“Lesson 28 Class Preparation Material: Standing as Witnesses of Jesus Christ,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material (2023)
“Lesson 28 Class Preparation Material,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material
Lesson 28 Class Preparation Material
Standing as Witnesses of Jesus Christ
How has your testimony of Jesus Christ been influenced by participating in this course? What have you learned from the Holy Ghost as you have acted in faith by studying the preparation material, participating in class discussions, and responding to spiritual promptings? As you prepare for your last class, ponder what it means to stand as a witness of Jesus Christ (see Mosiah 18:9).
Section 1
How can I strengthen my testimony of the Savior?
As you think about your testimony of Jesus Christ, keep in mind that we each gain a testimony in a personal way. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then a counselor in the First Presidency, taught:
There are some members of the Church whose testimony is sure and burns brightly within them. Others are still striving to know for themselves. The Church is a home for all to come together, regardless of the depth or the height of our testimony. (“Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 22)
If you feel uncertain about your testimony of the Savior or feel that it is not very strong, remember that “testimony grows gradually through experiences. No one receives a complete testimony all at once” (Gospel Topics, “Testimony,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Recall the experience of Alma the Younger. As a young man he went about seeking to destroy the Lord’s Church. After an angel appeared to him, he repented and chose to follow Jesus Christ (see Mosiah 27:8–24). While this appearance certainly influenced Alma, it was not the foundational source of his testimony. Later in his life, while teaching people in the land of Zarahemla, Alma shared how he gained his testimony of Jesus Christ.
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Alma 5:46–48, and look for the source of Alma’s testimony.
As you reflect on your testimony, find joy in what you do know, hope, or believe about the Savior. Then prayerfully consider what you can do to build on that foundation, until it becomes a sure witness. Elder Uchtdorf taught:
The source of this sure knowledge and firm conviction is divine revelation, “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10).
We receive this testimony when the Holy Spirit speaks to the spirit within us. We will receive a calm and unwavering certainty that will be the source of our testimony and conviction irrespective of our culture, race, language, or socioeconomic background. These promptings of the Spirit, rather than human logic alone, will be the true foundation upon which our testimony will be built.
The core of this testimony will always be the faith in and the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His divine mission, who in the scriptures says of Himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). (“The Power of a Personal Testimony,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 38)
Discuss in Preparation for Class
Discuss with someone who believes in Jesus Christ how you each gained your testimony of the Savior. If you feel uncertainty in your heart about what you believe, focus on what you desire to know about the Savior and discuss how this simple desire could lead to increased faith and testimony (see Alma 32:27–28).
Section 2
How can my testimony of Jesus Christ bless others?
Think about your testimony of Jesus Christ. Do your friends, family, and others you associate with know how you feel about Him? Are you prepared to answer questions about the Savior with faith and testimony? (see 1 Peter 3:15). Have you invited others to come and learn of Jesus Christ for themselves? (see John 1:39).
As you think about the influence your testimony of Jesus Christ can have on others, consider the following counsel from Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
With those around us, let us be more open, more willing to talk of Christ. President [Russell M.] Nelson said, “True disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to stand out, speak up, and be different from the people of the world.” …
… Let us kindly witness our faith in Christ. If someone shares a problem in his or her personal life, we might say, “John, Mary, you know that I believe in Jesus Christ. I have been thinking about something He said that might help you.”
Be more open on social media in talking about your trust in Christ. …
Some of our fellow Christians are, at times, uncertain about our beliefs and motives. Let us genuinely rejoice with them in our shared faith in Jesus Christ and in the New Testament scriptures we all love. …
As the world speaks less of Jesus Christ, let us speak more of Him. As our true colors as His disciples are revealed, many around us will be prepared to listen. As we share the light we have received from Him, His light and His transcendent saving power will shine on those willing to open their hearts. (“We Talk of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 90)
Record Your Thoughts
Choose one of the suggestions below to help you ponder and assess how your testimony of Jesus Christ and His everlasting gospel has grown during this course. Come to class prepared to share your experience.
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Read “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” (at ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and reflect on how your testimony of the Savior has grown. Write your testimony of Jesus Christ or your thoughts or feelings about Him.
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If you memorized “The Living Christ,” record how this effort has influenced your understanding and testimony of the Savior.
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Read 3 Nephi 27:13–21, and ponder what the Lord’s gospel means to you. Record how striving to live His gospel has changed your life.
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Review the table of contents for this manual, and identify the lesson that had the greatest impact on you. Review the preparation material for that lesson, and record why it made such a difference in your life.
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Think about how you have become more like the Savior as you have applied what you have felt and learned during this course. Record changes you have seen in your life.
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Select one or more scripture passages about Jesus Christ that have increased your understanding and testimony of Him. Record what you learned from these scriptures and what difference they have made in your life.
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Select a hymn or song about the Savior that expresses your testimony of Him. Record the thoughts and feelings this hymn or song brings to your mind and heart.
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Write a letter of gratitude to the Savior. Record how you feel about His life and what He means to you. If you are artistic, you could draw a picture that captures your feelings for the Savior and share it with your class.