Study Guide for "Praise to the Man"

In this talk, President M. Russell Ballard shares his deep love and admiration for the Prophet Joseph Smith. His words inspire gratitude for the Prophet's courage and divine calling, as well as for the Restoration of the Gospel and the blessings that have come from it. President Ballard also emphasizes the importance of supporting and sustaining our prophets, just as Joseph Smith's family did.

Before Reading

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

What does President Ballard say about the Prophet Joseph Smith?
Why does President Ballard feel grateful for Joseph Smith's courage?
What are the blessings that have come from the Restoration of the Gospel?
How does President Ballard emphasize the importance of supporting and sustaining our prophets?
What does President Ballard say about the Book of Mormon?

Topics

Recognizing Joseph Smith's Role in the Restoration

President Ballard discusses the pivotal role of Joseph Smith in the Restoration of the Gospel. He highlights the courage of Joseph Smith to seek answers to his questions, leading to the First Vision, and his role in bringing forth the Book of Mormon.

I think how grateful we are as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that Joseph Smith, a boy who desired to know what he needed to do to have his sins forgiven, found the courage to go into a grove of trees near his home in Palmyra, New York.

We have the Book of Mormon. What a marvelous and wonderful gift the Book of Mormon is to the membership of the Church. It is another witness, another testament that Jesus is the Christ.

What was Joseph Smith's role in the Restoration of the Gospel?
Why was Joseph Smith's courage important in the Restoration?
How did the Book of Mormon come forth through Joseph Smith?
How has Joseph Smith's role in the Restoration impacted your life?
In what ways can you show courage in seeking answers to your questions?
How can you better utilize the Book of Mormon in your personal study?

Appreciating the Blessings of the Restoration

President Ballard expresses his gratitude for the blessings that have come from the Restoration of the Gospel. He emphasizes the understanding it provides about the purpose of life and the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ.

We have an understanding of the purpose of life, of who we are.

We know who God is; we know who the Savior is, because we have Joseph, who went into a grove of trees as a boy, seeking forgiveness for his sins.

What blessings does President Ballard say have come from the Restoration?
How does the Restoration provide understanding about the purpose of life and knowledge of God and Jesus Christ?
What blessings have you received from the Restoration of the Gospel?
How has the Restoration helped you understand your purpose in life and your relationship with God and Jesus Christ?

Supporting and Sustaining Our Prophets

President Ballard speaks about the importance of supporting and sustaining our prophets, as exemplified by Joseph Smith's family. He pays tribute to Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph's mother, for believing in her son's divine experiences.

I would like to pay tribute this morning to his mother. I’ve always thought how wonderful it was that when Joseph came home from that experience in the Sacred Grove and told his mother what had happened, Lucy Mack Smith believed him.

How does President Ballard emphasize the importance of supporting and sustaining our prophets?
What role did Joseph Smith's family play in supporting him?
How can you better support and sustain our prophets?
How can you foster a spirit of belief and support in your own family?

Expressing Love and Gratitude for the Gospel

President Ballard expresses his deep love for the members of the Church and his gratitude for the gospel of Jesus Christ. He shares his testimony of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the world.

Oh, how I love you. What a glorious experience that’s been—to look into your faces, be in your presence, and feel your love that you have for the Lord and for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I leave you my witness and testimony that I know that Jesus is the Christ. He is our Savior, our Redeemer. He is our best friend.

How does President Ballard express his love for the members of the Church?
What is President Ballard's testimony of Jesus Christ?
How can you express your love and gratitude for the gospel?
How can you strengthen your testimony of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the world?