"Faith is Not by Chance, but by Choice"
- Conference address given by Elder Neil L Anderson - October 2015
Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it.
Question to Ponder: How does the Savior see your faith?
Doctrine:
"Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is not something ethereal, floating loosely in the air. Faith does not fall upon us by chance or stay with us by birthright. It is, as the scriptures say, “substance … , the evidence of things not seen.” Faith emits a spiritual light, and that light is discernible. Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it. Your faith is either growing stronger or becoming weaker. Faith is a principle of power, important not only in this life but also in our progression beyond the veil. By the grace of Christ, we will one day be saved through faith on His name. The future of your faith is not by chance, but by choice."
Invitation to Action:
Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon give us the beautiful assurance that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. When was the last time that you read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover? Read it again. It will increase your faith.
Another gift from God that enlarges our faith is the guidance of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. The guidance of the First Presidency and the Twelve help protect our faith.
"Although your beginning fire of faith may be small, righteous choices bring greater confidence in God, and your faith grows. The difficulties of mortality blow against you, and evil forces lurk in the darkness, hoping to extinguish your faith. But as you continue to make good choices, trust in God, and follow His Son, the Lord sends increased light and knowledge, and your faith becomes settled and unwavering. President Thomas S. Monson said: “Fear not. … The future is as bright as your faith.”
Promised Blessings:
'My dear friends, your faith did not begin at birth, and it will not end at death. Faith is a choice. Strengthen your faith, and live to be deserving of the Savior’s approving words: “Great is thy faith.” As you do, I promise you that your faith, through the grace of Jesus Christ, will one day allow you to stand with those you love, clean and pure in the presence of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
Read, study, and /or listen to the lesson here:
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2015/11/general-priesthood-session/faith-is-not-by-chance-but-by-choice?lang=eng
Lesson Schedule:
In 2016 we will be studying the teachings of President Howard W. Hunter
April 3rd - General Conference
April 10th - Howard W. Hunter Lesson 7
April 17th- Howard W. Hunter Lesson 8
April 24th - Stake Conference
April 10th - Howard W. Hunter Lesson 7
April 17th- Howard W. Hunter Lesson 8
April 24th - Stake Conference
The new manual can be found here:
