Today we have a lesson from Carol Turley on Bishop Gérald Caussé's talk "A Living Witness of the Living Christ."

 

A LIVING WITNESS OF THE LIVING CHRIST
 

Bishop Gerald Causse, who is the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints started his conference talk with a story.  As the France Paris Temple was well underway, a man came to the temple grounds to apologize for his antagonistic feelings toward the temple being built in his neighborhood.  One day he was looking out his apartment building window and saw a crane lowering a statue of Jesus from the heavens and place it softly on the ground. This experience changed his feelings and attitude toward the Church.
 

We also enjoy the statue of the Christus in the Los Angeles Visitor Center.  The original marble statue is the work of the Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen who sculpted it in 1820, the same year as the First Vision. Thoraldsen’s work presents the living Christ, who gained victory over death and, with open arms, invites all to come unto Him.
 

In the Book of Mormon we read in 3 Nephi 11:8-11, “And behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them….” 

“And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto people, saying:

“Behold, I am Jesus Christ,…”
 

“…I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world.”
 

In these times of political & social unrest, a pandemic virus covering the world, and our feelings of social isolation, we need to remember the good news that Jesus came to earth to atone for our sins & experience our pain so He can succor us when we are hurting, scared or facing huge challenges.

I would encourage you to read or re-read the Book of Mormon.  We have been taught that it contains plain and precious truths.  Bishop Causse lists 5 things that he invites us to reflect on that has changed our lives or could change our lives:
 

1. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a free gift offered to all who have lived on the earth.

2. In addition to bearing the burden of our sins, Christ took upon Himself our sorrow, infirmities, sufferings, and sicknesses.

3. The atoning sacrifice of the Savior allows all of us to overcome physical death.

4.  In Lehi’s dream he saw the tree of life and the fruit thereon.  The fruit representing the love of God.  In order to access this fruit, we must exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent, “hearken unto the word of God,” receive essential ordinances, and keep sacred covenants until the end of our lives.

5. Through His Atonement, Jesus Christ not only washes away our sins, but He also provides enabling power to put off the natural man.
    

“Jesus Christ died for each one of us, personally, as if you or I were the only person on earth.”

 

I testify that He knows you, He loves you, He invites you to become His living witness or disciple.  As we become His disciple, our capacity to love and serve others will increase.  Now is the time when we need more love, compassion, understanding and service for those within our circle of family & friends and those of our brothers & sisters that we barely know.  Let it begin with me!

I love & miss all of you,

Carol Turley