The Character of Christ - by Elder David A. Bednar

"THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST"
This talk was given at BYUI... This is similar to the talk that he gave at the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo Utah on Christmas 12/25/2011.
Brigham Young University-Idaho Religion Symposium
January 25, 2003
Elder David A. Bednar is an Apostle of Jesus Christ.
read the talk here: www2.byui.edu/p....

[@c.cannon1102]

When I hear talks like this I wonder where else I could go to learn more about the Savior Jesus Christ. Many people tell me I am a fool for being a member of the LDS faith, yet I have to respond like the men in the New testament: Where else can I go? Who else can teach me more about my savior if not for this church? I really haven't found anything better......

[@binren3984]

Try the Holy Bible. That would be a good start

[@truthbebold4009]

Non-lds here. I listen to LDS talks occasionally just to see what is considered a powerful message from an LDS perspective. I didn't listen to the entire video but it has a good message with a few points that I would counter. I've heard dozens and dozens of non-lds sermons that were more powerful and full of life. One thing I've noticed about LDS talks is the energy and enthusiasm/pace is low and slow. Do LDS ever have evangelism campaigns? Where they rent a space in the community for a week or two (or more) and give presentations to draw people to Christ?

[@ironeagle9850]

The Bible contains the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The 4 gospels are amazing and compelling, but they are only partial records of Christ. John tells us that if there were books written containing all of Jesus’ works, the world itself could not contain them. So we know there is much about Christ that we don’t know. Fortunately, the Book of Mormon reveals much about the nature and mission of Christ, and about his gospel. This additional knowledge about the atonement and the plan of salvation are priceless treasures. LDS sermons may not be as entertaining or emotionally appealing, but the delivery is patterned after how Christ taught during his ministry.

[@binren3984]

@@ironeagle9850 Re: The world itself could not contain them. John is not to be taken literally here. Its an exaggerated expression called a hyperbole Hyperboles are common and used frequently in the Holy Bible I am Holy Bible only. 66 books with 40 different authors You can't claim that with your BoM There is only one author Smith I've read , study, and research this book. it's Religious Fiction and will always be fiction

[@truthbebold4009]

@@ironeagle9850 ... It's not about being entertaining or appealing to emotion. Jesus didn't give prepared talks and His words and His very presence drew people to Him. Nothing wrong with preparing a sermon message, I'm just referring to the comment you made that LDS talks are patterned after how Jesus taught. Peace

[@bsl5788]

This beautiful and inspired talk appeared in my ‘recommendeds’ on Easter Sunday. I listened to it after the Sunday morning session of General Conference. What an amazing compliment to the testimonies of our Savior.

[@1776Patriot2]

This is such an amazing talk by a modern day apostle of the Lord. His testimony and expressions of his experiences, along with Elder Maxwells, have helped me, tremendously, focus on the Savior and apply His atonement to my life in a way which has brought me such incredible JOY. So grateful.....

[@chelseenicholson975]

The odds that I found this particular video is amazing. I needed to find this talk and you happened to have posted it years before I was fortunate enough to serve in your ward! Thank you and thank your amazing family for being a light in this world. I'm glad I got to meet you all! God is definitely in the details!

[@jumpieva]

These and others like it are popping up everywhere for those willing to see. The Lord is pleading for us to be aware and ready, the house glass is almost up

[@janice2992]

Elder David Bednar is one of my favourite teachers. He speaks slower and deliberate so I can engage totally with what he is saying and follow along. Maybe my brain works slower because of age and fatigue. I find he delivers his message with a lot of good examples. He reaches me, I really appreciate him as a teacher and leader of Jesus Christ's church who I want to follow.

[@veronicaphiri7432]

Wow. I am so grateful for you sister, the woman who ost her daughter. I am so far away from yu, but may God continue to bless you in such abundance! We love you. Elder Bednar, do not grow weary in speaking and sharing such words of wisdom. Jesus Christ trully lives people. So much love from South Africa. XXXXXXXXXOOXXX

[@valentinamocanu1003]

Brothers, the Lord showed me 2 months ago, an extraordinary vision, regarding the DAY OF THE LORD. I saw myself outside, among the people, and suddenly, an immense light, which encompassed everything, coming from above, of an unimaginable force and power, hit us unexpectedly. At that moment, I didn't have time for anything, I just managed to shout: OH MY GOD! I woke up instantly, and I heard a voice in my head (I knew it was the Lord), which told me: GOAL! And then I told him, remembering that in the BIBLE, it is written that the Lord's Day is a day of great auspiciousness, as it has never been before and will never be again, and I asked Him if this is what we must do, when we see this light. The LORD answered me that that LIGHT is HIM and that our GOAL from that moment, for salvation, is to CRY FOR HIM!! What I can tell you, after this experience, is that the ONLY thing we need is FAITH in the LORD. Believe me, nothing will save us on that day, except HIM! Glory to our Lord! AMEN!!

[@maryfranjeppesen8932]

What a beautiful talk! I learned much from it!! Learned how I can be more Christ like! Such beautiful stories!! Forget self!!! Always!! That what Christ's temptations really were!!

[@rachelduganzich8764]

I am so grateful for this talk , and Thank You Elder Bednar for your study on character. I have learned a lot from this talk and am so grateful to be able to hear it and to now understand where I have a weakness which I personally need to concentrate on. Thank you so much again. I no doubt will listen to this talk many times as a reminder when I fail. Thank you and our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

[@vakapallivennela9266]

I really really love this talk. I know Jesus is the Christ. He's my savior my hope and my Redeemer. I know this with all my heart. I also testify that Elder Bednar is a true apostle❤ in this fallen world

[@binren3984]

I agreed with you till you claimed Bednar is an Apostle. Did Jesus come down from Heaven an appoint him an Apostle ? No, Then you have to put False in front of Apostle Bednar is too stuck on himself to be an Apostle of the Lord And he treats his wife like she is nothing. Study his sermons you'll see what I mean.

[@Rod_Johnson-Moroni-Saw-Me]

@@binren3984 Christ did call Elder Bednar, despite his weaknesses. If I look for his weaknesses I am certain I will find them. He is just a man. He is no better than a fisherman or a tax collector or a lawyer. He was a college professor and president before he left that life, as did Peter, James, John, and the other New Testament apostles who left the fisher's nets and occupations to devote their lives as especial witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If Elder Bednar became a fallen prophet, that would not change my personal witness of the divintiy of Jesus Chris or the authority I hold to act in Christ's name. God sends apostles to teach and represent His interests to those of us who need the strength of men with stronger faith than theirs. It is the responsibility of faithful people to point all those with budding faith in Christ toward Jesus Christ as the light of our salvation and not set myself up as a light or repository of knowledge. We can direct people to God and let Him teach people what is right and who God authorizes to act for Him. I submit it is the apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If that is true, God can independently verify it to all those who care to know. Everyone does not need the Church. People find happiness in life despite not having the Church. Jesus Christ's teachings do not guarantee happiness now or in the moment, but it does guarantee peace now and in the moment. I trust Elder Bednar as and apostle and I use his testimony of Jesus Christ and his talks to bolster my faith when I feel it is stressed because of a trial I might be enduring. I find strength from people of strong faith from all faiths, but I have faith that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only organization on Earth operated by mortal men authorized by God to reveal His will and pleasure to the world. We can do with that information it teaches what we please. We can call it false or we can seek it out. Either way we are doing what God sent us here to do, which is to exercise our agency to chose Him or not.

[@gustavoabalos3783]

Beautiful!!! make me feel close to Jesus,

[@dakali4752]

I've been looking for this. Thank you so much. I love how this talk has converted me more to Christ.

[@tekakaromatagi]

I love this talk and the story of the funerals. I have encountered stories where people have had their own difficulties and they have reached out to help others. In the next life I will thank those people for their good examples. My prayer is that I will have the good sense to help someone else when I have my own problems and afflictions.

[@fresnelcharles4430]

I really like this talk and I better understand the character of my Savior. I understand that I need to try to become like my Savior.

[@jumpieva]

I love listening to him. I think he's quite a deal older than he looks, he's aged well! I have a sinking feeling that he's going to be 1 of the 2 witnesses in Israel and it breaks my heart.

[@clints4049]

The Atonement was made possible because of the actions and character of the Savior. This talk has deepened and colored my testimony of the truth even more. Faith without works is dead.

[@johnrowley310]

You better work hard to pay for his blood mormon...

[@ednaminton9637]

A Great Speaker, with the Spirit,yes the Bible is the truth, of our Lord.

[@johnrowley310]

I thought the BOM was better than the Bible...

[@golfrabble]

This is such an amazing talk. I love Elder Bednar.

[@KennethRothey]

Oh Savior, thou who wearest a crown of plated thorns, the pain thou meakly bearest, weighed down by greif and scorn. Through soldiers mock and flail thee, for drink they give thee gaul, upon the cross they nail thee to die, oh king of all.....

[@digiphot2]

Quoth the Raven...Never more! Lets hear it for Gunga Din too!

[@6grandKs]

I love this hymn. It’s a shame we don’t sing it more, or at all, really.

[@billjensen51]

Thank you for uploading this.

[@amberallure5271]

His voice is amazing.

[@The_Mister]

I have no idea how anybody can dislike this talk.

[@josebalderama6497]

Wonderful GAINED ADDED GRACE INTELLIGENCE by POWER of FAITH UPON RESURRECTED LIVING JESUS CHRIST . . . . GREAT 👍💗 👍

[@michellewilliamson2427]

i was thrown in a Lions Den i thank the Latterday for talks before i went in i love you all through our Jesus yes im lapsed some times but i can not be perfect only Our Father is Perrfect

[@mariavolkman7797]

I love the talk , the message is for all of us. 🙏

[@sandraclark7058]

Thanks so much for posting this priceless talk! Bless you!!

[@zurvey]

It's so great that you took the time and trouble to post this here, and the link to the text version. Thank you for being so thoughtful.

[@doloresrosacardenas2064]

I was very inspired to listen

[@user-yc2mv9pt4n]

Where is the link to a written copy of this classic talk? I have been trying to find one for quite a while.

[@elliehorrocks]

Thank you for this 🙏🏼

[@maryjomontoya1963]

You are no fool. Fools mock. I am a convert and have learned more about Jesus Christ since joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints than any time before. It's up to you to keep studying to learn more about him. Read from good books like Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmadge, talks from the apostles especially the talks by Bednar, President Nelson, and other talks specifically about Christ. We are lucky enough to have access to old talks. Some of them are terrific. Of course, the scriptures are still the place to start. Good luck and enjoy your journey of learning of our Lord and Savior.

[@visualelement7youtubechann941]

Self sacrificing humility and emotional maturity exercise God bless and comfort them and there family good examples of Christ likeness.

[@twatts2699]

One of my favorite talks!

[@HeyOpenUp]

Thank You 🌞🙏🤍

[@veronicaphiri7432]

aBSOULUTELY GREAT START TO MY MORNING, THIS TALK GAVE TO ME .

[@denisemay6807]

Great talk!

[@natashaball316]

Romans 6:23 King James Version (KJV) 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

[@EMonzon]

monumental speach

[@zon3665]

There's a great book by an LDS author that shows that there's perfect harmony between the prophetic statements concerning the garden of Eden being in Missouri and the Old Testament account concerning the garden of Eden. It's called Canaan, Babylon, and Egypt A Comparative Theological Analysis on Creation sold by Eborn Books.

[@EMonzon]

Monumental talk

[@natashaball316]

Jesus came for the Sinners and the Broken. Not to make demigods Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

[@austinepeter9673]

Where are you get false record

[@gavacho131313]

Really good talk, thanks for sharing!

[@hollayevladimiroff131]

Jesus is God, He is our creator, He is not created. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. He is the image of the invisible God, Col 1:15. He is the firstborn of all creation, which means He is extraordinaire. "The Son is the radiance of Gods Glory and the exact representation of his being. Heb 1:3. He is our Priest and mediator, Christ our High Priest sacrificed His own body for our sins, this is His true character, it is called love.

[@richardboli482]

Spirit world

[@aprildrinksmate]

Do you know where I could find the talk he gave at the MTC?

[@anitatapia4254]

WHY this havent any translation in espanish????? i been crazy i need it translated please someone tell me where im can take it

[@ivonnesmith6940]

Is this talk in other languages? I need this in Spanish please 🙏.

[@manuelvasquez6539]

CHARITY IS THE CHARACTER OF JESUS...WITHOUT IT YOU CANT ENTER NO JUST IN MORTALLITY BUT INTO THE OTHER SIDE EITHER...CAHRITY IS NOT ALL THE GIFT YOU GIVE BUT THE LORD SPIRIT THAT ENDURE MORTALLITY AND IT IS THE COLOR OF SAINTS ON THIS LATTER DAYS ...AGAIN WITH OUT YOU CANT ENTER INTO HIS REST ...BECAUSE YOU HAVE ALL YOU NEED TO ACHIEVED BUT ..SAINT LOVES THE CHARACTER OF MEN THAN THE LORD...

[@Flies2FLL]

Jesus? The guy who cuts the lawn next door?

[@davemedsker]

@@Flies2FLL this comment is racist because of the stereotype you infer. Please delete it

[@geoffnoyes520]

One of the great characteristics of the Lord Jesus was his absolute certainty of the truth and authority of the scriptures the Jews then had,( our old Testament) he even quoted them to the the Devil in the wilderness, " it is written" was a phrase he used very frequently and without hesitation. God took the greatest care with the compiling of the old testament, we can be sure he took just as much care about the new testament concerning his beloved Son, his saving work and the preservation of the true gospel. Joseph Smith claimed that the Lord had allowed the true gospel to be lost from the earth, and his word to be corrupted. So who do you trust, the Lord God to preserve his word and the everlasting gospel, or Joseph Smith's BOM ?. It's basically that simple. Mormons have already made that choice.

[@4pinky2011]

A-M-E-N-!

[@gabrielgaaferreira]

The MTC one is still better!

[@michaelacottle6237]

Where can the MTC version be found?

[@gabrielgaaferreira]

Unfortunately only in MTC!

[@ZxforerunnerxZ]

I wish it were public! I miss the full version.

[@masterjedisam1578]

Link it.

[@misslala9813]

YESSSSSS!!! i still remember that one. been looking for it everywhere lol

[@tylernichols3012]

22:57-31:34 17:56-20:52

[@natashaball316]

Romans 6:14 King James Version (KJV) 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

[@tonyjohnson2498]

The character of Christ is not in question. Salvation is obtained by believing in His sacrifice on the cross and resurrection(John 3 16). If you don't accept Jesus has come in the flesh you are none of His. Salvation is a gift(by grace you are saved). You can't earn it. He is the Word and the Word is God. There is no other God before or after Him. He is not Satan's brother. An apostle is some one who has seen Jesus Christ. There are no apostles by definition in this day an age. Jesus was and is and us to come. Yes, good character is great, but unless you believe who Christ is, you cannot please God.

[@johnrowley310]

The prophets were until John. After that the gospel is preached. There is no prophet on earth today. There is a guy with billions in the stock market. His name is Nelson...

[@Flies2FLL]

Who? David Bednar looks like me but he's not related.

[@manuelvasquez6539]

give me the bible doctrine and covenant book of Mormon...when I posed the oracles Brian young stated ..put the scripters a side.

[@manuelvasquez6539]

if you don't know me by now ...you don't know jesus or my heavenly father.

[@binren3984]

That was called a hyperbole If all the saviour had said couldn't all be written.

[@rhamsesmartinez5007]

Many don't accept any other scripture other than the Bible, and that is fine. But I would like to explain why I simply cannot agree with the idea that the Bible contains all the3 truth God intended His children to have in this life: 1) John basically says that there is so much more that Christ did that has not been written and suggests that it would require several books to account for all of his doings- and may I include teachings among the things He did. If that is the case, imagen all the things His 12 apostles did and taught during their life long ministries that we also do not have. 2) During the persecution of the early Christians by both Jews and Romans many writings of the apostles were destroyed. Who knows what other truths or insights these contained. 3) Of the writings that made it through the persecution many, if not all, were altered whether on purpose or via honest mistake during translation from Greek & Latin to modern day languages. 3) The Bible is no more than a compilation of otherwise individual writings who neither collectively nor individually attest to being the complete word of God for us today. To sustain such an idea is simply not biblical.

[@binren3984]

@@rhamsesmartinez5007 Are you making empty allegations that you can't back up ? Do you really think that the good news is lost in the Holy Bible ? Please enlighten me Cause what I read is what your church has taught you to think , not what actually is the truth You'll just go through life thinking your right without thinking it through If your fine with that good for you. Peace

[@rhamsesmartinez5007]

@@binren3984 No empty allegations. I can back everything up. The good news is found in the Bible but, it's not the only truth that exists. It is a fundamental truth. There is more to learn; more knowledge that the Father wishes to bestow upon His children, 1 Corinthians 2.

[@binren3984]

@@rhamsesmartinez5007 We are only God's children through adoption believing that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Arthegos. The gospel message is simple. it is man that brings in heresy and doctrine of devils In Galatians 1: 8-9. Paul says. If I or an angel preach another gospel let him be an anathema 1 Timothy 6:3. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 Here is Scripture that says there is no such thing as premortal existence John 8:23 1 Corinthians 15 :47-48 Here's scripture that there is no Heavenly Mother are you going to deny the Torah Jerimiah chapter 7 and chapter 44 Unlearn the Lies you've been taught Mormonism is work salvation Peace

[@rhamsesmartinez5007]

@@binren3984 Galatians 1:8-9 and Timothoy 6:3 only apply IF a new gospel is being taught. We do not preach a new gospel. We preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. You assume that we do because our interpretation of the Holy Scriptures does not match yours. You also assume that we are preaching a new gospel because we have additional scripture. You believe the idea that the Bible is the complete and definite word of God- an idea that is simply not biblical. Apostles and prophets are the foundation of the Church of Christ, with the Lord himself as the cornerstone (Eph 2:20). Ephesians 4:11-14 explains for what purpose they were called and that they would be needed "Till we all come in the uity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God...That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning caftiness..." That day has not come, as it is evident today with all the crazy ideas and philosophies that currently exist. Of His servents/messangers Christ said the following: "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me." (Luke 10:16). Christ only condems the FALSE preaches/teachers and Apostles. I believe what is written in Jeremiah 7 and 44. But again, it only applies to those who worship idols and false gods and live contrary to His commandments. Also, we do not believe that we are saved by works. We are saved by Christ's Grace. There is nothing we can do that could ever produce the power onto salvation. As James says, " For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10). In other words, one sin is enough to condemn us for all eternity. Which is why Paul taught that we have all "come short of the glory of God." However, we do not believe that faith is the only thing Christ has asked of us in order to participate of His gift. And it is because of this that many think that we believe in being saved by works. Which is surpising to me because the Bible is clear on the need for faith, repentance, baptism and enduring to the end (in other words, an honest effort in living a Christ like life). Regarding John 8:23 and 1 Corinthians 15:47-48, read Jeremiah 1:5 and John 10:34. But, before we continue on an endless debate, let me tell you one thing. We are never going to agree on anything because our differences are foundational differences. There is no point in discussing life before or after death, or a heavenly mother if we can't first agree on the source of God's word. You will not accept anything that is not found in the Bible. Yet, we don't believe the Bible is the complete and only word of God. We believe in living Apostles who continue their role as the foundation of the Church with Christ (the cornerstone) leading them and giving them revelation as it is needed. You believe that the foundation were the Apostles of the New Testament and no more. Because of these differences we will never agree on many things. So if you'd like to continue to have a dialogue on religion, we must first address the following topics: Is the the Bible the complete word of God? Does God continue to call Apostles and prophets in these days to whome He continues to give revelation? These two topics can be addressed using the Bible alone. Any other topic beyond these two will be of no merit for either side, as my knowledge comes from the Bible, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price and the words of the modern day Apostles- which you do not accept as scripture.

[@williambradley8799]

Is it true, that Mormon's believe the saying: As man is, God once was. As God is, man may become. Interpreted, this means that man has the potential of being a god. If it is a belief of the LDS church, it is then heretical. It then, would bring into question all deviations of LDS from that of accepted Christian teachings for over two thousand years. In the garden, where Adam fell, Satan tempted Eve, and told her "You will not surely die,” the serpent told her. For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Being "like God", is a lie, as was from the very beginning in the garden. Think it over, your eternal destiny is at stake. I speak the truth, in love.

[@deanrogerbender]

You have not done your homework. Even a review of Wikipedia's "Divinization (Christian)" will blow you away. Look up the references. Read the scriptures quoted. And next time you want to attack, do your homework first. Your eternal destiny may be at stake.

[@johnrowley310]

The one place you will never find christ is the mormon church. It is a works based church not grace based...

[@jonbaker476]

The LDS Jesus is not at all the Jesus you find in the bible, and I'm LDS

[@kevinj5738]

You don’t honor Christ when you teach he’s Lucifers brother. Christ is God. Not a Mormon god that was created but THE God who created everything.

[@johnphillipstevensen3490]

CIA in action! Illuminati confirmed!