Study Guide for "The Good News Recipe"

In his talk "The Good News Recipe," Elder John D. Amos of the Seventy draws a parallel between cooking and living a happy life by following God's guidance as found in the scriptures. Using anecdotes from his life and service as a mission president, Elder Amos emphasizes the importance of inviting Jesus Christ into our lives as the "secret ingredient" for overcoming challenges and achieving spiritual growth.

Before Reading

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

What analogy does Elder Amos use to describe living a happy life?
How does Elder Amos suggest we can invite Jesus Christ into our lives?
What role does personal revelation play in Elder Amos's message?
How does Elder Amos illustrate the concept of "small and simple things"?
What is the "Good News Recipe" according to Elder Amos?

Topics

Follow God's Recipe for Happiness

Elder Amos likens the scriptures to a recipe for a happy life, as taught by President Russell M. Nelson. Just as following a recipe yields good results, living according to God's teachings brings happiness. The scriptures provide a guide to living joyfully, with Jesus Christ as the essential "secret ingredient" to ensure success.

The simple secret for happy living is to just follow God’s recipe as detailed in the scriptures.

The secret’s called the scriptures. You might read them and try them.

How does Elder Amos compare the scriptures to a recipe?
What does Elder Amos identify as the "secret ingredient" in God's recipe for happiness?
What steps can you take to follow God's recipe for happiness more closely?
Reflect on a time when following the teachings in the scriptures brought you happiness. How can you apply that experience to current challenges?

Invite Jesus Christ into Your Life

Elder Amos emphasizes the importance of inviting Jesus Christ into our lives, especially when things go wrong. By increasing our focus on Christ, we can overcome imperfections and challenges. This involves living Christlike attributes and seeking His guidance through prayer and scripture study.

What’s the remedy? It’s simply to add more of what invites Jesus Christ into your life.

What does Elder Amos suggest is the solution when things go wrong in life?
How can living Christlike attributes improve your life?
Identify areas in your life where you can "add more Jesus Christ." How will you do this?
Consider a challenge you are facing. How can inviting Jesus Christ into this situation help you?

Practice Charity and Patience

Through a story about a missionary struggling with companionship challenges, Elder Amos illustrates the power of charity and patience. By focusing on small, simple acts of kindness and patience, we can improve relationships and fulfill our divine potential with the Lord's help.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up...

By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.

What scripture did Elder Amos share with the missionary to help with companionship issues?
How can small and simple acts of charity and patience make a difference?
Reflect on a relationship that could benefit from more charity and patience. What small actions can you take?
How can you apply the principle of "small and simple things" in your daily interactions?

Seek Personal Revelation

Elder Amos shares guidance from President Nelson on seeking personal revelation. By finding a quiet place, humbling ourselves, praying, listening, and acting on promptings, we can grow spiritually and receive answers to our questions and concerns.

Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. Humble yourself before God...

Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses...

What steps does President Nelson suggest for seeking personal revelation?
Why is personal revelation important in following the "Good News Recipe"?
Identify a concern or question you have. How can you apply President Nelson’s steps to seek revelation on this issue?
Reflect on a time when you received personal revelation. How did it impact your life?

Understand the Role of Jesus Christ

Elder Amos testifies of Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer, who has accomplished everything necessary for our return to Heavenly Father. Understanding Christ's atonement, love, and teachings is central to living a joyful life and overcoming life's challenges.

The answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

He has "accomplished everything we need to be able to return to [our] Heavenly Father."

What role does Jesus Christ play in Elder Amos's message?
How can understanding the atonement of Jesus Christ help us in our daily lives?
How can you deepen your understanding of Jesus Christ's role in your life?
What actions can you take to align your life more closely with the teachings of Jesus Christ?