Voice of Gladness!
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the context of the Prophet Joseph Smith's jubilant declaration about the gospel?
- What are some of the blessings that God bestows upon His children through the restored gospel?
- What is the role of temples in God's plan of happiness?
- What is the doctrine of eternal families and why is it profound?
- What challenges and opposition come with the building of temples and how can we overcome them?
Topics
Understanding the Joy in God's Plan of Happiness
Elder Duncan discusses the joy that comes from understanding and living according to God's plan of happiness. This joy was first experienced in our premortal life when we heard about God's plan, and it continues in this life as we live according to His plan. This joy is found in the restored truths of the gospel, including baptism for the dead and other endowments that God bestows upon His children.
“Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; … a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy.”
“We all shouted for joy in our premortal life when we heard God’s plan of happiness, and we continue to shout for joy here as we live according to His plan.”
- What does it mean to hear "a voice of gladness" in the gospel?
- Why did we shout for joy in our premortal life when we heard God's plan of happiness?
- How can we continue to experience this joy in our mortal life?
- How have you experienced joy in your life as you have lived according to God's plan of happiness?
- What can you do to more fully live according to God's plan and experience this joy more fully?
Recognizing the Importance of Temples in God's Plan
Elder Duncan emphasizes the importance of temples in God's plan of happiness. These sacred buildings are where God confers His highest and holiest blessings upon His children, including priesthood authority, covenants and ordinances, eternal marriages, and the sealing of families. Temples are also where the work of salvation for both the living and the dead takes place.
Because God considered these to be among His highest and holiest blessings, He instructed that sacred buildings be erected where He could confer these precious gifts upon His children.
As we can see, the need for temples and the work that is done for both the living and the dead become very clear.
- What are some of the blessings that God confers upon His children in temples?
- Why are temples important in God's plan of happiness?
- How does the work done in temples contribute to our salvation and the salvation of the dead?
- How have you been blessed by the ordinances and covenants you have made in the temple?
- What can you do to more fully appreciate the blessings that come from temple worship?
Understanding the Doctrine of Eternal Families
Elder Duncan discusses the profound doctrine of eternal families that is taught in the restored gospel. This doctrine teaches that families can be united eternally through the sealing ordinance performed in temples. It is a teaching that can unite a divided world and is recognized as majestic and profound even by those not of our faith.
At the conclusion of the tour, I invited our friend to share his feelings. In reference to the uniting of families—past, present, and future—this good man asked in all sincerity, “Do the members of your faith truly understand just how profound this doctrine is?”
This man was not moved simply by the exquisite craftsmanship of the temple but rather by the stunning and profound doctrine that families are united and sealed to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ forever.
- What is the doctrine of eternal families?
- Why is this doctrine considered profound?
- How can the doctrine of eternal families unite a divided world?
- How has the doctrine of eternal families impacted your life?
- What can you do to more fully understand and appreciate this profound doctrine?
Facing Challenges and Opposition in Building Temples
Elder Duncan addresses the challenges and opposition that come with the building of temples. The adversary tries to stop the work done in temples because he knows of the power that comes from this sacred work. However, as temples and covenant keepers grow in number, the adversary grows weaker. The power and strength to overcome the adversary come from Jesus Christ as we make and keep temple covenants.
The adversary is on the alert. His power is threatened by the ordinances and covenants performed in temples, and he does anything he can to try to stop the work.
In this mortal life, we will never escape the war, but we can have power over the enemy. That power and strength come from Jesus Christ as we make and keep temple covenants.
- Why does the adversary try to stop the work done in temples?
- How can we overcome the challenges and opposition that come with the building of temples?
- How does making and keeping temple covenants give us power over the enemy?
- What challenges have you faced in your efforts to participate in temple work?
- How have you been strengthened by the power of Jesus Christ as you have made and kept temple covenants?
Rejoicing in the Blessings of Temple Worship
Elder Duncan encourages members to find joy and strength in temple worship. He shares promises from President Russell M. Nelson about the miracles, healing, and strengthening power that come from temple worship. He also invites members to rejoice in the goodness of God and His plan of happiness.
President Russell M. Nelson has taught: “The time is coming when those who do not obey the Lord will be separated from those who do. Our safest insurance is to continue to be worthy of admission to His holy house.”
Brothers and sisters, today on this Palm Sunday, let us as disciples of Jesus Christ also praise our holy God and rejoice in His goodness to us.
- What are some of the blessings that come from temple worship?
- Why is it important to continue to be worthy of admission to the temple?
- How can we rejoice in the goodness of God and His plan of happiness?
- How have you experienced the blessings of temple worship in your life?
- How can you cultivate a spirit of rejoicing in the goodness of God and His plan of happiness?
