The Powerful, Virtuous Cycle of the Doctrine of Christ
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the "powerful, virtuous cycle" Elder Renlund refers to?
- How does Elder Renlund use the analogy of kayaking to illustrate spiritual principles?
- What does Elder Renlund suggest is the key to maintaining spiritual momentum?
- How does Elder Renlund describe the role of faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end in our spiritual journey?
- What insights does Elder Renlund provide about ministering to others?
Topics
Understanding the Doctrine of Christ
Elder Renlund discusses the doctrine of Christ, which includes faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. These elements are not one-time events but are to be experienced repeatedly and iteratively, creating a "powerful virtuous cycle".
Spiritual momentum is created "over a lifetime as we repeatedly embrace the doctrine of Christ."
"Enduring to the end" is repeatedly and iteratively applying the other elements of the doctrine of Christ, creating the "powerful virtuous cycle".
- What are the elements of the doctrine of Christ as described by Elder Renlund?
- How does the "powerful virtuous cycle" relate to the doctrine of Christ?
- How can you apply the doctrine of Christ more fully in your life?
- In what ways can you create a "powerful virtuous cycle" in your spiritual journey?
Maintaining Spiritual Momentum
Elder Renlund emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual momentum by continually "rowing" toward the Savior. This momentum is created by daily spiritual nourishment and taking responsibility for our own testimonies.
If we maintain spiritual momentum by continually "rowing" toward the Savior, we are safer and more secure because our eternal life depends on our faith in Him.
Our faith in Jesus Christ needs to be nourished daily.
- What does it mean to maintain spiritual momentum?
- How does daily spiritual nourishment contribute to this momentum?
- What daily practices can you implement to maintain your spiritual momentum?
- How can you take more responsibility for your own testimony?
The Joy of Repentance
Elder Renlund teaches that repentance is joyful and allows us to learn from our mistakes, which is how we progress eternally. It is an integral part of the doctrine of Christ.
Repentance is joyful and allows us to learn from our mistakes, which is how we progress eternally.
Through repentance, we can get back on top and continue, no matter how many times we have fallen off.
- Why does Elder Renlund describe repentance as joyful?
- How does repentance contribute to our eternal progression?
- What is your perspective on repentance?
- How can you embrace the joy of repentance in your life?
The Role of Baptism and the Holy Ghost
Elder Renlund explains that while baptism is a singular event, we renew our baptismal covenant repeatedly when we partake of the sacrament. This links the initial elements in the doctrine of Christ with reception of the Holy Ghost, inviting Him into our lives.
While baptism is a singular event, we renew our baptismal covenant repeatedly when we partake of the sacrament.
As we conscientiously partake of the sacrament, we invite the Holy Ghost into our lives.
- How does partaking of the sacrament renew our baptismal covenant?
- What role does the Holy Ghost play in our spiritual journey?
- How can you more conscientiously partake of the sacrament?
- What can you do to invite the Holy Ghost more fully into your life?
Ministering to Others
Elder Renlund discusses the importance of ministering to others with compassion, empathy, and love. He advises against passing judgement and encourages us to help others in the way they need at the time they need it.
As we minister to others, we do not need to ask unhelpful questions or state the obvious.
We do need all our compassion, empathy, and love as we interact with those around us.
- What advice does Elder Renlund give about ministering to others?
- Why is it important to avoid passing judgement when ministering?
- How can you minister to others with more compassion, empathy, and love?
- Can you think of a time when you were ministered to in the way Elder Renlund describes? How did it affect you?
