Rise! He Calleth Thee
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does Elder De Feo mean by "clear spiritual vision"?
- How does the story of Bartimaeus illustrate the principles Elder De Feo discusses?
- What are the three principles Elder De Feo outlines for keeping our spiritual sight intact?
- How can we apply these principles to our own lives?
Topics
Understanding the Importance of Spiritual Vision
Elder De Feo emphasizes the importance of clear spiritual vision, particularly in times of trials and challenges. He shares his personal experience of facing potential blindness, which led him to reflect on his spiritual sight and its significance.
The gospel is not a way to avoid challenges and problems but a solution to increase our faith and learn how to deal with them.
OK! My physical sight is not good, but what about my spiritual vision? Do I need any treatment there? And what does it mean to have a clear spiritual vision?
- What is the significance of spiritual vision in our lives?
- How can trials and challenges help us recognize the importance of spiritual vision?
- How can you work on improving your spiritual vision?
- Can you recall a time when your spiritual vision helped you navigate a challenging situation?
Focusing on Jesus Christ
Elder De Feo teaches that we maintain clear spiritual vision by focusing on Jesus Christ and staying true to what we know. He warns against being swayed by the voices of the world and encourages us to declare our testimonies of the Savior louder and stronger.
We keep a clear spiritual vision when we focus on Jesus Christ and stay true to what we know to be true.
The voices of the world are trying to silence us, but that’s exactly why we must declare our testimony of the Savior louder and stronger.
- Why is it important to focus on Jesus Christ and stay true to what we know?
- How can the voices of the world distract us from our spiritual vision?
- How can you better focus on Jesus Christ in your daily life?
- What steps can you take to declare your testimony of the Savior louder and stronger?
Leaving the Natural Man Behind
Elder De Feo discusses the principle of leaving the natural man behind, repenting, and beginning a new life in Christ. He uses the story of Bartimaeus throwing away his beggar’s coat as a metaphor for getting rid of excuses and rising to a better life through Jesus Christ.
We keep a clear spiritual vision when we leave the natural man behind, repent, and begin a new life in Christ.
As long as we make excuses to feel sorry for ourselves, sorry for our circumstances and problems, and sorry for all the bad things happening in our lives and even all the bad people who we think make us unhappy, we keep the beggar’s coat on our shoulders.
- What does it mean to leave the natural man behind and begin a new life in Christ?
- How can making excuses hinder our spiritual growth?
- What "beggar’s coat" might you be holding onto that you need to throw away?
- How can you better rely on Jesus Christ to help you rise above your circumstances?
Hearing the Voice of the Lord
Elder De Feo teaches that we maintain clear spiritual vision by hearing the voice of the Lord and allowing Him to guide us. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing the Lord's voice amid the noise of the world.
We keep a clear spiritual vision when we hear the voice of the Lord and allow Him to guide us.
Just as this man raised his voice over the voices around him, he was able to listen to the voice of the Lord in the middle of all other voices.
- Why is it important to hear the voice of the Lord and allow Him to guide us?
- How can the voices of the world distract us from hearing the Lord's voice?
- How can you better hear and recognize the voice of the Lord in your life?
- Can you recall a time when you felt guided by the voice of the Lord?
Following Jesus Christ
Elder De Feo concludes by emphasizing the importance of following Jesus Christ. He explains that the ultimate reason for the blessings we receive is to follow Him, and that keeping a clear spiritual vision is all about focusing on Jesus Christ.
And this is the ultimate reason for the blessings we receive in our lives, which is to follow Jesus Christ. It is about recognizing Him, making and keeping covenants with God because of Him, changing our very nature through Him, and enduring to the end by following Him.
For me, keeping a clear spiritual vision is all about focusing on Jesus Christ.
- Why is following Jesus Christ the ultimate reason for the blessings we receive?
- How does focusing on Jesus Christ help us maintain a clear spiritual vision?
- What steps can you take to better follow Jesus Christ in your daily life?
- How has following Jesus Christ blessed your life?
