Be One with Christ
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by asking the class to share their thoughts on what it means to be "one with Christ".
- Ask the class members to share a time when they felt a deep connection with Christ and how that experience impacted their lives.
- Start by discussing the concept of "atonement" and how it relates to being one with Christ.
Topics
Understanding the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Elder Cook shares a personal story about his grandfather who emphasized the importance of the Atonement in our lives. He highlights that we cannot return to God by good works alone but through the Savior's Atonement.
He taught me that no one can return to God by good works alone without the benefit of the Savior’s Atonement.
- How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ affect our daily lives?
- Why is it important to understand that we cannot return to God through good works alone?
- How can we better incorporate the Atonement in our lives?
- Can you share a personal experience where you felt the power of the Atonement?
- How can we help others understand the importance of the Atonement?
Achieving Oneness with Christ and Heavenly Father
Elder Cook emphasizes that oneness with Christ and our Heavenly Father can be obtained through the Savior’s Atonement. He also mentions that the Lord’s saving mercy is not dependent on lineage, education, economic status, or race.
Oneness with Christ and our Heavenly Father can be obtained through the Savior’s Atonement. The Lord’s saving mercy is not dependent on lineage, education, economic status, or race.
- What does it mean to be "one" with Christ and Heavenly Father?
- How can we strive to achieve this oneness in our lives?
- Why is it significant that the Lord’s saving mercy is not dependent on external factors?
- Can you share a time when you felt a strong connection with Heavenly Father and Christ?
- How can understanding the universality of God's mercy impact our interactions with others?
Understanding the Doctrine of Moral Agency
Elder Cook discusses the doctrine of moral agency, asserting that we have the ability to choose and act, which is essential to the plan of salvation. He also highlights the consequences of our choices.
Agency is the ability to choose and act. It is essential to the plan of salvation. We are free to choose and act, but we do not control the consequences.
- How does moral agency play a role in our spiritual progression?
- Why is it important to understand that while we can control our actions, we cannot control the consequences?
- Can you share an experience where your choices led to unexpected consequences?
- How does understanding our moral agency help us to become one with Christ?
- How can we make better choices that align with God's commandments?
Prioritizing Spiritual Choices and Family
Elder Cook emphasizes the importance of making choices with eternal significance, especially those related to family and being one with Christ. He cautions against prioritizing material and occupational success over eternal principles.
When efforts relating to education and occupation are elevated above the family or being one with Christ, the unintended consequences can be significantly adverse.
- Why is it important to prioritize spiritual choices and family?
- How can we balance our temporal responsibilities with our spiritual ones?
- Can you share a time when you had to make a choice between a temporal and a spiritual matter?
- How can we ensure that our choices align with being "one with Christ"?
- How can we help others prioritize spiritual choices in their lives?
Including Others in Our Circle of Oneness
Elder Cook encourages us to include others in our circle of oneness as we strive to follow President Russell M. Nelson’s admonition to gather scattered Israel. He emphasizes that we are united by our love of and faith in Jesus Christ.
We should strive to include others in our circle of oneness. We are united by our love of and faith in Jesus Christ and as children of a loving Heavenly Father.
- What does it mean to "include others in our circle of oneness"?
- How can we actively work towards including others in our circle?
- Can you share an experience where you felt included in someone else's circle of oneness?
- How does including others in our circle help us to become one with Christ?
- What steps can we take to make our communities more inclusive?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How does understanding the Atonement help us to become one with Christ?
- How can we use our moral agency to draw closer to Christ?
- What steps can we take to prioritize spiritual choices in our lives?
- How can we help others understand the concept of 'oneness' with Christ?
- Why is it important to include others in our circle of oneness?
- How does understanding our moral agency help us make better choices?
- What role does our family play in our journey to become one with Christ?
- How can understanding the Atonement help us to be more compassionate and understanding towards others?
- How can we better use our agency to align our actions with God's commandments?
- How can we foster a sense of unity and oneness in our church community?
