Study Guide for "Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ"

In his insightful talk, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explores the profound implications of taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ. Through a compelling analogy involving Dr. Craig H. Selzman and the prestigious professorship named after President Russell M. Nelson, Elder Renlund illustrates how this sacred commitment can transform our lives. He outlines five key parallels—identification, remembrance, emulation, alignment, and empowerment—that guide us in becoming more like the Savior. This talk invites us to deepen our discipleship and align our lives with Christ's mission, ultimately accessing greater divine power and blessings.

Before Reading

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

What is the significance of linking our name with the name of Jesus Christ?
How does Elder Renlund illustrate the process of taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ?
What are the five parallels Elder Renlund discusses in relation to taking on the name of Jesus Christ?
How can emulating Jesus Christ lead to alignment with His purposes?
What blessings come from more fully taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ?

Topics

Identify with Jesus Christ

Elder Renlund discusses the importance of identifying ourselves with Jesus Christ when we take on His name. This involves linking our identity with His and being known as Christians. It means standing up for our beliefs and being counted as His followers.

When we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, we link our name with His. We identify with Him. We gladly become known as Christian.

What does it mean to identify with Jesus Christ?
How can identifying with Jesus Christ affect our daily lives?
In what ways can you better identify with Jesus Christ in your personal life?
How can you stand up for your beliefs in challenging situations?

Remember Jesus Christ

Remembrance is a key aspect of taking on the name of Jesus Christ. Elder Renlund emphasizes the role of the sacrament in helping us remember the Savior and His atoning sacrifice. This remembrance should influence our actions and thoughts throughout the week.

As we partake of the sacrament, we do so in remembrance of the price He paid to redeem us.

Why is it important to remember Jesus Christ regularly?
How does the sacrament help us remember the Savior?
How can you keep the Savior in your thoughts throughout the week?
What practices can help you remember Jesus Christ daily?

Emulate Jesus Christ

Elder Renlund encourages us to emulate Jesus Christ by cultivating His attributes such as charity, integrity, patience, and diligence. Emulating Christ leads to personal transformation and aligns us with His teachings.

As His disciples, we change for the better when we focus on Him, more so than when we focus on ourselves.

What does it mean to emulate Jesus Christ?
How can emulating Jesus Christ change our character?
Which attributes of Christ do you feel prompted to develop further?
How can you emulate Jesus Christ in your interactions with others?

Align with Christ's Purposes

Aligning our goals with Christ's purposes involves joining Him in His work, such as ministering to others and sharing the gospel. Elder Renlund highlights the importance of willingly participating in Christ's mission to love, share, and invite.

We join Him in His work when we "love, share, and invite."

What does it mean to align your goals with Christ's purposes?
How can aligning with Christ's purposes impact your life?
How can you more fully participate in Christ's work in your community?
What steps can you take to align your personal goals with the Savior's mission?

Access God's Power and Blessings

Taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ grants us access to God's power and blessings. Elder Renlund explains that as we make and keep covenants, we receive increased divine strength to withstand trials and fulfill our mortal mission.

Each person who makes covenants in baptismal fonts and in temples—and keeps them—has increased access to the power of Jesus Christ.

How does taking on the name of Jesus Christ empower us?
What are the blessings of keeping our covenants?
In what ways have you experienced God's power in your life?
How can you strengthen your commitment to keep your covenants?