Evidence That God Still Speaks

Every six months, millions gather to hear messages from prophets, apostles, and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To some, this is just another conference; to believers, it is a sacred witness that God still speaks today.

Critics often claim that revelation ceased with the Bible, that modern prophets are unnecessary, or that faith is irrelevant in our time. General Conference provides a powerful answer to each of these doubts – it is continuing revelation in real time.

Common Criticism: Church members are told what to think instead of encouraged to seek truth for themselves.

It would be easy to see General Conference as a time when leaders “tell members what to think,” leaving little room for individual thought or spiritual independence. Instead of noticing the repeated invitations to seek, ask, and act for themselves, they focus only on the authoritative voices at the pulpit.

Fallacy at Work: False Dilemma (or “All-or-Nothing Thinking”)
A logical fallacy that presents only two options as if they are the only possibilities, when in fact other alternatives exist.

This fallacy frames the choice as either blind obedience to leaders or total independence without them. In reality, General Conference models a “both-and” pattern: prophets teach truth while encouraging members to seek confirmation and revelation for themselves. It’s a consistent pattern. Leaders teach; they invite listeners to pray, record impressions, and then act on personal revelation.

Correction: General Conference is designed to train disciples in spiritual self-reliance. President Nelson urged members to “hear Him”—to develop the personal capacity to recognize and follow Christ’s voice. President Eyring promised that if we trust God enough to listen, we will receive His message in every sermon, song, and prayer.

Conference strengthens independent thinking by connecting members directly to revelation.

Solution: Rather than being told what to think, members are shown how to think with the Spirit. General Conference is God’s gift to His children: a sacred setting where prophets declare truth and every disciple is invited to confirm that truth with heaven. The false dilemma hides the reality that Conference is not about controlling minds—it is about opening hearts to the living God who still speaks.

Living Apologetics: Prophets Are Just Sharing Opinions

It’s easy to dismiss Conference messages as nothing more than advice.

President Eyring counters this by saying that “God sends messages and authorized messengers to His children”. Doctrine and Covenants 1:38 reminds us that when His servants speak, it is as if God Himself speaks.

Practical Apologetic Use:

• If someone says: “That’s just their opinion.”
• You can respond: “General Conference isn’t just advice—it’s God’s word through His chosen servants. Test it by living it, and you’ll see the promised blessings.”

Ways to Apply Today:

1️⃣ Act on one prophetic invitation, no matter how small. Watch for how God blesses you as a result.
2️⃣ Share a personal story of when following a Conference invitation brought unexpected strength or peace.

Keep This Talk With You

As you prepare for General Conference this week, remember that the greatest evidence that God still speaks is when His voice continues with you after the sessions end. Don’t let the Spirit’s impressions fade—carry them into your week.

Here are some “small and simple” things to try this week as you prepare:

• Write down one question before Conference and review it afterward to see how God answered.
• Record one impression during Conference and act on it within 24 hours.
• Share one quote or thought with a friend or family member as a witness that God is speaking today.
• Pray specifically for the ability to recognize when a talk is meant for you.

How will you act in faith this week so that General Conference becomes your personal proof that God still speaks?

The Consider Conference series by FAIR offers an in-depth look at recent General Conference talks to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints navigate common questions, misunderstandings, and criticisms. Each post provides doctrinal insights, historical context, and practical ways to apply gospel principles in everyday conversations. Through this series, we hope to equip readers with faith-promoting resources that encourage thoughtful reflection, respectful dialogue, and a stronger foundation in gospel truths, fostering both personal conviction and meaningful discussions with others.

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