Explanatory Introduction
Invite students to number the paragraphs in the Explanatory Introduction, with the Testimony of the Twelve Apostles as one paragraph. There should be 14 paragraphs when they are finished numbering. The following questions are answered by the paragraphs in the Explanatory Introduction:
Paragraph 1 – What is the Doctrine and Covenants and what is its purpose?
Paragraph 2 – Who received the revelations found in the Doctrine and Covenants?
Paragraph 3 – How is the Doctrine and Covenants different from the other standard works?
Paragraph 4 – Who was Joseph Smith, Jr.?
Paragraph 5 – What events lead to the restoration of the true Church of Jesus Christ?
Paragraph 6 – What circumstances brought about the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants?
Paragraph 7 – What is the relationship between the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants and other standard works?
Paragraph 8 – What makes the Doctrine and Covenants valuable to this generation?
Paragraph 9 – What other names did this collection of revelations have?
Paragraph 10 – What did the Twelve Apostles testify to and who were they?
Paragraph 11 – Has the Doctrine and Covenants always been as it was when it was first published?
Paragraph 12 – Why were the Lectures on Faith removed from the Doctrine and Covenants?
Paragraph 13 – What revelations are new to the Doctrine and Covenants in the 1981 edition?
Paragraph 14 – How is this edition of the Doctrine and Covenants different from all previous editions?
Invite students to either discover the answers to these questions are write questions that are answered by the Explanatory Introduction.
Doctrine and Covenants 1 – The Lord’s Preface
Refer students to the Chronological Order of Contents at the beginning of the Doctrine and Covenants. Have students locate the date and place of the writing of section 1. (See November 1831.) Invite students to read the section heading to Section 1 (the large italicized words) and discover the title associated with this section.
D&C 1:1-16 The Messengers and the Message
In these verses the Lord announces that messengers have been sent to the people of the world. Invite students to list the authority and power the Lord has given his messengers. According to verse 12-16, what is the message they will bring? Ask students what they can do to prepare for the coming of the Lord.
D&C 1:17-23 The Blessing of Commandments
Have students define the word “calamity” in verse 17. How are the conditions listed in verses 13-16 like a calamity? According to verses 17-23, what four things did the Lord do to overcome the calamity? What four things were accomplished because of the Lord’s intervention? How have you been blessed by these four things in your own life?
D&C 1:24-33 The Only True and Living Church
According to these verses, what power was given to those who obeyed the commandments that are revealed in the Doctrine and Covenants? What blessings come to those who obey those commandments today? According to verses 30-33, why is it important for members of this true and living church to repent? What happens to church members who do not repent? How has repentance been a blessing in your life?
D&C 1:34-39 Search These Commandments
Have students read these verses and list all the reasons the Lord gives for obeying the commandments found in the Doctrine and Covenants. What blessings come to those who are “his saints”? In many ways, peace has already been taken from the earth. How have you been able to have peace in your life despite the fact that “peace [has been] taken from the earth”?
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Moroni 7-10 Moroni's Final Testimony
Moroni 7:1-19 How to judge between good and evil
Moroni, still alive and still possessing room on the plates, elects to finish his record with two letters from his father, Mormon. Mormon says that it is as easy to judge between good and evil as it is to judge between light and dark (see verse 15). What keys does Mormon give us to help us discern between good and evil? What is the light by which we should judge? (See verse 18.)
Moroni 7:20-48 How to lay hold upon every good thing
In the first half of Moroni 7, Mormon explained how to judge between good and evil. Now he will explain how, after having discerned that something is good, a person might hold on to good things. In verses 20-36, Mormon explains the relationship between faith, repentance, and miracles. What is that relationship? In verses 37-48, he explains the relationship between faith, hope and charity. What is that relationship? Moroni has seen the destruction of his people and recorded the destruction of the Jaredites. Why would he feel it was important for us to read the words of his father?
Moroni 8:1-30 Little Children Are Alive in Christ
Have students read these verses looking for the words “little children”. What does Mormon teach us concerning baptism and little children? According to verses 20-28, what is the danger of accepting the doctrine that little children must be baptized? Moroni has seen the destruction of his people and recorded the destruction of the Jaredites. Why would he feel it was important for us to read the words of his father?
Moroni 9:1-26 The Sufferings of the Unfaithful
Mormon says he cannot speak favorably to God concerning the Lamanites (see verse 21). Have students read verses 1-20 and list the reasons why Mormon would not desire to do this. What do we see about us today that would cause Mormon to say the same thing about us? According to Mormon’s counsel to Moroni in verses 21-26, what can we do so that prophets would feel like they could “recommend us to God”?
Moroni 10:1-34 Moroni’s Final Testimony
In these verses Moroni explains: 1) How to know the truth, 2) The gifts of the Spirit, 3) The relationship between faith, hope and charity (and this is the third time he has done it), 4) Why we should not deny the power of Christ. Have students find what Moroni said on these four subjects. Remind them of Moroni’s background and understanding. Why would a man who has watched and recorded the destruction of two civilizations remind us of these four things? How can understanding these four things keep our families and communities from destruction?
Moroni, still alive and still possessing room on the plates, elects to finish his record with two letters from his father, Mormon. Mormon says that it is as easy to judge between good and evil as it is to judge between light and dark (see verse 15). What keys does Mormon give us to help us discern between good and evil? What is the light by which we should judge? (See verse 18.)
Moroni 7:20-48 How to lay hold upon every good thing
In the first half of Moroni 7, Mormon explained how to judge between good and evil. Now he will explain how, after having discerned that something is good, a person might hold on to good things. In verses 20-36, Mormon explains the relationship between faith, repentance, and miracles. What is that relationship? In verses 37-48, he explains the relationship between faith, hope and charity. What is that relationship? Moroni has seen the destruction of his people and recorded the destruction of the Jaredites. Why would he feel it was important for us to read the words of his father?
Moroni 8:1-30 Little Children Are Alive in Christ
Have students read these verses looking for the words “little children”. What does Mormon teach us concerning baptism and little children? According to verses 20-28, what is the danger of accepting the doctrine that little children must be baptized? Moroni has seen the destruction of his people and recorded the destruction of the Jaredites. Why would he feel it was important for us to read the words of his father?
Moroni 9:1-26 The Sufferings of the Unfaithful
Mormon says he cannot speak favorably to God concerning the Lamanites (see verse 21). Have students read verses 1-20 and list the reasons why Mormon would not desire to do this. What do we see about us today that would cause Mormon to say the same thing about us? According to Mormon’s counsel to Moroni in verses 21-26, what can we do so that prophets would feel like they could “recommend us to God”?
Moroni 10:1-34 Moroni’s Final Testimony
In these verses Moroni explains: 1) How to know the truth, 2) The gifts of the Spirit, 3) The relationship between faith, hope and charity (and this is the third time he has done it), 4) Why we should not deny the power of Christ. Have students find what Moroni said on these four subjects. Remind them of Moroni’s background and understanding. Why would a man who has watched and recorded the destruction of two civilizations remind us of these four things? How can understanding these four things keep our families and communities from destruction?
Moroni 1-6 Ordinances of Salvation
Moroni 1:1-4 Moroni’s Surprise
What seems to have caught Moroni by surprise? What things have happened in your life that are clearly the will of the Lord but have been a surprise to you?
Moroni 2-6 The Administration of the Church of Christ
Remind students that no where else in scripture up to this point in history had recorded these aspects of Church administration. No one had ever recorded how to bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, how to ordain others to the priesthood, the words of the sacrament prayers, the conditions that had to be met for baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and how to conduct meetings of the Church. What would have happened if Moroni had assumed his mission was over after he abridged the Jaredite record? Why is it important that none of us ever feel like our mission or assignment in the kingdom of God is complete?
What seems to have caught Moroni by surprise? What things have happened in your life that are clearly the will of the Lord but have been a surprise to you?
Moroni 2-6 The Administration of the Church of Christ
Remind students that no where else in scripture up to this point in history had recorded these aspects of Church administration. No one had ever recorded how to bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, how to ordain others to the priesthood, the words of the sacrament prayers, the conditions that had to be met for baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and how to conduct meetings of the Church. What would have happened if Moroni had assumed his mission was over after he abridged the Jaredite record? Why is it important that none of us ever feel like our mission or assignment in the kingdom of God is complete?
Ether 7-15 The Destruction of the Jaredites
Ether 7:1-27 Surely this thing leadeth to captivity.
The Jaredites desired that there should be a man who was named king over the people. The brother of Jared declared, “Surely this thing leadeth to captivity” (Ether 6:23). Invite the class to find the word captivity in Ether 7. Why do the Lord’s people become captives when they have someone other than the Lord for their king? Cross-reference: 1 Samuel 8:5-18.
Ether 8:20-23 Secret Combinations
Moroni revealed that secret combinations were established among the Jaredites to help the most wicked among them to gain power. Moroni issued a warning to the Gentiles concerning secret combinations. Have students read the warning in verses 20-23 and explain why we should not sustain those who are part of secret combinations.
Ether 9:35 The Jaredites humble themselves
There was gross wickedness among the Jaredites. They began to follow those who established secret combinations. There was murder and adultery and corruption of every sort. However, verse 35 indicates that the people repented. Invite students to read verses 30-34 and discover why it is that the people humbled themselves and repented. How does the Lord humble people in this generation?
Ether 10:22-28 Prosperity among the Jaredites
Have students read these verses and list the elements of prosperity among the Jaredites. Help students see that the prosperity of the Jaredites was a collective prosperity. No mention is made of individuals prospering, rather it is national prosperity. As soon as the Jaredites seek for individual prosperity through secret combinations they go into captivity (see verses 33-34).
Ether 11:13-23 The Final Destruction of the Jaredites Prophesied
What are the key words that describe the reasons why the Jaredites were headed for a final destruction? How do people show that they are wicked and rebellious in this generation? What is the difference between living in captivity and living in peace?
Ether 12:1-41 Faith, Hope and Charity
Moroni saw the destruction of the Jaredites. He also saw our day (see Mormon 8:35-41) and saw that we were headed in the same direction the Jaredites were headed. In Ether 12, Moroni attempts to give us a doctrinal framework within which to live our lives and avoid the promised destruction of the wicked. The first principle of that doctrinal framework is faith in Christ. Have students read verses 1-31 and find examples of faith among the Jaredites and Nephites. In those same verses the Lord explains why men receive weaknesses in this life. How do these weaknesses lead to an increase of faith? The second principle is hope. Have students read Ether 12:32 and explain why we must have hope. The third principle is charity. Have students read Ether 12:33-37 and explain why those who will not suffer destruction must have charity.
Ether 12:38-41 Moroni’s Testimony
Why does Moroni have confidence as he anticipates the day he will stand before God to be judged? What can we do to have that same confidence?
Ether 13:1-14 Ether Writes of a New Jerusalem
Ether wrote of the reconstruction of the Jerusalem that Lehi came from. He also wrote of a New Jerusalem. What did Ether see when he was shown the future? What does the scripture mean in verse 12? Who are the first and who are the last? Why is it important for us to know the prophecies of Ether?
Ether 13:1-15:34 The End of the Jaredites
Have students read Ether 14:25 and explain what the fullness of the wrath of God was that was poured out upon the Jaredites. Have students read Ether 15:3 and explain why Coriantumr began to repent after having resisted repentance for so long. Have students read Ether 15:19 and explain why the Spirit had ceased striving with the Jaredites. What lessons can we learn from this pattern?
The Jaredites desired that there should be a man who was named king over the people. The brother of Jared declared, “Surely this thing leadeth to captivity” (Ether 6:23). Invite the class to find the word captivity in Ether 7. Why do the Lord’s people become captives when they have someone other than the Lord for their king? Cross-reference: 1 Samuel 8:5-18.
Ether 8:20-23 Secret Combinations
Moroni revealed that secret combinations were established among the Jaredites to help the most wicked among them to gain power. Moroni issued a warning to the Gentiles concerning secret combinations. Have students read the warning in verses 20-23 and explain why we should not sustain those who are part of secret combinations.
Ether 9:35 The Jaredites humble themselves
There was gross wickedness among the Jaredites. They began to follow those who established secret combinations. There was murder and adultery and corruption of every sort. However, verse 35 indicates that the people repented. Invite students to read verses 30-34 and discover why it is that the people humbled themselves and repented. How does the Lord humble people in this generation?
Ether 10:22-28 Prosperity among the Jaredites
Have students read these verses and list the elements of prosperity among the Jaredites. Help students see that the prosperity of the Jaredites was a collective prosperity. No mention is made of individuals prospering, rather it is national prosperity. As soon as the Jaredites seek for individual prosperity through secret combinations they go into captivity (see verses 33-34).
Ether 11:13-23 The Final Destruction of the Jaredites Prophesied
What are the key words that describe the reasons why the Jaredites were headed for a final destruction? How do people show that they are wicked and rebellious in this generation? What is the difference between living in captivity and living in peace?
Ether 12:1-41 Faith, Hope and Charity
Moroni saw the destruction of the Jaredites. He also saw our day (see Mormon 8:35-41) and saw that we were headed in the same direction the Jaredites were headed. In Ether 12, Moroni attempts to give us a doctrinal framework within which to live our lives and avoid the promised destruction of the wicked. The first principle of that doctrinal framework is faith in Christ. Have students read verses 1-31 and find examples of faith among the Jaredites and Nephites. In those same verses the Lord explains why men receive weaknesses in this life. How do these weaknesses lead to an increase of faith? The second principle is hope. Have students read Ether 12:32 and explain why we must have hope. The third principle is charity. Have students read Ether 12:33-37 and explain why those who will not suffer destruction must have charity.
Ether 12:38-41 Moroni’s Testimony
Why does Moroni have confidence as he anticipates the day he will stand before God to be judged? What can we do to have that same confidence?
Ether 13:1-14 Ether Writes of a New Jerusalem
Ether wrote of the reconstruction of the Jerusalem that Lehi came from. He also wrote of a New Jerusalem. What did Ether see when he was shown the future? What does the scripture mean in verse 12? Who are the first and who are the last? Why is it important for us to know the prophecies of Ether?
Ether 13:1-15:34 The End of the Jaredites
Have students read Ether 14:25 and explain what the fullness of the wrath of God was that was poured out upon the Jaredites. Have students read Ether 15:3 and explain why Coriantumr began to repent after having resisted repentance for so long. Have students read Ether 15:19 and explain why the Spirit had ceased striving with the Jaredites. What lessons can we learn from this pattern?
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Ether 1-6 Pentrating the Veil of Unbelief
Ether 1:1-6 The 24 Gold Plates
Cross reference: Omni 1:20-22; Mosiah 8:9; 21:27; 22:14; 28:11; Alma 37:21-32.
Ether 1:33-43 The Promise of a Promised Land
Have students read these verses and compare the events associated with the Jaredites to the experiences of Lehi’s family in 1 Nephi. How are these experiences symbolic of experiences families face today? Cross-reference: D&C 64:23-24; 133:14.
Ether 2:1-8 The Desire of the Lord
In Ether 1:42 the Lord declared that he would “go before” Jared and his people to “a land which is choice above all the lands of the earth”. What evidence is there in Ether 2:1-8 to suggest that the Lord did go before the Jaredites? What evidence to you have in your own life that the Lord is “going before” you?
Ether 2:9-12 Moroni’s Commentary
Moroni appears to follow the pattern of his father, Mormon, when he makes these remarks. He is offering commentary on what he has read from the plates. What important message is he sending to those who will one day read his record? What specific people is the message addressed to?
Ether 2:13-15 The Lord Chastens the Brother of Jared
Have students read Ether 1:33-2:5 and list each time that the Brother of Jared called upon the Lord. Remind students that the Lord was guiding the Jaredites to “the land of promise” (Ether 2:7). Why would the Lord chastise the Brother of Jared? Why would it not be wise to assume that the Lord has given you all the blessings that you can receive from him? Why would it be unwise to stop seeking direction from the Lord assuming that you were where he wanted you to be? What was the “evil” spoken of in Ether 2:15?
Ether 2:16-25 Two Great Problems
The Lord gave the Brother of Jared a design for a vessel to take them across the “great water”. There were two problems with the design. Why would the Lord give the Brother of Jared an incomplete design? How did the Lord respond to the two design questions? What ways can the Lord help us when we find ourselves in difficulties not of our creation?
Ether 3:1-5 The Brother of Jared’s Plan
The Lord gave the Brother of Jared the solution to his problem of lack of air. The Brother of Jared had to come up with a plan to bring light into the vessels. What was his plan? What words would you use to describe the way the Brother of Jared approached the Lord with his plan? How should we approach the Lord with our own plans?
Ether 3:6-16 The Lord Manifests Himself to the Brother of Jared
Cross reference: Omni 1:20-22; Mosiah 8:9; 21:27; 22:14; 28:11; Alma 37:21-32.
Ether 1:33-43 The Promise of a Promised Land
Have students read these verses and compare the events associated with the Jaredites to the experiences of Lehi’s family in 1 Nephi. How are these experiences symbolic of experiences families face today? Cross-reference: D&C 64:23-24; 133:14.
Ether 2:1-8 The Desire of the Lord
In Ether 1:42 the Lord declared that he would “go before” Jared and his people to “a land which is choice above all the lands of the earth”. What evidence is there in Ether 2:1-8 to suggest that the Lord did go before the Jaredites? What evidence to you have in your own life that the Lord is “going before” you?
Ether 2:9-12 Moroni’s Commentary
Moroni appears to follow the pattern of his father, Mormon, when he makes these remarks. He is offering commentary on what he has read from the plates. What important message is he sending to those who will one day read his record? What specific people is the message addressed to?
Ether 2:13-15 The Lord Chastens the Brother of Jared
Have students read Ether 1:33-2:5 and list each time that the Brother of Jared called upon the Lord. Remind students that the Lord was guiding the Jaredites to “the land of promise” (Ether 2:7). Why would the Lord chastise the Brother of Jared? Why would it not be wise to assume that the Lord has given you all the blessings that you can receive from him? Why would it be unwise to stop seeking direction from the Lord assuming that you were where he wanted you to be? What was the “evil” spoken of in Ether 2:15?
Ether 2:16-25 Two Great Problems
The Lord gave the Brother of Jared a design for a vessel to take them across the “great water”. There were two problems with the design. Why would the Lord give the Brother of Jared an incomplete design? How did the Lord respond to the two design questions? What ways can the Lord help us when we find ourselves in difficulties not of our creation?
Ether 3:1-5 The Brother of Jared’s Plan
The Lord gave the Brother of Jared the solution to his problem of lack of air. The Brother of Jared had to come up with a plan to bring light into the vessels. What was his plan? What words would you use to describe the way the Brother of Jared approached the Lord with his plan? How should we approach the Lord with our own plans?
Ether 3:6-16 The Lord Manifests Himself to the Brother of Jared
The Brother of Jared saw the Lord.
In Ether 4:4 Moroni says that the things the Brother of Jared saw were the greatest things ever seen by anyone. Have students find verses that would explain why the Lord was so gracious to the Brother of Jared. What had the Brother of Jared done to prove his faith in the Lord? How had the Brother of Jared responded to chastisement? What was the Brother of Jared willing to do to comply with the Lord’s commandments?
Ether 3:14 Jesus Christ is the Father and the Son
Cross-reference: Ether 4:7; Mosiah 15:2-5, 10-12.
Ether 3:17-28 The Lord Could Not Withhold Anything from the Brother of Jared
The Brother of Jared saw the finger of the Lord, the spirit body of Jesus Christ before he was born in the flesh, and all those who would ever live upon the earth. According to these verses, why did the Lord give the Brother of Jared these great privileges?
Ether 4:1-19 Commentary by Moroni
Have students find things they can do to receive spiritual experiences similar to those that the Brother of Jared had.
Ether 5:1-6 A Message to the Three Witnesses
What direction does Moroni give Joseph Smith concerning those who may see the plates? Cross-reference: D&C 17:1-9.
Ether 6:1-12 The Journey to the Promised Land
Have students read these verses and compare the journey of the Jaredites to the promised land with their own journey from wherever they are to the presence of God. What must we do to have the light of Christ in our lives as we make our journey back to the Father?
Ether 6:13-30 This Thing Leadeth to Captivity
In Ether 6: 23 the Brother of Jared said, “Surely this thing leadeth to captivity.” Read verses 13-30 and see what thing would lead the Jaredites to be captives. What things lead us to be captives?
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