It Is Wisdom in the Lord That We Should Have the Book of Mormon

Understanding the Pattern of Apostasy and Restoration

President Pace outlines the recurring pattern of apostasy and restoration observed throughout different dispensations. He explains how this pattern has led to the current dispensation of the fulness of times, which will not end in apostasy.

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.

• The pattern of apostasy and restoration has been observed throughout different dispensations.
• We are currently in the dispensation of the fulness of times, which will not end in apostasy.

• Can you think of a time when you have seen this pattern of apostasy and restoration in your own life or in the lives of those around you?
• How does understanding this pattern help strengthen your testimony of the restored gospel?
• How can we help others recognize and avoid this pattern in their own lives?

The Role of the Book of Mormon in Preventing Apostasy

President Pace discusses the importance of the Book of Mormon in preventing personal apostasy. He emphasizes the need for individual spiritual growth and how studying the Book of Mormon brings us closer to the Savior.

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.

• The Book of Mormon plays a crucial role in preventing personal apostasy.
• Studying the Book of Mormon brings us closer to the Savior and helps us stay close to Him.

• How has studying the Book of Mormon helped you avoid personal apostasy?
• Can you share an experience where reading the Book of Mormon brought you closer to the Savior?
• How has your understanding of the Book of Mormon's role in your spiritual growth evolved over time?

The Importance of Personal Experience with the Scriptures

President Pace stresses the importance of personal experience with the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon. He shares his own experiences of scripture study and how it has brought him closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

The most important copy of the Book of Mormon is our personal copy. It is the copy that we read.

This experience reading the Book of Mormon as a boy started a pattern of scripture study that continues to bless me to this day.

• Personal experience with the scriptures is paramount in our spiritual journey.
• Regular scripture study can bring us closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

• Can you share a personal experience where studying the scriptures had a profound impact on your life?
• How has your personal relationship with the scriptures evolved over time?
• What practices or habits have helped you maintain consistent scripture study?

The Role of the Holy Ghost in Scripture Study

President Pace highlights the role of the Holy Ghost in scripture study. He shares how the Holy Ghost can confirm the truths of the scriptures and deepen our conversion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

We study the scriptures so the Holy Ghost, the great teacher, can deepen our conversion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and help us become more like Them.

And the Holy Ghost confirms its truths over and over again.

• The Holy Ghost plays a crucial role in scripture study.
• The Holy Ghost can confirm the truths of the scriptures and deepen our conversion.

• Can you share an experience where the Holy Ghost confirmed the truths of the scriptures to you?
• How has the Holy Ghost deepened your conversion through scripture study?
• What practices or habits have helped you invite the Holy Ghost into your scripture study?

The Invitation to Come to the Tree of Life

President Pace discusses the invitation to come to the tree of life and partake of its fruit. He emphasizes that this invitation extends to each one of us and that by studying the Book of Mormon daily, we can receive answers to our questions and direction for our lives.

The invitation to come to the tree of life by holding fast to the word of God is not just an invitation from Lehi to his family, and it is not just an invitation from my mother for me to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. It is also an invitation from our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, to each one of us.

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."

• The invitation to come to the tree of life and partake of its fruit extends to each one of us.
• By studying the Book of Mormon daily, we can receive answers to our questions and direction for our lives.

• How have you responded to the invitation to come to the tree of life?
• Can you share an experience where studying the Book of Mormon provided answers or direction for your life?
• How can we extend this invitation to others in a meaningful way?