Study Guide for "A Record of What I Have Both Seen and Heard"

In his talk "A Record of What I Have Both Seen and Heard", Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy draws on his experiences as a lawyer and a church leader to discuss the importance of bearing witness to the truthfulness of the gospel. He shares his personal experiences and observations from his service as a Seventy, highlighting the growth and global spread of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does Elder Nielson suggest is the role of a witness in the Church?
How does Elder Nielson describe the growth of the Church across the world?
What does Elder Nielson say about the importance of personal testimony in the gospel?
How does Elder Nielson relate his professional experience as a lawyer to his spiritual responsibilities?
What does Elder Nielson mean when he says, "There has never been a better time to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than today"?

Topics

Understanding the Role of a Witness

Elder Nielson draws parallels between his profession as a lawyer and his role as a Seventy in the Church. He emphasizes that a witness, in both legal and spiritual contexts, testifies to the truthfulness of what they have both seen and heard. He underscores his responsibility as a Seventy to bear witness of Jesus Christ and his gospel.

As witnesses testified, their words were both recorded and preserved.

It became clear to me that I had a responsibility to bear my witness—to testify of the name of Jesus Christ—wherever I traveled in the world.

What does it mean to be a witness in the Church?
How does Elder Nielson's role as a Seventy relate to his duty as a witness?
In what ways have you been a witness of the gospel in your life?
How can you more effectively bear witness of Jesus Christ and his gospel?

Reflecting on the Global Growth of the Church

Elder Nielson shares his personal experiences witnessing the growth of the Church worldwide. He testifies to the expansion of the Church in areas such as the Pacific Islands, the Philippines, and Africa. He also mentions the increasing number of temples and the work of missionaries across the globe.

I have personally seen many of these houses of the Lord and testify that the Lord is offering His blessings and ordinances to more and more of His children across the world.

The Church of Jesus Christ is experiencing tremendous growth in Africa.

Our wonderful missionaries who now cover the globe are 74,000 strong.

What examples does Elder Nielson provide of the Church's growth worldwide?
What role do temples and missionaries play in the expansion of the Church?
How have you personally witnessed the growth of the Church?
What can you do to contribute to the growth and strengthening of the Church in your area?

Recognizing the Importance of Personal Testimony

Elder Nielson emphasizes the importance of personal testimony in the gospel. He testifies of a loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and encourages members of the Church to share their personal testimonies of the truthfulness of the restored gospel.

I know this of my own knowledge, independent of any other source, because of what I have both seen and heard.

I testify today that I have observed this profound Restoration of the Savior’s gospel with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears.

What does Elder Nielson say about the importance of personal testimony?
How does Elder Nielson describe his personal testimony of the gospel?
What experiences have contributed to your personal testimony of the gospel?
How can you share your personal testimony with others?

Witnessing the Faithfulness of Church Members

Elder Nielson expresses his admiration for the faithfulness of Church members around the world. He testifies that he has seen them keeping the commandments of God and being armed with righteousness and the power of God.

Perhaps the most inspiring miracle of the Restoration that I have witnessed is you, the faithful members of the Church in every land.

I witness to you that I have seen this with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears as I have met you, faithful Saints of God across the earth who keep the commandments.

What does Elder Nielson say about the faithfulness of Church members worldwide?
How does Elder Nielson describe the blessings that come from keeping the commandments?
What does being "armed with righteousness and the power of God" mean to you?
How have you seen the blessings of keeping the commandments in your life?

Emphasizing the Best Time to be a Church Member

Throughout his talk, Elder Nielson repeatedly states that "there has never been a better time to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than today." He cites the ongoing Restoration, the global growth of the Church, and the faithfulness of its members as reasons for this assertion.

I testify that based upon what I have both seen and heard, there has never been a better time to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than today.

There has never been a better time to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than today.

Why does Elder Nielson believe that now is the best time to be a member of the Church?
How does Elder Nielson's testimony support his assertion?
Do you agree with Elder Nielson's statement? Why or why not?
What makes this time a great time to be a member of the Church for you personally?