Chapter 11 - Growing from Grace to Grace

Introduction

  • Poem by Laureen de Saint Aubin:

    • Titles its essence on spiritual yearning and the desire for divine warmth and clarity.

    • Themes of overcoming darkness, compassion, and renewal through Christ's love.

Initial Reflection on Grace

  • Personal Experience:

    • The journey of reconnection with the church began.

    • Encounter with Doctrine and Covenants, Section 20.

    • Revelation to Joseph Smith dated back to 1829.

    • Focus on theological and organizational guidance.

    • Key verse insights:

    • Justification: "…through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true."

    • Sanctification: "…through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength."

    • Query on Grace:

    • Personal pondering led to understanding the nature of Christ's love through revelation and the Holy Spirit.

Seeking Discipleship

  • Desire to Know Christ:

    • Aim to embody Christ-like attributes and deepen the relationship through the Holy Spirit.

    • President Henry B. Eyring:

    • Promised continual presence of the Spirit granted through worthiness and sacrament prayers.

    • Sacrament Prayer:

    • Blessing and sanctifying of the sacrament meant for the spiritual nourishment of participants.

    • Committing to remember Christ and keep His commandments opens the channel for the Spirit.

  • Influence of the Spirit:

    • Experiencing guidance and confirmation of truth in various church settings after years of absence.

    • Initially expected church engagement to be additive but realized it was transformative.

    • Metaphor: Engagement with the Spirit likened to a potato chip—one leads to a deepening desire for more.

Areas of Conversion

  1. Power of the Holy Spirit:

    • Heber J. Grant's Experience:

      • Youthful impression from Bishop Atwood's testimony about Joseph Smith, moving him emotionally and spiritually.

    • Emphasis on attributes of discipleship juxtaposed with worldly values (e.g., humility, service, resilience).

    • Elder David A. Bednar on the nature of spiritual communications—often quiet and subtle, thus requiring sensitivity.

  2. Understanding the Character of Christ:

    • Realization that Christ embodies certain character traits and attributes essential for discipleship.

    • Attributes and Teachings of Christ:

      • Overcame worldly temptations, cared for the marginalized, healed the sick, and demonstrated forgiveness.

      • Prayed for unity between Him, the Father, and humanity.

      • Exemplified patience and love, particularly towards the downtrodden.

The Role of Comforter

  • Definition and Function:

    • The Holy Ghost as the Comforter—brings warmth, peace, and understanding during times of distress.

    • Personal experiences of receiving comfort in solitude and fear, alongside scriptural affirmations about God's goodness.

    • Brigham Young's Vision:

    • Urged humility and openness to follow the Spirit's guidance uniquely and individually.

Importance of Personal Revelation

  • Accessibility of Divine Guidance:

    • Elder Bruce R. McConkey's assertion that revelation is not limited to church leaders; all can access personal enlightenment.

  • Value of Testimony and Prophecy:

    • Testimonies as rooted in the Holy Ghost and the fulfillment of personal spiritual struggles.

    • Alma's Testimony: Validity through personal experience and communion with God, emphasizing that divine knowledge arises amidst trial.

Embracing the Character of Christ

  • Lifelong Learning through Christ:

    • Encouragement to explore Christ's life, morals, and principles to navigate personal struggles and strengthen understanding.

    • Key Characteristics of Christ:

    • Organized the world, grew in wisdom, and demonstrated care for His people, valuing humility alongside knowledge.

    • Live by His teachings and follow His example, which is essential for personal growth and development.

  • Need for Faith:

    • Engaging with faith as loyalty—integrating belief with action in challenging times.

Introspection and Growth

  • Personal Journey of Change:

    • A reflective account of a life transformation post-baptism, addressing past relationships in light of spiritual growth and desires.

  • Connection with Others:

    • A personal anecdote about connecting with a mentor who emphasized the importance of love and reconciliation.

    • Recognition of time spent searching for understanding and the pivotal role of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

  • The Essence of Discipleship:

    • The pursuit of Christ's character ignites a lifelong commitment to growth.

    • Faith and Loyalty: Both concepts embossed in a believer's experience with Christ and His teachings.

    • Resistance against comfort in faith—embracing trials, tension, and transformation as part of the spiritual journey.

  • Culmination of Gratitude:

    • Continuous offerings of thanks to God for the blessings of understanding, guidance, and divine companionship through the Holy Spirit.