Unshaken Faith in Jesus Christ

I wrote down a few lines every day for years. … Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done. -Henry B. Eyring

The way of the world, as you know, is anti-Christ, or “anything but Christ.” Our day is a replay of Book of Mormon history in which charismatic figures pursue unrighteous dominion over others, celebrate sexual license, and promote accumulating wealth as the object of our existence. Their philosophies “justify in committing a little sin” [2 Nephi 28:8] or even a lot of sin, but none can offer redemption. That comes only through the blood of the Lamb. The best the “anything but Christ” or “anything but repentance” crowd can offer is the unfounded claim that sin does not exist or that if it exists, it ultimately has no consequences. I can’t see that argument getting much traction at the Final Judgment. -D. Todd Christofferson

• Why do you think Jacob would record this account for people in our day?

• How do you think Heavenly Father would have you apply what you learned today in a situation you are facing?

Jacob 7

Unshaken Faith in Jesus Christ

President Nelson gave this talk in 2011. In what ways have you already experienced or seen what he described?

Why might it be even less popular in the future to remain faithful to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ?

Why do you think it’s still worth it?

Why do you think the Lord would tell us about these difficulties ahead of time?

President Russell M. Nelson shared the following about a difficult challenge that we will face:

Difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord “shall suffer persecution” [2 Timothy 3:12]. That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives. -Russell M. Nelson

What helped Jacob reject Sherem’s teachings?

What did Sherem teach to try to shake the Nephites’ faith?

What specific things did Jacob remember during this confrontation that helped him?

Jacob 7:5, 8–12

5 And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken.

8 But behold, the Lord God poured in his Spirit into my soul, insomuch that I did confound him in all his words.

9 And I said unto him: Deniest thou the Christ who shall come? And he said: If there should be a Christ, I would not deny him; but I know that there is no Christ, neither has been, nor ever will be.

10 And I said unto him: Believest thou the scriptures? And he said, Yea.

11 And I said unto him: Then ye do not understand them; for they truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ.

12 And this is not all—it has been made manifest unto me, for I have heard and seen; and it also has been made manifest unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, I know if there should be no atonement made all mankind must be lost.

Along with the peaceful direction we receive from the Holy Ghost, from time to time, God powerfully and very personally assures each of us that He knows us and loves us and that He is blessing us specifically and openly. Then, in our moments of difficulty, the Savior brings these experiences back into our mind. …

Embrace your sacred memories. Believe them. Write them down. … I promise you that as you willingly acknowledge and carefully treasure the spiritually defining events in your life, more and more will come to you. Heavenly Father knows you and loves you! -Neil L. Andersen

What are some ways that people might challenge the faith of disciples of Christ today?

Why can remembering our past spiritual experiences strengthen us when we face challenges to our faith?