Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 6

Introduction

Show a radio to the class but do not turn it on. Why can’t we hear what is being broadcast?

Turn on the radio but do not tune it to a station. What must we do before we can hear a radio station clearly? How can listening to the Holy Ghost be compared to finding a radio station? (Making the effort to seek the Holy Ghost’s guidance may be compared to turning on the radio. Doing what is necessary to receive the whisperings of the Holy Ghost may be compared to tuning the radio to a station or repairing the radio if necessary.)

How does the Holy Ghost communicate with us?

He tells us in our hearts and minds

Read D&C 8:2. 

• What is that like for you? 
• How meaningful is this type of communication, and how much faith can we have in it? 

Now read verse 3.  It sounds like the Lord is telling us that this is the method He used to tell Moses to escape from the advancing Egyptian army by parting the Red Sea and walking through on dry ground.  “Telling in our hearts and minds” can include items of tremendous significance!

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve 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” (“Teaching and Learning by the Spirit,” Ensign, Mar. 1997, 14).

In the same article, Elder Oaks said, “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).

He enlightens our minds

Read D&C 11:13-14.  In what ways does the Spirit enlighten our minds?

Share the following experience that happened to me this week:  In our family scripture study, I had a new insight while reading Ether 5:2-4.  I asked my children to name the three witnesses, and they did – David Whitmer, Oliver Cowdery, and Martin Harris.  Then my mind was enlightened and I realized that there are three more witnesses named in verse 4: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost also bear record of the truth of this record.

In a related idea, the Holy Ghost also brings peace to our minds (see D&C 6:22-23).

Invite class members to share times when they have felt enlightened by the Holy Ghost.

He brings a “burning in the bosom”

Read D&C 9:7-8 and the following quotes:

President 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” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 77; or 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).

He reveals things “line upon line, precept upon precept”

Read D&C 98:12. 

Explain that we usually receive revelation in accordance with our preparation to receive it. As we become more prepared, more is revealed to us. Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve taught:

“When we seek inspiration to help make decisions, the Lord gives gentle promptings. These require us to think, to exercise faith, to work, to struggle at times, and to act. Seldom does the whole answer to a decisively important matter or complex problem come all at once. More often, it comes a piece at a time, without the end in sight” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1989, 40; or Ensign, Nov. 1989, 32).

Invite class members to share experiences of how they have received divine guidance line upon line, or step by step.

Cautions about personal revelation

Submitting our will to God’s

Read D&C 109:44.  How can we mean it when we pray for God’s will to be done when we have a strong desire for a particular outcome?  How can we recognize and accept God’s answer when it is not what we want?

Revelation comes in the Lord’s time and way

Read D&C 88:68.  Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught:

“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).

We receive revelation according to our responsibilities

Read D&C 28:2, 6-7.  We usually interpret this to mean that only the Prophet receives revelation for the entire Church, only the Bishop receives revelation for the ward, etc.  And that is absolutely correct.  But might it not also mean that as a father in my home, I have a responsibility to seek and receive revelation for my family?  If I am waiting for someone else to receive revelation that is within my stewardship, am I not neglecting my responsibilities?

Discerning whether revelation has come from God

Read D&C 11:12.

The First Presidency said: “When … inspiration conveys something out of harmony with the accepted revelations of the Church or contrary to the decisions of its 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” (in James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. [1965–75], 4:285).

When revelation does not seem to come

Elder Boyd K. Packer counseled:

“Sometimes you may struggle with a problem and not get an answer. What could be wrong? It may be that you are not doing anything wrong. It may be that you have not done the right things long enough. Remember, you cannot force spiritual things. Sometimes we are confused simply because we won’t take no for an answer. …

“Put difficult questions in the back of your minds and go about your lives. Ponder and pray quietly and persistently about them.

“The answer may not come as a lightning bolt. It may come as a little inspiration here and a little there, ‘line upon line, precept upon precept’ (D&C 98:12).

“Some answers will come from reading the scriptures, some from hearing speakers. And, occasionally, when it is important, some will come by very direct and powerful inspiration. The promptings will be clear and unmistakable” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 29–30; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 21).

Conclusion

Emphasize that each of us has the privilege and responsibility to become fluent in the language of the Spirit.

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 5

Introduction

Place several pictures in the front of the room showing prophets receiving revelation, including Moses and the Burning Bush (62239; Gospel Art Picture Kit 107); Boy Samuel Called by the Lord (62498; Gospel Art Picture Kit 111); Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (62531; Gospel Art Picture Kit 115); The Brother of Jared Sees the Finger of the Lord (62478; Gospel Art Picture Kit 318); and The First Vision (62470; Gospel Art Picture Kit 403).  Write the following questions on the board for class members to consider as they come to class:

1. Who is represented here?
2. What is happening?
3. When have you had a similar experience in your life?

We need personal revelation

Begin with the following quote from the Bible Dictionary:

“Divine revelation is one of the grandest concepts and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for without it, man could not know of the things of God. … Continuous revelation from God to his saints … makes possible daily guidance along true paths and leads the faithful soul to complete and eternal salvation in the celestial kingdom. … Without revelation, all would be guesswork, darkness, and confusion” (Bible Dictionary, “Revelation,” 762).

Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve said, “No one of us can survive in the world of today, much less in what it soon will become, without personal inspiration” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 29; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 23).  Notice the importance of personal inspiration.  It is not enough for the Prophet to receive inspiration – we need it to in our lives.

Why is personal revelation so important in our day?

a.       Personal revelation is the way we receive our testimonies of Jesus Christ, His gospel, and the divine calling of Joseph Smith.

b.      Personal revelation is the way we learn divine truths.

c.       Personal revelation is the way we receive guidance beyond our own limited understanding in answering life’s questions, meeting challenges, and making decisions.

Understanding what we should do to receive revelation

The Doctrine and Covenants suggests at least six things we should do to receive personal revelation:

One – Study it out in our minds

Read D&C 9:8.  How do we do that?  How did Joseph do that?  Refer to JS-H 1:8.

a.       “My mind was called up to serious reflection.”

b.      “My feelings were deep and often poignant.”

c.       “I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit.”

The lesson manual indicates that Joseph sought for his example for more than two years.

·         Why is it important for us to study it out in our own minds? 

·         How are we blessed as we do so?

Two – Ponder the scriptures and words of latter-day prophets

Read JS-H 1:11-12. 

Three – Ask God in faith, believing you will receive an answer

Elder Boyd K. Packer said, “No message appears in scripture more times, in more ways than ‘Ask, and ye shall receive’ ” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 26; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 21).  Most of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants came in direct result to a question Joseph asked.

Read D&C 8:1.  How do we ask in faith?  What is an honest heart?

·         Cross reference 1 Nephi 15:11 – We have to believe we will receive an answer and keep the commandments.  If we’re not obeying what God has already revealed to us, why would He think we’ll listen to Him if He tells us something new?

·         Cross reference Moroni 10:4 – We have to ask with real intent, meaning we truly intend to act on whatever knowledge God gives us, regardless of what that direction may be.

Four – Be obedient and serve God

Read D&C 93:1, 28. 

Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught, “The way to revelation is righteousness” (The Lord’s Way [1991], 34). He also taught, “We cannot have the companionship of the Holy Ghost—the medium of individual revelation—if we are in transgression or if we are angry or if we are in rebellion against God’s chosen authorities” (“Teaching and Learning by the Spirit,” Ensign, Mar. 1997, 9).

Five – Be meek and humble

Read D&C 136:32-33. 

·         Why is humility important as we seek revelation?

David Whitmer recalled that one morning when Joseph Smith was getting ready 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 then the translation went on all right. He could do nothing save he was humble and faithful” (quoted in B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 1:131).

Six – Focus on the things of God rather than the things of the world

Read D&C 30:2.

Elder Boyd K. Packer taught:

“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 of these 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” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 27–28; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 21–22).

Conclusion

President Thomas S. Monson is God’s chosen prophet to lead the earth today.  He receives revelation to guide the Church, and we are blessed as we heed and follow the Lord’s counsel through him.

Each of us is responsible to receive revelation personally that President Monson is in fact a prophet, and that the counsel he gives truly comes from God.  President Monson cannot receive a revelation on my behalf that Joseph Smith was a prophet, or that Jesus Christ suffered and died for me.  I know he has received those revelations for himself; it is vital that each of us receive those revelations through the Holy Ghost for ourselves.

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 4 part 2

Introduction

What invention or development in society do you think has had a significant impact on humanity?  Briefly discuss possibilities, then read the following quote from President Benson:

My beloved brethren and sisters, today I would like to speak about one of the most significant gifts given to the world in modern times. The gift I am thinking of is more important than any of the inventions that have come out of the industrial and technological revolutions. This is a gift of greater value to mankind than even the many wonderful advances we have seen in modern medicine. It is of greater worth to mankind than the development of flight or space travel. I speak of the gift of the Book of Mormon, given to mankind 156 years ago.

Thoughts from Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov 1986

The Book of Mormon had been published for just 2 ½ years in September 1832 when the Lord told the Prophet Joseph that he was displeased with how church members treated this sacred book.  Read D&C 84:54-58.

• What was the consequence of this condemnation Church members were under?
• What did they need to do to escape this condemnation?
• What blessing awaited those who faithfully remembered the Book of Mormon?
• How does all of this apply to us today, over 165 years later?

How does the Lord feel about the Book of Mormon?

By His own mouth He has borne witness (1) that it is true (D&C 17:6), (2) that it contains the truth and His words (D&C 19:26), (3) that it was translated by power from on high (D&C 20:8), (4) that it contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ (D&C 20:9, D&C 42:12), (5) that it was given by inspiration and confirmed by the ministering of angels (D&C 20:10), (6) that it gives evidence that the holy scriptures are true (D&C 20:11), and (7) that those who receive it in faith shall receive eternal life (D&C 20:14).

• Read D&C 20:10-12.  Has the truth of this book been confirmed to you by the ministering of angels? 
• How do you feel about the Book of Mormon? 

Why should we study the Book of Mormon?

There are three great reasons why Latter-day Saints should make the study of the Book of Mormon a lifetime pursuit.

The first is that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion.

The Book of Mormon is the keystone in our witness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the cornerstone of everything we do.  The Book of Mormon is the keystone of the doctrine of the Resurrection.  It also provides the most complete explanation of the doctrine of the Atonement.

The Lord Himself has stated that the Book of Mormon contains the “fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (D&C 20:9). That does not mean it contains every teaching, every doctrine ever revealed. Rather, it means that in the Book of Mormon we will find the fulness of those doctrines required for our salvation. And they are taught plainly and simply so that even children can learn the ways of salvation and exaltation.

Finally, the Book of Mormon is the keystone of testimony. Just as the arch crumbles if the keystone is removed, so does all the Church stand or fall with the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. The enemies of the Church understand this clearly. This is why they go to such great lengths to try to disprove the Book of Mormon, for if it can be discredited, the Prophet Joseph Smith goes with it. So does our claim to priesthood keys, and revelation, and the restored Church. But in like manner, if the Book of Mormon be true—and millions have now testified that they have the witness of the Spirit that it is indeed true—then one must accept the claims of the Restoration and all that accompanies it.

Notice the key to testimony identified by President Benson – the witness of the Spirit.  Thousands of pages have been written by those trying to disprove the Book of Mormon, and even more have been written by those exploring the truths of this book of scripture.  But a testimony comes only from the Spirit, and for us to try to find a testimony in any other place will not succeed.

The second great reason why we must make the Book of Mormon a center focus of study is that it was written for our day.  In the Book of Mormon we find a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming. A major portion of the book centers on the few decades just prior to Christ’s coming to America. By careful study of that time period, we can determine why some were destroyed in the terrible judgments that preceded His coming and what brought others to stand at the temple in the land of Bountiful and thrust their hands into the wounds of His hands and feet.  More than anywhere else, we see in the Book of Mormon the dangers of materialism and setting our hearts on the things of the world. Can anyone doubt that this book was meant for us and that in it we find great power, great comfort, and great protection?

How do you use the Book of Mormon?

The third reason why the Book of Mormon is of such value to Latter-day Saints is given by the Prophet Joseph Smith.  He 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). That is the third reason for studying the book. It helps us draw nearer to God. 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.

It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. 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.

Think about those promised blessings.  What is that worth to you?  What would you do (or what do you do) with these promises?

President Marion G. Romney taught, “I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (Ensign, May 1980, p. 67).

These promises—increased love and harmony in the home, greater respect between parent and child, increased spirituality and righteousness—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.

I gratefully add my testimony that these promises are true. 

The Three Witnesses

Today we have read the words of two witnesses – Presidents Ezra Taft Benson and Marion G. Romney.  God provided three witnesses who were shown the golden plates by divine power and commanded to bear testimony to the world.  Read D&C 17:3-5.  

Show selections from the video presentation “The Three Witnesses” from 11:11 to 16:34, 21:15 to 23:20, 27:30 to end.