In 2017, I felt prompted to accept President Russell M. Nelson’s (then president of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles) challenge “to study everything Jesus said and did as recorded in the standard works…to let the scriptural citations about Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide become [my] personal core curriculum” (“Drawing on the Powers of Heaven”, April 2017 General Conference). After hearing this invitation, on four separate occasions, and feeling strongly prompted to accept the invitation, I finally found a way to accomplish my goal to study all the references of Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide (and the Index) in August 2017.
I was excited when I heard Elder Neil L. Andersen last week (in October 2020 General Conference), speaking of President Nelson’s experience and preparation to become our prophet said “If a renewed study of the Savior helped prepare President Nelson, could it not help prepare us as well?”
Why did it take me so long to start? I wasn’t sure how I wanted to document and track the things I was learning. I tend to overcomplicate things sometimes.
I am going to share 6 ways to complete this challenge in hopes that you can find a method that will work for you and your style of learning.
I am eager to accept this challenge once again. I hope you will join me on this journey. Who’s ready to become “a different man (or woman)”?
Each way to study Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide includes the learning styles that are incorporated in each study idea with their corresponding icons.
{DISCLAIMER:} Affiliate Links may be used in this post of which I may receive a small commission. The price does not change for you. I only recommend products and tools I use or would use myself.
On Instagram, the group Inklings – A Hint of Something More @INKLINGS.INSTITUTE. created a ready-made reading plan that breaks down every entry in the Topical Guide about Jesus Christ. The best part? You’ll finish by April 2021 General Conference if you stick to it.
Why it works: It turns an overwhelming challenge into small, consistent steps.
Quick tips from Emily Belle Freeman (@EmilyBelleFreeman):
Read the summary phrases instead of every verse when short on time.
Choose 2–3 verses a day for a focused study.
✨ Resource: Free printable reading assignments
In 2017, I used a dedicated journal to track my progress—and it became a spiritual treasure. I recorded insights, marked key scriptures, and even noted dates (August 21, 2017—the solar eclipse day!—is when I studied “Jesus Christ: Judge”).
Why it works: Journaling deepens retention and creates a personal record of discipleship.
(Or a Printed journal is available on Amazon HERE. (Affiliate link)
This year, I started using custom study labels for each section of the Topical Guide. I printed them on sticker paper and placed them in a notebook. Each label marks a new section, making my notes and insights easy to organize.
Why it works: Visual labeling keeps your study organized and turns your notebook into a quick-reference guide.
Example Insights:
The Lord is always with us (Matthew 1:18–25).
Jesus can be found in the temple (Luke 2:22–38).
Jesus invites us into spiritual experiences (Mark 9:2–8).
I also loved using printable study sheets created by @HardmanHome and shared by @Seek.Christ.Daily. I printed mine as a booklet and colored each section as I read.
Why it works: Visual learners can literally see progress, and each section becomes a colorful reminder of time spent with Christ.
Example Insights:
Jesus allows us to help with His work (Luke 10:1–24).
Jesus is my King—He comes to save and He weeps (Matthew 21:1–11; Luke 19:29–44).
Note: The original PDF link is no longer live, but I’ll update this post when a new version is available.
Stephanie Dibb Sorensen’s book Learn of Me includes all Topical Guide scripture references about Jesus Christ, along with definitions, quotes, questions, hymns, and journaling space. It’s essentially a one-stop study companion.
Why it works: Everything is in one place, so you can go as deep as you want without juggling multiple resources.
Favorite Insight:
In 3 Nephi 18:35, Jesus says, “And now I go unto the Father, because it is expedient that I should go unto the Father for your sakes.”
For my sake, He pleads with the Father. He is my Advocate.
(This book is available on AMAZON.) (affiliate links)
If you want the simplest method of all, use the free Gospel Library App. Every scripture reference in the Topical Guide is available with one click—and the audio option lets you listen on the go.
Why it works: It fits into even the busiest schedule. Whether you’re commuting, walking, or waiting in line, you can still study Christ daily.
Example Insight:
While studying “Jesus Christ, Appearances, Postmortal,” I noticed a repeated phrase: Jesus stood in the midst. He placed Himself where all could gather, see, and know Him.
What is President Nelson’s Topical Guide Challenge?
In April 2017, then-Elder Nelson invited us to study everything Jesus Christ said and did in the scriptures, using the Topical Guide as our “core curriculum.”
How long does it take to complete the challenge?
With daily study, most reading plans finish in about 6–12 months.
What tools are best for studying Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide?
Options include journals, study labels, printable sheets, companion books, and the Gospel Library app.
Can I adapt the challenge to my learning style?
Yes! That’s exactly why these six methods exist—choose the one that fits you best.
I’m eager to accept this challenge again—and I’d love for you to join me. Which of these six study methods speaks to you? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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Identify your learning styles and find joy in your scripture study
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12 thoughts on “6 Simple Ways to Complete President Nelson’s Topical Guide Challenge on Jesus Christ”
Thank you for your post.
You are very welcome! I hope you enjoy your study about Jesus Christ–it is life changing!
Is there a different way we can get the tool you mentioned in tip 4? I was thinking about creating something exactly like that to color in as I went, but figured I’d google it first to see if I could find one. However, the link didn’t seem to be working anymore. I’d really love a copy though!
Latisha–
I have checked and it appears the website is no longer available for the printables. I will take the link off my post. Hopefully, you can find something similar–it is a great way to track the verses you have read.
Enjoy your study!
Love,
Erin
Darn! Well thanks for looking into it!
I found another site that has beautiful printables to do this Christ study here that are free. You can find them at https://www.mckenziesuemakes.com/savior/
I hope this helps you with your study of Jesus Christ.
Thank you so much for doing this!! I’ve been wanting to do this challenge such a long time and I’ve always been too overwhelmed by it! Your suggestions are so helpful and make it seem much more manageable. Thank you for your time and putting this together!
You are very welcome! I’d love to hear how you decide to study! Enjoy!
Thank you for putting this together!
Chrissy-
I am so glad this post was helpful to you. I would love to hear how you decided to study Jesus Christ from the Topical Guide. I noticed it was spoken about a few times in General Conference the past two days. Enjoy!
This is awesome! Thank you!
Hello Melissa-I’m glad you like it! It is a wonderful additional study. I would love to hear what you learn.