A prophet, as a righteous and inspired leader, is the mouthpiece of the Lord; a representative of God. They will always be a special witness of Jesus Christ. They literally pass on God's words to us, His people, to teach, inspire, refine, and warn us.
So their words will help us come closer to Christ and know God's will.
God has always spoken to prophets. Always. And today is no different.
Ever since Adam was roaming around here and here. Think about it. Heavenly Father loves us; He's not going to leave us to wander through this mortal life without direction and guidance. That defeats the purpose of being alive.
It truly is such a simple and wonderful concept - we are God's children, we are in constant need of direction and advice, and so regardless of the era we live in, God will always speak to us via prophets (see Amos 3:7 in the Old Testament).
(this is, of course, in addition to personal answers to prayers and personal inspiration)
The teachings of our Heavenly Father are not the ordinary, predictable, run-of-the-mill kind you can pick up in paperback at the local bookstore. They are the wisdom of an all-powerful, all-knowing celestial Being who loves His children. Encompassed in His words is the secret of the ages—the key to happiness in this life and in the world to come. [1]
To anyone who may wonder if this is possible ... I invite you to come and see.
Read the word of God as found in the scriptures. Listen to general conference with an ear willing to hear the voice of God given through His latter-day prophets. ... For if you seek “with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, [God] will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost” (Moroni 10:4). [2]
Which means you can all tune in to listen or read copies of the address. Perhaps the answers to your questions will be found somewhere over this weekend.
Visit lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today to learn more about prophets and apostles speaking today.
"General conference is intended to be a revelatory experience as participants learn from living prophets and apostles through the power and influence of the Holy Ghost. Proper preparation will help ensure that you get the most out of your conference experience." [3]
How can I possibly prepare for this event?
Here are three basic concepts to help us to better receive, remember, and apply the words spoken by the Lord’s servants: [4]
1. Members of the Church are entitled to personal revelation as they listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference.
So think of questions you need to have answered. Weall have some challenges to face, and we all need direction and guidance to face them.
So think of questions you need to have answered. Weall have some challenges to face, and we all need direction and guidance to face them.
2. Don’t discount a message merely because it sounds familiar.
God isn't going to introduce a new commandmentor teaching now. His laws are eternal, and have always been around. Which means His prophets have always taught by repetition. It's how we learn.
So you and I will probably continue to hear messages on similar issues from time to time ... because the Lord is teaching and impressing upon minds and hearts certain foundational principles of great eternal importance that must be understood and acted upon before we can move on to other things.
Sometimes we just ain't listening, so He'll try again ...
3. The words spoken at general conference should be a compass that points the way for us during the coming months.Ever heard of a Liahona? How about a compass?
The Holy Ghost, like a compass, will guide us ... but we need to listen and then apply the messages the Lord provides for us.
For this is no ordinary blessing.
In preparation for General Conference this October, Stephanie at Diapers and Divinity is doing a little series about the 14 Fundamentals in Following the Prophet.
If you need an alternative, or are on the road, you can download this app here and watch conference live.
[2] ibid
[3] source
Yes, it is! I love General Conference :)
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