Study Guide for "The Man Who Communed with Jehovah"

In his General Conference address, Elder Kyle S. McKay of the Seventy shares his testimony of Jesus Christ and the profound influence of the Prophet Joseph Smith in restoring the gospel. Elder McKay emphasizes the significance of the First Vision, the principle of regular repentance, and the continuous guidance Joseph Smith received from the Lord. Through these experiences, Joseph Smith not only laid the foundation for the Restoration but also provided a powerful example of seeking divine wisdom and forgiveness. Elder McKay invites us to reflect on these truths and the enduring impact of Joseph Smith's testimony.

Before Reading

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

What was the significance of Joseph Smith's First Vision according to Elder McKay?
How did Joseph Smith's experiences influence his approach to repentance?
What are some of the vital truths restored through Joseph Smith?
How does Elder McKay describe the ongoing work of the kingdom of God?
What is Elder McKay's testimony regarding Joseph Smith's role in the Restoration?

Topics

Seek Wisdom from God

Elder McKay highlights Joseph Smith's First Vision as a pivotal moment where he sought wisdom from God about his sins and which church to join. This experience not only marked the beginning of the Restoration but also instilled in Joseph the confidence to continually seek forgiveness and direction from the Lord.

The real resonance of the First Vision today is to know that it’s the nature of God to give to those who lack wisdom.

Joseph’s experience in the grove gave him confidence to ask for forgiveness and direction for the rest of his life.

What did Joseph Smith learn from the First Vision about God's nature?
Why is the First Vision considered a foundational event in the Restoration?
When have you sought wisdom from God, and what was the outcome?
How can you apply the principle of seeking divine guidance in your daily life?

Embrace Regular Repentance

Elder McKay discusses Joseph Smith's practice of regular repentance, emphasizing that it was a consistent part of his life. Through examples such as the visitations of the angel Moroni and the Savior in the Kirtland Temple, Joseph demonstrated a pattern of seeking forgiveness and receiving divine assurance of cleanliness.

Joseph’s life of regular repentance gives me confidence to "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that [I] may obtain mercy."

It is neither His mission nor His nature to condemn. He came to save.

How did Joseph Smith's experiences with repentance influence his relationship with God?
What does Elder McKay teach about the nature of Jesus Christ regarding forgiveness?
What steps can you take to make repentance a regular part of your life?
Reflect on a time when you felt the Savior's forgiveness. How did it affect you?

Inquire of the Lord for Direction

The talk emphasizes the importance of inquiring of the Lord for direction, as demonstrated by Joseph Smith's repeated requests for guidance. This process led to the restoration of vital gospel truths, including the nature of God, the Atonement, and the necessity of temples.

Vital truths were given clarity and completeness as Joseph repeatedly inquired of the Lord for direction.

What are some of the key truths restored through Joseph Smith's inquiries?
Why is it important to seek the Lord's guidance in our lives?
How can you make seeking the Lord's direction a more consistent practice?
What decisions in your life currently require divine guidance?

Roll Forth the Kingdom of God

Elder McKay recounts Joseph Smith's vision of the kingdom of God rolling forth in the last dispensation, involving the unification of heavenly and earthly priesthoods. Joseph's commitment to this cause continued even beyond his mortal life, as he promised to work with increased power from the other side of the veil.

The heavenly Priesthood will unite with the earthly, to bring about those great purposes.

If on the other side of the veil, I [would] still be working with you, and with a power greatly increased, to roll on this kingdom.

What did Joseph Smith prophesy about the kingdom of God in the last dispensation?
How does the concept of priesthood unification contribute to the rolling forth of God's kingdom?
What role do you play in helping to roll forth the kingdom of God?
How can you support the work of the priesthood in your community?

Testify of Joseph Smith's Prophetic Role

Elder McKay bears testimony of Joseph Smith's role as a prophet who communed with Jehovah. He affirms the truth of Joseph's visions and revelations, emphasizing their foundational importance to the Church and the ongoing influence of Joseph's testimony in the world.

I testify that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God, a witness and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was [Joseph].

What evidence does Elder McKay provide to support Joseph Smith's prophetic calling?
How does Elder McKay describe Joseph Smith's ongoing influence in the Church?
How has your understanding of Joseph Smith's role as a prophet influenced your faith?
In what ways can you share your testimony of Joseph Smith with others?