And Now I See
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What can we learn from the miracle of Jesus healing the blind man?
- How does Elder Holland relate this miracle to our understanding of truth and evidence?
- What role does the Book of Mormon play in Elder Holland's testimony?
- How does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints demonstrate God's universal love for both the living and the dead?
- What personal experiences does Elder Holland share to illustrate his conviction of the gospel?
Topics
Recognize God's Works Through Simple Means
Elder Holland discusses the miracle of Jesus healing the blind man using spit and clay, emphasizing that God often uses simple and unexpected means to manifest His works. He encourages us to be open to recognizing divine intervention in our lives, even when it comes in plain or unconventional ways.
These very unlikely ingredients declare that God can bless us by whatever method He chooses.
How easy it is for us to dismiss the source of our redemption because the ingredients and the instruments seem embarrassingly plain.
- What does the miracle of the blind man teach us about God's methods?
- Why might we overlook divine interventions in our lives?
- When have I experienced God's help in unexpected ways?
- How can I become more open to recognizing God's hand in my life?
Understand the Power and Authority of the Priesthood
Elder Holland highlights the divine nature of priesthood authority, which is conferred through an unbroken line back to Jesus Christ. He underscores that this authority is not based on worldly credentials but is a sacred gift given through ordination.
Gifts not granted on the basis of impressive credentials nor determined by tradition or birthright.
They are conferred only by the laying on of hands by one who has had authorized hands laid on him in an unbroken sequence back to the source of all divine authority, the Lord Jesus Christ.
- What is the significance of the priesthood being conferred through an unbroken line?
- How does the priesthood differ from worldly authority?
- How can I better honor and respect the priesthood authority in my life?
- In what ways can I support and sustain those who hold priesthood authority?
Embrace the Universal Love of God Through Temple Work
Elder Holland speaks about the Church's commitment to temple work, emphasizing that it reflects God's universal love for all His children, both living and deceased. He explains that temple ordinances provide an opportunity for all to receive the blessings of the gospel, regardless of when or where they lived.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has sacred, dedicated houses of the Lord in which merciful, salvific work is being done vicariously every day and night for these deceased.
This particular evidence of God’s truth, His universal love for the living and the dead, is not seen elsewhere in the world.
- Why is temple work an expression of God's universal love?
- How do temple ordinances benefit both the living and the dead?
- What can I do to participate more fully in temple work?
- How can understanding God's universal love change my perspective on family history and temple work?
Gain Evidence of Truth Through the Book of Mormon
Elder Holland shares his personal testimony of the Book of Mormon as a source of truth and spiritual guidance. He compares its impact on his life to the miracle of the blind man receiving sight, emphasizing that the Book of Mormon is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ.
The impact of the Book of Mormon in my life is no less miraculous than was the application of spit and dirt placed on the blind man’s eyes.
It has been, for me, a rod of safety for my soul, a transcendent and penetrating light of revelation.
- How does the Book of Mormon serve as evidence of truth?
- What role does the Book of Mormon play in understanding Jesus Christ?
- How has the Book of Mormon influenced my spiritual journey?
- What steps can I take to deepen my study and understanding of the Book of Mormon?
Bear Personal Testimony of the Gospel's Restoration
Elder Holland concludes with a powerful personal testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel. He emphasizes the importance of bearing witness to the truths we have experienced and encourages others to seek their own spiritual confirmations.
I could not deny the evidence of that restoration.
I have been at the edge of death and back. I have walked with kings and prophets, with presidents and apostles.
- Why is it important to bear personal testimony of the gospel?
- How can personal experiences strengthen one's testimony?
- What experiences have strengthened my testimony of the gospel?
- How can I share my testimony with others in a meaningful way?
