LDS Gospel Doctrine Class

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 12: “The Gathering of My People”

2009-05-07T14:03:00.002-04:00

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

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 11: “The Field Is White Already to Harvest”

2009-05-07T13:58:00.002-04:00

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

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 10: “This Is My Voice unto All”

2009-05-03T09:53:00.002-04:00

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

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 9: “The Only True and Living Church”

2009-04-25T05:53:00.001-04:00

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

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 8: “The Restoration of the Priesthood”

2009-04-25T05:44:00.002-04:00

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

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 7" “The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel”

2009-04-25T05:41:00.002-04:00

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

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 6: “I Will Tell You in Your Mind and in Your Heart, by the Holy Ghost”

2009-04-23T22:17:00.000-04:00

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

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 5:“This Is the Spirit of Revelation”

2009-04-21T18:21:00.000-04:00

“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

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 4: “Remember the New Covenant, Even the Book of Mormon”

2009-04-19T06:48:00.000-04:00

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

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 3: "I had seen a vision"

2009-04-19T06:40:00.000-04:00

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

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 2: “Behold, I Am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World”

2009-04-19T06:25:00.003-04:00

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

“Doctine and Covenants Lesson 1: Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History”

2009-01-10T09:54:00.004-05:00

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.

Book of Mormon Lesson 47: "To Keep Them in the Right Way"

2008-12-22T18:24:00.002-05:00

Moroni 1-6
It is interesting to note there seems to be two reasons these additional chapters are added when Moroni believed he had competed the record. They are 1- they testify of the need for a formal church organization and 2- they witness of the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ- and as an extension- His church.

Moroni Chapter 1
Moroni has been wandering and hiding in an attempt to protect his life from his brethren the Lamanites. He believed after completing the abridgment of the Jaredite record (the Book of Ether), he would have been done adding to the record we now know as the Book of Mormon. “Now I, Moroni, after having made an end of abridging the account of the people of Jared, I had supposed not to have written more, but I have not as yet perished; and I make not myself known to the Lamanites lest they should destroy me.” (Moroni 1:1) Imagine yourself living as he has lived year after year. Fearing the Lamanites locate him and demand he “deny the Christ”. Moroni wrote the Lamanites “because of their hatred they put to death every Nephite that will not deny the Christ. And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ; wherefore, I wander whithersoever I can for the safety of mine own life.” (Moroni 1:2-3)
Moroni was a man of God but a man who knew war. He stood for things which were right, as did his father, Mormon. Yet he still had charity. Concerning these additional writings he hoped “perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord.” (Moroni 1:4) It is interesting how often we hear this same type request of the Lord from his servants writing the record. They had an understanding of the purpose of the record. Remember Enos? He prayed “that if it should so be, that my people, the Nephites, should fall into transgression, and by any means be destroyed, and the Lamanites should not be destroyed, that the Lord God would preserve a record of my people, the Nephites; even if it so be by the power of his holy arm, that it might be brought forth at some future day unto the Lamanites, that, perhaps, they might be brought unto salvation” (Enos 1:13) and the Lord responded. “I had faith, and I did cry unto God that he would preserve the records; and he covenanted with me that he would bring them forth unto the Lamanites in his own due time.” (Enos 1:16) Also remember the title page from the Book of Mormon, penned by the hand of Moroni. This record is “written to the Lamanites”. The Lord in latter-day revelation has repeated this as one of the purposes of the Book of Mormon record. In Doctrine and Covenants 3:19-20, we read: “And for this very purpose are these plates preserved, which contain these records—that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his people; And that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through faith in his name, and that through their repentance they might be saved.”

Moroni Chapter 2
The church set up on the American continent by the Resurrected Jesus Christ was operated under the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood. The apostles had the authority to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost. Christ gave this authority to the apostles. He ordained them in the same manner as it is done today. He “called them by name” (verse 2) and gave them the authority. He further indicated the authority of power to do this would be when they “call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer” (verse 2). This brings up the importance of personal worthiness and priesthood power.
The power and authority to act in the name of God is not obtained solely by a desire to serve God. It is not obtained by achieving an ecclesiastical degree from a seminary or college. It is based upon personal worthiness and only when prophesy, revelation and the laying on of hands by one who has the authority has ordained the priesthood upon another male. Doctrine and Covenants 121:36 reads: “the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.”
In verse 3, Moroni writes, concerning the apostles conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost: “on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost”. This testifies they had actual authority to bestow this gift and teaches of the importance of the role of the Holy Ghost as it relates to the functioning of the priesthood of God. The prophet Joseph Smith said: “We believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost being enjoyed now, as much as it was in the Apostles’ days. We believe that it [the gift of the Holy Ghost] is necessary to make and organize the Priesthood, that no man can be called to fill any office in the ministry without it; we also believe in prophecy, in tongues, in visions, and in revelations, in gifts, and in healings; and that these things cannot be enjoyed without the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith pg 243) The role of the third member of the Godhead is underestimated all too often. It is the function of the Holy Ghost to allow us to benefit from all blessings from God and most importantly the function of His priesthood and church upon the Kingdom of God on earth.

Moroni Chapter 3
The teachers and priests ordained in the church were done so in the same manner as today. Interesting to note is the admonition and priesthood responsibility “to preach repentace and remossion of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end” (verse 3).

Moroni Chapters 4 and 5The Savior instituted the sacrament among the church here in America after his glorious resurrection. Moroni’s father, Mormon, had already addressed the symbolism of the sacrament emblems. Moroni and the Lord felt it important for there to be a record of the exact ordinance of the sacrament. He testifies this was the way the ordinance was performed when he starts both chapters with “The manner…” This was the manner the sacrament was both instituted by Jesus Christ and performed by the church. It is the same today. We received latter-day revelation which is consistent with “this manner” (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:76-79).
I was impacted by the sacrament prayers that we “witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father”. When we witness we “covenant”. It also came out in Gospel Doctrine class that the ordinance prayers refer to the “souls of all those who partake”. This connotes the eternal nature of the sacrament ordinance.
The sacred ordinance and covenant is that if we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, always remember Him and keep the commandments, we will have His spirit, the Holy Ghost, to be with us always. See above comments from chapter 2 concerning the importance of the Holy Ghost.

Moroni Chapter 6
In this chapter Moroni begins by discussing baptism and the qualifications for entering the waters of baptism. Candidates were to bring “forth fruit” (verse 1) which were a “broken heart and a contrite spirit” and “witness unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins” (verse 2).
He then discusses the importance and purpose of record keeping. When a person was baptized “they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ”. This was so they can be “remembered and nourished by the good word of God”. This is to “keep them in the right way”, “continually watchful unto prayer” and “relying alone upon the merits of Christ” (verse 4).
This is considerably important in light of the direction given to us by President Gordon B. Hinckley in the April 1997 general conference: “With the ever-increasing number of converts, we must make an increasingly substantial effort to assist them as they find their way. Every one of them needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with “the good word of God” (Moroni 6:4). It is our duty and opportunity to provide these things.”
Moroni provides direction as to why we have our church meetings. The church met “together oft to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls” and “to partake of bread and wine”. (verses 5-6) There was additional instruction and guidance given concerning church meetings in verse 9. The meetings of the church were “after the manner of the workings of the Spirit”. This directs us that all instruction, the topics of sacrament talks, the hymns we sing, the choice of who speaks, all should be the result of inspiration and direction from the Holy Ghost.
Moroni discussed the need of the church as a whole to “observe that there should be no iniquity among” the members. There are conditions set forth for the church to ensure the church as an institution. Rooting out evil has always been one of the responsibilities of the elders of the church in each dispensation. Those who misunderstand the role of discipline in the church fulfilling its three fold mission (perfecting the saints, proclaiming the gospel and redeeming the dead) may view excommunication, disfellowshipment, or other formal disciplinary efforts as unfair or punitive. Elder Theodore M. Burton noted that “the most loving action the Church can take at times is to disfellowship or excommunicate a person” (To Forgive Is Divine, Ensign May 1983, page 70). When deemed necessary through inspiration and direction from the Lord, these repentance processes can help the sinner fully realize the gravity of their sin. Imagine if there were no consequences for the sin? Could the sinner feel the repentance process and by extension the Atonement of Christ has been cheapened? This process also lifts the weight and responsibility of covenants they have made with God which they are having difficulty keeping. When they have partaken of the fruits of the Atonement, and tasted the sweet forgiveness available, they are changed- through the assistance of their priesthood leader, they can find their way back to the covenants they made.

Book of Mormon Lesson 46: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

2008-12-20T10:03:00.004-05:00

Ether 7-15

This Sunday School lesson presented many challenges in preparing for a discussion which would only be forty minutes. One reason for this was the amount of spiritual and historical information covered over the nine chapters for this week. Over the past year, we have spent week after week reading and studying the spiritual and complete eventual decay of the Nephite nation. We will cover in this one lesson the decline of the Jaredite nation. For brevity’s sake, I chose upon seven topics which cover highlights from chapters 7 through 11. These topics cover lessons we can learn from the Jaredite nation, remember, we are to “liken all scripture unto us… for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23) and don’t forget, Moroni saw our day and abridged this record for our benefit.

The Effects of a Wicked King upon the People
We have already learned this lesson. It has been taught to us again and again. In Mosiah chapter 29, Mosiah proposed that judges be chosen in place of a king. Unrighteous kings lead their people into sin. It was bright in the people’s mind after King Noah had ruled over them. More recently for the Jaredites, soon after arriving in the Promised Land, they wanted a king to be chosen to rule over them. The brother of Jared knew this would lead to problems. He said, speaking of having a king, “Surely this thing leadeth into captivity” (Ether 6:23) But Jared said unto his brother: Suffer them that they may have a king. And therefore he said unto them: Choose ye out from among our sons a king, even whom ye will” (Ether 6:24). Is there any doubt as to how this lead to problems for the Jaredites? We only have to look as far ahead as Riplakish, who “did not do that which was right in the sight of the Lord”. (Ether 10:5) Riplakish taxed and imprisoned the people. When they would not work he had them put to death. When they were in prison he required them to labor “for fine work, yea, even his fine gold he did cause to be refined in prison; and all manner of fine workmanship did he cause to be wrought in prison”. (Ether 10:7) Riplakish afflicted the “people with his whoredoms and abominations”. (Ether 10:8)

The Effects of a People who uphold Secret Combinations
Here again is another lesson we have already learned from the Nephites. Remember where the secret combinations originated. They have been since the beginning (2 Nephi 9:9) and have been a part of Lucifer’s plan and attack since Eden. These oaths and combinations are to get gain and to subvert the ways of the Lord. They found their way with the Jaredites with the daughter of Jared (not to be confused with the Jared who arrived in the Promised Land in the barges). This Jared is a descendant. He was the son of Omer, a Jaredite king. Jared began to “flatter many people” with “his cunning words”. (Ether 8:2) He gained half the kingdom from his father, Omer, and then gave battle to him. He captured Omer and placed him in captivity. Omer had more sons, Esrom and Coriantumr. They were upset that their father, Omer, was a slave to their brother Jared. They attacked Jared and won. When they were about to slay him, Jared plead for his life. Omer was set free and Jared “became exceedingly sorrowful” for losing the kingdom he had built up. (Ether 8:7) Jared’s daughter (unknown name) was dangerous. She was exceedingly expert, ie smart (Ether 8:8) and exceedingly fair, ie beautiful. (Ether 8:9) She saw that her father, Jared, was upset over losing the kingdom and brought his attention to the “secret plans” used to “obtain kingdoms and great glory”. (Ether 8:9) She devised a plan to get Akish to want to marry her. She planned to wile him with her ways (this is a spin of a quote from Ernest T. Bass of The Andy Griffith Show- my favorite show on television- email me if you can guess the episode it is from… it’s not hard, Ernest T. Bass was only in five episodes…sorry, back to the Jaredites) Akish was convinced he wanted to marry Jared’s daughter. The deal was however, she would only marry him if he killed and beheaded his friend the king, Omer. Where this becomes more obviously wicked is in the following explanation. This is Omer’s granddaughter and his son (Jared) plotting his death with his “friend”, Akish. How wicked were these people? Moroni speaks to us about secret combinations, calling them “most abominable and wicked above all, in the sight of God”. (Ether 8:18) He continues “And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed; for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of his saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for vengeance upon them and yet he avenge them not. Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be. Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up. For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning. Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved”. (Ether 8:22-26) How can we recognize and protect ourselves from secret combinations in our day? President Ezra Taft Benson said : "...Moroni speaks to us in this day and says, 'Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you....'
"The Book of Mormon further warns that 'whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold they shall be destroyed....'
"This scripture should alert us to what is ahead unless we repent, because there is no question but that as people of the free world, we are increasingly upholding any of the evils of the adversary today. By court edict godless conspirators can run for government office, teach in our schools, hold office in labor unions, work in our defense plans, serve in our merchant marines, etc. As a nation, we are helping to underwrite many evil revolutionaries in our country.
"Now we are assured that the Church will remain on the earth until the Lord comes again--but at what price? The Saints in the early days were assured that Zion would be established in Jackson County, but look at what their unfaithfulness cost them in bloodshed and delay.
"President [J. Reuben] Clark [Jr.] warned us that 'we stand in danger of losing our liberties, and that once lost, only blood will bring them back; and once lost, we of this church will, in order to keep the Church going forward, have more sacrifices to make and more persecutions to endure than we have yet known....' And he stated that if the conspiracy 'comes here it will probably come in its full vigor and there will be a lot of vacant places among those who guide and direct, not only this government, but also this Church of ours." (CR, Apr 1972)

America- a choice and Promised Land above all others
We read again and again of the conditional promises of the Lord to those nations who occupy this land. It is repeated in these chapters and we see the destruction of a nation who becomes ripe in iniquity. “And thus the Lord did pour out his blessings upon this land, which was choice above all other lands; and he commanded that whoso should possess the land should possess it unto the Lord, or they should be destroyed when they were ripened in iniquity; for upon such, saith the Lord: I will pour out the fulness of my wrath.” (Ether 9:20)

Power of Living a Righteous Life
Although we do read of the wicked kings of the Jaredites, there are some who are striving to follow the commandments. Emer and Coriantum are fine examples. “And Emer did execute judgment in righteousness all his days, and he begat many sons and daughters; and he begat Coriantum, and he anointed Coriantum to reign in his stead. And after he had anointed Coriantum to reign in his stead he lived four years, and he saw peace in the land; yea, and he even saw the Son of Righteousness, and did rejoice and glory in his day; and he died in peace.” (Ether 9:21-22) Is there any more of a reward available to us in this life than to receive the Second Comforter, even the Son of Righteousness, Jesus Christ and have Him appear to us?

The Importance and Place of the Lord’s Prophets and Their Counsel
What place do we give in our lives for the prophets and their counsel? The Jaredites did not open their hearts or accept the counsel. We read in Ether 9:28-29, “And there came prophets in the land again, crying repentance unto them—that they must prepare the way of the Lord or there should come a curse upon the face of the land; yea, even there should be a great famine, in which they should be destroyed if they did not repent. But the people believed not the words of the prophets, but they cast them out; and some of them they cast into pits and left them to perish. And it came to pass that they did all these things according to the commandment of the king, Heth.” This type of rejection continued in Ether 11:1-7, “And there came also in the days of Com many prophets, and prophesied of the destruction of that great people except they should repent, and turn unto the Lord, and forsake their murders and wickedness. And it came to pass that the prophets were rejected by the people, and they fled unto Com for protection, for the people sought to destroy them. And they prophesied unto Com many things; and he was blessed in all the remainder of his days. And he lived to a good old age, and begat Shiblom; and Shiblom reigned in his stead. And the brother of Shiblom rebelled against him, and there began to be an exceedingly great war in all the land. And it came to pass that the brother of Shiblom caused that all the prophets who prophesied of the destruction of the people should be put to death; And there was great calamity in all the land, for they had testified that a great curse should come upon the land, and also upon the people, and that there should be a great destruction among them, such an one as never had been upon the face of the earth, and their bones should become as heaps of earth upon the face of the land except they should repent of their wickedness. And they hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord, because of their wicked combinations; wherefore, there began to be wars and contentions in all the land, and also many famines and pestilences, insomuch that there was a great destruction, such an one as never had been known upon the face of the earth; and all this came to pass in the days of Shiblom.” Is there any question about the importance of following the Lord’s servants, the prophets, while in this sojourn on earth?

The Lord Sends Natural Disasters to Humble His People
Ether 9:30-35 reads: “And it came to pass that there began to be a great dearth upon the land, and the inhabitants began to be destroyed exceedingly fast because of the dearth, for there was no rain upon the face of the earth. And there came forth poisonous serpents also upon the face of the land, and did poison many people. And it came to pass that their flocks began to flee before the poisonous serpents, towards the land southward, which was called by the Nephites Zarahemla. And it came to pass that there were many of them which did perish by the way; nevertheless, there were some which fled into the land southward. And it came to pass that the Lord did cause the serpents that they should pursue them no more, but that they should hedge up the way that the people could not pass, that whoso should attempt to pass might fall by the poisonous serpents. And it came to pass that the people did follow the course of the beasts, and did devour the carcasses of them which fell by the way, until they had devoured them all. Now when the people saw that they must perish they began to repent of their iniquities and cry unto the Lord. And it came to pass that when they had humbled themselves sufficiently before the Lord he did send rain upon the face of the earth; and the people began to revive again, and there began to be fruit in the north countries, and in all the countries round about. And the Lord did show forth his power unto them in preserving them from famine.” Consider Moses and the plagues sent to the Pharaoh and his people. This does not mean bad things do not happen to good people. In contrast, sometimes good things happen to bad people who need to be humbled.

Ether 12
Moroni teaches us several things about faith. Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen (verse 6). Dispute not because you have not seen. The witness shall not be given until after the trial of your faith (verse 6). It was by faith that Christ appeared unto the people on this continent after his resurrection (verse 7). If there is no faith, God cannot do his miracles among men (verse 12).
It is interesting how Moroni cautions us to “Dispute not because you have not seen”. In the previous verse, he tells us why the people did not believe Ether and the great prophesying and marvelous things done for the people. It was because they “saw them not”. The world today is stuck with the saying “seeing is believing”. Is this the case? Is it more true that “believing is seeing”? I remember a quote from the movie, The Polar Express where the Conductor says, “Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see”. This is especially true when applied to faith. It is the most real and important things in the world that we can’t see.

Book of Mormon Lesson 45: “Never Has Man Believed in Me As Thou Hast”

2008-12-07T07:40:00.005-05:00

Ether 1-6

Where did the book of Ether come from? Ether wrote the record of the Jaredites, a people who left Babylon when the Lord confounded the language of the people attempting to build the tower Babel (Ether 1:33-43) and (Genesis 11:1-9). Ether wrote this record on 24 gold plates, which were later found by the people of Limhi (Mosiah 8:7-11). The book of Ether contains Moroni’s abridgment of Ether’s record.
We read in Mosiah 28:19, “this account (the book of Ether) shall be written hereafter; for behold, it is expedient that all people should know the things which are written in this account". Mormon however did not include the record prior to his death. His son, Moroni added the book of Ether to the record, "And now I, Moroni, proceed to give an account of those ancient inhabitants who were destroyed by the hand of the Lord upon the face of this north country. And I take mine account from the twenty and four plates which were found by the people of Limhi, which is called the Book of Ether" (Ether 1:1-2).

Why do you think God preserved the book of Ether for our day? There are warnings to those who occupy the promised land, there is a promise of forthcoming scripture and another powerful witness of the decline and eventual destruction of a nation who turned from God.

Before we start, the book of Ether never refers to the people as the Jaredites. There is only a single reference to that name by Mormon in Moroni 9:23. This is why we call the people of the book of Ether, those who descended from Jared, the Jaredite nation.

Ether 1
Here we are privileged to the genealogy from Ether back to Jared. Interesting to note, the record lists those who are “sons” and those who “descended”, making it complete in some fashion but not all.
Interesting to note, we learn about Jared and the brother of Jared. There is never any mention of the second other than “the brother of Jared”. There is a lot of speculation as to why his name is never written in the record. It is similar to how John omits his name during his writings in the New Testament.
We do know the brother of Jared’s name thanks to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Here is the account related by George Reynolds: "While residing in Kirtland Elder Reynolds Cahoon had a son born to him. One day when President Joseph Smith was passing his door he called the Prophet in and asked him to bless and name the baby. Joseph did so and gave the boy the name of Mahonri Moriancumer. When he had finished the blessing he laid the child on the bed, and turning to Elder Cahoon he said, the name I have given your son is the name of the brother of Jared; the Lord has just shown it to me. Elder William F. Cahoon, who was standing near heard the Prophet make this statement to his father; and this was the first time the name of the brother of Jared was known in the Church in this dispensation." (Discourses of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p264)
What else do we know about Mahonri Moriancumer? He was a large and mighty man, highly favored of the Lord (verse 34). His brother, Jared, had great faith in his faith and came to him asking for assistance from the Lord that their language would not be confounded (verse 35). He was a man well versed in prayer and had built a relationship with the Lord though communicating with prayer (verses 35-43).
What do you think the difference is between “crying unto the Lord” and merely saying prayers? What can we do to make our prayers more effective? (See Alma 34:17–28.)

Ether 2
The brother of Jared, Jared, their friends and families (all those who did not have their language confounded) did as the Lord commanded. They went to the valley northward named Nimrod. (verse 1) There they gathered together their flocks, caught birds and fish to carry with them. They gathered seeds of every kind and deseret (honey bees) (verse 3). The Lord spoke with the brother of Jared from a cloud (verse 5). Just as Jehovah appeared to and conversed with Moses and led the children of Israel in the wilderness in a cloud by day and in a pillar of fire at night (Exodus 13:21 Numbers 11:25 Numbers 12:5), so did he lead the Jaredites as they were in the wilderness. The Lord commanded them to continue in the wilderness to that "quarter" where there never had been man. It has been suggested that they traveled through central Asia. Whether this was their path or not, they eventually came to the great sea. Here they rested on their laurels. For four years, they parked themselves at the sea shore.
Before we get to this four year span and the Lord chastening them, Moroni puts in a discourse about the promised land (verses 7-12). The Lord preserved the American continent as a “choice land” to which he could lead a righteous people and they could prosper by following Him (1 Nephi 17:38). This same land was promised to the brother of Jared and the Jaredites. This promise of being prosperous, free from bondage and captivity and possessing the land altogether, is a conditional promise. It is conditioned upon the righteousness of the people the Lord brings here. A wicked people who will not serve and love God will be swept of the land and have the wrath of God (is there any doubt? Look to the Jaredites and the Nephites)
President Joseph Fielding Smith said: “These passages of scripture from the Book of Mormon are true; this nation is not exempt, and the people , if they continue to pursue the course of evil and ungodliness that they are now treading, shall eventually be punished. If they continue to disregard the warning voice of the Lord, deny their Redeemer, turn from His gospel unto fables and false theories, and rebel against all that he has through his servants in this day declared for the salvation of man; and if they increase in the practice of iniquity, I want to say to you, that if they do these things, the judgments of the Lord will come upon this land, and this nation will not be saved; we will not be spared from war, from famine, from pestilence and finally from destruction as a nation. Therefore, I call upon the people, not only Latter-day Saints but to all throughout the whole land, to repent of their sins and to accept the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our Redeemer and the God of this land. Turn from your evil ways, repent of your sins and receive the fullness of the gospel through the waters of baptism and obedience, that the judgments which shall be poured out upon the ungodly may pass you by” (Doctrines of Salvation 3:321-322)
President Ezra Taft Benson: “ ‘Righteousness exalteth a nation” (Proverbs 14:34). This is the key to understanding our heritage and this is the key to maintaining it. The foundations of America are spiritual. That must never be forgotten nor doubted….. “there are some in this land, among whom I count myself, whose faith it is that this land is reserved only for a righteous people, and we remain here as tenants only as we remain in the favor of the Lord, for He is the landlord as far as this earth is concerned. If we are to remain under heaven’s benign protection and care, we must return to those principles which have brought us our peace, liberty and prosperity. Our problems today are essentially problems of the Spirit. “The solution is not more wealth, more food, more technology, more government, or instruments of destruction- the solution is personal and national reformation. In short, it is to bring our national character ahead of our technological and material advances. Repentance is the sovereign remedy to our problems” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, page 569 and 580)
Is there any doubt without changes and the gospel reaching and touching more people’s lives we are headed for a collapse of a nation?

They then prepared to cross the sea. The people of Jared built barges following the instructions of the Lord. The brother of Jared called upon the Lord to report that he had prepared the boats as the Lord had commanded. He went on to say, "...and behold there is no light in them. Behold, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness?" (verse 22). The Lord responds to the brother of Jared. (verses 23-25) President Harold B. Lee: "It was as though the Lord were saying to [the brother of Jared], 'Look, I gave you a mind to think with, and I gave you agency to use it. Now you do all you can to help yourself with this problem; and then, after you've done all you can, I'll step in to help you'." (Stand Ye In Holy Places, p243)
Elder Russell M. Nelson stated that he has often heard President Gordon B. Hinckley say, "I don't know how to get anything done except getting on my knees and pleading for help and then getting on my feet and going to work." (Ensign, Nov 1997, p16)
What did Mahonri Moriancumer do? (Ether 3:1-5) Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” and “How has the Lord worked in my life this way?”.

Ether 3
The brother of Jared provided stones and prayed to the Lord, "And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea" (verse 4).
He sees the finger of the Lord. How would I feel to have this experience? The brother of Jared fell down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear (verse 6). Nothing was better established in the minds of the ancients than the necessity of holiness- the certain knowledge that unholy man would be unprepared to see God. How often do we read “no unclean thing”? It is the entire purpose for the Atonement. The brother of Jared sees the finger of Christ and cannot be held from within the veil. It is based on his great faith. We read “never has man believed in me as thou hast” (verse 15). It is then made clear the Lord still only has a spirit body, he would not come to earth to receive his physical body for another 2000 years.
Moroni explains he “could not make a full account of these things which are written” in the Jaredite record (verse 17). Interesting is his comments in verse 19,”And because of the knowledge of this man he could not be kept from beholding within the veil; and he saw the finger of Jesus, which, when he saw, he fell with fear; for he knew that it was the finger of the Lord; and he had faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting.” From an eternal perspective, knowledge and faith work together. Here we see a culmination of faith, which led to knowledge.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: “In the eternal sense, because faith is the power of God himself, it embraces within its fold a knowledge of all things. This measure of faith, the faith by which the worlds are and were created and which sustains and upholds all things, is found only among resurrected persons. It is faith of saved beings. But mortals are in process, through faith, of gaining eternal salvation. Their faith is based on knowledge of truth, within the meaning of Alma’s statement “faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things,’ but that men have faith when the ‘hope for things which are not seen, which are true.’ In this sense faith is both preceded and supplanted by knowledge, and when any person gains a perfect knowledge on any given matter, then, as pertaining to that thing, he has faith no longer; or, rather, his faith is dormant; it has been supplanted by pure knowledge… the brother of Jared stands out as a good illustration of how the knowledge of God is gained by faith, and also of how that perfect knowledge, from a mortal perspective, replaces faith.” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, pages 209-210, 211)
The brother of Jared then has a vision of all things from before the creation of the world to the end. It is in the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon and promised to those who believe in God and his word. See comments for chapter 4.

Ether 4
In verse 7 we read, "And in that day that they shall exercise faith in me, saith the Lord, even as the brother of Jared did, that they may become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them the things which the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations, saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all things that in them are."
In verses 13-15 we learn more about this knowledge: "Come unto me, O ye Gentiles, and I will show unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief. Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief. Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you--yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel."
This knowledge is promised to us with conditions. If we are faithful, believing and prayerful we can know them. There is no room for wavering. This is a tremendous vision and amount of knowledge which has been shared with many faithful servants of the Lord. It is not a secret, but only kept sacred from those not prepared to receive it. In addition, it is a protection from those not spiritually prepared to receive the greater knowledge.

Ether 5
This chapter has direct instruction for the Prophet Joseph Smith and includes the calling of three witnesses of the truthfulness of the ancient record. See and read the testimony of the three witnesses.

Ether 6
After 344 days being driven by the winds and sea, the Jaredites arrive at the Promised Land, on the American continent. They are preserved by the goodness of God and by their preparations of following God’s counsel and directions. There was light and air in the barges, just as the Lord promised there would be. When they arrive, they sing praises to the Lord. They shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them (verse 12).

After their arrival in the Promised Land the sons and daughters of Jared, his brother, and their friends began to multiply in the land, wax strong, and prosper. In time, as many families developed, there arose desires for a King. They asked many until finally, Orihah, a son of Jared, agreed to be king. The brother of Jared knew what would happen when a king rules. In verse 23, he said “Surely this thing leadeth to captivity. When they requested a king, the brother of Jared resisted. He recognized, as Mosiah would, a king’s righteousness determines the righteousness of the people (see Mosiah 29:13-32). This concern of the brother of Jared came true as subsequent Jaredite kings turned from righteousness to wickedness and idolatry and the spiritual decline of another fallen nation in the record of the Book of Mormon.

Book of Mormon Lesson 44: “I Speak unto You As If Ye Were Present”

2008-11-25T13:10:00.008-05:00

Mormon 7-9

Mormon Chapter 7
Mormon begins by writing an address to the remaining Lamanites, in the hope they may receive these scriptures, and specifically calling latter-day Lamanites to repent, believe in Christ and be baptized. (verse 1) Here again we see the true love and charity he had for his brothers, the Lamanites. After having seen the Lamanites destroy the Nephite Nation, he still desired to bring them to the Lord. He was driven to preach the gospel to those who would listen.
He testifies they are of the House of Israel. (verse 2) How important is it for them to know their true identity? How has your identity helped in your life to remember who you are? When we have forefront in our perspective the understanding we are children of God and capable of being like Him, we are more successful in keeping our covenants. Here Mormon wishes to bring to the Lamanites this same strength. If they could only learn who they are, Mormon knew they would be more righteous. He knew they had to “repent”, “lay down their weapons of war”, “and come to the knowledge of (their) fathers”. (verses 2-5) It is interesting he points out their fathers had the requisite knowledge.
Mormon testifies of the role of the Savior and the need to come unto Him. He then expounds upon the purpose of the Book of Mormon. (verses 8-10) It is to testify of Jesus Christ, to bring us to believe in Him, to stand side by side with the Bible as a record of scripture and teach the remnant of the House of Israel (including the Lamanites) they are able to partake of the covenants promised their fathers.
As the Book of Mormon stands side by side with the Bible, Mormon teaches us we must “lay hold upon the gospel of Christ”, which is set forth in both. He explains the Book of Mormon is written “for the intent that ye believe that” (the Bible), he then correctly concludes “if ye believe that (the Bible) ye will believe this also (the Book of Mormon). (verses 8-9)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: "In this connection, it is worthy of note that anyone who believes the Bible will also believe the Book of Mormon. The great problem in the sectarian world is that people have the Bible but neither understand nor believe it, except in a casual and superficial way; and they know about Christ but neither accept nor believe in him in the full sense required to attain salvation with him and his Father." (The Promised Messiah, page 297)
President Brigham Young: "No man can say that this book (laying his hands on the Bible) is true...and at the same time say that the Book of Mormon is untrue.... There is not that person on the face of the earth who has had the privilege of learning the Gospel of Jesus Christ from these two books, that can say that one is true, and the other is false. No Latter-day Saint, no man or woman, can say the Book of Mormon is true, and at the same time say that the Bible is untrue. If one be true, both are." (Journal of Discourses 1:38)

Mormon Chapter 8
Moroni takes the record of his father, Mormon, and writes “a few things” to the plates as he has been commanded by Mormon. (verse 1) Moroni updates us on the conditions surrounding him. The Nephites which escaped to the south country were hunted by the Lamanites until they were all killed (verse 2), his father, Mormon, has been hunted and killed while Moroni is left to guess if the Lamanites will find and kill him. (verse 2-3) There is a sense of loneliness in the words of Moroni. As he records this remaining portion of the plates, there is a feeling and desperation in his tone. He is left alone. The last of a once great nation, a nation who at times was devoted to the Lord and at others turned away from Him. Moroni is the last to see “how great has been their fall”, and how “great and marvelous the destruction of his people” has been. (verse 7) Now the Lamanites are warring with each other. Moroni must be left to wonder if the Lamanites will now destroy themselves as he writes "...the whole face of this land is one continual round of murder and bloodshed" (verse 8)
Moroni faced a unique set of trials. He was completely alone and in reading these last words. you get a sense he had no idea how long he would be allowed to tarry here on the earth. There seems to several ending "farewells" in his recod. Consider how he must have spent his day. Were there worldly things which were no longer important to him? How would his day to day priorities have changed? What are the lessons for us to learn? Is it so important what our address is, what “so and so” thinks about us, what clothes we wear? I am sure Moroni spent his day doing those necessities for survival, but recognized the importance of spiritual things more than the day to day drudgery and weight of the world. Lessons from Moroni can help us in keeping our faith strong in the face of adversity.
Moroni sees the day when the record will come forth. He described the time in the following verses:
It will come forth “In a day when it shall be said that miracles are done away with” (verse 26), the blood of the saints shall cry unto the Lord because of secret combinations and the works of darkness (verse 27), a day when the power of God shall be denied and churches defiled and lifted up in their pride (verse 28), a day when there shall be fires, and tempests, and vapors of smoke in foreign lands (verse 29), a day with wars, rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places (verse 30), a day when there shall be great pollutions upon the face of the earth, murders, robbing, lying, deceivings, whoredoms, and all manner of abominations (verse 31), and a day when churches will say that you can be forgiven your sins by giving money to the church (verse 32).
Interesting to me in my line of work, Moroni saw our day as a day when there is a lack of responsibility for one's actions: "...there shall be many who will say, Do this, or do that, and it mattereth not, for the Lord will uphold such at the last day. But wo unto such for they are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity" (verse 31). If there is any doubt about the other descriptions, here is one for certain!
Do you think he included these descriptions to "show" or "prove" to us he actually did see OUR day?
Moroni said that he would speak to those of us in the last days “as if [we] were present” (verse 35). Then he said, “I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts” (verse 36) and discussed pride in the last days (verses 36-41). What a blessing to know Moroni has individual prophecy for you and me today!How does pride affect us? See President Ezra Taft Benson’s talk “Beware of Pride”.

Mormon Chapter 9
Moroni begins this chapter by speaking to those who do not believe in Christ. He uses logic to lay out an argument trying to persuade the non-believer to believe. He then writes: “Behold, I say unto you that ye would be more miserable to dwell with a holy and just God, under a consciousness of your filthiness before him, than ye would to dwell with the damned souls in hell” (verse 4).
President Joseph Fielding Smith: "There can be no salvation without repentance. A man cannot enter into the kingdom of God in his sins. It would be a very inconsistent thing for a man to come into the presence of the Father and to dwell in God's presence in his sins....I think there are a great many people upon the earth, many of them perhaps in the Church--at least some in the Church--who have an idea they can go through this life doing as they please, violating the commandments of the Lord and yet eventually they are going to come into his presence. They think they are going to repent, perhaps in the spirit world…. They ought to read these words of Moroni: 'Do ye suppose that ye shall dwell with him under a consciousness of your guilt? Do ye suppose that ye could be happy to dwell with that holy Being, when your souls are racked with a consciousness of guilt that ye have ever abused his laws?'" (Doctrines of Salvation 2: 196)
Moroni testified that "God is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (verse 9) Why is this such an essential part of a testimony? Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "A Holy Being who was God yesterday remains as God today and will continue in the same exalted state tomorrow. The course of the Gods is one eternal round; it does not vary. They are now as they were then, and they shall yet be as they have ever been. If it were not so they would not be exalted, for exaltation consists in being the same unchangeable being from everlasting to everlasting." (The Mortal Messiah 1:27-28) This quote bears out why it is so important to our testimony. Eternal salvation is dependent upon God being unchangeable.
This understanding took Moroni (and now us) into the next question… If God is unchanging, why do miracles cease? "And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust" (verse 20) and continued into "Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth" (verse 21)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "It is by faith that miracles are wrought—not faith as an abstract, unembodied, vaporous nothingness, floating like a fog in the universe, but faith in the living Lord, faith centered in Christ our Head. The eternal law is: 'Whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.' (Mormon 9:21) Accordingly, any person who has ever performed a miracle, in any age, has done it by faith in Christ. For the past, at the present, and in the future, all miracles are wrought by faith in that Lord who is Christ." (The Promised Messiah page 315)
From verse 21 to the end of the chapter, it is as though Moroni changes his audience to the believers and provides to us important teachings for our day, the day which he saw by the power and the gift of God. He then better understood our day than we do.
“Doubt not, but be believing” and “come unto the Lord with all your heart” (verse 27), “Strip yourselves of all uncleanness” and ask with a firmness unshaken to not yield to temptation (verse 28)
Then he expresses a caution to us: “…learn to be more wise than we have been”. (verse 31) We should learn from the record provided to us. It is written for our day. The Book of Mormon is vital to the sustainment of our testimonies. I have a testimony it is the word of God, the Lord is a God of miracles whose Atonement brings to pass the redemption of man.

Book of Mormon Lesson 43: “How Could Ye Have Departed from the Ways of the Lord?”

2008-11-22T10:34:00.005-05:00

Mormon 1-6 & Moroni 9

As we begin this lesson, it is vital to remember the decline of spirituality and society the descendants of Lehi are in at this time. Mormon, who was responsible for abridging all of the plates into the record we know as the Book of Mormon, has begun to document the current events in his life. The record of his own time and people is contained in Mormon 1-6.

Mormon Chapter 1
Mormon begins in verse 1 with an explanation of who he is and his purposes to write his own record he calls the book of Mormon, not be confused with the entire abridgment of records with the same name. The inclusion of his own record was to be in compliance with the charge given him from Ammoron. (see verse 4)

Mormon was righteous throughout his life and recognized in his youth. He was only ten years old when Ammoron (who was charged with caring for the plates when his brother, Amos, died (see 4 Nephi 1:47) recognized him as a "sober child", "quick to observe" (verse 2) and began his education of the learning of his people. In addition to being educated in the secular things, Mormon was brought up and educated spiritually. At the age of fifteen he “was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus” (verse 15), this spiritual understanding led him to want to teach the people and bring them to repentance, but he was forbidden (verse 16).

To accomplish writing his own record, Mormon was commanded that at twenty four years old he should retrieve and care for the plates which Ammoron had hidden up unto the Lord (verse 3). In a time when there was so much wickedness, Gadianton Robbers, sorceries and witchcraft (verse 19), there stood a young man named Mormon. This is his record.

Mormon Chapter 2
Mormon was not only recognized by the Lord, he was recognized by the people he lived with. At the age of sixteen, he is appointed leader and General over the Nephite armies (verse 2). Do you believe there was a significant lack of leadership in the society if a sixteen year old chosen to be their military leader?
Mormon leads the armies in a time with tremendous bloodshed, carnage and wickedness (verse 8). Despite the surroundings and experiences of Mormon he remained faithful. He wrote: "And wo is me because of their wickedness; for my heart has been filled with sorrow because of their wickedness, all my days; nevertheless, I know that I shall be lifted up at the last day" (verse 19). This faithfulness can be attributed to the testimony taught to him by his parents, the visitation from the Lord, and the perspective he had due to his detailed knowledge of the history and dealings of his ancestors with the Lord he obtained through the scriptures. He is a sharp contrast to the times he lived in. He saw and lived in a time of war almost all of his days. There is a lesson in his life for our day. The success of Mormon gives us guidance as to how to remain faithful. By using these same tools (our testimony and the testimonies of others, spiritual experiences and the scriptures) we can be islands of righteousness in the vast sea of wickedness.

All of Mormon’s efforts almost bring the people to understand. He describes it as "somewhat to vigor" which led to them having a successful campaign against the Lamanites. They made a treaty with the Lamanites and the Gadianton Robbers. Mormon wrote: "...nevertheless the strength of the Lord was not with us; yea, we were left to ourselves, that the Spirit of the Lord did not abide in us; therefore we had become weak like unto our brethren." (verse 26)

In this chapter, there is another glimmer of hope… almost. The “Nephites began to repent of their iniquity…” because “…no man could keep that which was his own, for the thieves, and the robbers, and the murderers, and the magic art, and the witchcraft which was in the land. Thus there began to be a mourning and a lamentation in all the land because of these things, and more especially among the people of Nephi.” (see verses 10-11) This mourning caused Mormon to also see this glimmer of hope and have some joy. But Mormon’s “joy was vain, for their (the Nephites') sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin” (see verse 13). What a lesson we have here.
President Spencer W. Kimball: "The truly repentant man is sorry before he is apprehended. He is sorry even if his secret is never known.
He desires to make voluntary amends. The culprit has not 'godly sorrow' who must be found out by being reported or by chains of circumstances which finally bring the offense to light. The thief is not repentant who continues in grave offenses until he is caught. Repentance of the godly type means that one comes to recognize the sin and voluntarily and without pressure from outside sources begins his transformation." (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p 153)
There is a difference between 'godly sorrow' and the 'sorrow of the world'. "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)

Mormon Chapter 3
Mormon is finally charged with crying repentance to the people (verse 2). Mormon says that the people hardened their hearts and refused to realize it was the Lord who spared them and "granted them a chance for repentance" (verse 3). Despite their unwillingness to repent, Mormon continued to protect them and caused them to make preparations “against the time of battle”.
In the following verses the Lamanites come to battle against them and lose. This causes the Nephites to “boast in their own strength” and they “began to swear before the heavens that they would avenge themselves of the blood of their brethren who had been slain by their enemies." (verse 9).
The people were not thankful in the least for the protection or the blessings of the Lord. This coming Thursday will be Thanksgiving. We are commanded to be thankful in our day and we see throughout the Book of Mormon it is part of the plan of salvation to be thankful (see Alma 34:38).
In addition to having a lack of gratitude to the Lord, the people of Mormon's time decided to act in vengeance against their enemies. Mormon sees this and refuses to be their leader (verse 11). He gives several reasons for not leading them any longer, they are: “because of their wickedness and abomination”, Mormon had “led them into battle” and “loved them despite this wickedness”, Mormon “prayed for them all the day long” and three times “delivered them out of the hands of their enemies and they have repented not of their sins” (verses 12-13).
On top of these reasons, the voice of the Lord came to Mormon and told him “Vengeance is mine, and I will repay; and because this people repented not after I had delivered them, behold, they shall be cut off from the face of the earth” (verse 15).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Men are forbidden to execute vengeance upon their fellow men, unless by revelation (acting in the capacity of the Lord's agents) they are sent forth to do his appointed will. (Doctrine and Covenants 98:23-48.) Ancient Israel, for instance, was commanded to execute the Lord's vengeance upon the Amalekites. (1 Sam. 15:2-3.) Aside from such unusual and seldom-occurring situations, however, the decree is that vengeance, recompense, and judgment come from the Lord himself." (Mormon Doctrine, p 821)
Until the end of this chapter, Mormon explains the reason he writes the record.

Mormon Chapter 4
The battles continue between the Nephites and the Lamanites. We see the effects of the Nephites going to battle for vengeance in verse 4, “And it was because the armies of the Nephites went up unto the Lamanites that they began to be smitten; for were it not for that, the Lamanites could have had no power over them”. In verse 5 we learn about the outcome of wickedness and the fruits which come from living away from the ways of the Lord, "But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed.”

Mormon attempts to paint a picture of how things are going in verse 11, "And it is impossible for the tongue to describe, or for man to write a perfect description of the horrible scene of the blood and carnage which was among the people, both of the Nephites and of the Lamanites; and every heart was hardened, so that they delighted in the shedding of blood continually". In the chapter we see the absolute baseness of the society with the sacrificing of women and children to idols.
The Lamanites came down to war and from this time forward the Nephites could have no power over the Lamanites, they "began to be swept off by them even as a dew before the sun" (verse 18).
Of interest here at the end of the chapter is Mormon sees the Lamanites are overtaking Nephite lands. He goes to the Hill Shim (where the records are deposited) and takes them so they can be preserved. The record is being prepared to come forth in the last days and nothing will stand in the way of the Lord accomplishing His design.

Mormon Chapter 5
Mormon returns to leading the armies but this time he is saddened and without hope for the Nephite Nation. We read in verse 2, “I was without hope, for I knew the judgments of the Lord which should come upon them; for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them”. He then writes to us in our day and sees the coming forth of the Book of Mormon to the Gentiles, to teach us Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He writes about the Lamanites in the last days and how the gospel will be brought to them.

Mormon Chapter 6
Mormon writes an epistle to the King of the Lamanites and asks for the Nephites to be allowed to gather at Cumorah in preparation to go to battle against them. This battle is the end of the Nephite nation. Mormon is old (about 74 years old). Mormon hides the records in the Hill Cumorah, except for the few plates he delivers to his son, Moroni. In the great and last battle, all but twenty four of the Nephites are killed.
Mormon laments the loss of the nation in verses 8 through 22.
“And it came to pass that they came to battle against us, and every soul was filled with terror because of the greatness of their numbers.
9 And it came to pass that they did fall upon my people with the sword, and with the bow, and with the arrow, and with the ax, and with all manner of weapons of war.
10 And it came to pass that my men were hewn down, yea, even my ten thousand who were with me, and I fell wounded in the midst; and they passed by me that they did not put an end to my life.
11 And when they had gone through and hewn down all my people save it were twenty and four of us, (among whom was my son Moroni) and we having survived the dead of our people, did behold on the morrow, when the Lamanites had returned unto their camps, from the top of the hill Cumorah, the ten thousand of my people who were hewn down, being led in the front by me.
12 And we also beheld the ten thousand of my people who were led by my son Moroni.
13 And behold, the ten thousand of Gidgiddonah had fallen, and he also in the midst.
14 And Lamah had fallen with his ten thousand; and Gilgal had fallen with his ten thousand; and Limhah had fallen with his ten thousand; and Jeneum had fallen with his ten thousand; and Cumenihah, and Moronihah, and Antionum, and Shiblom, and Shem, and Josh, had fallen with their ten thousand each.
15 And it came to pass that there were ten more who did fall by the sword, with their ten thousand each; yea, even all my people, save it were those twenty and four who were with me, and also a few who had escaped into the south countries, and a few who had deserted over unto the Lamanites, had fallen; and their flesh, and bones, and blood lay upon the face of the earth, being left by the hands of those who slew them to molder upon the land, and to crumble and to return to their mother earth.
16 And my soul was rent with anguish, because of the slain of my people, and I cried:
17 O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you!
18 Behold, if ye had not done this, ye would not have fallen. But behold, ye are fallen, and I mourn your loss.
19 O ye fair sons and daughters, ye fathers and mothers, ye husbands and wives, ye fair ones, how is it that ye could have fallen!
20 But behold, ye are gone, and my sorrows cannot bring your return.
21 And the day soon cometh that your mortal must put on immortality, and these bodies which are now moldering in corruption must soon become incorruptible bodies; and then ye must stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, to be judged according to your works; and if it so be that ye are righteous, then are ye blessed with your fathers who have gone before you.
22 O that ye had repented before this great destruction had come upon you. But behold, ye are gone, and the Father, yea, the Eternal Father of heaven, knoweth your state; and he doeth with you according to his justice and mercy. "

Moroni Chapter 9
This is the second epistle written by Mormon to his son, Moroni. The first is Moroni chapter 8.
There is great love and hope for his son expressed in the chapter. Mormon encourages his son to be optimistic. It is in Christ we will be saved. Do not be weighed down by the wickedness around you. Christ’s promise is sure, be diligent, be faithful, then “the grace of God the Father, whose throne is high in the heavens, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who sitteth on the right hand of his power, until all things shall become subject unto him, be, and abide with you forever” is the hope of the message.

Book of Mormon Lesson 42: "This Is My Gospel"

2008-11-10T17:26:00.009-05:00

3 Nephi 27-30 & 4 Nephi

3 Nephi Chapter 27
After the ministry of the Savior among the Nephites the disciples went about teaching and baptizing. They met together and "were united in mighty prayer and fasting" (verse 1) "And Jesus again showed himself unto them, for they were praying unto the Father in his name; and Jesus came and stood in the midst of them, and said unto them: What will ye that I shall give unto you?" (verse 2) The disciples asked, "Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call the church; for there are disputations among the people concerning the matter" (verse 3). The Lord responded with a simple explanation. For it to be His church it must be named after Him. He did qualify this answer though... it could not only bear His name to be His church, it must be "built upon His gospel" (verse 8).

Why is it so important that the church bear the Savior's name? In the New Testament we read how it is only by the name of Jesus Christ and "none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved". (Acts 4:10-12)
Here is a quote from President Spencer W. Kimball: "This is not a church. This is the Church of Jesus Christ. There are churches of men all over the land and they have great cathedrals, synagogues, and other houses of worship running into the hundreds of millions of dollars. They are the churches of men. They teach the doctrines of men, combined with the philosophies and ethics and other ideas and ideals that men have partly developed and partly found in sacred places and interpreted for themselves. But there is just one church which Jesus Christ, himself, organized by direct revelation; just one church that teaches all of his doctrines; just one church which has all of the keys and authorities which are necessary to carry on the work of Jesus Christ. And you would, of course, expect it to be the Church of Jesus Christ and not carry any other name." (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p421)
We have latter-day revelation concerning the name of the church. Doctrine and Covenants 115:4 instructs us the name shall be The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This settles the matter on what the name of the church should be.

The Savior continues in verse 6 He instructs us, with the fewest of words, "And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day". This sounds simple but gets ever so complicated at times. It gets complicated when we lose our perspective on our eternal goal. Elder Neal A. Maxwell, one of my favorites, said "Patient endurance is to be distinguished from merely being 'acted upon.' Endurance is more than pacing up and down within the cell of our circumstance; it is not only acceptance of the things allotted to us, [it is] to 'act for ourselves' by magnifying what is allotted to us..."Therefore, true enduring represents no merely the passage of time, but the passage of soul....To endure in faith and do God's will therefore involves much more than putting up with a circumstance." (Men and Women of Christ, p69).
This quote helps us realize there is more to "enduring" than gritting our teeth and waiting out this life. There is a progression which should be taking place as we grow in the gospel and understanding our Father in heaven. We are always better served when we are serving others. My life has grown the most when I am engaged in serving and thinking of others before myself. This is the way the Savior spent his life and the example for all of us to follow. By giving this type of service, we are no longer just "gritting our teeth" but we are actively pushing forward to a day of reward.

Chapter 28

The three Nephites is one of my favorite parts of the Book of Mormon. There are many stories and lore which follow these three disciples. Large stories and legends abound with many descriptions surrounding their activities. The Sunday School Manual is plan in explaining we are not to discuss them in class. In keeping with this direction, there are no stories included in the blog. It is sufficient to say any stories or legends surrounding them is not church doctrine.

Chapter 29 & Chapter 30

Mormon gives insight and counsel relative to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon in the last days. It is important to value the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, in our lives by reading, studying and pondering it precepts in our actions and thoughts. How better to avoid the condemnation discussed in the 84th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, there the Lord decreed that the whole Church was under condemnation, even all the children of Zion, because of the way they treated the Book of Mormon. “And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent,” said the Lord, “and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon.” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:57)

4th Nephi

This is a special time in the history of the descendants of Lehi. A time of peace is established and the people as a whole strive to follow the gospel. This time period is a direct result of the Savior's personal ministry among the descendants of Lehi and a sharp contrast from the effect on those in Jerusalem. There are differences here to point out. This is by no means all the differences, but it is some of those we have discussed in Sunday School classes before. The most obvious to me is the difference between the perfect, yet mortal Savior in Jerusalem and the resurrected glorified Savior in America. Additionally, in America the "more righteous" were spared during the calamities before the Savior's appearance. (3 Nephi 9:13) This made the descendants of Lehi a better prepared people for the ministry of Christ.

This society was similiar to that of the City of Enoch. The key to this society is explained in verses 2 and 3. "And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another. And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift." The key is they "did deal justly one with another". This would not and will not work if there is lying, stealing, greed and envy.

Yet, this society fell apart. How can such a wonderful set of people fall away? How could it happen? Mormon outlines the destuction of the society for us. Here they are:

A group of Nephites revolted from the Church and called themselves Lamanites (verse 20)
The people became proud of their exceeding prosperity and began wearing costly clothing and adornments (verse 24)
The law of consecration was abandoned (verse 25)
The people began to be divided into social classes (verse 26)
False churches are organized to get gain (verses 26-28)
Believers are persecuted (verses 29-34)
There is a great division among the people (verses 35-38)
The children are taught to reject the truths of the gospel (verses 38-39)
The wicked became more numerous than the righteous (verse 40)
Secret oaths and combinations are started again (How can they go back to this?) (verse 42)
The righteous people begin to be proud and seek the things of the world (verses 43-45)
The Gadianton conspiracy takes over the whole land (verse 46)

And here we go again... back to the society they had overcome. Mormon warns us. We should take his counsel to heart and remember these words were written for our day. This is a type of things to come.

Book of Mormon Lesson 41: “He Did Expound All Things unto Them”

2008-11-08T16:10:00.023-05:00

3 Nephi Chapters 22- 26

Chapter 22
Here the Lord quotes Isaiah, speaking of a great day of restoration in a time to come. The remnants of the House of Israel will be reunited and brought home to the Lord and lands of inheritance. The Lord returns to a use of symbolism between the Bridegroom (the Lord of Hosts) and the bride (Israel).
The Lord promises his mercy will be extended still. This is in spite of times when His wrath is over the wicked and the righteous.
We are commanded to expand our borders of Zion. (verses 2 and 3) There is beautiful comparison to pitching the tent and lengthening our cords and strengthen our stakes. This is an appropriate comparison to our Stake. There are several way for us to strengthen our stake. We should begin with ourselves and families. By following more closely the guidance and direction given by our leaders we can be more like our Savior.
In verses 14-17 Israel’s pains and persecutions by enemies will end. Those who oppose the chosen people and the Lord’s work will be destroyed at the day. The chosen people will be protected and guided by the Lord. There is an underlying theme of the message presented by the Savior to the Nephites. It is one of come unto me and I will be merciful. This theme is consistent with the message of the gospel. It provides us with insight and thanksgiving that after all we can do, and despite shortcomings, our Savior will still be merciful to us.

Chapter 23
After having quoted the prophet Isaiah (what we know as Isaiah Chapter 54), the Savior gives us direction and a commandment. In verse 1 He commands us to search these things diligently. He tells us “great are the words of Isaiah”. You may wonder “why?”… I mean, Isaiah is difficult to understand and hard to read. Why should we spend our time trying to understand an ancient prophet who appears to be so confusing? The answer begins in verse 2, “For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel”. Isaiah saw the beginning from the end. He saw the Savior and the destiny and travels of Israel. Because Isaiah spake concerning all things he “must speak also to the Gentiles”. The gentiles are inseparably connected to Israel.
The Savior then validates the prophecies of Isaiah. In verse 3 He says “all things that he (Isaiah) spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake. “ Here the Lord confirms Isaiah was moved to prophecy by the spirit. It also speaks to the duality of prophecy. Some prophecies will be fulfilled in many different ways and at different times. There are times when a prophecy appears to be fulfilled but is then applicable to another situation and dispensation. Many of Isaiah’s prophecies appear to be historical incidents in Israel’s journeys when they can just as easily be applied to our spiritual struggle to return to the Lord. For additional help into understanding Isaiah, see Bruce R. McConkie's article titled "Ten Keys to Understanding Isaiah".

Christ then asks for Nephi to bring the record (the scriptures) to Him. A review discovers Nephi has inadvertently left out the fulfillment of Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecy that some of the saints would arise from the dead and appear unto many and minister unto them (verse 9). After the saints confirmed to the Savior this did occur, He asked why it was not written in the record (verse 10)? Jesus commanded that it be written and it was. Why was this so important that the Savior would ensure its inclusion in the Book of Mormon? The account verifies the validity and actuality of the resurrection. There is record of this happening in the old world as written in the New Testament. It is vital that the record be in the Book of Mormon as another testament of the atonement and resurrection.
This also brings out a great point. The Savior himself is the author of the scriptures. He ensures what is recorded. Many times throughout the Book of Mormon the four principal writers, Nephi, Jacob, Mormon and Moroni, make reference to writing that which they have “been commanded”. It makes it plain how the modern day prophet, Joseph Smith, could say with ease the book was the most correct book on the face of the earth. When you have the insight that Jesus Christ himself was the “author” and “editor” this is a logical conclusion for the prophet Joseph to have made.

In verse 14, we read the Lord “expounded all the scriptures in one” and commanded them to teach to others the things He had taught. This verse is similar to the one found in Luke 24. When on the road to Emmaus the resurrected Lord is walking with the disciples as they discuss the earthly mission of Christ. The Lord then explains to them how they have not understood what the prophets have taught and beginning at Moses , he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (verse 27). This provides us additional insight into “expounding the scriptures”. It is to teach the entire plan of salvation and the role of the Savior. "Expounding all scriptures in one" also involves making connections between verses throughout the scriptures. There are times when study of one part of the scriptures reminds us of other verses that we never have connected before as being related to each other. It is a matter of finding the same voice of the spirit throughout all the standard works and the central purpose of scripture being the instruction of the plan of salvation and the role of Jesus Christ in the plan. In regards to "expounding" we also read in chapter 26 verse 3, about the Savior teaching being described this way again.

Chapter 24
The Lord quotes Malachi. The Nephite record would not have had access to the words of Malachi due to Lehi and Nephi having already left Jerusalem before Malachi’s time. The prophecies of Malachi were given approximately 430 B.C., almost two hundred years from the time the Nephites left.
In verse 1, Malachi refers to a messenger, the Father tells Malachi- "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts". We learn further about this messenger in Doctrine and Covenants 45:9, "And even so I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it, and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me". The restored gospel message is the messenger. There is also the possibility the "messenger" is spoken of as a singular "messenger", yet it is a combination of those heavenly messengers who were instrumental in the restoration of the keys and powers restored in this dispensation (Moroni, John the Baptist, Peter, James, John, Elijah, etc.)

Verses 8-12 are very familiar to us and refer to tithes and offerings. It is important to recognize the Lord taught tithing. Tithing is a commandment and essential to our spiritual growth and well being.

Chapter 25
The coming of the Prophet Elijah was essential to the restoration of all things in this dispensation. In verse 1, Malachi makes reference to the last day and the ushering in of the millennial reign of Christ. For this to take place, all wickedness will be removed from the earth. “To leave them without root nor branch” is that if the temple ordinances and genealogical work were not restored then when the day of burning happens mankind would be left without root (ancestry) or branch (posterity). When Elijah returned and restored the sealing power and keys this was avoided and there was no curse (verse 6). This curse would have been in effect due to the world not having reached it purpose in creation. The purpose was to provide a place for all the children of our Heavenly Father to come and recieve the opportunity and ordinances to bind the entire family together.

Chapter 26
Mormon comments on the Savior continuing to teach to the multitude and minister to them. In verse 2 He instructs them it was the will and wisdom of the Father that the scriptures of Isaiah, Malachi and understand the mission of Elijah be given unto future generations. He then explains the Plan of Salvation and how they will be judged and resurrected. In verse 4 we read about the people being judged of their works. The Lord told Nephi that out of the books He commanded that men should write- in other words, the scriptures- “I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written” (2 Nephi 29:11-14). This testifies of the importance of the scriptures and their role in the judgment. For those who never had the scriptures they will be taught the principles and everlasting gospel as contained in the standard works. Then all will have the opportunity to accept and live or reject and die. Ultimately, all will be judged against that which the Lord has caused to be written. This only validates the need to study the scriptures and to know the words of the prophets.

Next week's Book of Mormon Sunday school lesson: “This Is My Gospel”, 3 Nephi 27–30 and 4th Nephi