Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

You can purchase my book, From Father to Child: Raising a Child to Spiritual Strength in Generation Alpha at the link here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Father-Child-Spiritual-Strength-Generation-ebook/dp/B08DRLWWZD/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=from+father+to+child&qid=1596387393&sr=8-3

Join us today as we study the revelations given to Joseph and Oliver in the early stages of translating the Book of Mormon. We consider the lessons we learn about personal revelation and we reflect on how some applied specifically to Oliver Cowdery. 

Richard G Scott: Some truths regarding prayer may help you. The Lord will hear your prayers in time of need. He will invariably answer them. However, His answers will generally not come while you are on your knees praying, even when you may plead for an immediate response. There is a pattern that must be followed. You are asked to look for an answer to your prayers, then confirm that it is correct. Obey His counsel to “study it out in your mind.” Often you will think of a solution. Then seek confirmation that your answer is right. This help can come from prayer and from pondering the scriptures, at times by the intervention of others, or from your own capacity, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

You can purchase my book, From Father to Child: Raising a Child to Spiritual Strength in Generation Alpha at the link here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Father-Child-Spiritual-Strength-Generation-ebook/dp/B08DRLWWZD/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=from+father+to+child&qid=1596387393&sr=8-3

Join us today as we study the revelations given to Joseph and Oliver in the early stages of translating the Book of Mormon. We consider what the translation process looked like and why we sometimes have a different image of it in our minds when we think about it. 

Revelations in Context: Oliver Cowdery lived in a culture steeped in biblical ideas, language, and practices. The revelation’s reference to Moses likely resonated with him. The Old Testament account of Moses and his brother Aaron recounted several instances of using rods to manifest God’s will (see Exodus 7:9–12; Numbers 17:8). Many Christians in Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery’s day similarly believed in divining rods as instruments for revelation. Oliver was among those who believed in and used a divining rod.

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

You can purchase my book, From Father to Child: Raising a Child to Spiritual Strength in Generation Alpha at the link here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Father-Child-Spiritual-Strength-Generation-ebook/dp/B08DRLWWZD/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=from+father+to+child&qid=1596387393&sr=8-3

Join us today as we study the revelations given to Joseph and Oliver in the early stages of translating the Book of Mormon. We consider further principles of revelation and the comfort and peace of God. 

President M Russell Ballard: My message to you today, my brothers and sisters, is simply this: the Lord is in control. He knows the end from the beginning. He has given us adequate instruction that, if followed, will see us safely through any crisis. His purposes will be fulfilled, and someday we will understand the eternal reasons for all of these events. Therefore, today we must be careful to not overreact, nor should we be caught up in extreme preparations; but what we must do is keep the commandments of God and never lose hope!

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

You can purchase my book, From Father to Child: Raising a Child to Spiritual Strength in Generation Alpha at the link here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Father-Child-Spiritual-Strength-Generation-ebook/dp/B08DRLWWZD/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=from+father+to+child&qid=1596387393&sr=8-3

Join us today as we study the revelations given to Joseph and Oliver in the early stages of translating the Book of Mormon. We consider Oliver's journey to starting his work and we reflect on principles of personal revelation. 

Sheri L Dew: This Church is a Church of revelation. Our challenge is not one of getting the Lord to speak to us. Our problem is hearing what He has to say. He has promised, “As often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit.”

It is vital that we, the sisters of Relief Society, learn to hear the voice of the Lord. Yet I worry that too often we fail to seek the guidance of the Spirit. Perhaps we don’t know how and haven’t made it a priority to learn. Or we’re so aware of our personal failings that we don’t feel worthy, don’t really believe the Lord will talk to us, and therefore don’t seek revelation. Or we’ve allowed the distractions and pace of our lives to crowd out the Spirit. What a tragedy! For the Holy Ghost blesses us with optimism and wisdom at times of challenge that we simply cannot muster on our own. No wonder that one of the adversary’s favorite tactics among righteous LDS women is busyness—getting us so preoccupied with the flurry of daily life that we fail to immerse ourselves in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sisters, we can’t afford not to seek the things of the Spirit! There is too much at stake. Too many people are depending on us as mothers, as sisters, leaders, and friends. A woman led by the Lord knows where to turn for answers and for peace. She can make difficult decisions and face problems with confidence because she takes her counsel from the Spirit, and from her leaders who are also guided by the Spirit.

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

You can purchase my book, From Father to Child: Raising a Child to Spiritual Strength in Generation Alpha at the link here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Father-Child-Spiritual-Strength-Generation-ebook/dp/B08DRLWWZD/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=from+father+to+child&qid=1596387393&sr=8-3

Join us today as we study the revelations given to Joseph and Oliver in the early stages of translating the Book of Mormon. We consider Oliver's journey to starting his work and we reflect on what we learn about desires.

Saints: Retiring to his bed, Oliver prayed privately to know if what he had heard about the gold plates was true. The Lord showed him a vision of the gold plates and Joseph’s efforts to translate them. A peaceful feeling rested over him, and he knew then that he should volunteer to be Joseph’s scribe.

Oliver told no one about his prayer.

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

You can purchase my book, From Father to Child: Raising a Child to Spiritual Strength in Generation Alpha at the link here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Father-Child-Spiritual-Strength-Generation-ebook/dp/B08DRLWWZD/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=from+father+to+child&qid=1596387393&sr=8-3

Join us today as we look at some listener comments and review some information about Joseph Smith at the age of 13 when he was called to be an underage witness in court.

William Smith: We all had the most implicit confidence in what [Joseph] said. He was a truthful boy. Father and mother believed him. Why should not the children? I suppose if he had told crooked stories about other things, we might have doubted his word about the plates [of the Book of Mormon], but Joseph was a truthful boy. That father and mother believed his report and suffered persecution for that belief shows that he was truthful. No sir, we never doubted his word for one minute.

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

You can purchase my book, From Father to Child: Raising a Child to Spiritual Strength in Generation Alpha at the link here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Father-Child-Spiritual-Strength-Generation-ebook/dp/B08DRLWWZD/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=from+father+to+child&qid=1596387393&sr=8-3

Join us today as we continue our study of this week's Come Follow Me materials with one of the earliest recorded revelations we have given to Joseph. We consider how a witness of the Book of Mormon can be received and what impact the Three Witnesses would have. 

James E Faust: People who deny the possibility of supernatural beings may reject this remarkable testimony, but people who are open to believe in miraculous experiences should find it compelling. The solemn written testimony of three witnesses to what they saw and heard—two of them simultaneously and the third almost immediately thereafter—is entitled to great weight. Indeed, we know that upon the testimony of one witness great miracles have been claimed and accepted by many religious people, and in the secular world the testimony of one witness has been deemed sufficient for weighty penalties and judgments.

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

You can purchase my book, From Father to Child: Raising a Child to Spiritual Strength in Generation Alpha at the link here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Father-Child-Spiritual-Strength-Generation-ebook/dp/B08DRLWWZD/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=from+father+to+child&qid=1596387393&sr=8-3

Join us today as we continue our study of this week's Come Follow Me materials with one of the earliest recorded revelations we have given to Joseph. We consider how a witness of the Book of Mormon can be received and what Martin Harris had to do to receive this. 

Revelations in Context: For months Martin Harris remained at his Palmyra home, haunted by the loss of the manuscript. He was also distressed to discover that his wife and others sought to discredit Joseph Smith and make him out to be a fraud who was simply after Martin’s money. Longing for reconciliation and bearing news of these disturbing efforts, he visited Joseph Smith in Harmony in March 1829.

To Martin’s relief, Joseph had obtained forgiveness and was preparing to resume the translation. Martin asked Joseph once again for the privilege of seeing the plates. He desired a firm witness that “Joseph hath got the things which he hath testified that he hath got,” perhaps to stifle his lingering doubts and to help him persuade Lucy. Joseph received a revelation for Martin, found today in Doctrine and Covenants 5.

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

You can purchase my book, From Father to Child: Raising a Child to Spiritual Strength in Generation Alpha at the link here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Father-Child-Spiritual-Strength-Generation-ebook/dp/B08DRLWWZD/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=from+father+to+child&qid=1596387393&sr=8-3

Join us today as we continue our study of this week's Come Follow Me materials with one of the earliest recorded revelations we have given to Joseph. We considerwhat this teaches about the character of Joseph's father and we reflect on how we can desire to serve God. 

Elder David A Bednar: We come to know the Savior as we do our best to go where He wants us to go, as we strive to say what He wants us to say, and as we become what He wants us to become. As we submissively acknowledge our total dependence upon Him, He enlarges our capacity to serve ever more effectively. Gradually, our desires align more completely with His desires, and His purposes become our purposes, such that we would “not ask that which is contrary to [His] will.”

Serving Him requires all of our heart, might, mind, and strength. Consequently, selflessly serving others counteracts the self-centered and selfish tendencies of the natural man. We grow to love those whom we serve. And because serving others is serving God, we grow to love Him and our brothers and sisters more deeply. Such love is a manifestation of the spiritual gift of charity, even the pure love of Christ.

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

You can purchase my book, From Father to Child: Raising a Child to Spiritual Strength in Generation Alpha at the link here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Father-Child-Spiritual-Strength-Generation-ebook/dp/B08DRLWWZD/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=from+father+to+child&qid=1596387393&sr=8-3

Join us today as we continue our study of this week's Come Follow Me materials with one of the earliest recorded revelations we have given to Joseph. We considerwhat this teaches about the character of Joseph's father and we reflect on how we can desire to serve God. 

Revelations in Context: Soon after returning to Manchester, Joseph Sr. agreed to welcome as a boarder at his home a schoolteacher named Oliver Cowdery. Joseph Sr. hesitated when Cowdery, who had heard rumors about Joseph Jr.’s visions and the plates, began to pepper him with questions. Father Smith may have been reluctant due to the harassment his family had received from neighbors and local clergy. Whatever the reason for his initial hesitation, he yielded to the revelation’s mandate and served as a faithful witness to Joseph Smith’s early visions.