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MUNDO - One testimony Sunday, the Bishop announced that the testimony should be short for just 2minutes. What if the member feel the Spirit and he/she testify for like 10mins. or longer? who we should obey? is there any scripture verse or a Prophet's talk regarding this? JOEL - I would say that you should follow the council of your Bishop who has been set apart to receive inspiration for his ward. There are scriptures and statements from the Church leaders about keeping testimonies brief. In the Book of Moses we read an experience about Enoch and his people who were visited by angels: "And Enoch beheld angels descending out of heaven, bearing testimony of the Father and Son; and the Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up by the powers of heaven into Zion." (Moses 7:27) All the angels did was to simply and briefly bear testimony of the Father and Son and that was enough to bring the spirit upon all the people. Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Seventy said: "A testimony can be identified by the use of powerful verbs such as know, testify, believe, certify, declare, affirm, bear witness, bear record. Often it is a declaration of what you know, feel, experience, or believe, such as “We listened, we gazed, we admired!. Generally speaking, a testimony is short, precise, and concise." (Oct. 2005, Bearing Testimony, Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Seventy) The First Presidency has emphasized the importance of brevity and conciseness when bearing testimony. The following is a message from the First Presidency of The Church. The letter—dated February 14, 2013, and signed by the First Presidency—was read in sacrament meeting: “In the past the First Presidency has expressed concern that in some instances, members who desire to bear their testimonies in fast and testimony meeting do not have the opportunity to do so. Bishoprics are again encouraged to help all people learn to express a brief, heartfelt testimony of our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the truths of the restored gospel so that more members may have the opportunity to participate. Parents and teachers should help children learn what a testimony is and when it is appropriate for them to express it. It may be best to have younger children learn to share their testimonies at such times as family home evening or when giving talks in Primary until they are old enough to do so in fast and testimony meeting. We encourage bishoprics to teach these important principles to priesthood and auxiliary leaders and to all ward members.“ Just because someone feels the spirit, doesn't mean that he should continue to talk longer. I guess the bottom line is that it's best to hold off on some of what the spirit whispers to you and cherish it within yourself or save it for another time so others can have a turn. |
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DIRECTORY