Day 340

  • Principle: Look for the law of witnesses.  

  • Book of Mormon Reading: Ether 5:1 - 6:11

  • Cross reference Ether 5:2–4, Doctrine and Covenants 5:11–15, and Doctrine and Covenants 17:1–6.  Why three witnesses?

  • Joseph Smith recorded the following:

    • “Father! Mother! … you do not know how happy I am. The Lord has caused the plates to be shown to three more besides me, who have also seen an angel and will have to testify to the truth of what I have said, for they know for themselves that I do not go about to deceive the people. And I do feel as though I was relieved of a dreadful burden which was almost too much for me to endure. But they will now have to bear a part, and it does rejoice my soul that I am not any longer to be entirely alone in the world” (quoted in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith[2007], 127).

  • 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:

    • Dallin H. Oaks, “The Witness: Martin Harris”, April 1999

    • I Know That My Redeemer Lives, Hymns No. 136

    • Children All Over the World, Children’s Songbook No. 16