The Savior’s Healing Power upon the Isles of the Sea
J. Kimo Esplin, of the Seventy
Elder J. Kimo Esplin describes the Savior's healing power and the significance of temples in the lives of the faithful.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by sharing a personal experience of a time when you felt the healing power of the Savior in your life.
- Ask class members to share their feelings about the temple and the blessings it brings into their lives.
- Start with a brief overview of the history of the Church in Japan, focusing on the challenges and triumphs of the Saints there.
Topics
Experiencing God's Love Amidst Trials
Elder Esplin shared the story of a Japanese woman who found faith in God during the hardships of World War II. Despite her struggles, she found strength and hope through her spiritual experiences.
However, as she prepared to do so, a profoundly spiritual experience unfolded that gave her a tangible sense of the reality of God and His love for her, which gave her the strength to carry on.
- How have you experienced God's love during times of trial?
- What can we learn from this sister's experience about finding hope amidst hardship?
- How can we cultivate a sense of God's love in our lives?
- What actions can we take to strengthen our faith during difficult times?
- How can we help others feel God's love during their trials?
The Joy of Temple Blessings
The Japanese woman was overjoyed to learn about the doctrine of baptism for the dead and the possibility of being sealed to her family. Despite financial and language barriers, she and other Japanese Saints made great sacrifices to attend the temple.
She was captivated by the teaching that her parents could choose to follow Jesus Christ after death and accept baptism performed on their behalf in holy places called temples. She and her family were converted to the Savior and baptized.
- How have temple blessings brought joy into your life?
- What sacrifices have you made to receive these blessings?
- How can we help others understand the importance of temple work?
- What can we learn from the Japanese Saints" sacrifices to attend the temple?
- How can we make the temple a bigger part of our lives?
Healing Power of the Savior through Temple Covenants
Elder Esplin emphasized that temple covenants are gifts from Heavenly Father that bind us to the Savior and each other. These covenants bring heavenly power into our lives and help us withstand trials.
Through the temple, our Heavenly Father binds individuals and families to the Savior and to each other. President Russell M. Nelson declared last year: "Each person who makes covenants in baptismal fonts and in temples—and keeps them—has increased access to the power of Jesus Christ."
- How have temple covenants brought healing into your life?
- In what ways have you felt the power of Jesus Christ through keeping your covenants?
- How can we better honor our temple covenants?
- What can we do to help others understand the importance of temple covenants?
- How can temple covenants help us withstand trials and temptations?
The Power of Faith Amidst Criticism
Despite criticism and tragedy, the Japanese woman remained steadfast in her faith in Jesus Christ. Her determination and trust in God are inspiring examples of enduring to the end.
Undeterred by profound tragedy and harsh criticism, she held on to her faith in Jesus Christ, determined to press forward, trusting that God knew her and that brighter days were ahead.
- Have you ever faced criticism for your faith? How did you respond?
- What can we learn from this sister's faith and determination?
- How can we strengthen our faith when facing criticism or opposition?
- What can we do to support others who are facing criticism for their faith?
- How can trusting in God help us endure trials?
The Spread of the Gospel to All Nations
Elder Esplin testified of the ongoing fulfillment of the Lord's promise to spread the knowledge of the Savior to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.
I am grateful to witness the ongoing fulfillment of the Lord’s promise that "the time shall come when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people," including to those "upon the isles of the sea."
- How have you seen the gospel spread in your own life or community?
- What can we do to contribute to the spread of the gospel?
- How does the spread of the gospel to all nations demonstrate God's love for His children?
- What blessings have come into your life through the spread of the gospel?
- How can we better prepare ourselves to share the gospel with others?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we help those who are struggling to find faith in God?
- What can we do to make the temple more accessible to those who face barriers?
- How can we better support those who are making sacrifices to receive temple blessings?
- How can we help others understand the healing power of the Savior?
- What can we do to strengthen our own temple covenants?
- How can we stand firm in our faith amidst criticism or opposition?
- What can we learn from the Japanese Saints' dedication to the gospel?
- How can we better prepare ourselves to share the gospel with others?
- How does the spread of the gospel to all nations demonstrate God's love for His children?
- What role does the temple play in spreading the gospel to all nations?
