Conference Parables – Memorable stories in General Conference by those who told them.
“It seems to be a trait of humanity to assume that we are right even when we are wrong. And if that is the case, what hope is there for any of us?…Is it possible to find truth?
The purpose of my remarks is to proclaim the joyful message that God Himself—the Lord of Hosts who knows all truth—has given His children the promise that they can know truth for themselves.”
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Taken from October 2014 General Conference Talk “Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth” by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. You can find the talk on LDS.org by Clicking HERE
FHE LESSON
1.Play video
Play the video clip above of Pres. Uchtdorf’s talk.
2.Show image of Solar System
Show the image below of the Solar System, or you can print it out by using the PDF download at the bottom of this post. Explain how in this picture there are only 9 planets shown. (You may see if anyone can name them) Explain that just as President Uchtdorf said, it wasn’t very long ago that astronomers used to believe that this was all that existed in space. Our Milky Way Galaxy with these 9 planets and nothing else. It was believed that anything beyond was just a big black void.
3.Play Star Size Comparison Video
Explain: With the invention of powerful telescopes, astronomers can now see farther than ever before. They can now see farther than the Milky Way. They have now discovered that there is much more beyond our galaxy than just a big black void. (Show the below video that was made by YouTuber Morn1415)
4. Compare
Compare the difference between the image of the Solar System and what was just shown in this video. You could say: Just think, it wasn’t very long ago that astronomers’ knowledge of the universe was only these 9 planets. Now after seeing that video, we know that there are numerous planets, too many to count. Our knowledge of the universe has increased a thousand times more in the last century. Even with all that scientists now know today, they realize that there is still much more to be learned.
5.Scripture
Almost 200 years ago, by the power of revelation, scripture was brought to light by the Prophet Joseph Smith in which we can now read these words of our Heavenly Father:
When this scripture was given, do you think people had ever even considered that there might be other worlds? Do you think it might have been hard for them to comprehend?
6.Discussion
What can this teach us?
That God is very powerful – He can comprehend and govern all of His many creations. Compared to God, man knows very little and there is much more still for man to learn.
This also teaches us that we can gain knowledge. God is the powerful Almighty God, Creator of this vast universe, but He also cares for each one of us and He will answer each of our questions. He will give us knowledge a little bit at a time, line upon line, if we will just ask.
We live in the fullness of times “in which nothing shall be withheld” (D&C 121:28, 30–31). But we have to do our part.
7.Guaranteed Experiment From God
*This is taken from Pres. Uchtdorf’s talk *At the bottom of this post is the PDF download for this printout. Print it out to show as you talk about the experiment. Afterwards, you can hang it up in your home as a reminder.
God has given us specific steps we can take in order to gain greater light and knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel. Are you willing to try out God’s experiment?
First, you must search the word of God. That means reading the scriptures and studying the words of the ancient and modern prophets. You must not do it with an intent to doubt or criticize but with a sincere desire to discover the truth.
Second, you must consider, ponder, fearlessly strive to believe, and be grateful to the Lord for providing prophets, seers, and revelators to lead His Church and help us find the way back to Him.
Third, you must ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unto you. Ask with a sincere heart and with real intent, having faith in Christ.
Fourth, you must live the gospel principles. When you are trying to verify the truth of gospel principles, you must first live them. Put gospel doctrine and Church teachings to the test in your own life. Do it with real intent and enduring faith in God.
8.Opposition
Satan doesn’t want us to learn more about the gospel because he knows as we learn more, our testimonies grow and we work harder to do what’s right. In the scriptures, we can read of a time that Nephi was frustrated because the people would not seek knowledge. 
Satan loves to put doubts in our minds. What are some doubts do you think that Satan might try to use so that we do not try the experiment?
This is dumb. This won’t work.
This is impossible, if there was a God, He would have better things to do than hear and answer a single person’s prayer.
These steps are too hard. It’s not worth it.
9. Testimony
Bear your testimony that if they will do these things, they have a promise from God that He will manifest the truth to them by the power of the Holy Ghost. By so doing, they will gain greater light and knowledge of the gospel.
Just as scientists gained a greater light and knowledge of outer space over a period of time and after they began using the right instruments, we too can gain greater light and knowledge of the gospel over a period of time using the correct instruments – or in other words, taking the correct steps.
Be patient as your testimony grows, as Pres. Uchtdorf says:
10.Game Suggestion
For a fun game that goes along perfectly with the topic of Gaining Knowledge, try playing LDS Scattergories from my friend Camille over at Chicken Scratch n Sniff. You can find it by clicking HERE
For another fun game your family is sure to love, check out Kahoot! by clicking HERE
Yours Truly,
P.S. Sign up to receive more inspiring FHE lessons and Conference Parables delivered right to your inbox 🙂
For a PDF Download of Pres. Uchtdorf’s quote on gaining a testimony is a quest of a lifetime, Click HERE
