General Conference: “Why Are We Members of the Only True Church?”

In his talk “Why Are We Members of the Only True Church?” Elder Enrique R. Falabella speaks of the blessings that the church offers to its members. He mentions three specific blessings that he has felt from being a member of the church. He opens the talk by speaking about his childhood. His father was a widower. His family was poor and struggled to make ends meet. Eventually missionaries came and taught them the gospel. They were able to be sealed together in the temple. He speaks of the importance of eternal families. Elder Falabella goes on to emphasize that … Continue reading

Family Home Evening: The Restoration

This family home evening lesson is based on the General Gonference talks “The Things of Which I Know,” “The Restoration of the Gospel” and “Mom, Are We Christians?” These talks focus on the events surrounding the restoration of the gospel. You should review the account of the First Vision in Joseph Smith History as well. You can open the lesson by reading the account of the First Vision in Joseph Smith History 1:8-20. If you have younger children you may want to summarize the story. A great visual aid would be to use the Gospel Art Kit. After you summarize … Continue reading

General Conference: “Mom, Are We Christians?”

In his talk “Mom, Are We Christians?” Elder Gary J Coleman addresses on of the most common misconceptions of those who are of the LDS faith. Elder Coleman begins by speaking of his upbringing in another faith as a child. He grew up with the goal of someday entering the ministry. However when he went to college, he became acquainted with members of the church. He says: “When I was a university student, however, I became acquainted with the members and teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a Christian faith centered on the Savior. I began … Continue reading

General Conference: “The Restoration of the Gospel”

In his talk “The Message of the Restoration” Elder L Tom Perry speaks about the events that lead to the restoration of the gospel on the earth today. He opens the talk by sharing the story of a young deacon’s president who was able to help activate his entire quorum. Elder Perry speaks of the strength of this young man, and how he will be a successful missionary. He goes on to say that each missionary and member needs to have a strong testimony and understanding of the restoration of the gospel Elder Perry then speaks about the first vision. … Continue reading

General Conference: “The Things of Which I Know”

In his talk “The Things of Which I Know” President Gordon B Hinckley bears his testimony of the gospel. He opens his talk by talking about his age and his health. He then goes on to speak about the Nicene Creed. He explains how the Nicene Creed came to be. He says that it is difficult to understand. President Hinckley bears his testimony about the gospel. He bears his testimony about the Prophet Joseph Smith and the restoration of the church. He points out that the First Vision teaches us that God really does answer prayers. He counsels us to … Continue reading

General Conference From the Past: Reverence Invites Revelation

In October 1991, Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve gave a talk entitled “Reverence Invites Revelation.” He speaks of the need for reverent behavior and how such quiet can usher in the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit. Elder Packer begins by warning those who seek to study the gospel from an intellectual perspective only. The promptings of the spirit do not come by intellect alone, but by feeling. He warned that several groups within the church were focusing too much on measuring doctrine and ordinances by the mind alone. With this warning past, he turned … Continue reading

Dinner Discussions 2007 Spring General Conference

Since this last Sunday was General Conference the dinner discussions for this week should be based on several of the talks that were given this weekend. You could assign each of your children to lead a discussion on their favorite talk or you could talk about the talks that apply more to your family situation. Currently you can download mp3 of the talks or watch them on the Internet. The text versions will be available on Thursday. Several of the talks talked about the Restoration of the gospel. You may want to talk the falling away, the Reformation and then … Continue reading

General Conference: “The Plan of Salvation”

In his talk “The Plan of Salvation” Elder L Tom Perry explains the Plan of Salvation. He begins by sharing the story of a young woman who was able to share the gospel with an acquaintance. The most important thing that she shared was the Plan of Salvation. It affected the acquaintance and caused him to look more closely at the church. Elder Perry then goes on to explain the Plan of Salvation. He begins by explaining that we are each Spirit children of our Heavenly Father. He speaks of the many who are wandering lost unsure of why they … Continue reading

RS/EQ: “The Mission of John the Baptist”

The sixth lesson in our Joseph Smith manual is entitled: “The Mission of John the Baptist.” We read that John the Baptist was “a legal administrator and the forerunner of Christ.” What all does that mean? As Joseph and Oliver Cowdery worked on the translation of the gold plates, they came to a passage about baptism that struck their souls. They went out into the woods to pray about it, and were given in answer a visit from John the Baptist, who ordained both of them to the Aaronic Priesthood. This event was significant, as it marked the return of … Continue reading

Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 15:12-19

Nephi is seeking to help his stubborn brothers understand the words their father has spoken to them. Symbolism is not their strong point. 12. Behold, I say unto you, that the house of Israel was compared unto an olive-tree, by the Spirit of the Lord which was in our father; and behold are we not broken off from the house of Israel, and are we not a branch of the house of Israel? 13. And now, the thing which our father meaneth concerning the grafting in of the natural branches through the fulness of the Gentiles, is, that in the … Continue reading