Study Guide for "Faith: A Bond of Trust and Loyalty"

In his General Conference address, Elder Sandino Roman of the Seventy shares a powerful message about the essential principle of faith in Jesus Christ. He illustrates how faith is not merely belief but a deep bond of trust and loyalty, grounded in love. Through personal experiences and scriptural insights, Elder Roman invites us to nurture our relationship with the Savior, even amidst adversity, and to become true disciples who are strengthened by His promises.

Before Reading

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

What does Elder Roman suggest is the deeper meaning of having faith in Jesus Christ?
How can we increase our trust in Christ according to Elder Roman?
What role does loyalty play in our faith according to the talk?
How should we respond to adversity with faith?
What promises does God make to His faithful people?

Topics

Build Trust in Christ

Elder Roman explains that faith in Christ goes beyond belief; it involves developing a relationship of trust. Trust in Christ is built by recognizing His blessings and cultivating a personal connection through prayer and reflection.

When you reach up for the Lord’s power in your life with the same intensity that a drowning person has when grasping and gasping for air, power from Jesus Christ will be yours.

When we have faith in Christ, we recognize His blessings and develop a relationship of trust with Him.

What does it mean to have faith in Christ according to Elder Roman?
How can recognizing Christ's blessings help us build trust in Him?
Reflect on a time when you felt Christ's blessings in your life. How did it affect your trust in Him?
What steps can you take today to strengthen your relationship with Christ?

Cultivate Loyalty to Christ

Loyalty is a key component of faith. By making and honoring covenants with Christ, we express our loyalty and strengthen our faith. Elder Roman shares a personal story of a promise made to his mother, illustrating how loyalty shapes our actions and decisions.

Making covenants with Jesus Christ builds hope. Honoring them builds faith.

Faith in Jesus Christ is a bond of trust forged in loyalty and love.

How does making and honoring covenants with Christ demonstrate our loyalty?
Why is loyalty important in developing faith?
Consider a covenant you have made with Christ. How have you shown your loyalty to Him through this covenant?
What actions can you take to demonstrate greater loyalty to Christ in your daily life?

Face Adversity with Faith

Elder Roman encourages us to walk undaunted toward Christ in the face of adversity. By maintaining our faith and hope in Christ, we can overcome challenges and receive His guidance and strength. He uses the metaphor of a lantern fueled by faith to navigate dark times.

While challenges are inevitable and sometimes frightening, simply walk undaunted toward Him.

Your faithfulness to God and your constant interactions with Him are the fuel for your lantern.

How can faith help us face adversity?
What does it mean to walk undaunted toward Christ?
What challenges are you currently facing, and how can you apply your faith to overcome them?
How can you strengthen your faith to better navigate future adversities?

Expect Miracles with Faith

Elder Roman teaches that while we should expect miracles, we must also let God prevail in our lives. Our faith should be centered in Christ and open to His will, trusting that His blessings will come in His way and time.

Expect miracles, but let God prevail in our lives.

What does it mean to expect miracles with faith?
How can we let God prevail in our lives while exercising faith?
Reflect on a time when you experienced a miracle. How did it strengthen your faith?
In what areas of your life do you need to let God prevail more fully?

Embrace God’s Promises

Elder Roman reassures us of God’s promises to His faithful people. By nurturing our relationship with Christ and committing to never forsake Him, we can gain confidence, strength, and the power to overcome challenges and return to His presence.

Your loyalty, love, and trust in Christ will shape your character and identity after His.

He will trust you with His power to accomplish anything He expects of you, even the power to return to His presence.

What are some of the promises God makes to His faithful people?
How does our loyalty to Christ enable us to receive His promises?
How can you nurture your relationship with Christ to better embrace His promises?
What specific promises of God are you striving to realize in your life?