Lesson Recap for Feb 3rd

Sisters,

The lesson on 2-3-13 given by Karin Alexander was based on a 2012 general conference talk from Elder David A Bednar"Converted unto the Lord."   Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony.  Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion.

Karin began with defining several details of a testimony.

1.    A testimony is a personal knowledge of spiritual truth obtained by revelation.

2.    A testimony is a gift from God.

3.    A testimony is available to all His children.    

In order for us to obtain a testimony it requires asking and seeking.  We must approach it with a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in Jesus Christ. The basic elements of a testimony are:

1.    Knowledge that Heavenly Father lives and loves us.

2.    Jesus Christ is our Savior.

3.    The fullness of the gospel has been restored to the earth in the latter days.

Elder Bednar states "The essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ entails a fundamental and permanent change in our very nature made possible through the Savior's atonement.  True conversion brings a change in ones beliefs, heart, and life to accept and conform to the will of God and includes a conscious commitment to become a disciple of Christ."

So what does it take for conversion to occur?  It requires a constant desire, a positive attitude and making a choice to seek out opportunities and ways to strengthen our faith.  In doing this, conversion becomes an enlarging, deepening, and a broadening of our testimony.  President Uchtdorf said there are four basic parts of a testimony. Having faith in God, Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith.

"Testimony is the beginning of and prerequisite to continuing conversion.  Testimony is a point of departure; it is not an ultimate destination.  Strong testimony is the foundation upon which conversion is established.  Testimony alone is not and will not be enough to protect us in the latter-day storm of darkness and evil in which we are living.  Testimony is important and necessary but not sufficient to provide the spiritual strength and protection we need.  Some members of the Church with testimonies have wavered and fallen away.  Their spiritual knowledge and commitment did not measure up to the challenges they faced."

In Alma 23:6-8 it reads "As many were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and hisbrethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of working miracles in them-yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.  For they became a  righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren."

The "weapons of rebellion" can be put aside by letting go of  pride, selfishness, judging, insecurities, fear, laziness, and the desires of natural man. This enables us to open our hearts to true and sincere conversion.

"A testimony is spiritual knowledge of truth obtained by the power of the Holy Ghost.  Continuing conversion is constant devotion to the revealed truth we have received-with a heart that is willing and for righteous reasons.  Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony.  Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion.  We should know the gospel is true and be true to the gospel."

The "latter day storm" is here...may we do all we can do to prepare and protect.

Recap by Kris Eddington