Weekly Study

Conference Talk of the Week

One conference talk each week, pre-selected on a rolling cycle. Start with the overview here, then open the official talk when you are ready to read it in full.

Week 5 of 37Viewing another talk in the series

Saturday Afternoon Session

Christ—Author and Finisher of Our Faith

Elder Eduardo F. Ortega

Of the Seventy

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Becoming a lifelong disciple of Christ is a process, the sum of multiple small, daily, personal and spiritual events.

Overview

Elder Eduardo F. Ortega teaches that faith and discipleship are not inherited, they begin with an individual decision to seek a personal testimony of Jesus Christ and act on what God reveals. Family heritage can bless and support us, but it cannot replace our own spiritual work. He especially encourages new members that imperfect circumstances do not disqualify them; as they press forward on the covenant path, the Savior will refine and perfect them over time. Christ and His restored gospel are the safe, steady path, and He is the author and finisher of our faith.

Three Key Takeaways

1Spiritual heritage is a blessing, but it is not a substitute for a personal testimony gained through sincere seeking and acting on spiritual impressions.
2New converts can become spiritual pioneers in their families, imperfect circumstances do not prevent the Lord from bringing hope and lasting blessings through their decision to follow Christ.
3Discipleship is built through many small, daily spiritual events; as we press forward, feast on the word of Christ, and rely wholly on His merits, the Savior refines us over time.

Reflection Questions

Where am I currently leaning on family tradition or past experiences instead of doing the work to know the Savior for myself, and what would a more intentional “quest” for testimony look like right now?
What recent impression, scripture, or truth have I received that I have not yet acted on, and what specific step of obedience or faith could I take this week?
When have I needed “the perspective that time gives” to notice the Savior’s refining hand, and what helps me keep pressing forward when I can’t yet see the results?

Application Prompt

Choose one daily practice for the next seven days (scripture “feasting,” prayer, or acting on a prompting) and record each day how it helps you rely more fully on Jesus Christ as you press forward on the covenant path.