Lesson Prepration Guide for "Eternal Truth"

In this talk, Elder John C. Pingree Jr. explores the importance of truth in our lives, how we can seek and recognize it, and how we can share it with others. He emphasizes the eternal nature of truth and discusses the roles of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and prophets in revealing truth to us. Elder Pingree also provides guidance on understanding the difference between doctrine and policy, and on teaching eternal truths effectively.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin the lesson by asking class members to share their thoughts on what "truth" means to them.
Start the lesson by showing a variety of news headlines or social media posts, and discuss how we can discern truth in a world filled with misinformation.
Ask class members to share a time when they received a personal revelation of truth. How did this experience impact their faith and understanding of the gospel?

Topics

Understanding the Nature of Truth

In his talk, Elder Pingree discusses the eternal nature of truth, stating that truth is absolute and unchanging. He emphasizes the importance of truth in helping us discern good from evil, guiding our actions, and leading us to eternal life.

Truth is critical for us to establish and strengthen our relationship with God, find peace and joy, and reach our divine potential.

What does it mean to you that truth is eternal?
How has understanding eternal truths helped you in your personal life?
How can we discern eternal truths from worldly philosophies?
Why is it important to understand that truth is absolute and unchanging?
How does truth lead us to eternal life?

The Role of God, Holy Ghost, Prophets, and Us in Revealing Truth

Elder Pingree explains the interconnected roles of God, the Holy Ghost, prophets, and us in the process of revealing eternal truth. He highlights the importance of our relationship with the Father and the Son, our responsiveness to the Holy Ghost, and our alignment with latter-day prophets in receiving and applying truth.

God expects us to seek, recognize, and act on truth. Our ability to receive and apply truth is dependent on the strength of our relationship with the Father and the Son, our responsiveness to the influence of the Holy Ghost, and our alignment with latter-day prophets.

How can we strengthen our relationship with the Father and the Son to better receive and apply truth?
What role does the Holy Ghost play in revealing truth to us?
How can we align ourselves more closely with latter-day prophets?
Why is it important to not only seek and recognize truth, but also act on it?
How does Satan attempt to prevent us from receiving truth?

Seeking, Recognizing, and Applying Eternal Truth

Elder Pingree provides guidance on how to seek, recognize, and apply eternal truth. He emphasizes the importance of consistency with scriptures and prophets, confirmation by the Holy Ghost, and putting principles into practice.

God reveals doctrinal truths through prophets, and the Holy Ghost confirms those truths to us and helps us apply them. We must seek and be prepared to receive these spiritual impressions when they come.

What steps can we take to better seek eternal truth?
How has the Holy Ghost confirmed truth to you?
What experiences have you had with applying gospel principles and deepening your understanding of them?
How can we prepare ourselves to receive spiritual impressions?
Why is it important to put gospel principles into practice?

Trusting God When Truth is Not Yet Revealed

Elder Pingree discusses the challenge of seeking answers to questions that have not yet been revealed. He encourages us to trust in God's wisdom and love, keep His commandments, and rely on what we do know until further truth is revealed.

As we hold on—trusting God’s wisdom and love, keeping His commandments, and relying on what we do know—He helps us find peace until He reveals the truth of all things.

How can we trust in God when we have unanswered questions?
What does it mean to rely on what we do know?
How can keeping God's commandments help us when we are seeking answers?
Can you share a time when you had to trust in God's wisdom and timing when seeking answers?
Why is it important to find peace in the midst of uncertainty?

Teaching and Sharing Eternal Truth

Elder Pingree talks about the responsibility to share the truths we have obtained from God. He emphasizes the importance of teaching truth in a way that invites the influence of the Holy Ghost and is centered on Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and their fundamental doctrine.

Our aim is to teach truth in a way that invites the converting power of the Holy Ghost.

How can we ensure that we are teaching truth in a way that invites the influence of the Holy Ghost?
Why is it important to center our teaching on Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and their fundamental doctrine?
How can we avoid speculation, personal opinions, or worldly ideas when teaching truth?
What teaching methods have you found to be effective in inviting the Spirit?
Why is it important to communicate clearly when teaching truth?

Additional Discussion Questions

What are some challenges you have faced in seeking and recognizing truth?
How can we better discern truth in a world filled with misinformation?
What role does personal revelation play in our understanding of truth?
How can we better align ourselves with the teachings of latter-day prophets?
What are some ways we can invite the influence of the Holy Ghost as we seek truth?
How can we support others in their search for truth?
How can we maintain faith and trust in God when we have unanswered questions?
How can we effectively share the truths we have learned with others?
Why is it important to differentiate between doctrine and policy when seeking truth?
How has understanding eternal truths impacted your personal life and testimony?