“This Is My Gospel”—“This Is My Church”
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What analogy does Elder Renlund use to describe the power of the gospel and the Church?
- How does the Church contribute to maintaining the purity of the gospel?
- What role do covenants and ordinances play in our spiritual transformation according to Elder Renlund?
- Why does Elder Renlund emphasize the importance of the Church in accessing God's power?
Topics
Combine the Gospel and the Church for Transformation
Elder Renlund uses the analogy of dynamite to illustrate how the combination of the gospel of Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can have a transformative effect on individuals. Just as dynamite is powerful due to the combination of nitroglycerin and kieselguhr, the gospel and the Church together provide the necessary structure and authority to administer ordinances and maintain the purity of the gospel.
The combination of the gospel of Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides powerful and transformative benefits for us.
The Church is the instrument through which we learn the central role of Jesus Christ in Heavenly Father’s plan.
- What is the significance of combining the gospel with the Church according to Elder Renlund?
- How does the Church help maintain the purity of the gospel?
- How can you actively participate in the Church to benefit from its transformative power?
- Reflect on a time when the Church helped you understand the gospel more deeply.
Understand the Role of the Church in God's Plan
Elder Renlund highlights the Church's crucial role in God's plan by providing the authority to preach the gospel, administer ordinances, and make covenants with God. The Church is not just a location but a divinely appointed structure that helps individuals draw closer to God and access His power.
The Church offers the authoritative way for individuals to participate in ordinances and make lasting covenants with God.
Without His Church, there is no authority, no preaching of revealed truths in His name, no ordinances or covenants.
- Why is the Church essential in God's plan for His children?
- What are the benefits of making covenants through the Church?
- In what ways can you strengthen your commitment to the Church's role in your life?
- How have covenants made in the Church brought you closer to God?
Access the Power of Jesus Christ through the Church
Elder Renlund emphasizes that the Church enables us to access the power of Jesus Christ by providing the framework for repentance, forgiveness, and transformation. The Savior's Church is essential for teaching the doctrine of Christ and offering saving and exalting ordinances.
The Savior yearns to forgive our sins, help us access His power, and transform us.
The combination of the Savior’s gospel and His Church transforms our lives.
- How does the Church help us access the power of Jesus Christ?
- What is the relationship between repentance and accessing the Savior's power?
- Reflect on how participating in Church ordinances has helped you feel the Savior's power.
- What steps can you take to more fully access the transformative power of Jesus Christ in your life?
Recognize the Church as a Source of Joy
Elder Renlund shares a personal story of his grandparents" conversion to illustrate the joy that comes from accepting the gospel and joining the Church. He describes the Church as a place where individuals can find pure truth and unspeakable joy through the teachings and ordinances offered.
Oskar felt that what he heard was pure truth, and he was filled with unspeakable joy.
Albertina recognized pure truth and was filled with unspeakable joy.
- What role does the Church play in bringing joy to its members?
- How did Elder Renlund's grandparents find joy in the gospel and the Church?
- How has your membership in the Church brought you joy?
- What can you do to share the joy of the gospel with others?
Commit Fully to the Savior and His Church
Elder Renlund invites individuals to commit more fully to the Savior, His gospel, and His Church. He promises that such commitment will bring power into their lives, helping them overcome obstacles and transform into inheritors of God's kingdom.
I invite you to commit yourself more fully to the Savior, His gospel, and His Church.
This power is far greater than dynamite. It’ll shatter the rocks in your way.
- What does Elder Renlund promise will happen when we commit fully to the Savior and His Church?
- How can commitment to the Church help us overcome life's challenges?
- What specific actions can you take to strengthen your commitment to the Savior and His Church?
- Reflect on a time when your commitment to the Church helped you overcome a personal challenge.
