It Is Wisdom in the Lord That We Should Have the Book of Mormon
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the pattern of restoration and apostasy that President Pace discusses?
- How does the Book of Mormon help us avoid personal apostasy?
- What personal experiences does President Pace share to illustrate the impact of the Book of Mormon?
- What are the benefits of studying the Book of Mormon according to President Pace?
- How can we apply President Pace's teachings to our personal scripture study?
Topics
Understanding the Pattern of Restoration and Apostasy
President Pace discusses the recurring pattern of restoration and apostasy in various gospel dispensations. He explains that God reveals the gospel through His prophets, but over time, some people stop heeding the prophets and distance themselves from the Lord, leading to apostasy. This pattern is seen in the dispensations of Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others.
In every dispensation, we have seen a familiar pattern. God restores or reveals the gospel of Jesus Christ through His prophets. The people follow the prophets and are greatly blessed. However, over time, some people stop heeding the words of the prophets and distance themselves from the Lord and His gospel. This is what we call apostasy.
- What is the pattern of restoration and apostasy?
- How does this pattern manifest in various gospel dispensations?
- What leads to apostasy according to President Pace?
- How can we apply the understanding of this pattern to avoid personal apostasy?
- What steps can we take to consistently heed the words of the prophets?
The Role of the Book of Mormon in Avoiding Apostasy
President Pace emphasizes the crucial role of the Book of Mormon in helping us avoid personal apostasy. He shares that while there will be no general apostasy in the dispensation of the fulness of times, we must be mindful to avoid personal apostasy. Studying the Book of Mormon brings us closer to the Savior and helps us stay close to Him.
While God has promised there will never be another general apostasy, we need to be mindful and careful to avoid a personal apostasy—remembering, as President Russell M. Nelson has taught, "We are each responsible for our individual spiritual growth." Studying the Book of Mormon, as we are doing this year, always brings us closer to the Savior—and helps us stay close to Him.
- What role does the Book of Mormon play in avoiding apostasy?
- Why is studying the Book of Mormon important in our spiritual growth?
- How can we make studying the Book of Mormon a consistent part of our lives?
- In what ways has studying the Book of Mormon brought you closer to the Savior?
The Personal Impact of Studying the Scriptures
President Pace shares his personal experience of studying the Book of Mormon as a boy and how it ignited a desire in him to know the truth for himself. He emphasizes the importance of personal scripture study and the profound impact it can have on our spiritual growth and understanding.
Her question ignited in me a desire to know for myself. So, each night, in the bedroom I shared with two of my brothers, I turned on the light above my bed and read a chapter in the Book of Mormon. Then, turning off the light, I slipped out of my bed onto my knees and prayed. I prayed more sincerely and with greater desire than I ever had before.
- What was President Pace's personal experience with studying the Book of Mormon?
- How did this experience impact his spiritual growth and understanding?
- How can we ignite a desire to know the truth for ourselves?
- What steps can we take to make our scripture study more meaningful and personal?
The Book of Mormon as a Keystone in This Dispensation
President Pace describes the Book of Mormon as the "keystone" that distinguishes this dispensation from all previous ones. As we study the Book of Mormon and follow the living prophet, we can avoid personal apostasy.
The Book of Mormon is the "keystone" that makes this dispensation different from all previous dispensations. As we study the Book of Mormon and follow the living prophet, there will be no personal apostasy in our lives.
- Why is the Book of Mormon considered the "keystone" of this dispensation?
- How does studying the Book of Mormon and following the prophet help us avoid personal apostasy?
- How can we better follow the teachings in the Book of Mormon and the counsel of the living prophet?
- What actions can we take to make the Book of Mormon a "keystone" in our personal lives?
The Blessings of Daily Study of the Book of Mormon
President Pace shares the blessings promised by President Russell M. Nelson for those who study the Book of Mormon every day. These blessings include making better decisions every day and receiving answers to personal questions and direction for life.
I promise," he said, "that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life.
- What are the blessings promised by President Nelson for daily study of the Book of Mormon?
- How does daily study of the Book of Mormon impact our decision-making and direction in life?
- How can we make daily study of the Book of Mormon a priority in our lives?
- What blessings have you experienced from daily study of the Book of Mormon?
