Lesson Prepration Guide for "The Eternal Gift of Testimony"

In his General Conference talk, Elder Kevin G. Brown of the Seventy shares profound insights on three powerful truths from the Restoration that have significantly impacted his life. He emphasizes the eternal nature of testimony and the critical role of agency and the Holy Ghost in obtaining a sure witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Brown's personal experiences, including his spiritual journey in Jamaica, serve as a testament to the enduring power of testimony and the importance of choosing to believe.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin the lesson by sharing a personal experience where you felt the influence of the Holy Ghost in gaining a testimony. Invite class members to think of similar experiences.
Start with a question: "What does the term "sure witness" mean to you?" Allow a few members to share their thoughts before delving into the talk.
Play a short video clip from a previous General Conference where a leader speaks about the importance of testimony. Discuss initial impressions.
Invite someone to read the story of Elder Brown's experience in Jamaica and discuss what stands out about his journey to gaining a testimony.
Ask the class to ponder silently for a moment about a time they felt their testimony grow, then invite them to share if they feel comfortable.

Topics

Recognize God as Our Loving Heavenly Father

Elder Brown emphasized that God is omniscient and omnipotent, and His influence is present everywhere through the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost. He encouraged us to think celestial and emulate our Heavenly Father's vision and nature.

It is in His nature to bless us.

How does recognizing God as a loving Heavenly Father influence your daily decisions?
In what ways have you felt God's omniscient and omnipotent presence in your life?
What does "thinking celestial" mean to you, and how can it guide your actions?
Can you share an experience where you felt blessed by God's eternal perspective?
How does understanding God's nature help you in your personal growth?

Embrace Agency as a Sacred Gift

Agency is not just the freedom to choose but the responsibility to choose well. Elder Brown reminded us that Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for this privilege, making agency a sacred gift that requires us to make choices that lead us to Christ and eternal life.

We are agents, and agents are responsible for something.

Why is it important to view agency as a sacred gift?
How can we ensure we are using our agency to choose Christ consistently?
What are some challenges you face in making choices that align with the gospel?
How does understanding the sacrifice of Jesus Christ influence your use of agency?
Can you share a time when making a difficult choice led you closer to Christ?

Gain Testimony Through the Holy Ghost

A testimony through the Holy Ghost is more powerful than sight. Elder Brown shared that the Holy Ghost can manifest truth to us in various ways, and it is essential for spiritual survival in the coming days.

In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.

How has the Holy Ghost influenced your testimony over time?
In what ways can we invite the Holy Ghost into our lives more fully?
Why is the influence of the Holy Ghost crucial for spiritual survival?
Can you describe a moment when the Holy Ghost provided a witness to you?
What steps can we take to strengthen our relationship with the Holy Ghost?

Find Personal Testimony in Challenging Circumstances

Elder Brown shared his experience of finding a testimony amidst opposition in Jamaica. He highlighted that a testimony is an eternal gift from God meant to be nurtured and multiplied, not diminished by life's changes.

A testimony should not have an expiration date.

How can opposition strengthen our testimony rather than weaken it?
What role does perseverance play in developing a sure witness?
How can we support each other in maintaining strong testimonies?
Have you ever faced opposition because of your beliefs? How did you respond?
What practices help you nurture and strengthen your testimony regularly?

Take Charge of Your Testimony

Elder Brown urged us to actively take charge of our testimonies by making conscious choices to believe and nurture this precious gift. He emphasized that agency plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong testimony.

I plead with you to take charge of your testimony. Work for it. Own it. Care for it. Nurture it so that it will grow.

What does it mean to "take charge" of your testimony?
How can we actively nurture our testimonies on a daily basis?
What choices have you made that have strengthened your testimony?
Why is it important to "own" your testimony?
In what ways can we help others take charge of their testimonies?

Additional Discussion Questions

What does Elder Brown mean by 'a sure witness' and how can we achieve it?
How can we apply the principle of 'thinking celestial' in our family life?
What are some ways to recognize and act on the promptings of the Holy Ghost?
How can we help others understand the eternal nature of a testimony?
What role does the Book of Mormon play in gaining a testimony?
How can we use our testimonies to support and uplift those around us?
What can we learn from Elder Brown's experience in Jamaica about standing firm in our beliefs?
How can we teach our children about the importance of agency and testimony?
What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our testimony remains strong despite challenges?
How can we create an environment where the Holy Ghost can dwell and guide us?