Talk Preparation Guide for "Rise! He Calleth Thee"

In this talk, Elder Massimo De Feo uses his personal experience with vision loss to explore the concept of spiritual vision. He draws upon the biblical story of Bartimaeus, a blind man who demonstrated faith in Jesus Christ, to illustrate key principles for enhancing our spiritual vision. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus Christ, acting in faith, ignoring worldly distractions, and living a new life in Christ.

Topics

Understanding the Concept of Spiritual Vision

Elder De Feo introduces the concept of spiritual vision, using his personal experience with vision loss and the story of Bartimaeus as a metaphor. He emphasizes that our spiritual vision is crucial in recognizing Jesus Christ and His role in our lives.

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?

It is interesting that this blind man, who didn’t have physical sight, recognized Jesus. He saw spiritually what he couldn’t see physically, while many others could see Jesus physically but were totally blind spiritually.

Key Points:

Our spiritual vision is crucial for recognizing Jesus Christ.
Just like Bartimaeus, we can "see" spiritually even when we are "blind" physically.

Experiences:

Can you recall a time when you felt spiritually "blind"? How did you seek clarity?
What does having clear spiritual vision mean to you?

Focusing on Jesus Christ Amidst Worldly Distractions

Elder De Feo discusses the importance of focusing on Jesus Christ and staying true to our beliefs, even amidst worldly distractions and pressures. He encourages us to declare our testimonies 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.

Key Points:

We must focus on Jesus Christ and stay true to our beliefs.
We should declare our testimonies of the Savior louder and stronger.

Experiences:

Have you ever felt pressured to silence your testimony? How did you respond?
How do you stay focused on Christ amidst worldly distractions?

Leaving the Natural Man Behind and Beginning a New Life in Christ

Elder De Feo emphasizes the importance of leaving behind our "beggar’s coat"—our excuses, sins, and old ways—to begin a new life in Christ. He reminds us that through Christ, we can rise above our circumstances.

We keep a clear spiritual vision when we leave the natural man behind, repent, and begin a new life in Christ.

With Jesus I can start a new life of happiness and joy in Him, with Him, and through Him. And I don’t care what the world thinks of me. Jesus is calling me, and He will help me live a new life.

Key Points:

We must leave behind our "beggar’s coat" to begin a new life in Christ.
Through Christ, we can rise above our circumstances.

Experiences:

What does your "beggar’s coat" represent? How can you leave it behind?
Can you share a time when you felt Christ helped you rise above your circumstances?

Listening to the Voice of the Lord and Allowing Him to Guide Us

Elder De Feo discusses the importance of hearing the voice of the Lord amidst worldly noises and distractions. He emphasizes that by focusing on the Lord, we can walk towards Him even when we cannot see the path clearly.

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.

Key Points:

We must listen to the voice of the Lord amidst worldly noises.
By focusing on the Lord, we can walk towards Him even when we cannot see the path clearly.

Experiences:

Can you recall a time when you felt guided by the voice of the Lord?
How do you discern the voice of the Lord amidst worldly noises?

Exercising True Faith in Jesus Christ

Elder De Feo concludes by emphasizing the importance of exercising true faith in Jesus Christ. He reminds us that the blessings we receive are meant to help us follow Christ and that focusing on Christ is key to maintaining clear spiritual vision.

This is the ultimate reason for the blessings we receive in our lives, which is to follow Jesus Christ.