Talk Preparation Guide for "Praise to the Man"

In his talk, "Praise to the Man", President M. Russell Ballard reflects on the life and mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, acknowledging his crucial role in the Restoration of the Gospel. He expresses his deep love and admiration for Joseph Smith, his family, and all those who supported him. He further emphasizes the significance of the Book of Mormon and the understanding of life's purpose that we gain through the restored Gospel.

Topics

Understanding the Role of Joseph Smith in the Restoration

President Ballard discusses the importance of Joseph Smith's role as the prophet of the last dispensation. He highlights Joseph's courage to pray in the Sacred Grove, leading to the First Vision and the commencement of the Restoration.

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, and there kneel in prayer and—by his own statement—pray out loud for the first time.

We thank the Lord for Joseph Smith and for his courage to go into that grove of trees in 1820, near his home in Palmyra, New York.

Key Points:

Joseph Smith's prayer in the Sacred Grove led to the First Vision.
The First Vision marked the beginning of the Restoration of the Gospel.

Experiences:

Can you recall a time when you felt inspired by Joseph Smith's courage?
How has the Restoration of the Gospel influenced your life?
What feelings do you have towards Joseph Smith and his role in the Restoration?

Appreciating the Book of Mormon

President Ballard expresses gratitude for the Book of Mormon and its role in testifying of Jesus Christ. He recognizes Joseph Smith's worthiness and divine inspiration in translating the book.

We have the Book of Mormon. What a marvelous and wonderful gift the Book of Mormon is to the membership of the Church.

We have it because Joseph was worthy to go get the plates, was inspired by heaven to translate them by the gift and power of God and to give the book to the world.

Key Points:

The Book of Mormon is a testament that Jesus is the Christ.
Joseph Smith was divinely guided to translate the Book of Mormon.

Experiences:

How has the Book of Mormon strengthened your testimony of Jesus Christ?
Can you share an experience where the Book of Mormon has provided guidance or comfort in your life?
What feelings do you experience when reading the Book of Mormon?

Recognizing the Support Joseph Smith Received

President Ballard pays tribute to the family of Joseph Smith, particularly his mother, Lucy Mack Smith, for their faith and support during his mission. He acknowledges the importance of their belief in Joseph's divine calling.

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.

I’m grateful for his father and his brothers and his sisters and his family, who sustained him in this tremendous responsibility that the Lord placed upon him to become the prophet to restore the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ once again upon the earth.

Key Points:

Lucy Mack Smith believed in Joseph Smith when he shared his vision.
Joseph Smith's family supported him in his divine calling.

Experiences:

Can you think of a time when someone's belief in you made a difference?
How has your family supported you in your spiritual journey?
Can you share a time when you felt the importance of family support in your Church responsibilities?

Understanding Our Purpose in Life

President Ballard discusses how the restored Gospel provides understanding of life's purpose and our identities. He emphasizes the importance of striving to become better and more Christlike each day.

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

I marvel, and I’m sure that many of you do too, at how blessed we are to know what we know about our purpose in life, why we are here, what we should be trying to do and accomplish in our daily lives.

Key Points:

The restored Gospel provides understanding of life's purpose.
We should strive to become better and more Christlike each day.

Experiences:

How has the Gospel helped you understand your purpose in life?
Can you share a time when striving to be more Christlike made a difference in your life?
How has understanding your divine identity influenced your daily actions?

Testifying of Jesus Christ

President Ballard bears his testimony of Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer. He also testifies of the reality of the First Vision and Joseph Smith's divine calling.

So my testimony this morning is that I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I also know that our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ appeared and spoke to Joseph and prepared him to become the prophet.

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.

Key Points:

Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.
Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith.

Experiences:

Can you share a time when you felt a strong testimony of Jesus Christ?
How has your testimony of Joseph Smith's divine calling influenced your faith in Jesus Christ?
What experiences have helped strengthen your witness of Jesus Christ?