Study Guide for "The Power of the Book of Mormon"

In his General Conference address, President Thomas S. Monson speaks about the profound power of the Book of Mormon and its critical importance in the lives of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He emphasizes the necessity of having a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon and encourages daily study, pondering, and application of its teachings. President Monson also highlights the protective and guiding influence the Book of Mormon can have in these troubled times.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

Why does President Monson emphasize the importance of the Book of Mormon in our lives?
What benefits does President Monson say come from daily study and pondering of the Book of Mormon?
How does President Monson suggest we can gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon?

Topics

Emphasize the Importance of a Testimony of the Book of Mormon

President Monson stresses that having a firm testimony of the Book of Mormon is crucial for members of the Church. He explains that such a testimony can protect us from the prevalent sin and evil in the world and is essential for spiritual safety.

The importance of having a firm and sure testimony of the Book of Mormon cannot be overstated.

If you do not have a firm testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one.

Why is it important to have a testimony of the Book of Mormon?
How can a testimony of the Book of Mormon protect us from sin and evil?
What steps can you take to strengthen your testimony of the Book of Mormon?
How has your testimony of the Book of Mormon helped you in times of trouble?

Encourage Daily Study and Pondering of the Book of Mormon

President Monson urges members to read and ponder the Book of Mormon daily. He assures that doing so will invite the Holy Ghost to testify of its truth and will provide spiritual guidance and protection.

If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so.

If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you.

Why does President Monson emphasize daily study and pondering of the Book of Mormon?
What role does the Holy Ghost play in confirming the truth of the Book of Mormon?
How can you incorporate daily study of the Book of Mormon into your routine?
What experiences have you had where daily study of the Book of Mormon provided you with guidance or protection?

Recognize the Book of Mormon as Evidence of the Restoration

President Monson testifies that the truth of the Book of Mormon confirms the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Lord’s Church and the holy priesthood.

If it is true—and I solemnly testify that it is—then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Because the Book of Mormon is true, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s Church on the earth, and the holy priesthood of God has been restored for the benefit and blessing of His children.

How does the truth of the Book of Mormon confirm the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith?
What is the significance of the restoration of the holy priesthood?
How has your testimony of the Book of Mormon strengthened your belief in the restoration of the gospel?
What can you do to share the message of the restoration with others?

Maintain and Strengthen Your Testimony

President Monson highlights the need to keep a testimony vital and alive through continued obedience to God's commandments, daily prayer, and scripture study.

Once obtained, a testimony needs to be kept vital and alive through continued obedience to the commandments of God and through daily prayer and scripture study.

What are the ways to maintain and strengthen a testimony?
Why is continued obedience to God's commandments important for keeping a testimony alive?
What changes can you make in your daily routine to better maintain and strengthen your testimony?
How has daily prayer and scripture study helped you keep your testimony alive?

Receive Spiritual Guidance and Protection

President Monson promises that prayerfully studying and pondering the Book of Mormon will enable us to hear the voice of the Spirit, resist temptation, overcome doubt and fear, and receive divine help.

As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives.

What are the benefits of prayerfully studying and pondering the Book of Mormon?
How can the Book of Mormon help us resist temptation and overcome doubt and fear?
Can you recall a time when studying the Book of Mormon helped you receive spiritual guidance?
What steps can you take to ensure you are in a position to receive divine help in your life?