Study 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.

Before Reading

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

What are the three powerful truths from the Restoration that Elder Brown discusses?
How does Elder Brown describe the role of agency in our lives?
What personal experiences does Elder Brown share to illustrate the power of testimony?
Why does Elder Brown emphasize the importance of choosing to believe?
How can we take charge of our testimony according to Elder Brown?

Topics

Recognize God as Our Loving Heavenly Father

Elder Brown emphasizes the omniscience and omnipotence of God, highlighting His nature to bless us and His eternal perspective. He encourages us to "think celestial" and emulate Heavenly Father's vision.

He is omniscient and omnipotent. Through the Light of Christ and the ministration of the Holy Ghost, His influence is everywhere.

Because of His divine attributes, our Heavenly Father gives us every good gift, each with His eternal perspective and vision in mind.

How does Elder Brown describe God's omniscience and omnipotence?
What does it mean to "think celestial" according to Elder Brown?
How can you emulate Heavenly Father's vision and nature in your daily life?
What are some ways you have experienced God's blessings in your life?

Understand and Use Agency Wisely

Elder Brown discusses the sacred gift of agency, emphasizing that it is both a privilege and a responsibility. He explains that agency allows us to choose good, choose Christ, and choose eternal life repeatedly.

Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for that privilege with His precious blood.

We are agents, and agents are responsible for something.

Why does Elder Brown refer to agency as a sacred gift?
What responsibilities come with the gift of agency?
In what ways can you better use your agency to choose good and follow Christ?
Reflect on a recent decision where you exercised your agency. What were the outcomes?

Gain a Testimony Through the Holy Ghost

Elder Brown highlights the role of the Holy Ghost in gaining a testimony, describing the different ways it can manifest. He stresses the necessity of the Holy Ghost's influence to survive spiritually.

A witness from the Holy Ghost is greater than sight.

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

How does Elder Brown describe the different ways a testimony can come through the Holy Ghost?
Why is the influence of the Holy Ghost essential for spiritual survival?
Can you recall a time when the Holy Ghost confirmed a truth to you?
How can you invite the Holy Ghost's influence more fully into your life?

Find Strength in Personal Testimony

Elder Brown shares his personal experience of gaining a testimony in Jamaica, likening it to Joseph Smith's Sacred Grove. He emphasizes that a testimony is meant to be eternal and should grow stronger over time.

A testimony is not given for temporary use. This gift from our loving Heavenly Father is meant to be eternal because the giver is eternal.

I now know for myself. I not only believe, hope, or trust, even though these are significant particles of faith on the pathway to a sure witness.

What does Elder Brown say about the eternal nature of testimony?
How did Elder Brown's experience in Jamaica strengthen his testimony?
What personal experiences have strengthened your testimony?
How can you ensure your testimony continues to grow and strengthen over time?

Take Charge of Your Testimony

Elder Brown urges members to take charge of their testimony by choosing to believe and actively nurturing their faith. He underscores the importance of agency 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. Feed it truth.

Choosing to believe is a wise and powerful way to use our agency.

What actions does Elder Brown suggest to take charge of one's testimony?
Why is choosing to believe considered a powerful use of agency?
What steps can you take to actively nurture your testimony?
Reflect on a time when you chose to believe despite challenges. What was the outcome?