Divinely Appointed Sources
When evaluating a teaching from a social media account claiming to be inspired, what two divinely appointed sources should you always compare it to first, and why is one considered more authoritative if there is a conflict?
The scriptures and living prophets; living prophets are more authoritative because they hold current, divinely given keys for guidance.
In Doctrine and Covenants 88:118, what two methods are given for seeking learning?
By Study and by Faith
If information contradicts revealed doctrine, what should determine whether it is accepted?
Whether it aligns with scripture and prophetic teaching
What kind of question begins with “How can I…” and leads to growth?
An inspired question
A) Dallin H. Oaks served as president of Brigham Young University before being called as an apostle.
or
B) Dallin H. Oaks served as commissioner of the NBA before being called as an apostle.
A
Which divinely appointed source/s can declare policy changes for the entire Church that members are expected to follow, and which authority ensures those changes are doctrinally correct?
The President of the Church declares the policies, and the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles ensure they are doctrinally correct.
In Doctrine and Covenants 9:8–9, what are the two contrasting indicators that help someone know whether a decision is right or wrong?
A burning in the bosom and a stupor of thought
What must a person be willing to do in order to receive answers from God?
Act on the answer (exercise faith)
What repeated pattern did Jesus teach for finding answers?
ask, seek, knock. Persistence
Which current apostle was serving as Presiding Bishop when he was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles?
Gary E. Stevenson
What are the four books that make up the standard works?
the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.
According to Moroni 10:4, what two attitudes must someone have when asking if the Book of Mormon is true?
A sincere heart and real intent (having faith in Christ is also acceptable if students list all three)
What attribute of God guarantees that true doctrine will not contradict previous revelation?
God is unchanging (the same yesterday, today, and forever)
What quality means we are willing to act on the answer we receive?
Faith
Which prophet announced the “home-centered, Church-supported” gospel learning model during General Conference?
Russell M. Nelson
What official Church publication contains the Church’s basic doctrines and policies?
the General Handbook?
According to Proverbs 3:5–6, what are the two instructions given before the promise that He shall direct thy paths?
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding
What Book of Mormon prophet warned against relying solely on human wisdom instead of God? (See 2 Nephi 9:28–29)
Jacob
A student has a sincere question about a difficult principle in the gospel. According to Moroni 10, Doctrine and Covenants 9, and James 1:5, describe the complete pattern they should follow to receive a personal answer, including the role of the Holy Ghost and how they should frame their question.
There should be 4 steps and then the role of the Holy Ghost
pray sincerely
asking an inspired, action-focused question with real intent (Moroni 10:4–5).
study the scriptures and other divinely appointed sources to seek understanding.
They should act in faith, willing to follow the answer received.
The Holy Ghost will confirm truth through feelings such as a burning in the bosom
Between these two apostles, who was called to the Quorum of the Twelve first?
David A. Bednar
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
David A. Bednar
(He was called in October 2004; Elder Uchtdorf was called in October 2004 as well — but Elder Bednar was sustained first in conference, giving him seniority.)
If a new teaching contradicts previous statements of a living prophet but aligns with scripture, which divinely appointed source takes priority, and why? Include supporting reasoning from Doctrine and Covenants principles.
The living prophet takes priority because God reveals guidance for the Church through the current holders of priesthood keys (Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6); scriptures do not change, but modern revelation directs current practice.
According to James 1:5, what should we do if we lack wisdom?
we should ask of God
What two divinely appointed sources should teachings always be measured against?
The scriptures and living prophets
What is one action-focused question we can ask instead of only asking “Is it true?”
What should I do?
A) Russell M. Nelson was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984.
or
B) Russell M. Nelson was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1974.
A