Study Guide for "And We Talk of Christ"

In his talk, "And We Talk of Christ," Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shares a personal experience that illustrates the profound impact of the Savior's image and presence in our lives. He emphasizes the importance of talking, rejoicing, and prophesying of Christ, and he highlights recent efforts by Church leaders to center our lives more fully on Jesus Christ. Through these adjustments, Elder Stevenson invites us to deepen our connection with the Savior, particularly during the Easter season, by celebrating His Atonement and Resurrection.

Before Reading

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

What personal experience did Elder Stevenson share at the beginning of his talk?
How does Elder Stevenson describe the role of Jesus Christ in the Church?
What recent changes have Church leaders made to help members focus on Jesus Christ?
How does Elder Stevenson suggest we celebrate Easter in a more Christ-centered way?
What is the significance of the Church symbol introduced by President Nelson?

Topics

Embrace the Light of Christ

Elder Stevenson recounts a personal experience at an airport where a simple image of the Savior changed the demeanor of a customs officer, illustrating the transformative power of the Light of Christ in our interactions.

This small picture of the Savior connected the hearts of two otherwise disconnected strangers.

It transformed the impersonal to personal, capturing the beauty, the miracle, and the reality of the Light of Jesus Christ.

What impact did the image of the Savior have on the customs officer?
How can the Light of Christ transform interactions between people?
Have you experienced a moment where the Light of Christ changed an interaction you had? How did it affect you?
How can you carry the Light of Christ with you in your daily interactions with others?

Center Our Lives on Jesus Christ

Elder Stevenson emphasizes that as followers of Jesus Christ, we are to receive and share His light. The Church's name itself reflects our commitment to Christ, and recent adjustments by Church leaders aim to help us focus more fully on Him.

We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, [and] we prophesy of Christ.

Living prophets in our day—who receive revelation from God to teach and lead us—are increasingly inviting us to come unto Christ.

Why is it important to talk, rejoice, preach, and prophesy of Christ?
What are some ways Church leaders have helped us focus more fully on Jesus Christ?
In what ways can you more fully center your life on Jesus Christ?
How can you share the light of Christ with those around you?

Understand the Church Symbol

The Church symbol introduced by President Nelson in 2020 highlights that Christ is at the center of His Church and our lives. The symbol includes the Christus statue and represents the resurrected Savior emerging from the tomb.

This symbol reflects the truth that Christ is at the center of His Church and should be at the center of our lives.

Jesus Christ stands under the arch. This represents the resurrected Savior emerging from the tomb.

What does the Church symbol represent?
How does the symbol remind us of the living Christ?
How can you incorporate the symbolism of the Church symbol into your daily life?
What does it mean to you personally that Christ is at the center of your life?

Celebrate a Higher and Holier Easter

Elder Stevenson encourages us to elevate our Easter celebrations by focusing more on the Savior's Atonement and Resurrection. He shares examples of how individuals and families can make Easter a sacred and holy occasion.

We have been encouraged to move to a higher and holier celebration of Easter.

Adding an intentional spiritual dimension that focuses on Jesus Christ and His Atonement to our celebration has brought a sweet balance to our commemoration of these most holy of all events.

What are some ways we can celebrate Easter in a more Christ-centered way?
Why is it important to focus on the Savior's Atonement and Resurrection during Easter?
How can you make your Easter celebrations more focused on Jesus Christ?
What traditions can you start or enhance to better honor the Savior during Easter?

Affirm the Literal Resurrection

Elder Stevenson affirms the doctrine of the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasizing its central role in Christianity. He contrasts this with the trend among some theologians to view it symbolically.

We affirm our doctrine that "the Resurrection means that all who have ever lived will be resurrected, and the Resurrection is literal."

The Resurrection is the central theme in every Christian sermon reported in the Acts.

Why is the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ a central doctrine of Christianity?
How does the belief in a literal Resurrection impact our understanding of life and death?
What does the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ mean to you personally?
How does your belief in the Resurrection influence your daily life and interactions with others?