The Lord is gathering His people
The gathering of the house of Israel is another prominent theme in the Doctrine and Covenants. As the restoration commenced and missionary labors began early in this dispensation, the ancient prophecies began to be fulfilled. Those prophecies foretold a day in which Israel would be gathered in and the gospel blessings would be available to them again as they exercised faith and obedience.
·The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “All that the prophets…have written, from the days of righteous Abel, down to the last man that has left any testimony on record for our consideration, in speaking of the salvation of Israel in the last days, goes directly to show that it consists in the work of the gathering” (TPJS, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 83)
·D&C 45:71, 10th Article of Faith—both indicate that the gathering has a physical and a spiritual component to it.
Spiritual: Learning the gospel, coming unto Christ, baptism, reception of the Holy Ghost, keeping the covenants—gathered from the world to the Church.
Physical: gathering in specific locations (Ohio, Missouri, Utah) and in the various stakes of Zion that now extend throughout the world.
·D&C 29:1-2, 7-8 tells us more about the purposes of gathering that included assembling the Lord’s elect “to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked”.
·D&C 110:11 (and the section heading) explain that the authority to direct the gathering is vested in specific keys of the priesthood and that those keys were restored to the earth at a specific time and place.
·What began with the gathering of a few people in New York has grown to a world-wide gathering process involving millions. D&C 33:7; 38:40; 39:11; 88:81 specify our responsibilities to assist in this great and glorious work.
The Saints gathered in Ohio (1831-1838) (1839-1846)
The first direction that the Lord gave to latter-day saints to physically gather was given in December 1830, eight months after the Church was organized. D&C 37:3 told Joseph to have them leave New York in favor of settling in Ohio. (For maps see pgs. 29, 31 in Class Member Study Guide)
·D&C 38:31-32; 39:15 reveal the purpose of the Ohio gathering. D&C 95:8; 105:33; 110:9 provide insight on how the Saints were “endowed with power from on high” while in Ohio. In part, endowments were given through appearances of the Lord and the restoration of priesthood keys in the Kirtland temple.
·D&C 38:24-27 His people were counseled to prepare for the gathering by being virtuous, loving each other, and becoming unified as a people. The Lord has often stressed that His people must be one.
·D&C 38:34-39 gave other counsel on the Ohio gathering (i.e., the appointment of brethren to look after the temporal welfare of the poor and needy Saints and administer to their relief, governing the affairs of the property of the church) and a promise of “riches” was made in verse 39—accompanied by a warning that they should not become prideful as the Nephites of old.
·During the January – May period in 1831, the majority of the Saints traveled the 300miles to Ohio after disposing of their farms. The changes required great sacrifice, financially and in other ways, on their part as they obeyed and helped build the kingdom on earth. (For more on the challenge—including the Knights, Lucy Mack Smith, and Brigham Young, see Our Heritage, pgs. 18, 19, 23)
The Saints gathered in Missouri (1831-1838)
Locating and establishing the city of Zion, or New Jerusalem, was a major objective of the early Saints who had read the prophecies of Isaiah and Nephi. When Joseph Smith received revelation that Missouri was the site of the city of Zion, that state became the second gathering place in this dispensation. (D&C 63:24, 36-48)
·Sept. 1830 – New York: The Lord revealed that the site of the city of Zion was “ on the borders by the Lamanites”, leaving the specific location to be identified later. D&C 28:9
·Sept/Oct 1830 in New York: In D&C 30:5-6; 32:1-3, the Lord called four missionaries to preach to the Lamanites. They became the first Church members to go to Missouri.
·Feb. 1831 in Kirtland: In D&C 42:62, the Lord said he would reveal the location of the New Jerusalem in his own due time.
·D&C 52:2-5, 42-43. June 1831 in Kirtland: Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and others were given a mission call to Missouri and the Lord promised to consecrate Missouri for an inheritance to His people.
·D&C 54:8. June 1831 in Kirtland: The Lord directs that the Colesville New York saints to continue on to Missouri rather than stopping at Kirtland. They did so and were joined by others. Their story is told in pages 37-39 in Our Heritage.
·D&C 57:1-3. June 1831 after the prophet’s journey to Missouri: Revelation named Independence, MO, as the center place of the city of Zion. A temple would be built there.
The Saints now gather to the stakes of Zion in their own lands
In 1847, Brigham Young led the Saints west into the Salt Lake Valley and numerous saints continued to migrate to Salt Lake and Utah until the middle of the 20th century. In 1972, the Saints were counseled by Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “[The] revealed words speak of…there being congregations of the covenant people in every nation, speaking every tongue, and among every people when the Lord comes again… The Place of gathering for the Mexican Saints is in Mexico; the place of gathering for the Guatemalan Saints is in Guatemala…and so it goes throughout the length and breadth of the whole earth. Japan is for the Japanese; Korea is for the Koreans;…every nation is the gathering place for its own people.” (Conf. Rpt., Mexico and Central America Area Conference 1972)
According to Elder Packer, in April 1973, President Harold B. Lee, in effect, announced in general conference that ”…the pioneering phase of gathering was now over. The gathering is now to be out of the world into the Church in every nation.” (Ensign, Nov. 1992, 71) This is partly due to the fact that the Church’s resources became sufficient to establish stakes and build temples in many areas of the world.
In times past, the Saints needed to gather together to strengthen each other and find refuge and protection from the world. Those objectives can now be met through the established stakes of Zion.
President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Presently, Israel is being gathered to the various stakes of Zion…A stake has at least four purposes:
[Stakes are] to unify and perfect the members who live in [their] boundaries by extending to them the Church programs, the ordinances, and gospel instruction.
Members of stakes are to be models, or standards, of righteousness
Stakes are to be a defense. They do this as stake members unify under their local priesthood officers and consecrate themselves to do their duty and keep their covenants…
Stakes are a refuge from the storm to be poured out over the earth.” (Ensign, Jan 1991)
Temple building was an essential part of gathering in Kirtland, Missouri, Nauvoo, and Utah. It continues to be essential. Temple work makes its own special contribution to the gathering of the Saints. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “What was the object of gathering…the people of God in any age of the world?…The main object was to build unto the Lord a house whereby He could reveal unto His people the ordinances of His house and the glories of His kingdom, and teach the people the way of salvation…It is for the same purpose that God gathers together His people in the last days, to build unto the Lord a house to prepare them for the ordinances and endowments, washings and anointings” (History of the Church, 5:423-24)
Forwarded from the James E. Neumann Institute
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 11: “The Field Is White Already to Harvest”
Resolve to strengthen the kingdom of God through diligent service, including faithfully sharing the gospel with others.
In February 1829, Joseph Smith’s parents visited their son and Emma in Harmony, Pennsylvania. D&C 4 was received by the Prophet for his father, Joseph Smith, Sr. Other members also asked Joseph to inquire of the Lord for them. The principles in the subsequent revelations pertain to all of us who serve in the kingdom.
“Serve him with all your heart, might, mind, and strength”
D&C 4:1-2 includes requirements for those who serve in the Lord’s kingdom. This suggests total dedication to His service. To realize what it means to be totally committed, we should understand why we are sometimes less than fully committed, and then consider carefully how we can improve our commitment to serve with devotion.
Joseph Smith, Sr. devoted his life to serving the Lord, as this account shows: “Joseph Smith, Sr., was filled with the testimony of the truth, and was always anxious to share it with others. He was almost sixty when he made the tedious journey…to carry the gospel to his father and mother, his sisters and brothers. Soon after his return [home,] he was imprisoned for a small debt of fourteen dollars, rather than deny the divinity of the Book of Mormon and be forgiven the debt! He was cast into a cell with a condemned murderer and left for four days without food. Later he was transferred to the prison workyard where he preached the gospel and converted two persons whom he later baptized. He was in prison a full month before his family was able to obtain his release”. (E. Cecil McGavin, The Family of Joseph Smith [1963], 68)
It would be well for us to follow his example of devoted service.
Prepare to serve the Lord
Throughout the D&C, the Lord counsels us in how to prepare ourselves to serve him. Some of the attributes he desires us to have include:
·D&C 4:3; 11:8 - Desire is necessary to be called
·D&C 4:5-6; 12:8; 18:19 – We need to have faith, hope, charity, love, singleness of purpose, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, humility, and diligence.
·D&C 11:6, 20 – Obedience is essential. Seek to advance the work and keep the commandments faithfully and fully.
·D&C 4:7; 31:12 – Prayer (asking) helps us in serving the Lord and avoiding temptation.
We should select one of these attributes and prayerfully strive to improve it.
·D&C 11:21 – We can have the power of God unto the convincing of men, but before we declare the word, we must seek to obtain it.
“The field is white”
Throughout the D&C, the Lord communicates a sense of urgency about spreading the gospel message. This is because the purpose of the work is that stated in D&C 100:4—“the salvation of souls.”
D&C 4:4; 11:3; and 33:3 compare missionary work to a field that is ready for harvesting. Why is this an appropriate analogy?
The Lord warned the elders not to be idle or bury their talents and said that they should “go forth” rather than “tarry”. (D&C 60:13; 75:3)
Elder Henry B. Eyring related the following experience: “It’s easy to say ‘The time isn’t right.’ But there is a danger in procrastination. Years ago I worked for a man in California. He hired me; he was kind to me; he seemed to regard me highly. I may have been the only Latter-day Saint he ever knew well. I don’t know all the reasons I found to wait for a better moment to talk to him about the gospel. I just remember my feeling of sorrow when I learned, after he had retired and I lived far away, that he and his wife had been killed in a late-night drive to their home in Carmel, California. He loved his wife. He loved his children. He had loved his parents. He loved his grandchildren, and he will love their children and will want to be with them forever. Now I don’t know how the crowds will be handled in the world to come. But I suppose that I will meet him, that he will look into my eyes, and that I will see in them the question, ‘Hal, you knew. Why didn’t you tell me?’” (Ensign, Nov. 1998, 33)
“Open your mouths and they shall be filled”
In the D&C, the Lord gives direction on what we should teach and how we should teach as we share the gospel. He also encourages us to speak without fear and he will help us when we feel inadequate.
·D&C 11:9; 15:6; 18:6; 31:3-4; 33:10-11; 42:12, and 52:8-9 provide us with what to teach including repentance and baptism, modern-day revelations, principles in the Book of Mormon and Bible, and things as prompted by the Spirit.
·D&C 18:20-21; 38:41; 42:6, 14; and 100:7-8 tell us how to teach—speak the truth in meekness and mildness, with the voice of a trump, and do not teach unless you have the Spirit with you. One important principle is to avoid contention when we preach and teach the gospel. We need to be both bold and meek as missionaries.
·D&C 30:11; 30:5; 33:8-11; 60:2; 19:38; 33:12-14. The Lord repeatedly exhorted elders not to “fear man” because He is with us. We must open our mouths as prompted or the Lord will be angry with us.
·D&C 11:21; 14:8; 31:3. If we are concerned about lack of ability in teaching or speaking, the Lord can help us overcome those fears if we will obtain His word, pray in faith, and ponder upon the things we are inspired with by the Spirit.
·Samuel Smith may have felt that his first mission was a failure, but it was a true success when the later results became known. His placement of books with Phinehas Young and John P. Greene was a tremendously important event. Think about what we can learn from such experiences about missionary work.
The Lord promises great blessings to those who labor in His service.
·D&C 4:4; 11:3; 75:5 remind us of the blessings of laboring diligently in the Lord’s service including everlasting salvation, a crown of honor and glory, immortality, and eternal life.
·D&C 18:15-16 remind us that we will have great joy with those we bring into the Church.
·D&C 31:5; 84:60-61—our sins shall be forgiven and our families will be blessed.
·D&C 31:7; 109:55-57—People’s hearts will be opened including those of royalty as well as the poor as we spread the gospel all over the world.
·D&C 31:11; 84:85; 100:5-6. We will be given inspiration as we need it if we will treasure up the word of the Lord in advance.
·D&C 31:13; 75:9-13; 84:88 teach that we have the blessing of the Lord being with us—around us and going before us, and the Spirit will be in our hearts
·D&C 71:9-10 teach that no weapon shall prosper against us and our critics will be confounded.
·D&C 84:80 promises that we shall be strengthened, not be weary, the Lord will watch over us continually, and we shall not be hungry or thirsty (temporal needs will be met).
·D&C 100:7-8 contains the Lord’s promise that the Holy Ghost will bear witness of what we say.
Forwarded from the James E. Neumann Institute
In February 1829, Joseph Smith’s parents visited their son and Emma in Harmony, Pennsylvania. D&C 4 was received by the Prophet for his father, Joseph Smith, Sr. Other members also asked Joseph to inquire of the Lord for them. The principles in the subsequent revelations pertain to all of us who serve in the kingdom.
“Serve him with all your heart, might, mind, and strength”
D&C 4:1-2 includes requirements for those who serve in the Lord’s kingdom. This suggests total dedication to His service. To realize what it means to be totally committed, we should understand why we are sometimes less than fully committed, and then consider carefully how we can improve our commitment to serve with devotion.
Joseph Smith, Sr. devoted his life to serving the Lord, as this account shows: “Joseph Smith, Sr., was filled with the testimony of the truth, and was always anxious to share it with others. He was almost sixty when he made the tedious journey…to carry the gospel to his father and mother, his sisters and brothers. Soon after his return [home,] he was imprisoned for a small debt of fourteen dollars, rather than deny the divinity of the Book of Mormon and be forgiven the debt! He was cast into a cell with a condemned murderer and left for four days without food. Later he was transferred to the prison workyard where he preached the gospel and converted two persons whom he later baptized. He was in prison a full month before his family was able to obtain his release”. (E. Cecil McGavin, The Family of Joseph Smith [1963], 68)
It would be well for us to follow his example of devoted service.
Prepare to serve the Lord
Throughout the D&C, the Lord counsels us in how to prepare ourselves to serve him. Some of the attributes he desires us to have include:
·D&C 4:3; 11:8 - Desire is necessary to be called
·D&C 4:5-6; 12:8; 18:19 – We need to have faith, hope, charity, love, singleness of purpose, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, humility, and diligence.
·D&C 11:6, 20 – Obedience is essential. Seek to advance the work and keep the commandments faithfully and fully.
·D&C 4:7; 31:12 – Prayer (asking) helps us in serving the Lord and avoiding temptation.
We should select one of these attributes and prayerfully strive to improve it.
·D&C 11:21 – We can have the power of God unto the convincing of men, but before we declare the word, we must seek to obtain it.
“The field is white”
Throughout the D&C, the Lord communicates a sense of urgency about spreading the gospel message. This is because the purpose of the work is that stated in D&C 100:4—“the salvation of souls.”
D&C 4:4; 11:3; and 33:3 compare missionary work to a field that is ready for harvesting. Why is this an appropriate analogy?
The Lord warned the elders not to be idle or bury their talents and said that they should “go forth” rather than “tarry”. (D&C 60:13; 75:3)
Elder Henry B. Eyring related the following experience: “It’s easy to say ‘The time isn’t right.’ But there is a danger in procrastination. Years ago I worked for a man in California. He hired me; he was kind to me; he seemed to regard me highly. I may have been the only Latter-day Saint he ever knew well. I don’t know all the reasons I found to wait for a better moment to talk to him about the gospel. I just remember my feeling of sorrow when I learned, after he had retired and I lived far away, that he and his wife had been killed in a late-night drive to their home in Carmel, California. He loved his wife. He loved his children. He had loved his parents. He loved his grandchildren, and he will love their children and will want to be with them forever. Now I don’t know how the crowds will be handled in the world to come. But I suppose that I will meet him, that he will look into my eyes, and that I will see in them the question, ‘Hal, you knew. Why didn’t you tell me?’” (Ensign, Nov. 1998, 33)
“Open your mouths and they shall be filled”
In the D&C, the Lord gives direction on what we should teach and how we should teach as we share the gospel. He also encourages us to speak without fear and he will help us when we feel inadequate.
·D&C 11:9; 15:6; 18:6; 31:3-4; 33:10-11; 42:12, and 52:8-9 provide us with what to teach including repentance and baptism, modern-day revelations, principles in the Book of Mormon and Bible, and things as prompted by the Spirit.
·D&C 18:20-21; 38:41; 42:6, 14; and 100:7-8 tell us how to teach—speak the truth in meekness and mildness, with the voice of a trump, and do not teach unless you have the Spirit with you. One important principle is to avoid contention when we preach and teach the gospel. We need to be both bold and meek as missionaries.
·D&C 30:11; 30:5; 33:8-11; 60:2; 19:38; 33:12-14. The Lord repeatedly exhorted elders not to “fear man” because He is with us. We must open our mouths as prompted or the Lord will be angry with us.
·D&C 11:21; 14:8; 31:3. If we are concerned about lack of ability in teaching or speaking, the Lord can help us overcome those fears if we will obtain His word, pray in faith, and ponder upon the things we are inspired with by the Spirit.
·Samuel Smith may have felt that his first mission was a failure, but it was a true success when the later results became known. His placement of books with Phinehas Young and John P. Greene was a tremendously important event. Think about what we can learn from such experiences about missionary work.
The Lord promises great blessings to those who labor in His service.
·D&C 4:4; 11:3; 75:5 remind us of the blessings of laboring diligently in the Lord’s service including everlasting salvation, a crown of honor and glory, immortality, and eternal life.
·D&C 18:15-16 remind us that we will have great joy with those we bring into the Church.
·D&C 31:5; 84:60-61—our sins shall be forgiven and our families will be blessed.
·D&C 31:7; 109:55-57—People’s hearts will be opened including those of royalty as well as the poor as we spread the gospel all over the world.
·D&C 31:11; 84:85; 100:5-6. We will be given inspiration as we need it if we will treasure up the word of the Lord in advance.
·D&C 31:13; 75:9-13; 84:88 teach that we have the blessing of the Lord being with us—around us and going before us, and the Spirit will be in our hearts
·D&C 71:9-10 teach that no weapon shall prosper against us and our critics will be confounded.
·D&C 84:80 promises that we shall be strengthened, not be weary, the Lord will watch over us continually, and we shall not be hungry or thirsty (temporal needs will be met).
·D&C 100:7-8 contains the Lord’s promise that the Holy Ghost will bear witness of what we say.
Forwarded from the James E. Neumann Institute
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 10: “This Is My Voice unto All”
Elder Jay Jensen described a time when he was looking in the scriptures for comfort when he came to Section 3. He said: “When I read a verse, I often insert my name in it. I did so with verse 5 and found the help I needed to remove my gloomy feelings: ‘Behold, you [Jay Jensen] have been entrusted with these things, but how strict were your commandments; and remember also the promises which were made to you [Jay Jensen]’ (D&C 3:5) The words ‘remember also the promises’ struck me with unusual power….During those four days I had focused on nothing but problems. I had not stopped to consider one single promise” (Ensign, Nov. 1992, 80) Elder Jensen then reviewed in his mind the promises given to him in his patriarchal blessing, in the blessing when he was set apart as a mission president, and in the scriptures. By doing so, he was able to find the strength and comfort he needed.
Nephi counseled us to liken the scriptures unto ourselves, so putting our own names in the scriptures is one method of doing that. It can allow us to apply counsel from the Lord to individual Saints in the D&C to ourselves.
In a July 1830 revelation directed to Emma Smith, there are three themes that we will focus on this week.
1. Husbands and wives should support and comfort each other.
The revelation included counsel to Emma about her responsibilities to her husband. D&C 25:5 helps us understand how husbands and wives can help each other in times of difficulty.
The Prophet Joseph taught wives that they should treat their husbands “with mildness and affection. When a man is borne down with trouble, when he is perplexed with care and difficulty, if he can meet a smile instead of an argument or a murmur—if he can meet with mildness, it will calm down his soul and soothe his feelings” (TPJS, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 228). The Prophet taught husbands, “It is the duty of a husband to love, cherish, and nourish his wife, and cleave unto her and none else; he ought to honor her as himself, and he ought to regard her feelings with tenderness” (Elders’ Journal, Aug. 1838, 61)
D&C 25:14 counsels Emma to “Let thy soul delight in thy husband”.
Joseph and Emma supported each other during many afflictions. In 1842, Joseph was in hiding because his life was threatened, but Emma visited him. He later said: “With what unspeakable delight, and what transports of joy swelled my bosom, when I took by the hand, on that night, my beloved Emma—she that was my wife, even the wife of my youth, and the choice of my heart. Many were the reverberations of my mind when I contemplated for a moment the many scenes we had been called to pass through, the fatigues and the toils, the sorrows and sufferings, and the joys and consolations, from time to time, which had strewed our paths…Oh what a commingling of thought filled my mind for the moment, again she is here…undaunted, firm, and unwavering—unchangeable, affectionate Emma!” (History of the Church, 5:107)
Joseph and Emma experienced the tragedy of losing children including four infants who died in four years. Of their eleven children, only four lived to late adulthood. During difficult times in Kirtland, when Emma’s newborn twins died within hours of birth, the grieving parents adopted the Murdock twins, Joseph and Julia. Sis. Murdock died shortly after the births.
Lucy Mack Smith described Emma’s characteristics that enabled her to support her husband during challenges. “I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done; for I know that which she had had to endure… She has breasted the storms of persecution, and buffeted the rage of men and devils, which would have borne down almost any other woman” (History of Joseph Smith, ed. Preston Nibley [1958], 190-91)
2.We should be meek and avoid pride.
In D&C 25:14, Emma was commanded to “continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride”. Similar instructions were given by the Lord to others:
· D&C 23:1 warned Oliver Cowdrey against pride.
· D&C 38:39 warned the Saints
· D&C 90:17 was addressed to the First Presidency
· D&C 98:19-20 admonished the Kirtland Saints
Pres. Ezra Taft Benson taught: “Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing. The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means ‘hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition’” (Ensign, May 1989, 4)
Pres. Benson explained how pride affects our relationship with God: “Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God’s…in the spirit of ‘my will and not thine be done.’ Our will in competition to God’s will allows desires, appetites, and passions to go unbridled… Our enmity toward God takes on many labels, such as rebellion, hard-heartedness, stiff-neckedness, unrepentant, puffed up, easily offended, and sign seekers. The proud wish God would agree with them. They aren’t interested in changing their opinions to agree with God’s” (Ensign, May 1989, 4)
Pres. Benson also explained how pride affects our relationship with others: “We are tempted daily to elevate ourselves above others and diminish them… Selfishness is one of the more common faces of pride… Another face of pride is contention. Arguments, fights, unrighteous dominion, generation gaps, divorces, spouse abuse, riots, and disturbances all fall into this category of pride.” (Ensign, May 1989, 4)
As Latter-day Saints, we should overcome pride and cultivate a spirit of meekness. Pres. Benson counseled: ”The antidote for pride is humility—meekness, submissiveness. It is the broken heart and contrite spirit… We can choose to humble ourselves by loving God, submitting our will to His, and putting Him first in our lives” (Ensign, May 1989, 6-7)
The following scriptures cite blessings that come as we choose to become humble and meek:
· D&C 1:28 promise strength, heavenly blessings, and—from time to time—knowledge
· D&C 19:23 promises peace
· D&C 112:10 promises that the Lord will lead you and answer your prayers
· D&C 124:97 promise receipt of the Spirit, manifestations of truth, and inspiration for what to say
3.We should rejoice and be of good cheer.
The Lord admonished Emma and others to rejoice:
· D&C 25:13 - cheerfully cleave unto the covenants
· D&C 29:5 – He is in our midst and is our advocate with the Father
· D&C 61:36 – He is in our midst and has not forsaken us
· D&C 68:6 – He is with us, stands by us, and we should bear testimony of him
· D&C 78:18 – the kingdom is ours and the blessings thereof
· D&C 136:29 - our souls may be joyful if we call upon the Lord
Elder Marvin J. Ashton counseled: “None of us will escape tragedy and suffering. Each of us will probably react differently. However, if we can recall the Lord’s promise, ‘for I the Lord am with you’, and we will be able to face our problems with dignity and courage. We will find the strength to be of good cheer instead of becoming resentful, critical, or defeated. We will be able to meet life’s unpleasant happenings with clear vision, strength, and power…. What a joy it is to see someone of good cheer, who, when others because of an unpleasant happening or development live in angry silence or vocal disgust, meets the situation with cheerful endurance and good spirits” (Ensign, May 1986, 66)
Try reading the scriptures with the intent of applying the messages of the scriptures to your individual circumstances. The Lord’s many admonitions to be of good cheer remind us that we can find peace and joy regardless of our circumstances.
Forwarded from the James E. Neumann Institute
Nephi counseled us to liken the scriptures unto ourselves, so putting our own names in the scriptures is one method of doing that. It can allow us to apply counsel from the Lord to individual Saints in the D&C to ourselves.
In a July 1830 revelation directed to Emma Smith, there are three themes that we will focus on this week.
1. Husbands and wives should support and comfort each other.
The revelation included counsel to Emma about her responsibilities to her husband. D&C 25:5 helps us understand how husbands and wives can help each other in times of difficulty.
The Prophet Joseph taught wives that they should treat their husbands “with mildness and affection. When a man is borne down with trouble, when he is perplexed with care and difficulty, if he can meet a smile instead of an argument or a murmur—if he can meet with mildness, it will calm down his soul and soothe his feelings” (TPJS, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 228). The Prophet taught husbands, “It is the duty of a husband to love, cherish, and nourish his wife, and cleave unto her and none else; he ought to honor her as himself, and he ought to regard her feelings with tenderness” (Elders’ Journal, Aug. 1838, 61)
D&C 25:14 counsels Emma to “Let thy soul delight in thy husband”.
Joseph and Emma supported each other during many afflictions. In 1842, Joseph was in hiding because his life was threatened, but Emma visited him. He later said: “With what unspeakable delight, and what transports of joy swelled my bosom, when I took by the hand, on that night, my beloved Emma—she that was my wife, even the wife of my youth, and the choice of my heart. Many were the reverberations of my mind when I contemplated for a moment the many scenes we had been called to pass through, the fatigues and the toils, the sorrows and sufferings, and the joys and consolations, from time to time, which had strewed our paths…Oh what a commingling of thought filled my mind for the moment, again she is here…undaunted, firm, and unwavering—unchangeable, affectionate Emma!” (History of the Church, 5:107)
Joseph and Emma experienced the tragedy of losing children including four infants who died in four years. Of their eleven children, only four lived to late adulthood. During difficult times in Kirtland, when Emma’s newborn twins died within hours of birth, the grieving parents adopted the Murdock twins, Joseph and Julia. Sis. Murdock died shortly after the births.
Lucy Mack Smith described Emma’s characteristics that enabled her to support her husband during challenges. “I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done; for I know that which she had had to endure… She has breasted the storms of persecution, and buffeted the rage of men and devils, which would have borne down almost any other woman” (History of Joseph Smith, ed. Preston Nibley [1958], 190-91)
2.We should be meek and avoid pride.
In D&C 25:14, Emma was commanded to “continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride”. Similar instructions were given by the Lord to others:
· D&C 23:1 warned Oliver Cowdrey against pride.
· D&C 38:39 warned the Saints
· D&C 90:17 was addressed to the First Presidency
· D&C 98:19-20 admonished the Kirtland Saints
Pres. Ezra Taft Benson taught: “Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing. The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means ‘hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition’” (Ensign, May 1989, 4)
Pres. Benson explained how pride affects our relationship with God: “Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God’s…in the spirit of ‘my will and not thine be done.’ Our will in competition to God’s will allows desires, appetites, and passions to go unbridled… Our enmity toward God takes on many labels, such as rebellion, hard-heartedness, stiff-neckedness, unrepentant, puffed up, easily offended, and sign seekers. The proud wish God would agree with them. They aren’t interested in changing their opinions to agree with God’s” (Ensign, May 1989, 4)
Pres. Benson also explained how pride affects our relationship with others: “We are tempted daily to elevate ourselves above others and diminish them… Selfishness is one of the more common faces of pride… Another face of pride is contention. Arguments, fights, unrighteous dominion, generation gaps, divorces, spouse abuse, riots, and disturbances all fall into this category of pride.” (Ensign, May 1989, 4)
As Latter-day Saints, we should overcome pride and cultivate a spirit of meekness. Pres. Benson counseled: ”The antidote for pride is humility—meekness, submissiveness. It is the broken heart and contrite spirit… We can choose to humble ourselves by loving God, submitting our will to His, and putting Him first in our lives” (Ensign, May 1989, 6-7)
The following scriptures cite blessings that come as we choose to become humble and meek:
· D&C 1:28 promise strength, heavenly blessings, and—from time to time—knowledge
· D&C 19:23 promises peace
· D&C 112:10 promises that the Lord will lead you and answer your prayers
· D&C 124:97 promise receipt of the Spirit, manifestations of truth, and inspiration for what to say
3.We should rejoice and be of good cheer.
The Lord admonished Emma and others to rejoice:
· D&C 25:13 - cheerfully cleave unto the covenants
· D&C 29:5 – He is in our midst and is our advocate with the Father
· D&C 61:36 – He is in our midst and has not forsaken us
· D&C 68:6 – He is with us, stands by us, and we should bear testimony of him
· D&C 78:18 – the kingdom is ours and the blessings thereof
· D&C 136:29 - our souls may be joyful if we call upon the Lord
Elder Marvin J. Ashton counseled: “None of us will escape tragedy and suffering. Each of us will probably react differently. However, if we can recall the Lord’s promise, ‘for I the Lord am with you’, and we will be able to face our problems with dignity and courage. We will find the strength to be of good cheer instead of becoming resentful, critical, or defeated. We will be able to meet life’s unpleasant happenings with clear vision, strength, and power…. What a joy it is to see someone of good cheer, who, when others because of an unpleasant happening or development live in angry silence or vocal disgust, meets the situation with cheerful endurance and good spirits” (Ensign, May 1986, 66)
Try reading the scriptures with the intent of applying the messages of the scriptures to your individual circumstances. The Lord’s many admonitions to be of good cheer remind us that we can find peace and joy regardless of our circumstances.
Forwarded from the James E. Neumann Institute
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 9: “The Only True and Living Church”
Ancient prophecies (Isaiah 11:1-12; 29:13-14; Jeremiah 31:31-33; Daniel 2:44-45) were fulfilled in 1830 as the Church was organized. This followed the publishing of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the priesthood. Doctrine and Covenants Section 20 contains instructions from the Lord to Joseph Smith about the manner of organization of the Church.
The Church is organized in the latter days.
· D&C 20:1 and its heading indicate the date for the organization of the Church and why that date was selected—because it was the Lord’s mortal birthday.
· Ten years passed between the reception of the First Vision and the formal organization of the Church. Many important milestones had to be accomplished in that decade of testing and preparation.
· In 1980, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: “This day of organization was, in effect, a day of commencement, the graduation of Joseph from ten years of remarkable schooling. It had begun with the incomparable vision in the grove in the spring of 1820, when the Father and the Son appeared to the fourteen-year-old boy. It had continued with the tutoring of Moroni, with both warnings and instructions given on multiple occasions. Then there was the translation of the ancient record, and the inspiration, the knowledge, the revelation that came from that experience. There was the bestowal of divine authority, the ancient priesthood again conferred upon men by those who were its rightful possessors—John the Baptist in the case of the Aaronic Priesthood, and Peter, James, and John in the case of the Melchizedek. There were revelations, a number of them, in which the voice of God was heard again, and the channel of communication opened between man and the Creator. All of these were preliminary to that historic April 6” (Ensign, Apr. 1980, 11-12)
· Both the coming forth of the Book of Mormon (see D&C 20:6-12) and the restoration of the priesthood were preparatory events and had to be accomplished for the following reasons:
The Book of Mormon contains a fullness of the gospel
The Book of Mormon proves the holy scriptures are true
The Book of Mormon proves that God does inspire men and call them as prophets in all ages
The Book of Mormon shows that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever
Priesthood authority was necessary to govern the Church
Priesthood authority was necessary to officiate in the ordinances of salvation
· On April 6, 1830, the log home of Peter Whitmer Sr. in Fayette, NY, was the gathering place for a group of more than 50 who met to organize the Church according to the law and at the direction of the Lord. At least six members were required for legal formation of a church according to New York’s statutes, so six men—all of whom had previously been baptized and who had seen the gold plates of the Book of Mormon—were chosen to be the first six official members of the Church. The six were Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdrey, Hyrum Smith, Peter Whitmer Jr., Samuel H. Smith, and David Whitmer. (History of the Church, 1:76)
· D&C 20:1 gives the original name of the Church at its organization—“the Church of Christ”.
D&C 115:4 records “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” as the name the Lord gave to the Church in April 1838. 3 Nephi 27:8 teaches the importance of the name by which the Church is known.
· Of course, the world gave the Church a nickname, but we have been asked by the Church leaders not to use that name when we refer to the Church or its membership. Instead, we should always refer to the full name of the Church or use the terms of “Latter-day Saints” or “LDS”.
The Lord commands Church members to follow the prophet.
During the meeting at which the Church was organized, the presiding officers were sustained—Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey. Then, the Lord instructed members to follow the Prophet Joseph’s direction in D&C 21.
D&C 21:4-5 teaches us how to regard the words of the living prophet (not just Joseph Smith). We find the words and counsel of the living prophets in the Church magazines and publications, official letters, and at General Conferences. (In class you may wish to volunteer comments about what counsel or teachings of a living prophet have been special to you.)
D&C 21:5 gives the Lord’s counsel to give heed to the words of a prophet “in all patience and faith.” (In class you may wish to volunteer your experience about when some counsel or teaching of the prophet has required patience or faith from you.)
D&C 21:6 promises blessings for following the prophet. These promises are fulfilled in the lives of our members each day. These include:
· “…the gates of hell shall not prevail against you”
· “…the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and…
· “cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.”
In D&C 21:9 the Lord promises “a mighty blessing” to those who labor in his service.
(teacher’s comment: Note that the operative word here is “labor”.)
The Lord encourages Church members to meet together often to partake of the sacrament.
The meeting at which the Church was organized included the partaking of the sacrament.
D&C 20:75-79 give direction for the sacrament ordinance.
D&C 20:75 teaches that the sacrament should be partaken “often”.
D&C 20:77, 79 contain promises that we make when we partake of the sacrament. Both prayers emphasize remembering Jesus Christ. We are to remember Him always. Promises are also made to us for partaking worthily.
D&C 27:2 also contained counsel to Joseph Smith about the sacrament.
The Lord explains the duties of church members.
D&C 20:68-69 explain “the duty of members after they are received by baptism”. Verse 69 reveals some of the Lord’s expectations of us.
One of our duties is to show gratitude for Church membership.
One of the great miracles of the latter days was the organization of the Church in 1830. The events of April 6, 1830 changed the world even though that meeting went largely unnoticed by most people.
· President Wilford Woodruff told of a meeting in which the Prophet Joseph Smith prophesied of the Church’s growth. The meeting was in “a small house, perhaps 14 feet square. But it held the whole of the Priesthood of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were then in the town of Kirtland, and who had gathered together to go off in Zion’s camp.” After several of the men had borne their testimonies of the work, the Prophet said: “Brethren I have been much edified and instructed in your testimonies here tomight, but I want to say to you before the Lord, that you know no more concerning the destinies of this Church and kingdom than a babe upon its mother’s lap. You don’t comprehend it…It is only a little handful of Priesthood you see here tonight, but this Church will fill North and South America—it will fill the world.” (Conference Report, April 1898, 57)
Forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
The Church is organized in the latter days.
· D&C 20:1 and its heading indicate the date for the organization of the Church and why that date was selected—because it was the Lord’s mortal birthday.
· Ten years passed between the reception of the First Vision and the formal organization of the Church. Many important milestones had to be accomplished in that decade of testing and preparation.
· In 1980, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: “This day of organization was, in effect, a day of commencement, the graduation of Joseph from ten years of remarkable schooling. It had begun with the incomparable vision in the grove in the spring of 1820, when the Father and the Son appeared to the fourteen-year-old boy. It had continued with the tutoring of Moroni, with both warnings and instructions given on multiple occasions. Then there was the translation of the ancient record, and the inspiration, the knowledge, the revelation that came from that experience. There was the bestowal of divine authority, the ancient priesthood again conferred upon men by those who were its rightful possessors—John the Baptist in the case of the Aaronic Priesthood, and Peter, James, and John in the case of the Melchizedek. There were revelations, a number of them, in which the voice of God was heard again, and the channel of communication opened between man and the Creator. All of these were preliminary to that historic April 6” (Ensign, Apr. 1980, 11-12)
· Both the coming forth of the Book of Mormon (see D&C 20:6-12) and the restoration of the priesthood were preparatory events and had to be accomplished for the following reasons:
The Book of Mormon contains a fullness of the gospel
The Book of Mormon proves the holy scriptures are true
The Book of Mormon proves that God does inspire men and call them as prophets in all ages
The Book of Mormon shows that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever
Priesthood authority was necessary to govern the Church
Priesthood authority was necessary to officiate in the ordinances of salvation
· On April 6, 1830, the log home of Peter Whitmer Sr. in Fayette, NY, was the gathering place for a group of more than 50 who met to organize the Church according to the law and at the direction of the Lord. At least six members were required for legal formation of a church according to New York’s statutes, so six men—all of whom had previously been baptized and who had seen the gold plates of the Book of Mormon—were chosen to be the first six official members of the Church. The six were Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdrey, Hyrum Smith, Peter Whitmer Jr., Samuel H. Smith, and David Whitmer. (History of the Church, 1:76)
· D&C 20:1 gives the original name of the Church at its organization—“the Church of Christ”.
D&C 115:4 records “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” as the name the Lord gave to the Church in April 1838. 3 Nephi 27:8 teaches the importance of the name by which the Church is known.
· Of course, the world gave the Church a nickname, but we have been asked by the Church leaders not to use that name when we refer to the Church or its membership. Instead, we should always refer to the full name of the Church or use the terms of “Latter-day Saints” or “LDS”.
The Lord commands Church members to follow the prophet.
During the meeting at which the Church was organized, the presiding officers were sustained—Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey. Then, the Lord instructed members to follow the Prophet Joseph’s direction in D&C 21.
D&C 21:4-5 teaches us how to regard the words of the living prophet (not just Joseph Smith). We find the words and counsel of the living prophets in the Church magazines and publications, official letters, and at General Conferences. (In class you may wish to volunteer comments about what counsel or teachings of a living prophet have been special to you.)
D&C 21:5 gives the Lord’s counsel to give heed to the words of a prophet “in all patience and faith.” (In class you may wish to volunteer your experience about when some counsel or teaching of the prophet has required patience or faith from you.)
D&C 21:6 promises blessings for following the prophet. These promises are fulfilled in the lives of our members each day. These include:
· “…the gates of hell shall not prevail against you”
· “…the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and…
· “cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.”
In D&C 21:9 the Lord promises “a mighty blessing” to those who labor in his service.
(teacher’s comment: Note that the operative word here is “labor”.)
The Lord encourages Church members to meet together often to partake of the sacrament.
The meeting at which the Church was organized included the partaking of the sacrament.
D&C 20:75-79 give direction for the sacrament ordinance.
D&C 20:75 teaches that the sacrament should be partaken “often”.
D&C 20:77, 79 contain promises that we make when we partake of the sacrament. Both prayers emphasize remembering Jesus Christ. We are to remember Him always. Promises are also made to us for partaking worthily.
D&C 27:2 also contained counsel to Joseph Smith about the sacrament.
The Lord explains the duties of church members.
D&C 20:68-69 explain “the duty of members after they are received by baptism”. Verse 69 reveals some of the Lord’s expectations of us.
One of our duties is to show gratitude for Church membership.
One of the great miracles of the latter days was the organization of the Church in 1830. The events of April 6, 1830 changed the world even though that meeting went largely unnoticed by most people.
· President Wilford Woodruff told of a meeting in which the Prophet Joseph Smith prophesied of the Church’s growth. The meeting was in “a small house, perhaps 14 feet square. But it held the whole of the Priesthood of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were then in the town of Kirtland, and who had gathered together to go off in Zion’s camp.” After several of the men had borne their testimonies of the work, the Prophet said: “Brethren I have been much edified and instructed in your testimonies here tomight, but I want to say to you before the Lord, that you know no more concerning the destinies of this Church and kingdom than a babe upon its mother’s lap. You don’t comprehend it…It is only a little handful of Priesthood you see here tonight, but this Church will fill North and South America—it will fill the world.” (Conference Report, April 1898, 57)
Forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 8: “The Restoration of the Priesthood”
Definition and purpose of the priesthood
· Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord gave many revelations that add greatly to our understanding of the keys, offices, organization, ordinances, duties, and blessings of the priesthood.
· Priesthood: The eternal power and authority of God; the creative and governing power in the heavens and the earth; the power by which we are redeemed and exalted.
· The purpose of giving the priesthood to worthy male saints is to empower them to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation (and exaltation), and govern His kingdom on earth.
· It is important to have the priesthood on earth so that men may act for God to bless his children and prepare them for exaltation.
· D&C 20:38-55; 107:8-12, 23, 35 teach of the ways priesthood holders act on behalf of God to bless his children.
The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood Joseph Smith—History 1:68-72; D&C 13; 84:26-27; 107:20
· The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood was the first bestowal of divine authority in this dispensation.
· Elder James E. Talmage shared his thoughts about being ordained a deacon and its effect on him: “As soon as I had been ordained, a feeling came to me such as I have never been able to fully describe. It seemed scarcely possible, that I, a little boy, could be so honored of God as to be called to the priesthood….I felt strong in the thought that I belonged to the Lord, and that he would assist me in whatever was required of me. The effect of my ordination…entered into all the affairs of my boyish life….When at play on the school grounds, and perhaps tempted to take unfair advantage in the game, when in the midst of a dispute with a playmate, I would remember, and the thought would be as effective as though spoken aloud—‘I am a deacon; and it is not right that a deacon should act in this way.’ On examination days, when it seemed easy for me to copy some other boy’s work…., I would say in my mind, ‘It would be more wicked for me to do that than it is for them, because I am a deacon’” (Incidents from the Lives of Our Church Leaders [deacons Instruction manual, 1914], 135-136)
· D&C 13; 84:26-27; 107:20 enumerate the authority and blessings restored with the Aaronic Priesthood.
The keys of the ministering of angels (D&C 13)
President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “That means, as I interpret it, that if you live worthy of the priesthood, you have the right to receive and enjoy the very power of heavenly beings to guide you, to protect you, to bless you.” (Ensign, Nov 1982, 45)
As Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained, the ministering of angels can occur through personal appearances and “can also be unseen. Angelic messages can be delivered by a voice or merely by thoughts or feelings communicated to the mind…Most angelic communications are felt or heard rather than seen” (Ensign, Nov 1998, 39)
The ministering of angels is available to all Church members, not just priesthood holders. According to Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Through the Aaronic Priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, we are cleansed of our sins and promised that if we will keep our covenants we will always have His Spirit to be with us. I believe that promise not only refers to the Holy Ghost but also to the ministering of angels, for ‘angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ’. So it is that those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood open the door for all Church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the Spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels”. (Ensign, Nov. 1998, 39)
D&C 84: 88 teaches us about the ministering of angels
D&C 13; 84:26-27; 107:20 The keys of repentance and baptism.
Repentance and baptism are also called the “preparatory gospel.” These principles help us prepare to receive greater blessings that are administered thru the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Aaronic Priesthood holders preach repentance through home teaching, missionary work, testimony bearing, and fellowshipping. They participate in the ordinance of baptism under the direction of the bishop, worthy priests may perform baptisms and serve as witnesses at baptisms.
The Aaronic Priesthood also officiates as we renew baptism covenants in the sacrament ordinance. Elder Jeffery R, Holland said: “We ask you young men of the Aaronic Priesthood to prepare and bless and pass the emblems of the Savior’s sacrifice worthily and reverently. What a stunning privilege and sacred trust given at such a remarkably young age! I can think of no higher compliment heaven could pay you. We do love you. Live your best and look your best when you participate in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.” (Ensign, Nov. 1995)
The restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood
· The Melchizedek Priesthood is the greater priesthood that has the authority, knowledge and covenants necessary for exaltation of God’s children. It was restored to the earth through Peter, James, and John’ordination of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey. The authority and blessings restored with this priesthood include:
D&C 84:19. Authority to administer the gospel of Jesus Christ includes the authority to govern the Church, preach the gospel, and administer the ordinances of salvation.
D&C 107:18-19. “The keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church” include these blessings: Knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom and knowledge of God…which comes thru the Holy Ghost
D&C 84:20-21. The power of godliness is administered thru the gospel ordinances.
D&C 84:22; 107:19. The opportunity to see, commune with, and enjoy the presence of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
D&C 107:8-9. The right of presidency is the right to preside in the Church. The President of the Church is the only person on earth who may use (or authorize another to use) the keys of the priesthood for governing the Church. He authorizes the regional and local priesthood leaders.
D&C 110:11-16. The keys of the gathering of Israel, the gospel of the dispensation of Abraham, and the sealing power were restored by Moses, Elias, and Elijah in 1836.
Blessings of the priesthood for all people
· Women and children are blessed by the priesthood as ordinances (baptism, the sacrament, blessing of babies, blessings of healing, marriages for time and eternity, endowments, etc.) are performed that benefit them.
· Those women and children who do not have the priesthood in their home may share in its blessings thru home teachers, priesthood leaders, and extended family members.
The priesthood and its keys have been restored. Priesthood holders hold the authority to direct God’s work on earth and to act for Him in blessing His children and helping them prepare for exaltation. The blessings of the priesthood are available for all.
Forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
· Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord gave many revelations that add greatly to our understanding of the keys, offices, organization, ordinances, duties, and blessings of the priesthood.
· Priesthood: The eternal power and authority of God; the creative and governing power in the heavens and the earth; the power by which we are redeemed and exalted.
· The purpose of giving the priesthood to worthy male saints is to empower them to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation (and exaltation), and govern His kingdom on earth.
· It is important to have the priesthood on earth so that men may act for God to bless his children and prepare them for exaltation.
· D&C 20:38-55; 107:8-12, 23, 35 teach of the ways priesthood holders act on behalf of God to bless his children.
The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood Joseph Smith—History 1:68-72; D&C 13; 84:26-27; 107:20
· The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood was the first bestowal of divine authority in this dispensation.
· Elder James E. Talmage shared his thoughts about being ordained a deacon and its effect on him: “As soon as I had been ordained, a feeling came to me such as I have never been able to fully describe. It seemed scarcely possible, that I, a little boy, could be so honored of God as to be called to the priesthood….I felt strong in the thought that I belonged to the Lord, and that he would assist me in whatever was required of me. The effect of my ordination…entered into all the affairs of my boyish life….When at play on the school grounds, and perhaps tempted to take unfair advantage in the game, when in the midst of a dispute with a playmate, I would remember, and the thought would be as effective as though spoken aloud—‘I am a deacon; and it is not right that a deacon should act in this way.’ On examination days, when it seemed easy for me to copy some other boy’s work…., I would say in my mind, ‘It would be more wicked for me to do that than it is for them, because I am a deacon’” (Incidents from the Lives of Our Church Leaders [deacons Instruction manual, 1914], 135-136)
· D&C 13; 84:26-27; 107:20 enumerate the authority and blessings restored with the Aaronic Priesthood.
The keys of the ministering of angels (D&C 13)
President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “That means, as I interpret it, that if you live worthy of the priesthood, you have the right to receive and enjoy the very power of heavenly beings to guide you, to protect you, to bless you.” (Ensign, Nov 1982, 45)
As Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained, the ministering of angels can occur through personal appearances and “can also be unseen. Angelic messages can be delivered by a voice or merely by thoughts or feelings communicated to the mind…Most angelic communications are felt or heard rather than seen” (Ensign, Nov 1998, 39)
The ministering of angels is available to all Church members, not just priesthood holders. According to Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Through the Aaronic Priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, we are cleansed of our sins and promised that if we will keep our covenants we will always have His Spirit to be with us. I believe that promise not only refers to the Holy Ghost but also to the ministering of angels, for ‘angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ’. So it is that those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood open the door for all Church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the Spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels”. (Ensign, Nov. 1998, 39)
D&C 84: 88 teaches us about the ministering of angels
D&C 13; 84:26-27; 107:20 The keys of repentance and baptism.
Repentance and baptism are also called the “preparatory gospel.” These principles help us prepare to receive greater blessings that are administered thru the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Aaronic Priesthood holders preach repentance through home teaching, missionary work, testimony bearing, and fellowshipping. They participate in the ordinance of baptism under the direction of the bishop, worthy priests may perform baptisms and serve as witnesses at baptisms.
The Aaronic Priesthood also officiates as we renew baptism covenants in the sacrament ordinance. Elder Jeffery R, Holland said: “We ask you young men of the Aaronic Priesthood to prepare and bless and pass the emblems of the Savior’s sacrifice worthily and reverently. What a stunning privilege and sacred trust given at such a remarkably young age! I can think of no higher compliment heaven could pay you. We do love you. Live your best and look your best when you participate in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.” (Ensign, Nov. 1995)
The restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood
· The Melchizedek Priesthood is the greater priesthood that has the authority, knowledge and covenants necessary for exaltation of God’s children. It was restored to the earth through Peter, James, and John’ordination of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey. The authority and blessings restored with this priesthood include:
D&C 84:19. Authority to administer the gospel of Jesus Christ includes the authority to govern the Church, preach the gospel, and administer the ordinances of salvation.
D&C 107:18-19. “The keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church” include these blessings: Knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom and knowledge of God…which comes thru the Holy Ghost
D&C 84:20-21. The power of godliness is administered thru the gospel ordinances.
D&C 84:22; 107:19. The opportunity to see, commune with, and enjoy the presence of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
D&C 107:8-9. The right of presidency is the right to preside in the Church. The President of the Church is the only person on earth who may use (or authorize another to use) the keys of the priesthood for governing the Church. He authorizes the regional and local priesthood leaders.
D&C 110:11-16. The keys of the gathering of Israel, the gospel of the dispensation of Abraham, and the sealing power were restored by Moses, Elias, and Elijah in 1836.
Blessings of the priesthood for all people
· Women and children are blessed by the priesthood as ordinances (baptism, the sacrament, blessing of babies, blessings of healing, marriages for time and eternity, endowments, etc.) are performed that benefit them.
· Those women and children who do not have the priesthood in their home may share in its blessings thru home teachers, priesthood leaders, and extended family members.
The priesthood and its keys have been restored. Priesthood holders hold the authority to direct God’s work on earth and to act for Him in blessing His children and helping them prepare for exaltation. The blessings of the priesthood are available for all.
Forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 7" “The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel”
D&C 128:21 teaches that the Lord restored the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith “line upon line, precept upon precept”. Some of the first truths to be restored were the first principles and ordinances of the gospel.
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle.
· The restoration began with an act of simple faith as a prayer was offered
· Strengthening our faith in Christ is a constant challenge of Latter-Day Saints. We strengthen our faith gradually, not in one special experience, and then we must nourish it to keep it strong. See D&C 19:23; 88:118; Alma 32:27
· We can demonstrate our faith in Christ as indicated in D&C 20:69 and James 2:14-17. Faith in Christ affects our desire to do good works.
· D&C 8:10; 35:9; 42:48-51; and 63:9-11 teach us what we can accomplish with faith and what cannot be done without faith.
· The D&C stresses the importance of praying with faith. D&C 10:46-52 indicates that the ancient prophets had “faith in their prayers“ that the Book of Mormon would be preserved.
Through sincere repentance, we can partake of the blessings of the Atonement.
· Repentance is a major theme of the Doctrine and Covenants—it teaches the doctrine, emphasizes the need, and promises blessings for sincere repentance.
· D&C 58:42-43 teaches that repentance is the process of being cleansed and receiving forgiveness through the Savior’s Atonement. This involves recognizing the sin, feeling remorse (godly sorrow), refraining from sin, confessing to the offended and authorities as required, making restitution, being obedient to the commandments, and turning to God for strength to retain the remission of sins.
· Repentance is not just breaking a bad habit. Pres. Ezra Taft Benson explained: “Repentance means more than simply a reformation of behavior….True repentance is based on and flows from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other way. True repentance involves a change of heart and not just a change in behavior.” (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 71)
· Elder Neal A. Maxwell: ”…repentance requires both turning away form evil and turning to God.” (Ensign, Nov 1991, 30)
· D&C 18:11-13 and D&C 19:16-19 teach about the Savior’s love for us. We need to understand that we cannot cleanse ourselves because justice must be paid and only the Savior’s atonement can substitute mercy for justice.
· D&C 1:33; 19:17-18; and 29:17 identify some consequences of failing to repent of sins. Other consequences include estrangement from God and others, guilt, low self-esteem, rationalizing other sins, and being unforgiving.
· D&C 1:32; 58:42; and 109:53 promise blessings for the truly repentant.
· Barriers to repentance include procrastination, pride, discouragement, and complacency.
(“I’ll do it later when I’m not so busy, but even then it probably won’t help, and frankly, I don’t much care.”)
· Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Repentance is a rescuing, not a dour doctrine. It is available to the gross sinner as well as to the already good individual striving for an incremental imropvement” (Ensign, Nov 1991, 30)
Baptism is an essential ordinance.
Faith and repentance lead to baptism, the first ordinance of the gospel. The D&C reveals the purposes, qualifications, and instructions for baptism.
· D&C 18:22; 49:13-14. Purposes of baptism include commitment to the Savior, remission of sins, membership in the Church, opening the door to the path of exaltation, and preparing to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
· D&C 20:37 teaches about the qualifications required for baptism: humility, desire, broken heart and contrite spirit, witness of true repentance, willingness to take upon them the name of Christ, determination to serve God to the very end, and good works that indicate the receipt of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of sins.
· D&C 76:51 teaches that baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as well as the burial of our old self and our rebirth in Christ. Additionally, it symbolizes being cleansed from sin.
Through confirmation, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
· D&C 130:22 mentions attributes of the Holy Ghost.
· D&C 33:15 and 35:5-6 show that Church members receive the gift of the Holy Ghost through the ordinance of confirmation.
· D&C 20:41 calls this ordinance the “baptism of fire”.
· The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without…the baptism of the Holy Ghost”. (TPJS, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 314)
· Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught: “Manifestations of the Holy Ghost are given to lead sincere seekers to gospel truths… The gift of the Holy Ghost is more comprehensive…[It] includes the right to constant companionship, that we may always have his Spirit to be with [us].” (Ensign, Nov 1996, 60)
· Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith said: “The Holy Ghost will not dwell with that person who is unwilling to obey and keep the commandments of God or who violates those commandments willfully” (Church News, 4 Nov 1961, 14)
· Functions of the Holy Ghost include:
D&C 18:18; 39:6; 42:14; 75:10 He is a teacher
D&C 39:6 He is the Comforter
D&C 42:17; 100:8 He is a testifier
D&C 11:12 He leads us to do good, walk humbly, and judge righteously
D&C 11:13; 76:10 He enlightens our minds and fills our souls with joy
D&C 84:33 Through Him we are sanctified
D&C 31:11; 75:27; 84:85 He inspires us where to go and what to do and say.
We must endure in faith to the very end to receive eternal life.
Our baptism alone is not enough—no single experience will transform us. Remember that we need to strengthen our faith daily, repent of our sins, keep our baptism covenants, and live worthily to keep the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. If we endure faithfully to the end in these pursuits, we will receive exaltation.
“The shield of faith” (D&C 27:17)
D&C 27: 15, 17 was the basis of Elder Boyd K. Packer’s remarks when he said: “[The] shield of faith is not produced in a factory but at home in a cottage industry. The ultimate purpose of all we teach is to unite parents and children in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they are happy at home, sealed in an eternal marriage, linked to their generations, and assured of exaltation in the presence of Heavenly Father…. Therefore our leaders press members to understand that what is most worth doing must be done at home. Some still do not see that too many out-of-home activities, however well intended, leave too little time to make and fit on the shield of faith at home” (Ensign, May 1995, 8-9)
Forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle.
· The restoration began with an act of simple faith as a prayer was offered
· Strengthening our faith in Christ is a constant challenge of Latter-Day Saints. We strengthen our faith gradually, not in one special experience, and then we must nourish it to keep it strong. See D&C 19:23; 88:118; Alma 32:27
· We can demonstrate our faith in Christ as indicated in D&C 20:69 and James 2:14-17. Faith in Christ affects our desire to do good works.
· D&C 8:10; 35:9; 42:48-51; and 63:9-11 teach us what we can accomplish with faith and what cannot be done without faith.
· The D&C stresses the importance of praying with faith. D&C 10:46-52 indicates that the ancient prophets had “faith in their prayers“ that the Book of Mormon would be preserved.
Through sincere repentance, we can partake of the blessings of the Atonement.
· Repentance is a major theme of the Doctrine and Covenants—it teaches the doctrine, emphasizes the need, and promises blessings for sincere repentance.
· D&C 58:42-43 teaches that repentance is the process of being cleansed and receiving forgiveness through the Savior’s Atonement. This involves recognizing the sin, feeling remorse (godly sorrow), refraining from sin, confessing to the offended and authorities as required, making restitution, being obedient to the commandments, and turning to God for strength to retain the remission of sins.
· Repentance is not just breaking a bad habit. Pres. Ezra Taft Benson explained: “Repentance means more than simply a reformation of behavior….True repentance is based on and flows from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other way. True repentance involves a change of heart and not just a change in behavior.” (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 71)
· Elder Neal A. Maxwell: ”…repentance requires both turning away form evil and turning to God.” (Ensign, Nov 1991, 30)
· D&C 18:11-13 and D&C 19:16-19 teach about the Savior’s love for us. We need to understand that we cannot cleanse ourselves because justice must be paid and only the Savior’s atonement can substitute mercy for justice.
· D&C 1:33; 19:17-18; and 29:17 identify some consequences of failing to repent of sins. Other consequences include estrangement from God and others, guilt, low self-esteem, rationalizing other sins, and being unforgiving.
· D&C 1:32; 58:42; and 109:53 promise blessings for the truly repentant.
· Barriers to repentance include procrastination, pride, discouragement, and complacency.
(“I’ll do it later when I’m not so busy, but even then it probably won’t help, and frankly, I don’t much care.”)
· Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Repentance is a rescuing, not a dour doctrine. It is available to the gross sinner as well as to the already good individual striving for an incremental imropvement” (Ensign, Nov 1991, 30)
Baptism is an essential ordinance.
Faith and repentance lead to baptism, the first ordinance of the gospel. The D&C reveals the purposes, qualifications, and instructions for baptism.
· D&C 18:22; 49:13-14. Purposes of baptism include commitment to the Savior, remission of sins, membership in the Church, opening the door to the path of exaltation, and preparing to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
· D&C 20:37 teaches about the qualifications required for baptism: humility, desire, broken heart and contrite spirit, witness of true repentance, willingness to take upon them the name of Christ, determination to serve God to the very end, and good works that indicate the receipt of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of sins.
· D&C 76:51 teaches that baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as well as the burial of our old self and our rebirth in Christ. Additionally, it symbolizes being cleansed from sin.
Through confirmation, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
· D&C 130:22 mentions attributes of the Holy Ghost.
· D&C 33:15 and 35:5-6 show that Church members receive the gift of the Holy Ghost through the ordinance of confirmation.
· D&C 20:41 calls this ordinance the “baptism of fire”.
· The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without…the baptism of the Holy Ghost”. (TPJS, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 314)
· Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught: “Manifestations of the Holy Ghost are given to lead sincere seekers to gospel truths… The gift of the Holy Ghost is more comprehensive…[It] includes the right to constant companionship, that we may always have his Spirit to be with [us].” (Ensign, Nov 1996, 60)
· Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith said: “The Holy Ghost will not dwell with that person who is unwilling to obey and keep the commandments of God or who violates those commandments willfully” (Church News, 4 Nov 1961, 14)
· Functions of the Holy Ghost include:
D&C 18:18; 39:6; 42:14; 75:10 He is a teacher
D&C 39:6 He is the Comforter
D&C 42:17; 100:8 He is a testifier
D&C 11:12 He leads us to do good, walk humbly, and judge righteously
D&C 11:13; 76:10 He enlightens our minds and fills our souls with joy
D&C 84:33 Through Him we are sanctified
D&C 31:11; 75:27; 84:85 He inspires us where to go and what to do and say.
We must endure in faith to the very end to receive eternal life.
Our baptism alone is not enough—no single experience will transform us. Remember that we need to strengthen our faith daily, repent of our sins, keep our baptism covenants, and live worthily to keep the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. If we endure faithfully to the end in these pursuits, we will receive exaltation.
“The shield of faith” (D&C 27:17)
D&C 27: 15, 17 was the basis of Elder Boyd K. Packer’s remarks when he said: “[The] shield of faith is not produced in a factory but at home in a cottage industry. The ultimate purpose of all we teach is to unite parents and children in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they are happy at home, sealed in an eternal marriage, linked to their generations, and assured of exaltation in the presence of Heavenly Father…. Therefore our leaders press members to understand that what is most worth doing must be done at home. Some still do not see that too many out-of-home activities, however well intended, leave too little time to make and fit on the shield of faith at home” (Ensign, May 1995, 8-9)
Forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 6: “I Will Tell You in Your Mind and in Your Heart, by the Holy Ghost”
While the last lesson helped us prepare to receive personal revelation, this lesson should help us recognize personal revelation from the Holy Ghost.
Understanding how the Holy Ghost communicates with us.
Revelation may come in many ways:
· Appearances by the Lord or His messengers
· Voices from the Lord or His messengers
· Visions and dreams
· Thoughts communicated to our minds and feelings in our hearts
The Holy Ghost uses a still, small voice to communicate to our hearts and minds. D&C 8:2-3; 85:6
Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught: “Visions do happen. Voices are heard from beyond the veil. I know this. But these experiences are exceptional…Most of the revelation that comes to leaders and members of the Church comes by the still, small voice or by a feeling rather than by a vision or a voice that speaks specific words we can hear. I testify to the reality of that kind of revelation, which I have come to know as a familiar, even daily, experience to guide me in the work of the Lord.” (Ensign, Mar 1997, 14)
Elder Boyd K. Packer taught: “These delicate, refined spiritual communications are not seen with our eyes nor heard with our ears. And even though it is described as a voice, it is a voice that one feels more than one hears.” (That All May Be Edified [1982], 335)
Elder Dallin H. Oaks cautioned: “Some [people] have looked exclusively for the great manifestations that are recorded in the scriptures and have failed to recognize the still, small voice that is given to them…We need to know that the Lord rarely speaks loudly. His messages almost always come in a whisper…. Not understanding these principles of revelation, some people postpone acknowledging their testimony until they have experienced a miraculous event. They fail to realize that with most people…gaining a testimony is not an event but a process.” (Ensign, Mar. 1997, 11-12, 14)
D&C 6:15; 11: 13-14. The Holy Ghost enlightens our minds.
· He gives us new ideas or insights
· He provides flashes of insight and strong impressions
D&C 6:22-23 The Holy Ghost brings peace to our minds.
· Oliver Cowdrey received a peaceful assurance of the divine calling of Joseph Smith.
D&C 9:7-8 The Holy Ghost may cause a burning in our bosoms.
· Pres. Boyd K. Packer explained: “This burning in the bosom is not purely a physical sensation. It is more like a warm light shining within your being” (Ensign, Nov 1994, 60)
· Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: “I have met persons who told me they have never had a witness from the Holy Ghost because they have never felt their bosom ‘burn within’ them. What does a ‘burning in the bosom’ mean? Does it need to be a feeling of caloric heat, like the burning produced by combustion? If that is the meaning, I have never had a burning in the bosom. Surely, the word ‘burning’ in this scripture signifies a feeling of comfort and serenity.” (Ensign, Mar 1997, 13)
D&C 98:12 He reveals line upon line, precept upon precept.
· We usually receive revelation in accordance with our preparation to receive it.
· The more we prepare, the more we may receive
Cautions about personal revelation:
D&C 109:44. We should pray that the Lord’s will be done—and be willing to submit our will to His.
· If we feel unrest and uneasiness, confusion or negative feelings, or a stupor of thought, we may be receiving God’s answer of “No”.
· Think about how you should respond if the answer is “No” when you petition the Lord.
D&C 88:68. The Lord will control the timing and manner of revelation.
· Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained: “The Lord will speak to us through the Spirit in his own time and in his own way. Many people do not understand this principle. They believe that when they are ready and when it suits their convenience, they can call upon the Lord and he will immediately respond, even in the precise way they have prescribed. Revelation does not come that way…. The principle stated in D&C 88:68 applies to every communication from our Heavenly Father: ‘It shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.’ We cannot force spiritual things” (Ensign, Mar 1997, 10-11)
D&C 28:2, 6-7; 43:2-4 teaches that we receive revelation according to our stewardship and responsibilities
· Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained: “Our Heavenly Father’s house is a house of order…Only the President of the Church receives revelation to guide the entire Church…. The person who receives revelation for the ward is the bishop…Individuals can receive revelation to guide their own lives. But when a person purports to receive revelation for another person outside his or her own area of responsibility—such as a Church member who claims to have revelation to guide the entire Church….you can be sure that such revelations are not from the Lord.” (“Revelation”, New Era, Sept. 1982, 45-46)
D&C 11:12-14; 50:23-24 teaches us to discern the source of a revelation.
· We may mistake our own thoughts as revelations
· Satan may provide revelations to us
The First Presidency said: “When….inspiration conveys something out of harmony with the accepted revelations of the Church or contrary to the decisions of constituted authorities, Latter-Day Saints may know that it is not of God, no matter how plausible it may appear….Anything at discord with that which comes from God through the head of the Church is not to be received as authoritative or reliable” (Messages of the 1st Presidency, [1965-75] 4:285)
When revelation is not received or recognized:
· Exercise patience and faith
· Increase your efforts to be spiritually in tune to the whisperings of the Spirit
· Increase your personal study and prayer…faithfully and honestly
· Be faithful in obeying the commandments
· Set the matter aside for awhile and cease being consumed by it
· Recognize that the Lord may wish you to decide the matter on your own
· Recognize that you may have received the answer but may not have accepted it
Each of us has the privilege and responsibility to become fluent in the language of the Spirit. Make the effort(s) necessary to receive and recognize the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. As we prepare ourselves, we will receive “revelation upon revelation” thru the Holy Ghost. (D&C 42:61)
Forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
Understanding how the Holy Ghost communicates with us.
Revelation may come in many ways:
· Appearances by the Lord or His messengers
· Voices from the Lord or His messengers
· Visions and dreams
· Thoughts communicated to our minds and feelings in our hearts
The Holy Ghost uses a still, small voice to communicate to our hearts and minds. D&C 8:2-3; 85:6
Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught: “Visions do happen. Voices are heard from beyond the veil. I know this. But these experiences are exceptional…Most of the revelation that comes to leaders and members of the Church comes by the still, small voice or by a feeling rather than by a vision or a voice that speaks specific words we can hear. I testify to the reality of that kind of revelation, which I have come to know as a familiar, even daily, experience to guide me in the work of the Lord.” (Ensign, Mar 1997, 14)
Elder Boyd K. Packer taught: “These delicate, refined spiritual communications are not seen with our eyes nor heard with our ears. And even though it is described as a voice, it is a voice that one feels more than one hears.” (That All May Be Edified [1982], 335)
Elder Dallin H. Oaks cautioned: “Some [people] have looked exclusively for the great manifestations that are recorded in the scriptures and have failed to recognize the still, small voice that is given to them…We need to know that the Lord rarely speaks loudly. His messages almost always come in a whisper…. Not understanding these principles of revelation, some people postpone acknowledging their testimony until they have experienced a miraculous event. They fail to realize that with most people…gaining a testimony is not an event but a process.” (Ensign, Mar. 1997, 11-12, 14)
D&C 6:15; 11: 13-14. The Holy Ghost enlightens our minds.
· He gives us new ideas or insights
· He provides flashes of insight and strong impressions
D&C 6:22-23 The Holy Ghost brings peace to our minds.
· Oliver Cowdrey received a peaceful assurance of the divine calling of Joseph Smith.
D&C 9:7-8 The Holy Ghost may cause a burning in our bosoms.
· Pres. Boyd K. Packer explained: “This burning in the bosom is not purely a physical sensation. It is more like a warm light shining within your being” (Ensign, Nov 1994, 60)
· Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: “I have met persons who told me they have never had a witness from the Holy Ghost because they have never felt their bosom ‘burn within’ them. What does a ‘burning in the bosom’ mean? Does it need to be a feeling of caloric heat, like the burning produced by combustion? If that is the meaning, I have never had a burning in the bosom. Surely, the word ‘burning’ in this scripture signifies a feeling of comfort and serenity.” (Ensign, Mar 1997, 13)
D&C 98:12 He reveals line upon line, precept upon precept.
· We usually receive revelation in accordance with our preparation to receive it.
· The more we prepare, the more we may receive
Cautions about personal revelation:
D&C 109:44. We should pray that the Lord’s will be done—and be willing to submit our will to His.
· If we feel unrest and uneasiness, confusion or negative feelings, or a stupor of thought, we may be receiving God’s answer of “No”.
· Think about how you should respond if the answer is “No” when you petition the Lord.
D&C 88:68. The Lord will control the timing and manner of revelation.
· Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained: “The Lord will speak to us through the Spirit in his own time and in his own way. Many people do not understand this principle. They believe that when they are ready and when it suits their convenience, they can call upon the Lord and he will immediately respond, even in the precise way they have prescribed. Revelation does not come that way…. The principle stated in D&C 88:68 applies to every communication from our Heavenly Father: ‘It shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.’ We cannot force spiritual things” (Ensign, Mar 1997, 10-11)
D&C 28:2, 6-7; 43:2-4 teaches that we receive revelation according to our stewardship and responsibilities
· Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained: “Our Heavenly Father’s house is a house of order…Only the President of the Church receives revelation to guide the entire Church…. The person who receives revelation for the ward is the bishop…Individuals can receive revelation to guide their own lives. But when a person purports to receive revelation for another person outside his or her own area of responsibility—such as a Church member who claims to have revelation to guide the entire Church….you can be sure that such revelations are not from the Lord.” (“Revelation”, New Era, Sept. 1982, 45-46)
D&C 11:12-14; 50:23-24 teaches us to discern the source of a revelation.
· We may mistake our own thoughts as revelations
· Satan may provide revelations to us
The First Presidency said: “When….inspiration conveys something out of harmony with the accepted revelations of the Church or contrary to the decisions of constituted authorities, Latter-Day Saints may know that it is not of God, no matter how plausible it may appear….Anything at discord with that which comes from God through the head of the Church is not to be received as authoritative or reliable” (Messages of the 1st Presidency, [1965-75] 4:285)
When revelation is not received or recognized:
· Exercise patience and faith
· Increase your efforts to be spiritually in tune to the whisperings of the Spirit
· Increase your personal study and prayer…faithfully and honestly
· Be faithful in obeying the commandments
· Set the matter aside for awhile and cease being consumed by it
· Recognize that the Lord may wish you to decide the matter on your own
· Recognize that you may have received the answer but may not have accepted it
Each of us has the privilege and responsibility to become fluent in the language of the Spirit. Make the effort(s) necessary to receive and recognize the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. As we prepare ourselves, we will receive “revelation upon revelation” thru the Holy Ghost. (D&C 42:61)
Forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 5:“This Is the Spirit of Revelation”
“God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what He will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 149)
The Lord does not require us to be prophets to receive revelation. We will not receive revelation to guide the Church, but we will receive personal revelation to guide our choices in life and to give us personal knowledge that will help us understand the gospel and gospel principles.
Personal revelation is a great blessing in our lives:
The Lord communicates with us
The heavens are open to us as we seek the truth
“No one of us can survive in the world of today, much less in what it soon will become, without personal inspiration.” – Elder Boyd K. Packer (Ensign, Nov. 1991, 23)
Personal revelation and inspiration are important for us because:
Revelation is the way we receive our testimony of the Savior, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the Church.
It allows us to learn divine truths
It allows us to receive guidance and to understand answers to life’s challenges and difficult choices.
Consider the personal benefits for you in receiving personal revelations.
The D&C teaches us how to prepare ourselves for revelations.
References:
D&C 9:8 and Joseph Smith—History 1:8-10 teaches us to study matters out in our own minds
Practice serious reflection
Reflect upon your feelings
Gather knowledge that is available
Invest time and effort in your study
Actively study the scriptures
Seek the answer for as long as it takes…do not set a time limit on heavenly knowledge and inspiration
Use your agency properly
D&C 138: 1-11; Joseph Smith—History 1:11-12
Elder Dallin H. Oaks: “Scripture reading may…lead to current revelation on whatever [subject] the Lord wishes to communicate to the reader at that time. We do not overstate the point when we say that the scriptures can be a Urim and Thummim to assist each of us to receive personal revelation. Because we believe that scripture reading can help us receive revelation, we are encouraged to read the scriptures again and again. By this means, we obtain access to what our Heavenly Father would have us know and do in our personal lives today. That is one reason Latter-day Saints believe in daily scripture study.” (Ensign, Jan. 1995, 8)
D&C 6:5, 14; 8:1; 42:61; 88:63-64 teaches us to inquire of the Lord in faith and believe that you will receive.
Elder Boyd K. Packer: “No message appears in scripture more times, in more ways than ’Ask, and ye shall receive’” (Ensign Nov. 1991, 21)
President Spencer W. Kimball: “Do you offer a few trite words and worn-out phrases, or do you talk intimately to the Lord? Do you pray occasionally when you should be praying regularly, often, constantly?…When you pray, do you just speak, or do you also listen?…Do you give thanks or merely ask for favors?” (New Era, Mar. 1978, 17)
D&C 8:1 Ask “with an honest heart”
- - Honestly seek to understand the Lord’s will
- - Ask only those things that are in accordance with the Lord’s will
- - Be sure your motives are pure
- - Be sure that you are repentant
Joseph Smith—History 1: 13-16 teaches us some important lessons about prayer
- - Pray vocally
- - Kneel in humility
- - Be sincere and speak from the heart
- - Exert all your powers in calling upon Heavenly Father
D&C 6:14; 42:61 contain promises from the Lord
- - We can receive instruction of the Spirit
- - We can receive revelation and knowledge, know mysteries, and peaceable things and have joy
D&C 63:23; 76:5-10; 93:1, 28; 101:7-8 teaches us to be obedient and serve our Heavenly Father
- - Elder Dallin H. Oaks: “The way to revelation is righteousness.” (The Lords’ Way,[1991], 34)
- - He also taught “We cannot have the companionship of the Holy Ghost—the medium of individual revelation—if we are angry or if we are in rebellion against God’s chosen authorities” (Ensign, Mar. 1997)
D&C 5:24; 19:23; 112:10; 136:32-33 teaches us to be meek and humble
- - David Whitmer recalled this about one morning when Joseph Smith was preparing to resume translating the Book of Mormon: “…something went wrong about the house and he was put out about it. Something that Emma, his wife, had done. Oliver and I went upstairs and Joseph came up soon after to continue the translation but he could not do anything. He could not translate a single syllable. He went downstairs, out into the orchard, and made supplication to the Lord; was gone about an hour—came back to the house, and asked Emma’s forgiveness and then came upstairs where we were and the the translation went on all right. He could do nothing save he were humble and faithful” (quoted in B.H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 1:131).
D&C 25:10; 30:2 teaches us to focus on the things of God rather than worldly concerns.
- - Elder Boyd K. Packer: “Inspiration comes more easily in peaceful settings. Such words as quiet, still, peaceable, Comforter abound in the scriptures… The world grows increasingly noisy. Clothing and grooming and conduct are looser and sloppier and more disheveled. Raucous music, with obscene lyrics blasted through amplifiers while lights flash psychedelic colors, characterizes the drug culture. Variations o fthese things are gaining wide acceptance and influence over our youth… This trend to more noise, more excitement, more contention, less restraint, less dignity, less formality is not coincidental nor innocent nor harmless. The first order issued by a commander mounting a military invasion is the jamming of the channels of communication of those he intends to conquer. Irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary by obstructing the delicate channels of revelation in both mind and spirit” (Ensign, Nov. 1991, 21-22)
Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught: “Divine guidance is so crucial…that we need to go out of our way to put ourselves in a situation in which such special help can be given.” May we remember that as we seek personal revelation.
Forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
The Lord does not require us to be prophets to receive revelation. We will not receive revelation to guide the Church, but we will receive personal revelation to guide our choices in life and to give us personal knowledge that will help us understand the gospel and gospel principles.
Personal revelation is a great blessing in our lives:
The Lord communicates with us
The heavens are open to us as we seek the truth
“No one of us can survive in the world of today, much less in what it soon will become, without personal inspiration.” – Elder Boyd K. Packer (Ensign, Nov. 1991, 23)
Personal revelation and inspiration are important for us because:
Revelation is the way we receive our testimony of the Savior, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the Church.
It allows us to learn divine truths
It allows us to receive guidance and to understand answers to life’s challenges and difficult choices.
Consider the personal benefits for you in receiving personal revelations.
The D&C teaches us how to prepare ourselves for revelations.
References:
D&C 9:8 and Joseph Smith—History 1:8-10 teaches us to study matters out in our own minds
Practice serious reflection
Reflect upon your feelings
Gather knowledge that is available
Invest time and effort in your study
Actively study the scriptures
Seek the answer for as long as it takes…do not set a time limit on heavenly knowledge and inspiration
Use your agency properly
D&C 138: 1-11; Joseph Smith—History 1:11-12
Elder Dallin H. Oaks: “Scripture reading may…lead to current revelation on whatever [subject] the Lord wishes to communicate to the reader at that time. We do not overstate the point when we say that the scriptures can be a Urim and Thummim to assist each of us to receive personal revelation. Because we believe that scripture reading can help us receive revelation, we are encouraged to read the scriptures again and again. By this means, we obtain access to what our Heavenly Father would have us know and do in our personal lives today. That is one reason Latter-day Saints believe in daily scripture study.” (Ensign, Jan. 1995, 8)
D&C 6:5, 14; 8:1; 42:61; 88:63-64 teaches us to inquire of the Lord in faith and believe that you will receive.
Elder Boyd K. Packer: “No message appears in scripture more times, in more ways than ’Ask, and ye shall receive’” (Ensign Nov. 1991, 21)
President Spencer W. Kimball: “Do you offer a few trite words and worn-out phrases, or do you talk intimately to the Lord? Do you pray occasionally when you should be praying regularly, often, constantly?…When you pray, do you just speak, or do you also listen?…Do you give thanks or merely ask for favors?” (New Era, Mar. 1978, 17)
D&C 8:1 Ask “with an honest heart”
- - Honestly seek to understand the Lord’s will
- - Ask only those things that are in accordance with the Lord’s will
- - Be sure your motives are pure
- - Be sure that you are repentant
Joseph Smith—History 1: 13-16 teaches us some important lessons about prayer
- - Pray vocally
- - Kneel in humility
- - Be sincere and speak from the heart
- - Exert all your powers in calling upon Heavenly Father
D&C 6:14; 42:61 contain promises from the Lord
- - We can receive instruction of the Spirit
- - We can receive revelation and knowledge, know mysteries, and peaceable things and have joy
D&C 63:23; 76:5-10; 93:1, 28; 101:7-8 teaches us to be obedient and serve our Heavenly Father
- - Elder Dallin H. Oaks: “The way to revelation is righteousness.” (The Lords’ Way,[1991], 34)
- - He also taught “We cannot have the companionship of the Holy Ghost—the medium of individual revelation—if we are angry or if we are in rebellion against God’s chosen authorities” (Ensign, Mar. 1997)
D&C 5:24; 19:23; 112:10; 136:32-33 teaches us to be meek and humble
- - David Whitmer recalled this about one morning when Joseph Smith was preparing to resume translating the Book of Mormon: “…something went wrong about the house and he was put out about it. Something that Emma, his wife, had done. Oliver and I went upstairs and Joseph came up soon after to continue the translation but he could not do anything. He could not translate a single syllable. He went downstairs, out into the orchard, and made supplication to the Lord; was gone about an hour—came back to the house, and asked Emma’s forgiveness and then came upstairs where we were and the the translation went on all right. He could do nothing save he were humble and faithful” (quoted in B.H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 1:131).
D&C 25:10; 30:2 teaches us to focus on the things of God rather than worldly concerns.
- - Elder Boyd K. Packer: “Inspiration comes more easily in peaceful settings. Such words as quiet, still, peaceable, Comforter abound in the scriptures… The world grows increasingly noisy. Clothing and grooming and conduct are looser and sloppier and more disheveled. Raucous music, with obscene lyrics blasted through amplifiers while lights flash psychedelic colors, characterizes the drug culture. Variations o fthese things are gaining wide acceptance and influence over our youth… This trend to more noise, more excitement, more contention, less restraint, less dignity, less formality is not coincidental nor innocent nor harmless. The first order issued by a commander mounting a military invasion is the jamming of the channels of communication of those he intends to conquer. Irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary by obstructing the delicate channels of revelation in both mind and spirit” (Ensign, Nov. 1991, 21-22)
Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught: “Divine guidance is so crucial…that we need to go out of our way to put ourselves in a situation in which such special help can be given.” May we remember that as we seek personal revelation.
Forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 4: “Remember the New Covenant, Even the Book of Mormon”
Joseph Smith’s preparation to receive and translate the Book of Mormon
In the three years after the First Vision, Joseph Smith suffered “severe persecution” but remained steadfast in his testimony of that momentous event. His courage and integrity are an example for us as we face persecution or ridicule.
The angel Moroni visited Joseph when the Prophet was only 17 in response to prayer. When we recognize our weaknesses, we too can seek forgiveness and direction to get ourselves back on track.
When Joseph was first shown the plates, he was unprepared to receive them, much less proceed to translate the strange writing. In Joseph Smith—History 1:33-35, 42, 44-46, and 53-54, we see how the Lord prepared Joseph for his task.
The miracle of the Book of Mormon’s preservation
Satan tried to thwart the coming forth of the Book of Mormon in numerous ways. He prompted evil men to attempt to steal the plates and persecute the Prophet and his family. Satan’s efforts were frustrated and the precious scriptures came forth despite all his plans and cunning.
In one notable and familiar example of Satan’s efforts to prevent the successful introduction of the Book of Mormon, Martin Harris lost 116 pages of translated manuscript.
After the pages were lost, the Lord chastened Joseph for fearing his benefactor, Martin Harris, more than God. (D&C 3:7)
In spite of his despair, Joseph was comforted by the Lord as mercy was shown for the mistake. The Lord proved His love for Joseph in D&C 3:8 as He demonstrated that He would be “with [Joseph] in every time of trouble”.
Because the Lord knew that evil men would steal the 116 pages of manuscript, He had prepared an alternative to accomplish His purposes and defeat the evil plan. D&C 10:38-39 and 1 Nephi 9:2-5 explain.
Witnesses of the Book of Mormon
The Three Witnesses: Oliver Cowdrey, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris.
D&C 5:11-15, 24-25; 17:3, 5 tell what the witnesses were commanded to do.
Ether 5:4; D&C 5:16-18; and 17:4 explain why their testimony was important.
The Eight Witnesses saw the gold plates for themselves and so testified. While all of the Three Witnesses and three of the Eight Witnesses left the Church, none ever denied his testimony of what he saw. In the last year of his life, David Whitmer published a strong denial that he never recanted his testimony nor did the other two witnesses, Harris and Cowdrey. All three died reaffirming their testimony. See A Comprehensive History of the Church, 1:145.
The Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses testified of things which they saw and heard. Today, millions of faithful LDS members testify of the truth of the Book of Mormon because of the spiritual witness that they have received from the Holy Ghost. Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said, “The strength of the Church is not in…its thousands of houses of worship across the world, nor in its universities…the strength of this church lies in the hearts of its people, in the individual testimony and conviction of the truth of this work” (Ensign, July 1973, 49).
Our duty to “remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon”
Early Saints were condemned by the Lord for taking the Book of Mormon lightly. (D&C 84:55) President Ezra Taft Benson said:
“If the early Saints were rebuked for treating the Book of Mormon lightly, are we under any less condemnation if we do the same?” (Ensign, Nov. 1986, 4-5)
“The Lord is not pleased with us in the manner of attention we’re giving the Book of Mormon, a new witness for Christ. We need it in our homes, we need it in our families. It was written for us today” (Church News, 9 Nov. 1986, 10)
“There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called ‘the words of life’ (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance…[You will also enjoy] increased love and harmony in the home, greater respect between parent and child, [and] increased spirituality and righteousness. These promises are not idle promises, but exactly what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said the Book of Mormon will help us draw nearer to God” (Ensign, Nov 1986, 7)
President Benson went on to point out that we need to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon. We are encouraged to make the Book of Mormon a greater emphasis in our lives.
---
Biblical prophecies that Moroni quoted to Joseph Smith included Malachi 3, Malachi 4, Isaiah 11, Acts 3:22-23, and Joel 2:28-32.
The Doctrine and Covenants is an external witness of the Book of Mormon. President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “Excluding the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants is by far the greatest external witness and evidence which we have from the Lord that the Book of Mormon is true” (Ensign, May 1987, 83). President Benson referred to 13 different sections of the D&C that testify of the Book of Mormon: D&C 1, 3, 5, 8, 10-11, 17-18, 20, 27, 42, 84, and 135.
Drawing nearer to God through the Book of Mormon: The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461). Pres. Benson cited this quotation and then asked, “Is there not something deep in our hearts that longs to draw nearer to God, to be more like Him in our daily walk, to feel His presence with us constantly? If so, then the Book of Mormon will help us do so more than any other book” (Ensign, Nov. 1986, 7)
Translated by the gift and power of God: Joseph Smith completed the translation of the Book of Mormon in about 65 working days. Elder Neal A. Maxwell commented on the speed of the process and the remarkable fact that Joseph would rarely go back, review, or revise, so there was a “steady flow” in the translation process. Miracles still occur today in the process of translating the Book of Mormon into a multitude of languages for worldwide distribution.
Forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
In the three years after the First Vision, Joseph Smith suffered “severe persecution” but remained steadfast in his testimony of that momentous event. His courage and integrity are an example for us as we face persecution or ridicule.
The angel Moroni visited Joseph when the Prophet was only 17 in response to prayer. When we recognize our weaknesses, we too can seek forgiveness and direction to get ourselves back on track.
When Joseph was first shown the plates, he was unprepared to receive them, much less proceed to translate the strange writing. In Joseph Smith—History 1:33-35, 42, 44-46, and 53-54, we see how the Lord prepared Joseph for his task.
The miracle of the Book of Mormon’s preservation
Satan tried to thwart the coming forth of the Book of Mormon in numerous ways. He prompted evil men to attempt to steal the plates and persecute the Prophet and his family. Satan’s efforts were frustrated and the precious scriptures came forth despite all his plans and cunning.
In one notable and familiar example of Satan’s efforts to prevent the successful introduction of the Book of Mormon, Martin Harris lost 116 pages of translated manuscript.
After the pages were lost, the Lord chastened Joseph for fearing his benefactor, Martin Harris, more than God. (D&C 3:7)
In spite of his despair, Joseph was comforted by the Lord as mercy was shown for the mistake. The Lord proved His love for Joseph in D&C 3:8 as He demonstrated that He would be “with [Joseph] in every time of trouble”.
Because the Lord knew that evil men would steal the 116 pages of manuscript, He had prepared an alternative to accomplish His purposes and defeat the evil plan. D&C 10:38-39 and 1 Nephi 9:2-5 explain.
Witnesses of the Book of Mormon
The Three Witnesses: Oliver Cowdrey, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris.
D&C 5:11-15, 24-25; 17:3, 5 tell what the witnesses were commanded to do.
Ether 5:4; D&C 5:16-18; and 17:4 explain why their testimony was important.
The Eight Witnesses saw the gold plates for themselves and so testified. While all of the Three Witnesses and three of the Eight Witnesses left the Church, none ever denied his testimony of what he saw. In the last year of his life, David Whitmer published a strong denial that he never recanted his testimony nor did the other two witnesses, Harris and Cowdrey. All three died reaffirming their testimony. See A Comprehensive History of the Church, 1:145.
The Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses testified of things which they saw and heard. Today, millions of faithful LDS members testify of the truth of the Book of Mormon because of the spiritual witness that they have received from the Holy Ghost. Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said, “The strength of the Church is not in…its thousands of houses of worship across the world, nor in its universities…the strength of this church lies in the hearts of its people, in the individual testimony and conviction of the truth of this work” (Ensign, July 1973, 49).
Our duty to “remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon”
Early Saints were condemned by the Lord for taking the Book of Mormon lightly. (D&C 84:55) President Ezra Taft Benson said:
“If the early Saints were rebuked for treating the Book of Mormon lightly, are we under any less condemnation if we do the same?” (Ensign, Nov. 1986, 4-5)
“The Lord is not pleased with us in the manner of attention we’re giving the Book of Mormon, a new witness for Christ. We need it in our homes, we need it in our families. It was written for us today” (Church News, 9 Nov. 1986, 10)
“There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called ‘the words of life’ (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance…[You will also enjoy] increased love and harmony in the home, greater respect between parent and child, [and] increased spirituality and righteousness. These promises are not idle promises, but exactly what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said the Book of Mormon will help us draw nearer to God” (Ensign, Nov 1986, 7)
President Benson went on to point out that we need to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon. We are encouraged to make the Book of Mormon a greater emphasis in our lives.
---
Biblical prophecies that Moroni quoted to Joseph Smith included Malachi 3, Malachi 4, Isaiah 11, Acts 3:22-23, and Joel 2:28-32.
The Doctrine and Covenants is an external witness of the Book of Mormon. President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “Excluding the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants is by far the greatest external witness and evidence which we have from the Lord that the Book of Mormon is true” (Ensign, May 1987, 83). President Benson referred to 13 different sections of the D&C that testify of the Book of Mormon: D&C 1, 3, 5, 8, 10-11, 17-18, 20, 27, 42, 84, and 135.
Drawing nearer to God through the Book of Mormon: The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461). Pres. Benson cited this quotation and then asked, “Is there not something deep in our hearts that longs to draw nearer to God, to be more like Him in our daily walk, to feel His presence with us constantly? If so, then the Book of Mormon will help us do so more than any other book” (Ensign, Nov. 1986, 7)
Translated by the gift and power of God: Joseph Smith completed the translation of the Book of Mormon in about 65 working days. Elder Neal A. Maxwell commented on the speed of the process and the remarkable fact that Joseph would rarely go back, review, or revise, so there was a “steady flow” in the translation process. Miracles still occur today in the process of translating the Book of Mormon into a multitude of languages for worldwide distribution.
Forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 3: "I had seen a vision"
After the Apostasy, God prepared the way for the Restoration
When Christ’s atonement and earthly mission were completed, the Apostles, with the senior apostle, Peter, at their head, led the Church Jesus had organized. Persecutions, lack of unity, and apostasy led to a fulfillment of the Apostles’ prophecy that a falling away from the truth—The Great Apostasy—would come to pass. (Acts 20:28-20; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:3-4).
Consequences of the Great Apostasy included: (D&C 1:15-16; Joseph Smith—History 1:8-9, 19, 21; Mormon 1:13-14)
· · No priesthood authority remained on the earth
· · No apostles and no prophets on the earth
· · Knowledge of the true nature of God was lost
· · The doctrines of the gospel were corrupted
· · Sacred ordinances such as baptism were altered
· · The original Church divided into competing, discordant, and apostate groups
Before the Restoration which the Lord had planned, the earth was in spiritual darkness for many centuries. Then, the Lord began preparing the way for a final restoration. The long journey out of darkness began in the 1300’s. The following events prepared the earth and the people for enlightenment:
· · The rebirth of learning, literature, art, and science heralded the Renaissance. Elder James E. Talmage said of the Renaissance was no random happening, but rather “a development predetermined in the Mind of God to illuminate the benighted minds of men in preparation for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was appointed to be accomplished some centuries later” (Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed. [1916], 749).
· · The Reformation was based on the belief that the churches had lost the truth of the Savior’s teachings. Elder M. Russell Ballard said that Martin Luther and other reformers “were inspired to create a religious climate in which God could restore lost truths and priesthood authority” (Ensign, Nov. 1994, 66).
· · Europeans discovered the Americas and the land was populated with people who believed in establishing a country with religious tolerance and freedom. Later, the Constitution guaranteed religious freedom under the law. Elder Ballard said, “God inspired the earlier explorers and colonizers of America and the framers of the Constitution of the United States to develop a land and governing principles to which the gospel could be restored” (Ensign, Nov. 1994, 66).
God prepared Joseph Smith to be the prophet of the Restoration
Heavenly Father not only created the right environment that was conducive to the restoration of the gospel, but He also prepared valiant leadership—the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Joseph Smith’s Family helped prepare him for his calling. He came from a religious background that instilled strong moral values, patriotism, and an appreciation of education. His grandfather, Asael Smith, said, long before Joseph’s birth, “It has been borne in upon my soul that one of my descendants will promulgate a work to revolutionize the world of religious faith” (Essentials in Church History, Joseph Fielding Smith, 27th ed. [1974], 25).
Joseph’s parents, Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack, were both faithful believers and devoted parents. They taught and exemplified godly attributes to the future prophet, preparing him with faith and righteous behavior. They also shared with him some of the religious experiences they enjoyed. Each had had special spiritual blessings given in dreams or in answer to prayer. They were active seekers of truth and felt that the churches they had attended were lacking. Joseph Sr. did not join any church because he felt none were truly as God intended, but Lucy felt a duty to be baptized, so she became affiliated with the Presbyterians until the true church was restored to the earth.
In the plan to prepare Joseph, the Lord let adversity strengthen the lad. Our Heritage, pgs. 1-2 gives an account of a serious infection that affected Joseph’s leg and left him with a permanent limp. From this story, we can gain insight into the Prophet’s early trials and his response.
Joseph was prepared in an area where religious activity was frequent and fervent. Leaving Vermont at age 10, Joseph settled with his family in New York after crop failures made it necessary to move west. His history indicates that Joseph was confused about which church to join and where to find the truth he needed. His answers came in the scriptures.
The First Vision initiated the Restoration of the gospel
In the spring of 1820, early in the morning, Joseph uttered his first vocal prayer and sought wisdom from God. See Joseph Smith—History 1:1-19 for Joseph’s account.
Truths revealed in the First Vision
President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “I submit that in the few minutes that Joseph Smith was with the Father and the Son, he learned more of the nature of God the Eternal Father and the risen Lord than all the learned minds in all their discussions through all centuries of time” (Church News, 24 Oct. 1998, 6).
From the First Vision, we learn:
· · God the Father and Jesus Christ live
· · The Father and Son are real, separate beings with glorified bodies of flesh and bones
· · We are created in the image of God
· · Satan and his power are real, but God’s power is infinitely greater
· · God hears and answers prayers. He cares for us.
· · No church on earth had the fullness of Christ’s gospel
· · Revelation has not ceased
President David O. McKay testified that the First Vision “answers all the [questions] regarding God and his divine personality. …His relation to his children is clear. His interest in humanity through authority delegated to man is apparent. The future of the work is assured. These and other glorious truths are clarified by that glorious first vision” (Gospel Ideals [1954], 85).
Elder Ezra Taft Benson said, “The appearance of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ to the boy prophet is the greatest event that has occurred in this world since the resurrection of the Master” (Ensign, June 1971, 34). Each of us should develop a testimony of that first vision and the truths it revealed.
Forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
When Christ’s atonement and earthly mission were completed, the Apostles, with the senior apostle, Peter, at their head, led the Church Jesus had organized. Persecutions, lack of unity, and apostasy led to a fulfillment of the Apostles’ prophecy that a falling away from the truth—The Great Apostasy—would come to pass. (Acts 20:28-20; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:3-4).
Consequences of the Great Apostasy included: (D&C 1:15-16; Joseph Smith—History 1:8-9, 19, 21; Mormon 1:13-14)
· · No priesthood authority remained on the earth
· · No apostles and no prophets on the earth
· · Knowledge of the true nature of God was lost
· · The doctrines of the gospel were corrupted
· · Sacred ordinances such as baptism were altered
· · The original Church divided into competing, discordant, and apostate groups
Before the Restoration which the Lord had planned, the earth was in spiritual darkness for many centuries. Then, the Lord began preparing the way for a final restoration. The long journey out of darkness began in the 1300’s. The following events prepared the earth and the people for enlightenment:
· · The rebirth of learning, literature, art, and science heralded the Renaissance. Elder James E. Talmage said of the Renaissance was no random happening, but rather “a development predetermined in the Mind of God to illuminate the benighted minds of men in preparation for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was appointed to be accomplished some centuries later” (Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed. [1916], 749).
· · The Reformation was based on the belief that the churches had lost the truth of the Savior’s teachings. Elder M. Russell Ballard said that Martin Luther and other reformers “were inspired to create a religious climate in which God could restore lost truths and priesthood authority” (Ensign, Nov. 1994, 66).
· · Europeans discovered the Americas and the land was populated with people who believed in establishing a country with religious tolerance and freedom. Later, the Constitution guaranteed religious freedom under the law. Elder Ballard said, “God inspired the earlier explorers and colonizers of America and the framers of the Constitution of the United States to develop a land and governing principles to which the gospel could be restored” (Ensign, Nov. 1994, 66).
God prepared Joseph Smith to be the prophet of the Restoration
Heavenly Father not only created the right environment that was conducive to the restoration of the gospel, but He also prepared valiant leadership—the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Joseph Smith’s Family helped prepare him for his calling. He came from a religious background that instilled strong moral values, patriotism, and an appreciation of education. His grandfather, Asael Smith, said, long before Joseph’s birth, “It has been borne in upon my soul that one of my descendants will promulgate a work to revolutionize the world of religious faith” (Essentials in Church History, Joseph Fielding Smith, 27th ed. [1974], 25).
Joseph’s parents, Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack, were both faithful believers and devoted parents. They taught and exemplified godly attributes to the future prophet, preparing him with faith and righteous behavior. They also shared with him some of the religious experiences they enjoyed. Each had had special spiritual blessings given in dreams or in answer to prayer. They were active seekers of truth and felt that the churches they had attended were lacking. Joseph Sr. did not join any church because he felt none were truly as God intended, but Lucy felt a duty to be baptized, so she became affiliated with the Presbyterians until the true church was restored to the earth.
In the plan to prepare Joseph, the Lord let adversity strengthen the lad. Our Heritage, pgs. 1-2 gives an account of a serious infection that affected Joseph’s leg and left him with a permanent limp. From this story, we can gain insight into the Prophet’s early trials and his response.
Joseph was prepared in an area where religious activity was frequent and fervent. Leaving Vermont at age 10, Joseph settled with his family in New York after crop failures made it necessary to move west. His history indicates that Joseph was confused about which church to join and where to find the truth he needed. His answers came in the scriptures.
The First Vision initiated the Restoration of the gospel
In the spring of 1820, early in the morning, Joseph uttered his first vocal prayer and sought wisdom from God. See Joseph Smith—History 1:1-19 for Joseph’s account.
Truths revealed in the First Vision
President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “I submit that in the few minutes that Joseph Smith was with the Father and the Son, he learned more of the nature of God the Eternal Father and the risen Lord than all the learned minds in all their discussions through all centuries of time” (Church News, 24 Oct. 1998, 6).
From the First Vision, we learn:
· · God the Father and Jesus Christ live
· · The Father and Son are real, separate beings with glorified bodies of flesh and bones
· · We are created in the image of God
· · Satan and his power are real, but God’s power is infinitely greater
· · God hears and answers prayers. He cares for us.
· · No church on earth had the fullness of Christ’s gospel
· · Revelation has not ceased
President David O. McKay testified that the First Vision “answers all the [questions] regarding God and his divine personality. …His relation to his children is clear. His interest in humanity through authority delegated to man is apparent. The future of the work is assured. These and other glorious truths are clarified by that glorious first vision” (Gospel Ideals [1954], 85).
Elder Ezra Taft Benson said, “The appearance of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ to the boy prophet is the greatest event that has occurred in this world since the resurrection of the Master” (Ensign, June 1971, 34). Each of us should develop a testimony of that first vision and the truths it revealed.
Forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 2: “Behold, I Am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World”
Elder Boyd K. Packer: “[The Atonement of Jesus Christ] is the very root of Christian doctrine. You may know much about the gospel as it branches out from there, but if you only know the branches and those branches do not touch that root, if they have been cut free from that truth, there will be no life nor substance nor redemption in them” (Ensign, May 1977, 56). The Atonement of Jesus Christ brings life and gives meaning to all other doctrines of the true gospel.
The Doctrine and Covenants is another—modern dispensation—testimony of Jesus Christ
A major purpose of all scripture is to testify of the Savior. Scripture is intended to persuade individuals to come unto the Savior and accept the salvation offered through His Atonement. While the Bible, the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price, and the Book of Mormon are ancient witnesses of the Christ, the Doctrine and Covenants testifies that in our present day that He lives, He is the Savior of the World, He stands at the head of the Church, He speaks to His chosen servants—the prophets, and He guides His people today just as He did in Biblical and Book of Mormon times.
D&C 50:41-44; 76:22-24. The Doctrine and Covenants testifies powerfully of the Savior and His work. Most testimonies are directly from the Savior himself.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ allows us to come unto Christ, sincerely repent, and be forgiven.
Think of Christ in Gethsemane and as He suffered on the cross. The D&C contains revelations which help us understand what He endured and why.
· D&C 19:16-19 contains the Savior’s own description of His suffering in Gethsemane.
· D&C 18:10-11; 19:19, 24; and 34:3 help us understand why He was willing to suffer for us.
Through His Atonement, we will all be resurrected.
· D&C 88:14-16; 93:33; and Alma 11:42-43 explain that resurrection is the redemption of the soul. The spirit and body are reunited, inseparably connected in a perfect form.
· D&C 88:18. Resurrection prepares us for celestial glory.
· D&C 93:33. Resurrection is necessary for us to receive a fullness of joy.
· Alma 11:44. All people will be resurrected.
Through the Atonement, we can be forgiven of our sins and inherit celestial glory
· D&C 18:11-12. We can repent of our sins and come unto the Savior.
· D&C 19:16-17, 20. If we repent, Christ takes upon Himself the suffering for our sins.
· D&C 58:42. When we repent, the Lord forgives us and remembers our sins no more.
· D&C 76:62-70. We are eligible to rise in the first resurrection, be perfected through Christ, and inherit celestial glory.
Through His Atonement, the Savior gained perfect empathy for our sorrows and afflictions
· D&C 122:1-8 (given in Liberty Jail). The first 7 verses recount Joseph Smith’s trials, while verse 8 refers to the Savior’s trials. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “When…difficult times come to us, we can remember that Jesus had to descend below all things before He could ascend above them, and that He suffered pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind that He might be filled with mercy and know how to succor (help) His people in their infirmities” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 69).
We should ponder ways in which we can show our appreciation to our Savior for His sacrifice and suffering on our behalf.
Through a study of the D&C, we gain an improved understanding of Christ’s roles and attributes
According to Joseph Smith, we have to possess “a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes” (in Joseph Smith, comp. Lectures on Faith [1985], 38) before we may properly exercise faith in Him. The D&C helps us understand our Father and His Son.
Attributes of the Savior that can be found in the scriptures we have read today include charity, obedience, humility, and submissiveness.
The following also highlight and help us recognize the Savior’s attributes and His roles:
· D&C 6:20-21. If we are faithful and diligent, the Savior will encircle us in the arms of His love. He is the light that shines in darkness.
· D&C 6:32-37. He offers us protection and comfort and is ready to bless us when we remember Him and obey His commandments.
· D&C 19:1-3. Having done the will of the Father, He has subdued all things and retained all power. He will destroy Satan and his works. He will judge all people according to their deeds.
· D&C 29:1-2. His arm of mercy has atoned for our sins. If we hearken to His voice and humble ourselves, He will gather us as a hen gathers her chicks.
· D&C 38:1-3. He is the Creator of the world and He knows all things.
· D&C 43:34. He is the Savior of the world.
· D&C 45:3-5. He is our advocate with the Father.
· D&C 50:44. He is the Good Shepherd and the Stone of Israel, a sure foundation upon which we can build.
· D&C 76:5. He is merciful and gracious to those who fear Him, and He delights to honor those who serve Him in righteousness and truth to the end.
· D&C 93:5-19. He is the Only Begotten of the Father. He “continued from grace to grace” until He received a fullness of the glory and power of the Father.
· D&C 133:42-52. When He comes in power at the time of His Second Coming, those who He has redeemed will mention His loving-kindness and goodness.
· D&C 136:22. His arm is extended to save His people.
As you study the Doctrine and Covenants, look for teachings that help you understand and appreciate Jesus Christ. He is the central figure in this modern-day book of revelations. The D&C can help you strengthen your testimony of the Lord and the plan of salvation.
forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
The Doctrine and Covenants is another—modern dispensation—testimony of Jesus Christ
A major purpose of all scripture is to testify of the Savior. Scripture is intended to persuade individuals to come unto the Savior and accept the salvation offered through His Atonement. While the Bible, the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price, and the Book of Mormon are ancient witnesses of the Christ, the Doctrine and Covenants testifies that in our present day that He lives, He is the Savior of the World, He stands at the head of the Church, He speaks to His chosen servants—the prophets, and He guides His people today just as He did in Biblical and Book of Mormon times.
D&C 50:41-44; 76:22-24. The Doctrine and Covenants testifies powerfully of the Savior and His work. Most testimonies are directly from the Savior himself.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ allows us to come unto Christ, sincerely repent, and be forgiven.
Think of Christ in Gethsemane and as He suffered on the cross. The D&C contains revelations which help us understand what He endured and why.
· D&C 19:16-19 contains the Savior’s own description of His suffering in Gethsemane.
· D&C 18:10-11; 19:19, 24; and 34:3 help us understand why He was willing to suffer for us.
Through His Atonement, we will all be resurrected.
· D&C 88:14-16; 93:33; and Alma 11:42-43 explain that resurrection is the redemption of the soul. The spirit and body are reunited, inseparably connected in a perfect form.
· D&C 88:18. Resurrection prepares us for celestial glory.
· D&C 93:33. Resurrection is necessary for us to receive a fullness of joy.
· Alma 11:44. All people will be resurrected.
Through the Atonement, we can be forgiven of our sins and inherit celestial glory
· D&C 18:11-12. We can repent of our sins and come unto the Savior.
· D&C 19:16-17, 20. If we repent, Christ takes upon Himself the suffering for our sins.
· D&C 58:42. When we repent, the Lord forgives us and remembers our sins no more.
· D&C 76:62-70. We are eligible to rise in the first resurrection, be perfected through Christ, and inherit celestial glory.
Through His Atonement, the Savior gained perfect empathy for our sorrows and afflictions
· D&C 122:1-8 (given in Liberty Jail). The first 7 verses recount Joseph Smith’s trials, while verse 8 refers to the Savior’s trials. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “When…difficult times come to us, we can remember that Jesus had to descend below all things before He could ascend above them, and that He suffered pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind that He might be filled with mercy and know how to succor (help) His people in their infirmities” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 69).
We should ponder ways in which we can show our appreciation to our Savior for His sacrifice and suffering on our behalf.
Through a study of the D&C, we gain an improved understanding of Christ’s roles and attributes
According to Joseph Smith, we have to possess “a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes” (in Joseph Smith, comp. Lectures on Faith [1985], 38) before we may properly exercise faith in Him. The D&C helps us understand our Father and His Son.
Attributes of the Savior that can be found in the scriptures we have read today include charity, obedience, humility, and submissiveness.
The following also highlight and help us recognize the Savior’s attributes and His roles:
· D&C 6:20-21. If we are faithful and diligent, the Savior will encircle us in the arms of His love. He is the light that shines in darkness.
· D&C 6:32-37. He offers us protection and comfort and is ready to bless us when we remember Him and obey His commandments.
· D&C 19:1-3. Having done the will of the Father, He has subdued all things and retained all power. He will destroy Satan and his works. He will judge all people according to their deeds.
· D&C 29:1-2. His arm of mercy has atoned for our sins. If we hearken to His voice and humble ourselves, He will gather us as a hen gathers her chicks.
· D&C 38:1-3. He is the Creator of the world and He knows all things.
· D&C 43:34. He is the Savior of the world.
· D&C 45:3-5. He is our advocate with the Father.
· D&C 50:44. He is the Good Shepherd and the Stone of Israel, a sure foundation upon which we can build.
· D&C 76:5. He is merciful and gracious to those who fear Him, and He delights to honor those who serve Him in righteousness and truth to the end.
· D&C 93:5-19. He is the Only Begotten of the Father. He “continued from grace to grace” until He received a fullness of the glory and power of the Father.
· D&C 133:42-52. When He comes in power at the time of His Second Coming, those who He has redeemed will mention His loving-kindness and goodness.
· D&C 136:22. His arm is extended to save His people.
As you study the Doctrine and Covenants, look for teachings that help you understand and appreciate Jesus Christ. He is the central figure in this modern-day book of revelations. The D&C can help you strengthen your testimony of the Lord and the plan of salvation.
forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
Saturday, January 10, 2009
“Doctine and Covenants Lesson 1: Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History”
When I was on my mission, I read the Doctrine and Covenants in a not so usual manner. Of course I studied it while on my mission, but the last 140 days I read (one a day) the 2 official declarations and then started at section 138 and read backwards. It was a “countdown” to going home. Looking back on it now, I remember how disappointing it was the closer I got to section 1. It was an exciting time. This coupled with the facts that I was young and then my mission president springing a surprise request for me to extend my mission threw off the schedule. When I did finish it was all just a whirlwind experience and the two years went by way too fast.
Now that I have had more time to read and study this great latter day scripture I understand and appreciate more the voice of the Lord to us. This book is unique in that it was not translated from a different language. It is direct revelation and discusses the ups and downs of the church struggling under the weight of restoring the entire gospel of Jesus Christ. We read and learn of the great mercies of the Lord to his children. He truly taught line upon line and precept upon precept in bringing back to earth his church organization. It is the handbook for prophets in our day.
The explanatory introduction at the beginning of the Doctrine and Covenants outlines the contents as “a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days. Although most of the sections are directed to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the messages, warnings, and exhortations are for the benefit of all mankind, and contain an invitation to all people everywhere to hear the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking to them for their temporal well-being and their everlasting salvation”. (Paragraph 1, Explanatory Introduction)
There is also great insight in understanding “These sacred revelations were received in answer to prayer, in times of need, and came out of real-life situations involving real people” (Paragraph 6, Explanatory Introduction). This understanding assists us as we remember these came as answers to prayers. Our Heavenly Father cares for us and wants to answer our prayers.
Section 1
On 1 November 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith presided at a special conference of elders, held in Hiram, Ohio. Those in attendance decided to compile some of the revelations the Prophet had received and publish them in a book called the Book of Commandments. Following the first session of this conference, the Lord signified His approval for the publication by giving Joseph Smith a revelation that He called “my preface unto the book of my commandments” (Doctine & Covenants 1:6). This revelation is now section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants.
This conference took place after the first 66 sections of the Doctrine and Covenants were revealed. There were several major events which had already taken place. The restoration of the priesthood, the organization of the church, baptisms, and the sacrament prayers revealed, the list goes on and on. It puts section 1 into perspective when we realize the order of the sections and there place in church history.
Before we go on sharing about section 1, it would be important to understand better the major events of the dispensation of the fulness of times (Doctrine & Covenants 112:30–32). The Prophet Joseph Smith said : “Prophets, priests and kings … have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and prophesied of this our day; but they died without the sight; we are the favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory; it is left for us to see, participate in and help to roll forward the Latter-day glory, ‘the dispensation of the fulness of times’ ” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 231).
This dispensation can be divided into six historical periods.
Now, back to discussing the voice of the Lord in section 1. President Ezra Taft Benson said: “The Doctrine and Covenants is the only book in the world that has a preface written by the Lord Himself. In that preface He declares to the world that His voice is unto all men (see v. 2), that the coming of the Lord is nigh (see v. 12), and that the truths found in the Doctrine and Covenants will all be fulfilled (see vs. 37–38)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 101; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 79).
In D&C 1, the Lord raises a “voice of warning,” which He continues throughout the Doctrine and Covenants (Doctrine & Covenants 1:4). What warnings does the Lord issue in this section? (See Doctrine & Covenants 1:7–10, 12–16, 31–33.) How do these warnings apply to us? They absolutely do on an daily basis.
For whom are the messages of the Doctrine and Covenants intended? How are these messages to go to all people? (See Doctrine & Covenants 1:1-4)
In section 1, the Lord foretells the great destiny of His latter-day work (Doctrine & Covenants 1:23, 30). Explain that when the Lord revealed this section, the Church had been organized for only one and one-half years and had only a few hundred members. How are the prophecies of the Church’s growth being fulfilled in our day?
In D&C 1, the Lord explains some of the purposes for the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants. See Doctrine & Covenants 1:17–28. As recorded in these verses, what are some of the purposes of the revelations? Here are some answers and insights.
“That every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:20).
“That faith also might increase” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:21).
“That mine everlasting covenant might be established” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:22).
“That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:23).
To help the Lord’s servants “come to understanding” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:24).
“And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:25).
“And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:26).
“And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:27).
“And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:28).
The Lord’s preface to the Doctrine and Covenants concludes with a commandment to search His words. See Doctrine & Covenants 1:37–38 and Doctrine & Covenants 18:34–36. What does the Lord teach us about His words and His voice in these verses? How is searching the scriptures different from merely reading them? How have you benefited from searching the Lord’s words in the Doctrine and Covenants? It is a great blessing to search these words and hear the Lord’s voice in them.
This aids in recognizing the voice of the Lord in our own lives. It has helped me to be able to do and follow the direction of righteousness.
This will be an exciting year. It is a great opportunity to increase our understanding and testimony of the Lord’s work in the latter days.
Now that I have had more time to read and study this great latter day scripture I understand and appreciate more the voice of the Lord to us. This book is unique in that it was not translated from a different language. It is direct revelation and discusses the ups and downs of the church struggling under the weight of restoring the entire gospel of Jesus Christ. We read and learn of the great mercies of the Lord to his children. He truly taught line upon line and precept upon precept in bringing back to earth his church organization. It is the handbook for prophets in our day.
The explanatory introduction at the beginning of the Doctrine and Covenants outlines the contents as “a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days. Although most of the sections are directed to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the messages, warnings, and exhortations are for the benefit of all mankind, and contain an invitation to all people everywhere to hear the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking to them for their temporal well-being and their everlasting salvation”. (Paragraph 1, Explanatory Introduction)
There is also great insight in understanding “These sacred revelations were received in answer to prayer, in times of need, and came out of real-life situations involving real people” (Paragraph 6, Explanatory Introduction). This understanding assists us as we remember these came as answers to prayers. Our Heavenly Father cares for us and wants to answer our prayers.
Section 1
On 1 November 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith presided at a special conference of elders, held in Hiram, Ohio. Those in attendance decided to compile some of the revelations the Prophet had received and publish them in a book called the Book of Commandments. Following the first session of this conference, the Lord signified His approval for the publication by giving Joseph Smith a revelation that He called “my preface unto the book of my commandments” (Doctine & Covenants 1:6). This revelation is now section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants.
This conference took place after the first 66 sections of the Doctrine and Covenants were revealed. There were several major events which had already taken place. The restoration of the priesthood, the organization of the church, baptisms, and the sacrament prayers revealed, the list goes on and on. It puts section 1 into perspective when we realize the order of the sections and there place in church history.
Before we go on sharing about section 1, it would be important to understand better the major events of the dispensation of the fulness of times (Doctrine & Covenants 112:30–32). The Prophet Joseph Smith said : “Prophets, priests and kings … have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and prophesied of this our day; but they died without the sight; we are the favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory; it is left for us to see, participate in and help to roll forward the Latter-day glory, ‘the dispensation of the fulness of times’ ” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 231).
This dispensation can be divided into six historical periods.
Now, back to discussing the voice of the Lord in section 1. President Ezra Taft Benson said: “The Doctrine and Covenants is the only book in the world that has a preface written by the Lord Himself. In that preface He declares to the world that His voice is unto all men (see v. 2), that the coming of the Lord is nigh (see v. 12), and that the truths found in the Doctrine and Covenants will all be fulfilled (see vs. 37–38)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 101; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 79).
In D&C 1, the Lord raises a “voice of warning,” which He continues throughout the Doctrine and Covenants (Doctrine & Covenants 1:4). What warnings does the Lord issue in this section? (See Doctrine & Covenants 1:7–10, 12–16, 31–33.) How do these warnings apply to us? They absolutely do on an daily basis.
For whom are the messages of the Doctrine and Covenants intended? How are these messages to go to all people? (See Doctrine & Covenants 1:1-4)
In section 1, the Lord foretells the great destiny of His latter-day work (Doctrine & Covenants 1:23, 30). Explain that when the Lord revealed this section, the Church had been organized for only one and one-half years and had only a few hundred members. How are the prophecies of the Church’s growth being fulfilled in our day?
In D&C 1, the Lord explains some of the purposes for the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants. See Doctrine & Covenants 1:17–28. As recorded in these verses, what are some of the purposes of the revelations? Here are some answers and insights.
“That every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:20).
“That faith also might increase” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:21).
“That mine everlasting covenant might be established” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:22).
“That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:23).
To help the Lord’s servants “come to understanding” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:24).
“And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:25).
“And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:26).
“And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:27).
“And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:28).
The Lord’s preface to the Doctrine and Covenants concludes with a commandment to search His words. See Doctrine & Covenants 1:37–38 and Doctrine & Covenants 18:34–36. What does the Lord teach us about His words and His voice in these verses? How is searching the scriptures different from merely reading them? How have you benefited from searching the Lord’s words in the Doctrine and Covenants? It is a great blessing to search these words and hear the Lord’s voice in them.
This aids in recognizing the voice of the Lord in our own lives. It has helped me to be able to do and follow the direction of righteousness.
This will be an exciting year. It is a great opportunity to increase our understanding and testimony of the Lord’s work in the latter days.
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