Historical Background
In Section 28, Oliver Cowdery received the commandment to travel to the borders by the Lamanites and preach the gospel. Later, in Section 30, Peter Whitmer, Jr., was commanded to join Oliver on this mission. In October 1830, Oliver asked if it might be possible that others could accompany him on this very challenging mission. In response to this request, the Lord designated Ziba Peterson and Parley P. Pratt, both recent members of the Church, to travel with Oliver. The date of Ziba’s birth is not known. Parley was born in April of 1807. Therefore he was 23 at the time this revelation was given. The distance from Fayette, New York, to Independence, Missouri, their eventual destination, was nearly a thousand miles as the crow flies. Most of the travel would be on foot.
D&C 32:1-2 A Revelation to Parley P. Pratt
What do we learn about the will of the Lord for Parley in these two verses? What are the most significant words in these verses for missionaries today?
D&C 32:3-4 A Revelation to Ziba Peterson
Notice that the verses begin with the calling of Ziba to be a missionary. Then the words quickly change so that they apply to both Ziba and Parley. What additional council does the Lord give to these missionaries?
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Section 31
Historical Background
Thomas Marsh became acquainted with the Church through his association with Oliver Cowdery. They became friends during the time when the Book of Mormon was in the process of being published. He was married and had one child. He was baptized in early September 1830 by David Whitmer. He was ordained an elder in the Church later in that same month. The revelation addresses the question: What is to be Thomas B. Marsh’s role in the restoration?
D&C 31:1-8 Blessings upon Thomas and His Family
Thomas Marsh was called to preach the gospel among his family members and others. The “hour” of his mission had come. What blessings did the Lord promise Thomas and his family if he faithfully fulfilled this calling?
D&C 31:9-13 Lo, I Am With You
Under what conditions did the Lord say He would be with Thomas? How can missionaries today apply the principles the Lord gave Thomas B. Marsh?
Thomas Marsh became acquainted with the Church through his association with Oliver Cowdery. They became friends during the time when the Book of Mormon was in the process of being published. He was married and had one child. He was baptized in early September 1830 by David Whitmer. He was ordained an elder in the Church later in that same month. The revelation addresses the question: What is to be Thomas B. Marsh’s role in the restoration?
D&C 31:1-8 Blessings upon Thomas and His Family
Thomas Marsh was called to preach the gospel among his family members and others. The “hour” of his mission had come. What blessings did the Lord promise Thomas and his family if he faithfully fulfilled this calling?
D&C 31:9-13 Lo, I Am With You
Under what conditions did the Lord say He would be with Thomas? How can missionaries today apply the principles the Lord gave Thomas B. Marsh?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 30
Historical Background
This is a series of revelations given to the Whitmer brothers: David, John, and Peter, Jr.; at their home in Fayette, New York. The revelations address specific ways that they can fulfill the commandments the Lord has given them in the early days of the restoration.
D&C 30:1-4 A Revelation to David Whitmer
What things has David done to that makes it so that he no longer has the help of the Holy Ghost, but is “left to inquire for yourself”? What important lesson do these verses teach us about keeping the Spirit with us?
D&C 30:5-8 A Revelation to Peter Whitmer, Jr.
Cross-reference: D&C 28:8. Peter Whitmer has received a mission call. What rules is he expected to follow as he serves? How are these rules like the rules missionaries live by today? How are they different?
D&C 30:9-11 A Revelation to John Whitmer
Philip Burroughs was an early member of the Church who lived in Seneca Falls, New York. He was an inspector of highways and fences. What was John Whitmer commanded to do with John Burroughs? Under what conditions did the Lord say he would be with John Whitmer as he proclaimed the gospel? How does this principle apply to missionaries today?
This is a series of revelations given to the Whitmer brothers: David, John, and Peter, Jr.; at their home in Fayette, New York. The revelations address specific ways that they can fulfill the commandments the Lord has given them in the early days of the restoration.
D&C 30:1-4 A Revelation to David Whitmer
What things has David done to that makes it so that he no longer has the help of the Holy Ghost, but is “left to inquire for yourself”? What important lesson do these verses teach us about keeping the Spirit with us?
D&C 30:5-8 A Revelation to Peter Whitmer, Jr.
Cross-reference: D&C 28:8. Peter Whitmer has received a mission call. What rules is he expected to follow as he serves? How are these rules like the rules missionaries live by today? How are they different?
D&C 30:9-11 A Revelation to John Whitmer
Philip Burroughs was an early member of the Church who lived in Seneca Falls, New York. He was an inspector of highways and fences. What was John Whitmer commanded to do with John Burroughs? Under what conditions did the Lord say he would be with John Whitmer as he proclaimed the gospel? How does this principle apply to missionaries today?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 29
Historical Background
In September 1830 the Church had a conference in the farm house of Peter Whitmer, Sr. There were, in addition to the Prophet Joseph Smith, six elders: Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, John Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jr.; Samuel H. Smith, and Thomas B. Marsh. The revelation addresses questions concerning the coming of Christ and His millennial reign.
D&C 29:1-8 The Call to Gather the Elect
Invite students to discover what Jesus Christ is going to do, and how He is going to do it. Why should the elders of the Church be glad? What special calling do they have which only they can do? What day are they to prepare for?
D&C 29:9-12 The Twelve Apostles
In these verses the Lord speaks of the wicked and the righteous. What will happen to the wicked? What will happen to the righteous? In verse 12, how does the Lord define “the house of Israel?” Who will judge the house of Israel? Why would a person want one of the ancient Twelve Apostles of Jesus to judge them?
D&C 29:13-21 Weeping and Wailing
Have students list all the things that will happen before the beginning of the resurrection of the righteous. What can we do to prepare for such a time? Cross-reference: D&C 45:57.
D&C 29:22-25 The End of the Millennium
What important events are going to take place at the end of the millennium?
D&C 29:26-29 The Redemption of the Dead
Compare the condition of the wicked and the righteous prior to the end of the millennium.
D&C 29:30-35 Spiritual and Temporal Things
Find the words “spiritual” and “temporal” in these verses. What important ideas does the Lord present concerning the things He has created and His laws? Why do you think He wants us to know these things about Him?
D&C 29:36-45 Spiritual and Temporal Death
Why was it important for the devil to tempt Heavenly Father’s children? What happened to Adam when he chose to subject himself to the will of the devil? What does it mean to be “spiritually dead?” What did God do before he allowed Adam and his posterity to suffer “temporal death?” Why do you think God would do this? What do these decisions made by God teach us about our Heavenly Father?
D&C 29:46-50 The Fate of Little Children
Why is Satan not given power over little children and over “he that hath no understanding”? Cross-reference: Moroni 8:8-23.
In September 1830 the Church had a conference in the farm house of Peter Whitmer, Sr. There were, in addition to the Prophet Joseph Smith, six elders: Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, John Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jr.; Samuel H. Smith, and Thomas B. Marsh. The revelation addresses questions concerning the coming of Christ and His millennial reign.
D&C 29:1-8 The Call to Gather the Elect
Invite students to discover what Jesus Christ is going to do, and how He is going to do it. Why should the elders of the Church be glad? What special calling do they have which only they can do? What day are they to prepare for?
D&C 29:9-12 The Twelve Apostles
In these verses the Lord speaks of the wicked and the righteous. What will happen to the wicked? What will happen to the righteous? In verse 12, how does the Lord define “the house of Israel?” Who will judge the house of Israel? Why would a person want one of the ancient Twelve Apostles of Jesus to judge them?
D&C 29:13-21 Weeping and Wailing
Have students list all the things that will happen before the beginning of the resurrection of the righteous. What can we do to prepare for such a time? Cross-reference: D&C 45:57.
D&C 29:22-25 The End of the Millennium
What important events are going to take place at the end of the millennium?
D&C 29:26-29 The Redemption of the Dead
Compare the condition of the wicked and the righteous prior to the end of the millennium.
D&C 29:30-35 Spiritual and Temporal Things
Find the words “spiritual” and “temporal” in these verses. What important ideas does the Lord present concerning the things He has created and His laws? Why do you think He wants us to know these things about Him?
D&C 29:36-45 Spiritual and Temporal Death
Why was it important for the devil to tempt Heavenly Father’s children? What happened to Adam when he chose to subject himself to the will of the devil? What does it mean to be “spiritually dead?” What did God do before he allowed Adam and his posterity to suffer “temporal death?” Why do you think God would do this? What do these decisions made by God teach us about our Heavenly Father?
D&C 29:46-50 The Fate of Little Children
Why is Satan not given power over little children and over “he that hath no understanding”? Cross-reference: Moroni 8:8-23.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Section 28
Historical Background
In September 1830, Joseph and Emma Smith moved from Harmony, Pennsylvania, to Fayette, New York, to live among members of the Peter Whitmer, Sr., family. The Hale family, of which Emma was a part, had turned against Joseph and would no longer shield him from the anger of local people. When Joseph arrived in Fayette, something happened in connection with Church government, something Joseph had never dealt with before. Hiram Page, who had married Catherine Whitmer, claimed to receive revelation in behalf of the new Church. Some prominent members, Oliver Cowdery included, gave credibility to these revelations.
Of this time, Newel Knight wrote, “Joseph was perplexed and scarcely knew how to meet this new exigency [deal with this new problem]. That night I occupied the same room that he did and the greater part of the night was spent in prayer and supplication. After much labor with these brethren they were convinced of their error, and confessed the same, renouncing [Hiram Page’s] revelations as not being of God.” (Newel Knight Journal, Church Archives.)
D&C 28:1-3 Establishing Responsibilities
Look carefully at the Lord’s words that describe the duties of Joseph and how they are different from Oliver’s duties. To whom does the Lord compare Joseph? Who does the Lord say Oliver is like, in relationship to Joseph? How would this explanation help early members of the Church?
D&C 28:4-7 Some Do’s and Don’t’s
What are the things the Lord tells Oliver he can do? What things does the Lord command Oliver not to do? What are the boundaries of our own priesthood assignments today? Who can priesthood leaders receive revelation for? Who can members receive revelation for? How has the principle taught in these verses been a blessing to the Church?
D&C 28:8-10, 15-16 A Journey to the Lamanites
The topic in this revelation, up until these verses, has been concerning revelation in the Church. Suddenly the topic changes. Now the subject of discussion has to do with an assignment given to Oliver Cowdery. What is he supposed to do? Where is he supposed to go? What is he supposed to say? How does this compare to the missionary assignments our missionaries receive today?
Help students understand that this is the first revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants in which the “city Zion” is mentioned.
D&C 28:11-14 The Revelation Problem Addressed
What principles does the Lord teach Oliver that apply to resolving problems between members of the Church today? In verse 13, what three things must guide decisions that are made in the Church? Cross-reference: D&C 26:2. How does the principle of common consent protect the Church today?
In September 1830, Joseph and Emma Smith moved from Harmony, Pennsylvania, to Fayette, New York, to live among members of the Peter Whitmer, Sr., family. The Hale family, of which Emma was a part, had turned against Joseph and would no longer shield him from the anger of local people. When Joseph arrived in Fayette, something happened in connection with Church government, something Joseph had never dealt with before. Hiram Page, who had married Catherine Whitmer, claimed to receive revelation in behalf of the new Church. Some prominent members, Oliver Cowdery included, gave credibility to these revelations.
Of this time, Newel Knight wrote, “Joseph was perplexed and scarcely knew how to meet this new exigency [deal with this new problem]. That night I occupied the same room that he did and the greater part of the night was spent in prayer and supplication. After much labor with these brethren they were convinced of their error, and confessed the same, renouncing [Hiram Page’s] revelations as not being of God.” (Newel Knight Journal, Church Archives.)
D&C 28:1-3 Establishing Responsibilities
Look carefully at the Lord’s words that describe the duties of Joseph and how they are different from Oliver’s duties. To whom does the Lord compare Joseph? Who does the Lord say Oliver is like, in relationship to Joseph? How would this explanation help early members of the Church?
D&C 28:4-7 Some Do’s and Don’t’s
What are the things the Lord tells Oliver he can do? What things does the Lord command Oliver not to do? What are the boundaries of our own priesthood assignments today? Who can priesthood leaders receive revelation for? Who can members receive revelation for? How has the principle taught in these verses been a blessing to the Church?
D&C 28:8-10, 15-16 A Journey to the Lamanites
The topic in this revelation, up until these verses, has been concerning revelation in the Church. Suddenly the topic changes. Now the subject of discussion has to do with an assignment given to Oliver Cowdery. What is he supposed to do? Where is he supposed to go? What is he supposed to say? How does this compare to the missionary assignments our missionaries receive today?
Explain to students that the expression "the borders by the Lamanites" refers to the place where the Native American Indians had been sent by the United States Government. They were living on reservations in different parts of the country. The Indians specified by this revelation lived in the western part of the State of Missouri, near the city of Independence. This location was about 1,000 miles from Fayette, New York.
Help students understand that this is the first revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants in which the “city Zion” is mentioned.
D&C 28:11-14 The Revelation Problem Addressed
What principles does the Lord teach Oliver that apply to resolving problems between members of the Church today? In verse 13, what three things must guide decisions that are made in the Church? Cross-reference: D&C 26:2. How does the principle of common consent protect the Church today?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 27
Historical Background
On an evening in August, 1830, Joseph’s friend, Newel Knight and his wife Sally, came to visit the Smiths. As they conversed, they realized that neither Sally, nor Joseph’s wife, Emma, had been confirmed members of the Church and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. They determined to take care of the matter and to have the sacrament as well. For the sacrament, Joseph would need wine and he left the house to buy some.
Newel Knight wrote, “Brother Joseph set out to procure some wine for the occasion, but he had gone only a short distance, when he was met by a heavenly messenger, and received the first four verses of the revelation. . . .
“In obedience to this revelation we prepared some wine of our own make, and held our meeting, consisting only of five persons namely, Joseph Smith and wife [Emma Smith], John Whitmer, and myself [Newel Knight] and wife [Sally Knight]. We partook of the sacrament, after which we confirmed the two sisters into the Church, and spent the evening in a glorious manner. (Newel Knight Journal, Church Archives.)
Section 27 should be viewed as two revelations given at separate times: one in August of 1830 (verses 1-4), and the other in September of 1830 (verses 5-18).
D&C 27:1-4 The Emblems of the Sacrament
According to these verses, what should we remember as we partake of the sacrament? What commandment did the Lord give Joseph concerning wine? Explain that “new wine,” or, wine that is “made new among you,” is what we would call “grape juice” today. It is new because it has not yet fermented. It may be helpful to understand that the current practice of the Church, using bread and water for the sacrament, is based upon the living prophet’s interpretation of scripture. If a change in policy should occur, it would happen through a directive from the living prophet.
D&C 27:5-14 A Future Celebration
Have students list the ancient prophets who will attend the great celebration when Jesus comes again.
Moroni – The Lord gave him the keys of the record of Ephraim (the Book of Mormon).
John the Baptist – He was filled with the spirit of Elias (Elijah), and appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
Elijah – The Lord gave him keys to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph – These were the ancient patriarchs who received promises from the Lord, promises which are passed on to the faithful in every generation.
Adam – He is also called Michael. He is the father of all the human family, the first patriarch.
Peter, James, and John – They were the Lord’s chief apostles when Jesus established His Church upon the earth.
Ask students who else is invited to this great celebration to drink wine with the Savior when he comes again. Why would we all want to be a part of this moment?
D&C 27:15-18 The Dress Code
In this revelation, the Lord has established the menu (verses 1-4), the guest list (verses 5-14), and in these verses He establishes the dress code. It is a symbolic dress code. Ask students to read these verses and explain what these different articles of armor symbolize in their own lives. Invite them to think of the piece of armor and the part of the body it protects. How are we spiritually protected today from influences which could destroy us spiritually?
On an evening in August, 1830, Joseph’s friend, Newel Knight and his wife Sally, came to visit the Smiths. As they conversed, they realized that neither Sally, nor Joseph’s wife, Emma, had been confirmed members of the Church and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. They determined to take care of the matter and to have the sacrament as well. For the sacrament, Joseph would need wine and he left the house to buy some.
Newel Knight wrote, “Brother Joseph set out to procure some wine for the occasion, but he had gone only a short distance, when he was met by a heavenly messenger, and received the first four verses of the revelation. . . .
“In obedience to this revelation we prepared some wine of our own make, and held our meeting, consisting only of five persons namely, Joseph Smith and wife [Emma Smith], John Whitmer, and myself [Newel Knight] and wife [Sally Knight]. We partook of the sacrament, after which we confirmed the two sisters into the Church, and spent the evening in a glorious manner. (Newel Knight Journal, Church Archives.)
Section 27 should be viewed as two revelations given at separate times: one in August of 1830 (verses 1-4), and the other in September of 1830 (verses 5-18).
D&C 27:1-4 The Emblems of the Sacrament
According to these verses, what should we remember as we partake of the sacrament? What commandment did the Lord give Joseph concerning wine? Explain that “new wine,” or, wine that is “made new among you,” is what we would call “grape juice” today. It is new because it has not yet fermented. It may be helpful to understand that the current practice of the Church, using bread and water for the sacrament, is based upon the living prophet’s interpretation of scripture. If a change in policy should occur, it would happen through a directive from the living prophet.
D&C 27:5-14 A Future Celebration
Have students list the ancient prophets who will attend the great celebration when Jesus comes again.
Moroni – The Lord gave him the keys of the record of Ephraim (the Book of Mormon).
John the Baptist – He was filled with the spirit of Elias (Elijah), and appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
Elijah – The Lord gave him keys to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph – These were the ancient patriarchs who received promises from the Lord, promises which are passed on to the faithful in every generation.
Adam – He is also called Michael. He is the father of all the human family, the first patriarch.
Peter, James, and John – They were the Lord’s chief apostles when Jesus established His Church upon the earth.
Ask students who else is invited to this great celebration to drink wine with the Savior when he comes again. Why would we all want to be a part of this moment?
D&C 27:15-18 The Dress Code
In this revelation, the Lord has established the menu (verses 1-4), the guest list (verses 5-14), and in these verses He establishes the dress code. It is a symbolic dress code. Ask students to read these verses and explain what these different articles of armor symbolize in their own lives. Invite them to think of the piece of armor and the part of the body it protects. How are we spiritually protected today from influences which could destroy us spiritually?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 26
Historical Background
As Joseph Smith and John Whitmer were arranging for the publication of the small collection of revelations Joseph had received, this revelation on Church administration was received. It dealt with questions that were on the minds of the leaders of the small organization: what is the responsibility of the heads of the Church; and, how are we to conduct the affairs of the Church when new policies or practices are needed?
D&C 26:1 The Duties of the Chief Leaders of the Church
What four things should occupy the time of Church leaders? What is the purpose of having conferences in the Church? Consider how you occupy your own time. Is it in harmony with the council the Lord gave to early Church leaders? Keep in mind that the size of the Church was similar, if not smaller, than a ward today.
D&C 26:2 How Decisions Are Made
The idea of “common consent” in the Church is that the actions that are taken by Church leaders need to be “sustained” by the members. What kinds of activities in the Church require a “sustaining vote” of the ward, stake, or general Church?
As Joseph Smith and John Whitmer were arranging for the publication of the small collection of revelations Joseph had received, this revelation on Church administration was received. It dealt with questions that were on the minds of the leaders of the small organization: what is the responsibility of the heads of the Church; and, how are we to conduct the affairs of the Church when new policies or practices are needed?
D&C 26:1 The Duties of the Chief Leaders of the Church
What four things should occupy the time of Church leaders? What is the purpose of having conferences in the Church? Consider how you occupy your own time. Is it in harmony with the council the Lord gave to early Church leaders? Keep in mind that the size of the Church was similar, if not smaller, than a ward today.
D&C 26:2 How Decisions Are Made
The idea of “common consent” in the Church is that the actions that are taken by Church leaders need to be “sustained” by the members. What kinds of activities in the Church require a “sustaining vote” of the ward, stake, or general Church?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 25
Historical Background
This is the only revelation in the collection that is addressed to Emma Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith. When this revelation was received she was 26 years old and had endured humiliation and harassment from enemies of the Church in New York State. One portion of the revelation deals with Emma’s spirit and councils her to avoid murmuring. Another portion introduces an assignment the Lord gave to Emma to produce a collection of hymns. Emma did make this selection and in April of 1832 the collection was submitted to the Church’s Literary Firm. Editorial changes were made and the collection was ready for publication. However, enemies of the Church destroyed the Church’s printing press in Independence, Missouri; thus delaying the actual publication of the hymnal.
In September 1835, Emma was encouraged to complete the assignment she had received, adding additional hymns. This was completed and published in February 1836. There were ninety hymns in this first hymnal and no music, just the words.
A second edition was published in Nauvoo in 1841. Work on a third edition was underway in 1843 but was never completed.
D&C 25:1-4 A Daughter in the Kingdom of God
Find words and phrases that describe the Lord’s feelings for Emma. What promises does the Lord make to her if she is faithful?
D&C 25:5-10, 13-16 A Wife in the Kingdom of God
Joseph Smith was the president of the Church. While it was not a very large Church at this time, about the size of a modern ward, his responsibilities were enormous. What were things Emma could do to help him in his assignment? What things could Joseph do to help Emma? How is the counsel the Lord gave to this young couple with great responsibility in the kingdom of God similar to the counsel God has given all couples?
D&C 25:11-12 An Assignment in the Kingdom
According to these verses, how does the Lord feel about sacred music? How can this understanding bless the homes of modern Church members?
This is the only revelation in the collection that is addressed to Emma Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith. When this revelation was received she was 26 years old and had endured humiliation and harassment from enemies of the Church in New York State. One portion of the revelation deals with Emma’s spirit and councils her to avoid murmuring. Another portion introduces an assignment the Lord gave to Emma to produce a collection of hymns. Emma did make this selection and in April of 1832 the collection was submitted to the Church’s Literary Firm. Editorial changes were made and the collection was ready for publication. However, enemies of the Church destroyed the Church’s printing press in Independence, Missouri; thus delaying the actual publication of the hymnal.
In September 1835, Emma was encouraged to complete the assignment she had received, adding additional hymns. This was completed and published in February 1836. There were ninety hymns in this first hymnal and no music, just the words.
A second edition was published in Nauvoo in 1841. Work on a third edition was underway in 1843 but was never completed.
D&C 25:1-4 A Daughter in the Kingdom of God
Find words and phrases that describe the Lord’s feelings for Emma. What promises does the Lord make to her if she is faithful?
D&C 25:5-10, 13-16 A Wife in the Kingdom of God
Joseph Smith was the president of the Church. While it was not a very large Church at this time, about the size of a modern ward, his responsibilities were enormous. What were things Emma could do to help him in his assignment? What things could Joseph do to help Emma? How is the counsel the Lord gave to this young couple with great responsibility in the kingdom of God similar to the counsel God has given all couples?
D&C 25:11-12 An Assignment in the Kingdom
According to these verses, how does the Lord feel about sacred music? How can this understanding bless the homes of modern Church members?
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