Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 4 part 1

Joseph’s Preparation

Joseph Smith’s First Vision took place in the spring of 1820 when he was 14 years old. He does not record any further diving communication until three years later. During those intervening years, what did Joseph do or not do? Review JS-H 1:27-28.

· He did

o Suffer persecutions

o Affirm that he had seen a vision

o Suffer temptations

o Commit “many foolish errors and display the errors of youth”

o Continue in the common vocations of life

· He did not

o Join any churches

o Commit any “great or malignant sins”

What did Joseph do? Read JS-H 1:29. What can we learn from Joseph when we feel condemned for our foolishness and imperfections?

Moroni's visit

How was Joseph’s prayer answered? Review JS-H 1:30-59. Discuss Moroni’s visit and what he told the young Prophet:

• Verse 33 – His name would be known among all people and spoken of for good and evil.
• A Google search this morning yielded 25.9 million hits for “Joseph Smith”
• Abraham Lincoln yielded 16 million hits
• Martin Luther King, Jr. found 15.7 million hits
• Thomas Edison returned 2.4 million hits
• Interestingly, Lilburn W. Boggs returned only 8,350 hits
• Verse 34 – Told about the plates containing the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as he delivered it to the Nephites
• Verse 35 – Urim and Thummim, possessing these is what constitutes a “seer”

Old Testament Prophecies

Moroni then quoted several passages from the Old Testament:

• Part of Malachi 3 – It seems reasonable to guess that the part Moroni quoted is verses 1-6. God’s messenger will prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, who will come suddenly and judge in righteousness. Fulfilled through the ministry of Joseph Smith.
• Malachi 4 – The sealing power of the priesthood will be restored, and Elijah will return the keys needed to seal families eternally. Fulfilled in the appearance of Elijah and others in the Kirtland Temple.
• Isaiah 11 – The earth will be at peace; the elect will be gathered; an ensign will be raised to the people. The first half is not yet fulfilled; the gathering is taking place now.
• Acts 3:22–23 – Moroni explained that this prophet is Jesus Christ. The day when the wicked will be cut off has not yet come, but soon will.
• Joel 2:28–32 – Visions and revelations will be poured out on the faithful. Signs will be shown in the earth. They who call upon the Lord will be delivered. Moroni said this was not yet fulfilled but was about to be; I suspect this fulfillment has been happening with increased intensity ever since.
• Many other passages of scripture – Go read your scriptures and learn!

Preparation to receive the plates

When Joseph first saw the plates he was not permitted to take them. What preparation followed? He visited with Moroni annually for four years. Read JS-H 1:59.

• How has the Lord prepared you for your responsibilities?
• How might He be preparing you now?

God prepared for the loss of the 116 pages

Briefly review the history of the 116 pages of lost manuscript. What led to this potential tragedy?

• Read D&C 3:7 – How might Joseph have feared man more than God? What was the consequence? (He lost the ability to translate for a time, and the plates and the Urim and Thummim were taken from him.)
• Read D&C 3:8-10 – How do the Lord’s words show his love for Joseph? How can these verses help us in times of our personal struggles?
• Those who stole the manuscript planned to change parts and then use the modifications to discredit the Prophet. Read D&C 10:31-33.
• Read Words of Mormon 1:3-7 – Which records have more doctrinal value – the war chapters of Alma or Lehi’s vision of the tree of life?
• Read Ether 12:27 – How did God turn Joseph’s weakness into a strength for the entire church?
• Can you imagine how frustrating it must be to be on the side of wickedness? Even in their successes, God turns it into an advantage for Him!

Conclusion

Read D&C 10:62-66. This is the purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the scriptures revealed by God.

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 3

Introduction

Every summer our family takes a trip to Missouri to visit Julie’s family.  What does it take for us to go successfully?  (Briefly list things like stopping the mail at home, arranging for the chickens, packing clothes, planning where to spend the night, etc.)

Now imagine you want to launch a new satellite TV service.  What would that require?  Significantly more planning and energy to put everything in place, and the technology to do it.

Just as my family vacation needs planning and certain conditions to be met, the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ needed to have the right time, right environment, and right person to succeed.

Apostasy

After Jesus Christ was crucified, His Apostles presided over the Church. But soon persecution, divisions, and apostasy increased. Within a few decades, there was a falling away from the Church, as the Apostles had prophesied (Acts 20:28–30; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3; 2 Timothy 4:3–4). This falling away is known as the Great Apostasy.

What was a result of this Apostasy?  Read D&C 1:15-16.

a. There was no priesthood authority on the earth.

b. There were no apostles or prophets on the earth.

c. Essential knowledge about the nature of God was lost.

d. The doctrines of the gospel were corrupted.

e. Sacred ordinances, such as baptism, were changed.

f. The original Church became divided into discordant groups.

God prepared Joseph Smith

Joseph’s family

Joseph Smith came from a rich spiritual heritage. His parents and grandparents were religious, patriotic, educationally minded, and of strong moral convictions. His paternal grandfather, Asael Smith, stated years before Joseph was born, “It has been borne in upon my soul that one of my descendants will promulgate a work to revolutionize the world of religious faith” (in Joseph Fielding Smith, Essentials in Church History, 27th ed. [1974], 25).

Both of Joseph’s parents had profound religious experiences. Joseph Sr. had several dreams that gave him assurances that he would enjoy the blessings of the true gospel of Jesus Christ (see Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, ed. Preston Nibley [1958], 47–50, 64–66). Once while Lucy was critically ill as a young mother, she made a covenant with God that she would serve Him completely if He would let her live to care for her family. Soon afterward she heard a voice comfort her, and she made a remarkable recovery. (See History of Joseph Smith, 33–35.)

Adversity

Joseph was no stranger to adversity, suffering from a painful bone infection that nearly caused Joseph to lose his leg.  Discuss this story from Joseph’s life. 

• What do we learn about Joseph from this experience?
• How could these types of trials prepare him for his future responsibilities?
• How have trials prepared you for your responsibilities?

Religious atmosphere

Joseph Smith described the religious atmosphere in New York where he lived in his history.  Read Joseph Smith – History 1:5-6.

How did Joseph react to this?  Read Joseph Smith – History 1:8-10, 11-12.

• How can we follow Joseph’s example when we need answers?

The First Vision

Read Joseph Smith – History 1:13-19.  As members of this Church, many of us have heard this story since Primary and can nearly recite it.  Listen to this as if you were hearing it for the first time.

• 13 – The situation was not going to change by itself.  Joseph had to do something if he ever wanted to change. 
• 13 – Joseph trusted God to keep his promise.
• 15 – Joseph did not act on a whim.  He had thought about this and figured out where he would go to pray.
• 15 & 16 – Satan had “astonishing influence” and “marvelous power.”  We would be wise to not trifle with Satan.
• 17 – God’s glory “defies all description.”

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).

• What are some of the truths we can learn from the First Vision?

• God the Father and Jesus Christ live.
• The Father and the 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 and cares for us.
• None of the churches on earth had the fulness of Christ’s gospel.
• Revelation has not ceased.

• While serving in the Quorum of the Twelve, 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” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1971, 20; or Ensign, June 1971, 34).
• Why is it important for each of us to have a testimony of the First Vision? How has a testimony of the First Vision blessed your life?

 

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 2

Introduction

Display a branch I have broken off a tree.  “I’m sure looking forward to harvesting some tasty fruit off this branch in fall!”  That obviously won’t work; why not?  Read quote by Elder 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” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1977, 80; or Ensign, May 1977, 56).

In everything that we study we need to remember the Atonement of Jesus Christ and draw strength from that great act of love.

The Doctrine and Covenants testifies of Jesus Christ

A major purpose of all scripture is to testify of Jesus Christ.  In the Doctrine and Covenants there are many instances of Jesus speaking directly to the Prophet in our dispensation testifying of himself.  Read for example D&C 50:41–44.  Today’s lesson will highlight many other such passages.

Jesus suffered for us so we can repent

The Savior describes His atoning sacrifice

Read D&C 19:16–19.  This is the only passage in all of scripture in which Jesus describes his suffering during his atoning sacrifice.  What does this teach us?

• Verse 16 – I suffered these things for all. 
• He suffered for you, paying the price for your little “pet sins” you don’t really want to give up, and your secret struggles that you fear will overwhelm you. 
• He suffered for those you love, and he loves them even more than you do.
• He suffered for those you don’t love.  We should work to love everyone, if for no other reason than that Jesus does.
• Verse 19 – Glory be to the father and I partook…  Sometimes we hear or say something like, “Praise God, I’m alive!” or “Thank God, I did it!”  These expressions imply that we only achieved whatever we did through God’s grace, and this is likely true.  Notice in this case that Jesus used the word and to join the ideas of praising God and accomplishing his work.  This helps me understand that the Atonement was a conscious choice motivated by love for us and a desire to bring glory to our Father in Heaven.

Why did Jesus willingly suffer for us?

1. D&C 19:19 – To glorify God
2. D&C 19:24 – To do the will of the Father
3. D&C 18:10-11 – Because we’re worth it, and Jesus wants us to be with him

Through the Atonement, all will be resurrected

What do we learn about the resurrection from the following passages?

D&C 88:14–18; D&C 93:33; Alma 11:42–44

1. Resurrection is the redemption of the soul. The spirit and the body are reunited, inseparably connected in a perfect form (D&C 88:14–16; 93:33; Alma 11:42–43).
2. Resurrection prepares us for the celestial glory (D&C 88:18).
3. Resurrection is necessary for us to receive a fulness of joy (D&C 93:33).
4. All people will be resurrected (Alma 11:44).

Through the Atonement, we can be forgiven and inherit Celestial glory

Read the following passages from the Doctrine and Covenants: D&C 18:11–12; 19:16–17, 20; 58:42; 76:62–70.  What blessings do we receive through the Atonement?

1. We can repent of our sins and come unto Him (D&C 18:11–12).
2. If we repent, Christ has taken upon Himself the suffering for our sins (D&C 19:16–17, 20).
3. If we repent, the Lord forgives us and remembers our sins no more (D&C 58:42).
4. We can come forth in the first resurrection, be made perfect through Christ, and inherit celestial glory (D&C 76:62–70).

Jesus has perfect empathy

Read D&C 62:1.  This points out two roles of Jesus Christ. 

• He is our advocate with the Father.  He pleads on our behalf.  See D&C 45:3-4.
• He understands our weakness and knows how to succor those who are tempted.  All of us are tempted to some degree; Jesus knows how to aid, help, and relieve us in those temptations.  He doesn’t make the consequences less; he makes our ability to resist more.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve 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 His people in their infirmities (see D&C 88:6; Alma 7:11–12)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 91; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 69).

• How can we show gratitude for Jesus’ Atonement?
• How should our understanding of the Atonement affect our daily lives?

The Doctrine and Covenants helps us understand the Savior’s attributes

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 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 chickens.)

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 136:22. (His arm is stretched out to save His people.)

Conclusion

Read D&C 19:23.  I love the promise of peace to us as we learn of Jesus Christ and follow His perfect, loving example.

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 1

Introduction

• Our study of the Doctrine and Covenants will be organized by theme, not chronologically or in section order.
• The objective of this year’s study is for us to have a greater desire to seek the blessings of the gospel.
• To be successful in our study, class member participation will be critical.  Please read the sections we will be studying each week so that we can discuss and rejoice together.

The Doctrine and Covenants addresses the needs of our day

Read the third paragraph of the Explanatory Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants:

The book of Doctrine and Covenants is one of the standard works of the Church in company with the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Pearl of Great Price. However, the Doctrine and Covenants is unique because it is not a translation of an ancient document, but is of modern origin and was given of God through his chosen prophets for the restoration of his holy work and the establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth in these days. In the revelations one hears the tender but firm voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking anew in the dispensation of the fulness of times; and the work that is initiated herein is preparatory to his second coming, in fulfillment of and in concert with the words of all the holy prophets since the world began.

• It is not a translation – What significance does this have for us today?
• Tender but firm voice – During this year’s study, watch for times when Jesus Christ tender in these revelations, and for times when he is firm.  How does the Doctrine and Covenants help us come to know Jesus Christ?
• The work…is preparatory to his second coming – What passages of the Doctrine and Covenants have helped you prepare for this event?

The sixth paragraph of the introduction begins: “These sacred revelations were received in answer to prayer, in times of need, and came out of real-life situations involving real people.”

• Why is it helpful to remember that most of these revelations came as answers to prayer?
• What doctrines are clarified or introduced in the Doctrine and Covenants?

Read the testimony of the Twelve Apostles included in the 1835 edition:

We, therefore, feel willing to bear testimony to all the world of mankind, to every creature upon the face of the earth, that the Lord has borne record to our souls, through the Holy Ghost shed forth upon us, that these commandments were given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for all men and are verily true.

We give this testimony unto the world, the Lord being our helper; and it is through the grace of God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, that we are permitted to have this privilege of bearing this testimony unto the world, in the which we rejoice exceedingly, praying the Lord always that the children of men may be profited thereby.

• How did the Twelve receive this testimony?  How can we follow their example?

The Lord authored the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants

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” (D&C 1:6). This revelation is now section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants.

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).

The voice of warning

The Lord raises a voice of warning in D&C 1:7–10, 12–16, 31–33.

• 7-10 – Both the unbelieving and the rebellious need to fear and tremble.  We are believers, but are we acting as rebellious believers?  Also, how do we “measure to” our fellow man?  Are we generous or stingy?  Do I want to be measured as I measure others?
• 12-16 – How do we prepare for the Lord’s coming?  Are we guilty of the charges in verse 16, of wanting to do things our way and being motivated by things other than righteousness and worshipping God?
• 31-33 – How do these verses affect you?

Purposes of these revelations

1. “That every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world” (D&C 1:20).
2. “That faith also might increase” (D&C 1:21).
3. “That mine everlasting covenant might be established” (D&C 1:22).
4. “That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed” (D&C 1:23).
5. To help the Lord’s servants “come to understanding” (D&C 1:24).

Now notice in the next four verses a progression:

6. “And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known” (D&C 1:25).  We begin by realizing we have made an innocent mistake.
7. “And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed” (D&C 1:26).  We want to learn what is right and wrong.
8. “And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent” (D&C 1:27).  Now that we know right and wrong, our mistakes are no longer innocent “errs” – they are sins that we must repent of.  The chastening is not an end unto itself.  Chastening is intended to bring us to repentance – to a true change of heart.
9. “And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time” (D&C 1:28).  Recognition of sin and a desire to repent leads to humility.  This opens the floodgates of heaven for us to receive blessings.  (See Ether 12:27.)

We can help move forward this great latter-day work

President Ezra Taft Benson said, “There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time as there is of us” (quoted by Marvin J. Ashton, in Conference Report, Oct. 1989, 48; or Ensign, Nov. 1989, 36).

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “The most serious challenge we face, and the most wonderful challenge, is the challenge that comes of growth” (quoted in “President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, Apr. 1995, 6).

The Lord needs more than onlookers who cheer from the sidelines; we must ask ourselves if we are keeping pace and doing our part as families and as individuals. President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “This is a season of a thousand opportunities. It is ours to grasp and move forward. What a wonderful time it is for each of us to do his or her small part in moving the work of the Lord on to its magnificent destiny” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 90–91; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 67).