Focus on Jesus Christ and His Gospel
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What challenges did the Nigerian football team face before winning gold at the 1996 Olympics?
- How does focusing on Christ and His gospel relate to experiencing joy, according to President Russell M. Nelson?
- What lessons can we learn from Alma the Younger about finding joy in Christ?
- How did the people of Helam maintain their focus on Christ during their trials?
- In what ways can focusing on Christ help us endure personal sorrows and losses?
Topics
Focus on Christ Brings Joy
Elder Egbo emphasizes that focusing on Jesus Christ and His gospel allows us to experience joy regardless of life's circumstances. He draws a parallel between the Nigerian football team's triumph and our spiritual victories when we prioritize Christ.
When the focus of our lives is on … Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives.
So trust Jesus Christ with your child, for He is the strength of every parent and every child.
- What did Elder Egbo compare focusing on Christ to?
- How does President Nelson describe the relationship between focusing on Christ and experiencing joy?
- What distractions might be preventing you from focusing on Christ?
- In what ways have you experienced joy by centering your life on Jesus Christ?
Alma the Younger's Transformation
Elder Egbo recounts the story of Alma the Younger, who found joy in Christ after repenting and dedicating his life to bringing others to repentance. His story exemplifies the transformative power of focusing on the Savior.
Joy in Christ began for Alma when he exercised faith in Him and cried for mercy.
The Lord loves effort, and effort focused on Him brings blessings.
- What led to Alma the Younger's conversion and subsequent joy?
- How did Alma maintain his joy despite trials?
- Reflect on a time when you felt joy after turning to Christ. What was the experience like?
- How can you increase your efforts to focus on Christ in your daily life?
Trust in Christ During Trials
The people of Helam in the Book of Mormon focused on Christ during their enslavement, finding strength and peace despite their circumstances. Elder Egbo highlights their faith and patience as they awaited deliverance.
Whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day.
The Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease.
- How did the people of Helam respond to their trials?
- What promises did the Lord give to those who trust in Him?
- What trials are you currently facing, and how can you focus on Christ to find peace?
- How have you seen the Lord strengthen you during difficult times?
Joy in Christ Overcomes Sorrow
Elder Egbo shares a personal experience of finding joy in Christ despite the sorrow of losing his mother. He testifies of the eternal perspective and hope that come through Jesus Christ and His gospel.
The sorrow of losing my mom has been swallowed up in the joy of Christ!
He lovingly invites, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
- How did Elder Egbo find joy in Christ after his mother's passing?
- What does it mean to "let God prevail" in our lives?
- How can you apply the principle of finding joy in Christ to a current sorrow or loss?
- What steps can you take to "think celestial" and focus on eternal truths?
Effort and Faith in Christ
Elder Egbo underscores the importance of continuous effort and faith in Christ, as demonstrated by Alma the Younger and the people of Helam. This dedication leads to spiritual growth and joy.
Effort focused on Him brings blessings.
Even severe trials can be swallowed up in the joy of Christ.
- What role does effort play in experiencing joy in Christ?
- How did Alma and the people of Helam demonstrate their faith in Christ?
- What specific efforts can you make to strengthen your faith in Christ?
- Reflect on a time when your efforts to follow Christ brought you blessings.
