Day 319

  • Principle: Conversion means to change.

  • Book of Mormon Reading: 4 Nephi 1:1 - 1:22

    • If you are not changing than you are not being converted.  

    • Marion G. Romney taught:

      “Webster [dictionary] says the verb, ‘convert,’ means ‘to turn from one belief or course to another.’ That ‘conversion’ is ‘a spiritual and moral change. …’ As used in the scriptures, ‘converted’ generally implies not merely mental acceptance of Jesus and his teachings but also a motivating faith in him and in his gospel—a faith which works a transformation, an actual change in one’s understanding of life’s meaning and in his allegiance to God—in interest, in thought, and in conduct. …

      “In one who is wholly converted, desire for things inimical [contrary] to the gospel of Jesus Christ has actually died, and substituted therefor is a love of God with a fixed and controlling determination to keep his commandments. …

      “… From this it would appear that membership in the Church and conversion are not necessarily synonymous. Being converted … and having a testimony are not necessarily the same thing either. A testimony comes when the Holy Ghost gives the earnest seeker a witness of the truth. A moving testimony vitalizes faith; that is, it induces repentance and obedience to the commandments. Conversion, on the other hand, is the fruit of, or the reward for, repentance and obedience” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1963, 23–24).

  • Today you will study the words of modern day prophets and church leaders from the most recent general conference.

    • Go to the General Conference section of LDS.org

    • Select a talk you have not recently studied

    • Use the following guidelines as you study the general conference message

  • General Conference Study Guide (Adapted from LDS.org General Conference Study Ideas)

    • Listen and record

      • As you are studying the general conference talk pay attention to additional teachings from the Spirit.  Follow Richard G. Scott's direction from October 2009 talk titled "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance" and after feeling prompted by the spirit as "Is there more I should know?"

      • Take time to record your thought and impressions.

    • Ask questions and look for answers

      • What questions come to mind about the topic discussed?

      • If you could ask the speaker one question what would be be?

      • If the answers don't jump out from the talk search LDS.org for additional study material.

    • Invitations

      • Have the speakers invited you to do something?  What is the invitation?  How can you diligently fulfill the invitation?  What are the promised blessings with the given invitation?

    • Look for . . .

      • Look for Jesus Christ

      • Look for doctrines or principles

      • Look for blessings

      • Look for words or phrases that uplift and encourage

  • If you are desiring additional insight, prepare a lesson for Family Home Evening based on the message you have studied.

  • Additional Study: