The Truth of All Things
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What are the key principles that Elder Evans emphasizes in the search for truth?
- How did Elder Evans" mother influence his approach to seeking answers?
- What role does patience play in the process of receiving revelation and truth?
- How can reading the Book of Mormon help in gaining a personal testimony?
- What does Elder Evans suggest is necessary to maintain a strong testimony?
Topics
Engage in Sincere and Faithful Questioning
Elder Evans discusses the importance of approaching questions about the Church with sincerity and faith. He shares his own experiences of questioning and how his mother guided him to seek answers through study, prayer, and obedience. This process requires a sincere heart and real intent to act on the truths discovered.
“David, that is a good question. While you are searching and reading and praying for the answer, why don’t you do the things you know you should and not do the things you know you should not?”
“Mom put the responsibility of developing faith and finding answers on me.”
- What does it mean to approach questions with a sincere heart and real intent?
- How did Elder Evans" mother influence his approach to seeking answers?
- What are some questions you have about the Church that you can approach with sincere and faithful questioning?
- How can you ensure that your questions are sincere and that you are willing to act on the answers you receive?
Study and Pray for Answers
Elder Evans emphasizes the importance of studying the scriptures and praying to receive answers from the Lord. He shares his personal journey of reading the Book of Mormon and praying to know its truth. This process of study and prayer is essential for gaining a personal testimony and receiving revelation.
“I needed to read the Book of Mormon with a sincere heart, with real intent, and ask God whether it is true.”
“God did manifest the truth of it unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost.”
- Why is it important to study the scriptures and pray when seeking answers?
- How did Elder Evans receive a witness of the truth of the Book of Mormon?
- How can you incorporate regular scripture study and prayer into your daily routine?
- What specific steps can you take to seek answers through study and prayer?
Exercise Patience in the Search for Truth
Elder Evans highlights the necessity of patience in the process of seeking truth. He explains that answers may not come immediately and that continued faith and patience are required. This principle is part of the Lord’s pattern for revealing truth and is essential for spiritual growth.
“Willingness to be patient is part of our search for truth and part of the Lord’s pattern of revealing truth.”
“Patient covenant keeping increases our humility, deepens our desire to know truth, and allows the Holy Ghost to guide us in wisdom’s paths.”
- Why is patience important in the search for truth?
- How does patient covenant keeping help in receiving answers from the Lord?
- In what areas of your life do you need to exercise more patience while seeking answers?
- How can you practice patient covenant keeping in your daily life?
Act on the Truth You Receive
Elder Evans stresses the importance of acting on the truths we receive. He shares his personal commitment to live according to the truth he gained through his missionary efforts. Acting on the truth includes repentance, keeping the commandments, and making personal decisions to follow the Lord’s guidance.
“I have pledged with my Father in Heaven and with myself to do my very best, to give it 100 percent for the rest of my life.”
“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 does it mean to act on the truth you receive?
- How did Elder Evans demonstrate his commitment to act on the truth?
- What are some truths you have received that you need to act on?
- How can you strengthen your commitment to live according to the truths you know?
Seek Learning by Study and Faith
Elder Evans encourages members to seek learning through both study and faith. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the best sources, including the scriptures and the words of living prophets. This balanced approach helps individuals gain wisdom and understanding in their search for truth.
“We are commanded to seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”
“Our search for truth should focus on the best books and the best sources.”
- Why is it important to seek learning by both study and faith?
- What are some of the best sources to focus on in the search for truth?
- How can you balance study and faith in your personal search for truth?
- What specific actions can you take to seek learning from the best sources?
