5 Quotes Plus Discussion-Promoting Questions

See also Teaching Helps

Elder Rasband’s talk is both delightful and practical. He touches on several aspects of the gospel that can significantly improve the quality of our lives. His topics include temples, education, prioritizing time, and Jesus Christ.

You can find his full talk here. Unless you opt to spend a lot of time on a particular quote, try to pick around 2 questions per quote. Choose the questions that resonate the most with you and make a meaningful discussion for your group of personalities. These highlights and questions fit with Lesson Template 1 or Template 2. You can also check out several other General Conference Talks with 5 Highlights.

All blue quotes by Ronald A. Rasband, April 2025 General Conference talk (unless otherwise noted).

Lesson Prep

• You can arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you. I suggest starting with the most important ones and working your way down. Don’t worry about covering all the quotes.
• If you want the discussion to be more meaningful, hand out reading assignments ahead of time and ask the reader to answer one question about them (pick one of the questions below and give it to them, along with the assigned quote). The sooner you do this, the better, but if possible, at least show it to them before the Sacrament meeting. You can also text or email it.
• Ask various people to read and participate – especially those who aren’t asked as much.

Lesson Delivery

• Ensure every class member has the conference talk and scriptures in front of them or on their phone. Always invite the class to read along—hearing and seeing the words together increases comprehension and engagement.
• Avoid videos – they shut down discussion. Save them for personal study.
• If the discussion gets too non-spiritual, pull it back by going to the next quote or question.
• Make sure you assign others to read the quotes. You’re talking enough already, and letting others read allows more people to participate.
• Encourage discussion by accepting all reasonable answers. Validate people for participating, and be thankful they spoke up. Engage with the answer in a conversational way whenever it feels natural. Never say, “That’s not the right answer,” or “We haven’t got to that part of the lesson yet.”
• Remember, spiritual discussion is golden. We want people to talk about the gospel together.
• If the discussion takes a different turn than your planned lesson, roll with it. The Spirit intends for you to be successful.

Quote #1 (temples)

Possible engagement tool: Bring a picture of your favorite temple and use as a visual aid.

President Nelson has said: “The assaults of the adversary are increasing exponentially, in intensity and in variety. Our need to be in the temple on a regular basis has never been greater. I plead with you to take a prayerful look at how you spend your time.” In His house we can feel the Lord’s hallowed presence and transcendent peace.

Possible activity: Ask 2-3 people ahead of time to bring a picture (if possible) of their favorite temple or even favorite celestial room, and take 1-2 minutes to tell why that is their favorite. (If they say they have more than one, smile and say, “Sure, but please pick one so we can discuss it.”)

Possible discussion questions: Do you have a favorite temple? Why do you enjoy that temple? What do you feel when you’re in the temple?

For printable copies of this lesson – click here.

Quote #2 (education)

Possible engagement tool: Have the class think about times they learned new skills or knowledge, both in and out of school.

We see the Lord hastening educational opportunities for our members and even those not of our faith around the world. One of the things that distinguishes us as a church is our emphasis on education. The Lord commanded in the early days of the Restoration to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” That is happening today and is worthy of a resounding “hurrah.”

Possible Activity: Introduce BYU-Pathway

BYU-Pathway Worldwide’s mission is to provide affordable, spiritually based, online higher education to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who lead in the Church and their communities. Since its inception in 2009, it has grown from 50 students to over 80,000 across 180+ countries by 2025, offering stackable certificates and degrees in partnership with BYU-Idaho and Ensign College. Its success lies in removing barriers like cost and access, with innovations like tuition discounts and shortened degree programs, enabling students to gain employable skills and jobs, with 85% employed at graduation.

If you have someone involved with Pathway or who has gone, allow them to describe the experience for 1-2 minutes.

Possible discussion questions: How does acquiring new skills or conquering new knowledge and understanding feel? What kind of learning experiences have you had that you would like to share? Has anyone been to Pathway, or does anyone know anyone who went to Pathway? What is that program about? (Taking the opportunity to get a college education to every corner of the world.)

Quote #3 (equal)

Possible Intro: At every general conference, the prophets and apostles ask us to spend more time studying the gospel and serving others. Elder Rasband gives a particular challenge.

I ask the same of everyone today: Whatever is on your to-do list, give equal time, not spare time, to the Lord in personal scripture study, family study of Come, Follow Me, prayer, Church callings, ministering, partaking of the sacrament, worshipping in the temple, and pondering the things of God. Our Lord and Savior has said, “Learn of me … and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Take Him at His word. And give Him equal time.

Possible discussion questions: What is Elder Rasband’s advice about our daily activities? (Give the Savior equal time.) How do you give the Savior time?

Quote #4 (the start)

Possible Intro: Elder Rasband shares a helpful formula for building our faith.

The more prepared we are temporally and spiritually, the more we can thwart the adversary’s cunning attacks. Remember the words of Peter: “The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

I recognize that in the midst of the good news of the gospel, there are those who struggle, who have faith challenges, doubts, and questions that seem to have no answers. Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is the answer. Start with Him. Look for His hand in your life. Listen to Him. “Let not your heart be troubled,”

Possible discussion question: Where is the best place to “start” in our spiritual lives? (Jesus Christ) What does Elder Rasband mean by “starting” with Christ? How would you start with Christ? (Accept all reasonable answers – it means Christ is the most critical centerpiece. If you keep your eyes on Him and His words, you’ll find the strength to build your faith.) What happens to your confidence and well-being when you focus on Jesus Christ and His life and words? When is it hardest for Satan to tempt you? What can you do more of to fight off Satan’s influences?

Quote #5 (jesus christ)

This is probably my favorite quote out of the whole talk.

Possible Intro: Jesus is our Advocate and our Redeemer.

Know that He understands. He took upon Himself all our sins, mistakes, misery, and very bad days that we might live again with our Father in Heaven in eternity. He has said, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” Faith in Jesus Christ can lift you up and heal your wounded soul. Trust Him and you will hasten your return to “the arms of his love.”

Possible discussion questions: What stood out for you from this quote? How do you feel about Jesus Christ – what does He mean to you? How would you describe the Savior to a friend? How can we draw on Christ’s power to heal and save us?

Summary

Summarize class discussion highlights and/or share your testimony and feelings about Elder Rasband’s talk. Thank your class for their excellent contributions and insights.

Final Comment

Please teach the quotes in any order that makes sense to you.

Teach with confidence, and if you would like some tips on how to feel more confident while teaching – try “9 Tips for More Class Participation.” May the Spirit bless and guide your efforts.