Preserving the Voice of the Covenant People in the Rising Generation
Jan E. Newman, Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency
Brother Newman testifies of the importance of teaching children about Jesus Christ and instilling in them a desire to make and keep covenants with Him.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Start the lesson by sharing the story of the Savior's visit to the people at the temple in the land Bountiful, emphasizing the importance of the rising generation in the Lord's plan.
- Begin by asking class members to share their thoughts on the importance of the rising generation in preserving the voice of the covenant people.
- Open the lesson by discussing the significance of the parable of the wise man who built his house upon a rock, focusing on the concept of "digging deep" in our faith.
Topics
The Importance of Instilling Faith in the Rising Generation
Brother Newman emphasizes the importance of instilling faith in Jesus Christ within the hearts of the rising generation. He highlights that faith in Christ needs to be owned by the individual, not just inherited from parents or elders.
For the rising generation, it’s not enough for faith in Jesus Christ to be “the tradition of their fathers.” They need to own faith in Christ for themselves.
- Why is it important for the rising generation to have their own faith in Christ?
- How can we help the youth in our lives to develop a personal faith in Jesus Christ?
- What are some challenges that might prevent the rising generation from developing their own faith?
- How can we support those who are struggling to develop their own faith?
- What changes can we make in our lives to better instill faith in the rising generation?
The Role of Scriptures in Building Faith
Brother Newman discusses the significant role that scriptures play in helping individuals build their faith. He encourages daily immersion in the scriptures for spiritual survival and growth.
Daily immersion in the word of God is crucial for spiritual survival, especially in these days of increasing upheaval.
- Why are scriptures crucial for our spiritual survival?
- How can we incorporate daily scripture study into our lives?
- What are some ways we can help the rising generation to engage with the scriptures?
- How have the scriptures helped you in your personal spiritual growth?
- How can we make scripture study more meaningful and impactful?
Consistency in Spiritual Efforts
Brother Newman highlights the power of small, consistent spiritual efforts. He reassures that even if individual efforts may seem insignificant, their accumulation over time can lead to powerful spiritual strengthening.
The accumulation of small, simple efforts, repeated consistently over time, can be more powerful and strengthening than an occasional monumental moment or landmark lesson.
- Why is consistency important in our spiritual efforts?
- How have small, consistent efforts in your life led to significant spiritual growth?
- What are some small, consistent efforts we can make to strengthen our faith?
- How can we help the rising generation understand the importance of consistency in spiritual efforts?
- What challenges might we face in maintaining consistency and how can we overcome them?
The Role of Parents and Leaders in Teaching the Youth
Brother Newman discusses the role of parents and leaders in teaching and guiding the youth. He encourages parents and leaders to help children come to know Jesus Christ deeply and specifically.
One of our most sacred responsibilities is to help our children come to know deeply and specifically that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, their personal Savior and Redeemer, who stands at the head of His Church!
- What is our role as parents or leaders in helping the youth come to know Jesus Christ?
- How can we fulfill this sacred responsibility effectively?
- What are some ways we can teach about Jesus Christ to the youth in our lives?
- How have your parents or leaders helped you to come to know Jesus Christ?
- What challenges might we face in teaching the youth and how can we overcome them?
The Impact of Teaching in the Savior's Way
Brother Newman emphasizes the importance of teaching in the Savior's way. He discusses how teaching in this manner can help children come to know their true nature as beloved sons and daughters of God.
As you teach them, you will come to know their true nature as beloved sons and daughters of God.
- What does it mean to teach in the Savior's way?
- How can teaching in the Savior's way help children to understand their divine nature?
- What are some ways we can implement the Savior's way of teaching in our homes and callings?
- How has teaching in the Savior's way impacted you or someone you know?
- What challenges might we face in teaching in the Savior's way and how can we overcome them?
Additional Discussion Questions
- What stood out to you in Brother Newman's talk?
- How has this talk influenced your perspective on teaching the rising generation?
- What are some practical ways we can help the rising generation to develop their own faith?
- How can we better use the scriptures to strengthen our faith and the faith of the rising generation?
- What are some small, consistent efforts we can start making today to strengthen our faith?
- How can we ensure that our covenant voice is not silent in the ears of the rising generation?
- How can we better fulfill our sacred responsibility of helping our children come to know Jesus Christ?
- What are some ways we can implement teaching in the Savior's way in our homes and callings?
- How can we help our children to understand their true nature as beloved sons and daughters of God?
- What steps can we take to ensure that our teaching efforts have a lasting impact on the rising generation?
