Historical Background
As the Saints followed the commandment to gather to Ohio, there were others who came with them, non-members. One in particular was a woman by the name of Hubble who presented herself to the people of Kirtland as future “teacher in the Church of Christ.” She also presented to the people what she called revelations and commandments. Leading members of the church were won over by her charm and she was welcomed into the inner circle of church leadership. Ezra Booth wrote that while many saw her as one who could play a key role in Mormonizing the world, Joseph “declared her an imposter.” Booth described her influence on the members at this time to be like a “barbed arrow” that “is not as yet eradicated” (article in Painesville Telegraph, December 20, 1831).
Section 43 is a reminder that there is only one person in the Church who can receive revelation for the Church. This counsel was previously given in Section 28 in connection with revelations received by Hiram Page. Half the members of the Church were unaware of that situation. The visit by Ms. Hubble offered the Church a chance to be reminded of the order of things.
D&C 43:1-7 None Other Appointed
What does the Lord tell the Church concerning those who receive revelations and commandments? What does it mean in verse 7 when the Lord says that a person that is ordained of the Lord to receive revelations and commandments must “come in at the gate and be ordained”? Cross-reference: 2 Nephi 31:17; D&C 20:37; D&C 28:2.
D&C 43:8-14 Sanctify Yourselves Before God
The Lord gives the leaders of the Church several principles that they should follow if they are to receive additional guidance and understand the mysteries of God. What should they do if they want to know how to act, if they want glory added to that which they already have, if they want the glories of the kingdom of God, if they want the mysteries of the kingdom of God? How can Latter-day Saints in this generation follow this counsel and receive the same blessings?
D&C 43:15-22 Prepare Yourselves for the Great Day of the Lord
What is the mission of the priesthood of the Church in the last days? What are they to preach and how are they to preach it? What shall follow the call to repent? How can we help the people of the earth to prepare for the great day of the Lord?
D&C 43:23-35 Be Sober. Keep All of My Commandments
What has the Lord done to call upon people to repent? What will He do when people do not repent? What reason does the Lord give for all people to repent? What happens to those who do not repent? Why should we “treasure these things” in our hearts?
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Section 42
Historical Background
The Saints in New York were promised that, if they would gather to Ohio, the Lord would give them His law. This law would establish the pattern they would be expected to live in anticipation of the coming of the Lord. Those who assembled to receive the law followed instructions from D&C 41 and “united in mighty prayer.” Their faith was rewarded with this revelation. Verses 1-77 were received on 9 February 1831. The remaining verses were received in two different groups, verses 74-77 and verses 78-93, on the 23rd of February 1831. The circumstances of the people involved must be kept in mind. They were poor people who had left their worldly possessions behind to follow the commandments of God given through the Prophet Joseph Smith. They had no idea how they would survive in their new location. Not only is their survival question answered, but the larger question of how the gospel would be preached in all the world is also addressed. The larger vision incorporated in the law is the idea that the members of the Church were preparing for the coming forth of the city New Jerusalem. Each law was created to help the members with that special purpose.
D&C 42:1-10 Go Forth
Several times in these verses the expression, “go forth,” appears. Who is supposed to go? What are they supposed to do? Why are they supposed to do it? How long are they supposed to do it? What does the city New Jerusalem have to do with this work? Cross-reference: Ether 13:2-11; Moses 7:62. (Remember, Joseph Smith had learned of the idea of a New Jerusalem from his translation of the Book of Mormon and from his work on the inspired revision of the King James Bible.)
D&C 42:11-17 The Order of the Church
What must happen before an elder, priest or teacher may assume responsibilities in the Church? What are they to teach? How are they to teach it? What role does the Comforter, or the Holy Ghost, have in establishing the Church? How are these important procedures followed in the Church today? What must happen before a person may exercise any authority?
D&C 42:18-29 The Commandments
In these verses, the Lord repeats many of the commandments He gave to Moses and the children of Israel. What additional council does he give concerning those who murder, lust after women, commit adultery, or speak falsely about their neighbors? Why do you suppose the Lord would repeat these commandments in our generation? How has living these commandments blessed your life?
D&C 42:30-36 The Law of Consecration
The Lord’s program for taking care of the poor is outlined in these verses. What are the Saints supposed to do with their belongings? What is the Bishop supposed to do when the members give him their property? What is supposed to happen with the portion of the property that is not essential to the families who consecrate their property to the Church? How are our current system of tithing and fast offerings like the original Law of Consecration?
D&C 42:37-55 Let All Things Be Done in Cleanliness
This portion of the law of the Lord has to do with taking care of the poor, avoiding pride, work, healing the sick, faith to be healed, honesty and integrity in business dealings, and how to use excess funds. As you read these verses, ask yourself, “How would following these commandments help me be clean? How would following these commandments prepare me to live with the Lord?”
D&C 42:56-62 Revelation upon Revelation
Joseph Smith is given instructions concerning “my scriptures” (the inspired revision of the King James Bible). What council does the Lord give Joseph concerning the revelations that have been received and additional revelation?
D&C 42:63-69 Blessings upon the Servants of the Lord
What power and authority are given to those who will serve as missionaries for the Church? What additional blessings await them if they will be faithful in following the commandments that the Lord has revealed in His law?
D&C 42:70-73 Support for Missionary Families
Many of the missionaries who were called were married men with families. What did the Lord say should be done for the families while the husbands and fathers were separated? How was the Bishop to be able to support himself?
D&C 42:74-93 Dealing with Difficult Problems
In these final verses the Lord explains how the Church should deal with problems within the Church among Church members. For example, verses 74-78 explain how to deal with adultery and fornication. Verse 79 explains what should happen when a member commits murder. Verses 80-83 give directions on how to deal with women who commit adultery. Additional verses deal with those who steal from Church members or do anything to offend other members. Why do you think these laws would be necessary among people who were preparing to live with the Lord in the New Jerusalem? How should members handle problems among themselves in this generation?
The Saints in New York were promised that, if they would gather to Ohio, the Lord would give them His law. This law would establish the pattern they would be expected to live in anticipation of the coming of the Lord. Those who assembled to receive the law followed instructions from D&C 41 and “united in mighty prayer.” Their faith was rewarded with this revelation. Verses 1-77 were received on 9 February 1831. The remaining verses were received in two different groups, verses 74-77 and verses 78-93, on the 23rd of February 1831. The circumstances of the people involved must be kept in mind. They were poor people who had left their worldly possessions behind to follow the commandments of God given through the Prophet Joseph Smith. They had no idea how they would survive in their new location. Not only is their survival question answered, but the larger question of how the gospel would be preached in all the world is also addressed. The larger vision incorporated in the law is the idea that the members of the Church were preparing for the coming forth of the city New Jerusalem. Each law was created to help the members with that special purpose.
D&C 42:1-10 Go Forth
Several times in these verses the expression, “go forth,” appears. Who is supposed to go? What are they supposed to do? Why are they supposed to do it? How long are they supposed to do it? What does the city New Jerusalem have to do with this work? Cross-reference: Ether 13:2-11; Moses 7:62. (Remember, Joseph Smith had learned of the idea of a New Jerusalem from his translation of the Book of Mormon and from his work on the inspired revision of the King James Bible.)
D&C 42:11-17 The Order of the Church
What must happen before an elder, priest or teacher may assume responsibilities in the Church? What are they to teach? How are they to teach it? What role does the Comforter, or the Holy Ghost, have in establishing the Church? How are these important procedures followed in the Church today? What must happen before a person may exercise any authority?
D&C 42:18-29 The Commandments
In these verses, the Lord repeats many of the commandments He gave to Moses and the children of Israel. What additional council does he give concerning those who murder, lust after women, commit adultery, or speak falsely about their neighbors? Why do you suppose the Lord would repeat these commandments in our generation? How has living these commandments blessed your life?
D&C 42:30-36 The Law of Consecration
The Lord’s program for taking care of the poor is outlined in these verses. What are the Saints supposed to do with their belongings? What is the Bishop supposed to do when the members give him their property? What is supposed to happen with the portion of the property that is not essential to the families who consecrate their property to the Church? How are our current system of tithing and fast offerings like the original Law of Consecration?
D&C 42:37-55 Let All Things Be Done in Cleanliness
This portion of the law of the Lord has to do with taking care of the poor, avoiding pride, work, healing the sick, faith to be healed, honesty and integrity in business dealings, and how to use excess funds. As you read these verses, ask yourself, “How would following these commandments help me be clean? How would following these commandments prepare me to live with the Lord?”
D&C 42:56-62 Revelation upon Revelation
Joseph Smith is given instructions concerning “my scriptures” (the inspired revision of the King James Bible). What council does the Lord give Joseph concerning the revelations that have been received and additional revelation?
D&C 42:63-69 Blessings upon the Servants of the Lord
What power and authority are given to those who will serve as missionaries for the Church? What additional blessings await them if they will be faithful in following the commandments that the Lord has revealed in His law?
D&C 42:70-73 Support for Missionary Families
Many of the missionaries who were called were married men with families. What did the Lord say should be done for the families while the husbands and fathers were separated? How was the Bishop to be able to support himself?
D&C 42:74-93 Dealing with Difficult Problems
In these final verses the Lord explains how the Church should deal with problems within the Church among Church members. For example, verses 74-78 explain how to deal with adultery and fornication. Verse 79 explains what should happen when a member commits murder. Verses 80-83 give directions on how to deal with women who commit adultery. Additional verses deal with those who steal from Church members or do anything to offend other members. Why do you think these laws would be necessary among people who were preparing to live with the Lord in the New Jerusalem? How should members handle problems among themselves in this generation?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 41
Historical Background
This is the first revelation given to the Church in Ohio. It establishes the pattern of worship for the Church. Many new converts had come into the Church from different worship traditions. The question became, what practices do we keep and what practices do we discontinue? This revelation is the beginning of the answer to that question.
D&C 41:1-6 I Will Be Your Ruler
Find the words “my law” in these verses. What comments does the Lord make about His law? Why should those who hear the law of the Lord receive it? What laws has the Lord given you in this generation?
D&C 41:7-12 These Words Are Given unto You
What direction did the Lord give to the Church concerning Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge? Notice that the Lord directs that Edward Partridge be called as a Bishop (the first in the Church). Then, he directs that the Bishop should be “appointed by the voice of the church.” Then, he shall be “ordained a bishop.” What is the procedure for calling a Bishop in the Church today? Why do you think the Lord instructed us to follow this pattern?
This is the first revelation given to the Church in Ohio. It establishes the pattern of worship for the Church. Many new converts had come into the Church from different worship traditions. The question became, what practices do we keep and what practices do we discontinue? This revelation is the beginning of the answer to that question.
D&C 41:1-6 I Will Be Your Ruler
Find the words “my law” in these verses. What comments does the Lord make about His law? Why should those who hear the law of the Lord receive it? What laws has the Lord given you in this generation?
D&C 41:7-12 These Words Are Given unto You
What direction did the Lord give to the Church concerning Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge? Notice that the Lord directs that Edward Partridge be called as a Bishop (the first in the Church). Then, he directs that the Bishop should be “appointed by the voice of the church.” Then, he shall be “ordained a bishop.” What is the procedure for calling a Bishop in the Church today? Why do you think the Lord instructed us to follow this pattern?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 40
Historical Background
James Covell, a Baptist minister, was given the privilege of receiving baptism. He rejected that privilege. He went back to his former faith. He was 75 years old, a man of many years’ experience in life and in his chosen profession. It would have been a difficult thing for any man to do. This revelation was the last revelation given to the Latter-day Saints in New York. It is the Lord’s final word to James Covell, to the New York Saints, and to all people who were invited to gather to Zion in the early days of the Church.
D&C 39:1-3 He Was Right before the Lord
What caused James Covell to reject the opportunity to be baptized into the Church? How does this same concern affect people who are investigating the Church today? How does it affect people who have joined the Church?
James Covell, a Baptist minister, was given the privilege of receiving baptism. He rejected that privilege. He went back to his former faith. He was 75 years old, a man of many years’ experience in life and in his chosen profession. It would have been a difficult thing for any man to do. This revelation was the last revelation given to the Latter-day Saints in New York. It is the Lord’s final word to James Covell, to the New York Saints, and to all people who were invited to gather to Zion in the early days of the Church.
D&C 39:1-3 He Was Right before the Lord
What caused James Covell to reject the opportunity to be baptized into the Church? How does this same concern affect people who are investigating the Church today? How does it affect people who have joined the Church?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 39
Historical Background
This revelation was given to a Baptist minister, James Covell. He had served in this capacity for forty years. Upon meeting Joseph Smith he promised that he would do anything the Prophet asked him to do.
D&C 39:1-6 This Is My Gospel
The words in verses 1 through 5 have been repeated to many others in the revelations received by the Prophet Joseph. They have been given to rich and poor and now they are given to James Covell (Covill), a Baptist minister. What conclusion do you draw from the fact that the Lord gives the same witness to everyone?
D&C 39:7-12 I Know Thee
The words of this revelation may rightly be looked upon as a message to ministers of other faiths. What is the Lord’s message to sincere ministers of other religions? What promises has the Lord made to them if they will be baptized into the Church?
D&C 39:13-24 Thou Art Called to Labor
James Covell was called to labor in the kingdom of God. What specific assignments did he receive from the Lord? What blessings were promised if he fulfilled these assignments? Why is the Lord anxious to call missionaries to serve among his children in this generation?
This revelation was given to a Baptist minister, James Covell. He had served in this capacity for forty years. Upon meeting Joseph Smith he promised that he would do anything the Prophet asked him to do.
D&C 39:1-6 This Is My Gospel
The words in verses 1 through 5 have been repeated to many others in the revelations received by the Prophet Joseph. They have been given to rich and poor and now they are given to James Covell (Covill), a Baptist minister. What conclusion do you draw from the fact that the Lord gives the same witness to everyone?
D&C 39:7-12 I Know Thee
The words of this revelation may rightly be looked upon as a message to ministers of other faiths. What is the Lord’s message to sincere ministers of other religions? What promises has the Lord made to them if they will be baptized into the Church?
D&C 39:13-24 Thou Art Called to Labor
James Covell was called to labor in the kingdom of God. What specific assignments did he receive from the Lord? What blessings were promised if he fulfilled these assignments? Why is the Lord anxious to call missionaries to serve among his children in this generation?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 38
Historical Background
In December 1830, the members of the Church living east of Ohio were commanded to move to Ohio. The Saints were startled by this revelation and many were reluctant to comply. It meant that they must sell their property, if they could, and start over again. A conference was announced for the Whitmer farm home in Fayette, New York, for the 2nd of January, 1831. Orson Pratt wrote, “In one small room of a log house nearly all the Latter Day Saints east of Ohio were collected together. They desired the Prophet of the Lord to inquire of God and receive a revelation to guide and instruct the church that were present.” (Deseret News, 22 February 1860.) Section 38 is the Lord’s answer to the concerns of the New York Saints.
D&C 38:1-6 I Am Christ
List all the qualities that the Lord uses to describe Himself. Why should these qualities inspire members of the Church to trust Him? Notice in verse 4 that the Lord makes reference to “the Zion of Enoch.” Keep in mind that Joseph Smith had been working on the inspired revision of the King James Bible. Cross-reference: Moses 7.
D&C 38:7-12 I Am in Your Midst
Find those statements that would give hope to members of the Church. What phrases would cause members to be afraid. What can you do to make sure you “abide the day” when the Lord comes again?
D&C 38:13-22 A Land of Promise
In verse 22, the Lord says, “Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me.” Read verses 13-22 and find reasons the Lord gives for following Him.
D&C 38:23-27 Esteem Your Brother as Yourself
In this revelation the Lord has promised a land that would belong to the Saints forever. These verses tell the members of the Church the conditions of that promise. How would living according to these conditions bless a family, community, or nation?
D&C 38:28-33 If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear
The enemies of the kingdom of God have a plan to destroy that kingdom. What is there plan? How will they accomplish it? What are the blessings of the Lord that will help to overthrow the plans of the enemy? How will receiving the law of the Lord and being endowed with power from on high bless Latter-day Saints today?
D&C 38:34-42 Go Ye Out from the Wicked
How would the words in these verses bring peace to the souls of those who would be leaving their lands behind? These people thought they were going to lose all that they had worked for throughout their lives to gain. What riches did the Lord promise them if they would be faithful? What promises has the Lord given to the faithful in every generation? Cross-reference: D&C 6:7; 93:1.
In December 1830, the members of the Church living east of Ohio were commanded to move to Ohio. The Saints were startled by this revelation and many were reluctant to comply. It meant that they must sell their property, if they could, and start over again. A conference was announced for the Whitmer farm home in Fayette, New York, for the 2nd of January, 1831. Orson Pratt wrote, “In one small room of a log house nearly all the Latter Day Saints east of Ohio were collected together. They desired the Prophet of the Lord to inquire of God and receive a revelation to guide and instruct the church that were present.” (Deseret News, 22 February 1860.) Section 38 is the Lord’s answer to the concerns of the New York Saints.
D&C 38:1-6 I Am Christ
List all the qualities that the Lord uses to describe Himself. Why should these qualities inspire members of the Church to trust Him? Notice in verse 4 that the Lord makes reference to “the Zion of Enoch.” Keep in mind that Joseph Smith had been working on the inspired revision of the King James Bible. Cross-reference: Moses 7.
D&C 38:7-12 I Am in Your Midst
Find those statements that would give hope to members of the Church. What phrases would cause members to be afraid. What can you do to make sure you “abide the day” when the Lord comes again?
D&C 38:13-22 A Land of Promise
In verse 22, the Lord says, “Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me.” Read verses 13-22 and find reasons the Lord gives for following Him.
D&C 38:23-27 Esteem Your Brother as Yourself
In this revelation the Lord has promised a land that would belong to the Saints forever. These verses tell the members of the Church the conditions of that promise. How would living according to these conditions bless a family, community, or nation?
D&C 38:28-33 If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear
The enemies of the kingdom of God have a plan to destroy that kingdom. What is there plan? How will they accomplish it? What are the blessings of the Lord that will help to overthrow the plans of the enemy? How will receiving the law of the Lord and being endowed with power from on high bless Latter-day Saints today?
D&C 38:34-42 Go Ye Out from the Wicked
How would the words in these verses bring peace to the souls of those who would be leaving their lands behind? These people thought they were going to lose all that they had worked for throughout their lives to gain. What riches did the Lord promise them if they would be faithful? What promises has the Lord given to the faithful in every generation? Cross-reference: D&C 6:7; 93:1.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Section 37
Historical Background
In December of 1830 the Church became something different from what it had been before. Prior to this time, the Church had consisted of three families: the Smiths in Manchester, New York; the Whitmers in Fayette, New York; and the Knights in Colesville, New York. Added together, this group consisted of less than 100 souls. When Oliver Cowdery and his associates went to Missouri, they stopped and preached along the way. In the village of Mentor, Ohio, and surrounding communities, people accepted the gospel in large numbers. Within a matter of weeks there were more people in Ohio who had accepted the gospel than there were in New York State. With increased persecution against this new religion the Prophet Joseph asked the Lord for direction. Section 37 is the Lord’s revelation concerning the fate of the Church. It is the first time, and certainly not the last, that the Church was called upon to “gather” together to a new location.
D&C 37:1 Translate No More
The word “translate” in this verse refers to Joseph Smith’s effort to revise the King James Version of the Bible. In this task he was assisted by Sidney Rigdon, who acted as his scribe. Why were they told to stop the translation project?
D&C 37:2-4 Strengthen the Church
What was Joseph commanded to do before the Saints were to gather to Ohio? How do you think you would feel if you had lived in a place all your life and were asked by the Prophet to leave your property and move to a new place? What questions would you have? What would you want to know? Where has the Lord asked His Saints to gather in this generation? Cross-reference: D&C 115:5-6.
In December of 1830 the Church became something different from what it had been before. Prior to this time, the Church had consisted of three families: the Smiths in Manchester, New York; the Whitmers in Fayette, New York; and the Knights in Colesville, New York. Added together, this group consisted of less than 100 souls. When Oliver Cowdery and his associates went to Missouri, they stopped and preached along the way. In the village of Mentor, Ohio, and surrounding communities, people accepted the gospel in large numbers. Within a matter of weeks there were more people in Ohio who had accepted the gospel than there were in New York State. With increased persecution against this new religion the Prophet Joseph asked the Lord for direction. Section 37 is the Lord’s revelation concerning the fate of the Church. It is the first time, and certainly not the last, that the Church was called upon to “gather” together to a new location.
D&C 37:1 Translate No More
The word “translate” in this verse refers to Joseph Smith’s effort to revise the King James Version of the Bible. In this task he was assisted by Sidney Rigdon, who acted as his scribe. Why were they told to stop the translation project?
D&C 37:2-4 Strengthen the Church
What was Joseph commanded to do before the Saints were to gather to Ohio? How do you think you would feel if you had lived in a place all your life and were asked by the Prophet to leave your property and move to a new place? What questions would you have? What would you want to know? Where has the Lord asked His Saints to gather in this generation? Cross-reference: D&C 115:5-6.
Doctrine and Covenants Section 36
Historical Background
Sidney Rigdon traveled to Fayette, New York in November/December 1830. He did not travel alone. Edward Partridge, a business man from Painesville, Ohio, also accepted the message of the Restoration preached by Oliver Cowdery and his associates as they traveled to the Lamanites in Missouri. This revelation is a response to Edward’s desire to understand what his role in the Church should be. He would later be called as the first bishop of the Church.
D&C 36: 1-8 A Commandment Concerning All Men
In this revelation the Lord explains how Edward will receive his authority and what he is to do with it. This is the pattern followed by all in this generation who are called to preach the gospel. Who may set apart missionaries today? What qualifications do missionaries have to have today? What do they do with their authority? How have you been blessed by the actions of faithful missionries?
Sidney Rigdon traveled to Fayette, New York in November/December 1830. He did not travel alone. Edward Partridge, a business man from Painesville, Ohio, also accepted the message of the Restoration preached by Oliver Cowdery and his associates as they traveled to the Lamanites in Missouri. This revelation is a response to Edward’s desire to understand what his role in the Church should be. He would later be called as the first bishop of the Church.
D&C 36: 1-8 A Commandment Concerning All Men
In this revelation the Lord explains how Edward will receive his authority and what he is to do with it. This is the pattern followed by all in this generation who are called to preach the gospel. Who may set apart missionaries today? What qualifications do missionaries have to have today? What do they do with their authority? How have you been blessed by the actions of faithful missionries?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 35
Historical Background
In September 1830, Oliver Cowdery received a commandment from the Lord to preach the gospel to the Lamanites. In October of that year he traveled with Peter Whitmer, Jr., Ziba Peterson, and Parley P. Pratt to fulfill that mission. Their travels took them to Mentor, Ohio, where Parley P. Pratt had lived prior to joining the Church. While there, they taught and baptized Sidney Rigdon, a 47 year old pastor in a religious movement known as the Campbellites. After his baptism in November 1830, Sidney traveled to Fayette, New York, to meet the Prophet Joseph. He arrived 7 December 1830. This revelation was given in response to Sidney’s request to know his role in the Restoration.
D&C 35:1-2 Sons of God
How is it that a person might become a “son of God”? What does it mean to become a son of God? Cross-reference: Moses 6:64-68; Mosiah 27:25-26.
D&C 35:3-6 Thou Wast Sent Forth
The Lord compared Sidney Rigdon to John the Baptist and Elijah the Prophet. How was he like these ancient prophets? How are all people who live the gospel preparing the way for Christ to come into the lives of their friends and neighbors?
D&C 35:7-12 I Will Show Miracles
List all the miracles that the Lord says His servants shall perform as He performs His great work among the Gentiles. What will happen to those who do not accept the gospel? How do people show that they are ready to accept the fullness of the gospel?
D&C 35:13-16 The Poor and the Meek
Who shall preach the gospel? Who shall accept the gospel? What does the Lord mean when he says, “learn the parable of the fig-tree”? Cross-reference: Matthew 24:32; Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:38.
D&C 35:17-27 Lift Up Your Hearts
In these verses the Lord gives instruction to Sidney Rigdon and defines the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith. How is Sidney’s mission, or responsibility, different from Joseph’s? When the Lord commands Sidney to “write for him,” what does that mean? Joseph Smith began his inspired revision of the King James Bible in June 1830. When the Lord tells Sidney to write for Joseph “and the scriptures shall be given, even as they are in mine own bosom,” he is assigning Sidney to be a scribe for Joseph Smith as he revises the Bible.
In September 1830, Oliver Cowdery received a commandment from the Lord to preach the gospel to the Lamanites. In October of that year he traveled with Peter Whitmer, Jr., Ziba Peterson, and Parley P. Pratt to fulfill that mission. Their travels took them to Mentor, Ohio, where Parley P. Pratt had lived prior to joining the Church. While there, they taught and baptized Sidney Rigdon, a 47 year old pastor in a religious movement known as the Campbellites. After his baptism in November 1830, Sidney traveled to Fayette, New York, to meet the Prophet Joseph. He arrived 7 December 1830. This revelation was given in response to Sidney’s request to know his role in the Restoration.
D&C 35:1-2 Sons of God
How is it that a person might become a “son of God”? What does it mean to become a son of God? Cross-reference: Moses 6:64-68; Mosiah 27:25-26.
D&C 35:3-6 Thou Wast Sent Forth
The Lord compared Sidney Rigdon to John the Baptist and Elijah the Prophet. How was he like these ancient prophets? How are all people who live the gospel preparing the way for Christ to come into the lives of their friends and neighbors?
D&C 35:7-12 I Will Show Miracles
List all the miracles that the Lord says His servants shall perform as He performs His great work among the Gentiles. What will happen to those who do not accept the gospel? How do people show that they are ready to accept the fullness of the gospel?
D&C 35:13-16 The Poor and the Meek
Who shall preach the gospel? Who shall accept the gospel? What does the Lord mean when he says, “learn the parable of the fig-tree”? Cross-reference: Matthew 24:32; Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:38.
D&C 35:17-27 Lift Up Your Hearts
In these verses the Lord gives instruction to Sidney Rigdon and defines the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith. How is Sidney’s mission, or responsibility, different from Joseph’s? When the Lord commands Sidney to “write for him,” what does that mean? Joseph Smith began his inspired revision of the King James Bible in June 1830. When the Lord tells Sidney to write for Joseph “and the scriptures shall be given, even as they are in mine own bosom,” he is assigning Sidney to be a scribe for Joseph Smith as he revises the Bible.
Doctrine and Covenants Section 34
Historical Background
Orson Pratt, the brother of Parley P. Pratt, was 19 years old when he joined the Church. His brother reported that Orson received the message of the Restoration “with all his heart.” (Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, p. 43.) After becoming a member of the Church, Orson traveled 200 miles to visit with the Prophet Joseph. Shortly after his arrival, the Lord through the Prophet gave him this revelation.
D&C 34:1-6 Blessed Are You
The Lord uses the phrase “blessed are you” twice in this revelation. Why was Orson blessed? What important things do we learn about the Lord in these verses? Why are Orson Pratt and others called to cry repentance in this generation?
D&C 34:7-12 The Great Day
Read these verses and explain why the Lord would call His Second Coming a great day. What can all who have accepted the gospel do to prepare for that great day?
Orson Pratt, the brother of Parley P. Pratt, was 19 years old when he joined the Church. His brother reported that Orson received the message of the Restoration “with all his heart.” (Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, p. 43.) After becoming a member of the Church, Orson traveled 200 miles to visit with the Prophet Joseph. Shortly after his arrival, the Lord through the Prophet gave him this revelation.
D&C 34:1-6 Blessed Are You
The Lord uses the phrase “blessed are you” twice in this revelation. Why was Orson blessed? What important things do we learn about the Lord in these verses? Why are Orson Pratt and others called to cry repentance in this generation?
D&C 34:7-12 The Great Day
Read these verses and explain why the Lord would call His Second Coming a great day. What can all who have accepted the gospel do to prepare for that great day?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 33
Historical Background
Ezra Thayer was a civil engineer. He constructed bridges, dams, and mills in the Palmyra area. He had, in an earlier time, given employment to Joseph Smith, Sr. Speaking of his first attempt to read the Book of Mormon, he wrote:
“I then opened the book, and I received a shock with such exquisite joy that no pen can write and no tongue can express. I shut the book and said, what is the price of it? Fourteen shillings was the reply. I said, I’ll take the book. I opened it again, and felt a double portion of the Spirit, that I did not know whether I was in the world or not. I felt as though I was truly in heaven.” (The Saints Herald, July 1862.) Ezra was 39 years old when this revelation was received. He was originally from Randolph, Vermont; and was married.
Northrup Sweet was a son-in-law of Emer Harris. He had married Emer’s daughter Elnathan Harris. When the revelation was received, Northrup was 28 years old. He was baptized by Parley P. Pratt in the same month that the revelation was received.
D&C 33:1-7 The Field Is White
List the things the Lord says about Himself and the preparations He is making for the harvest of souls. What does the Lord mean when He says “the eleventh hour,” (Cross-reference: Matthew 20:6; remember that in the Bible the expression eleventh hour refers to the time just before sunrise.) “my vineyard,” (Cross-reference: Isaiah 5:7.) “every whit,” (The word whit means the smallest possible part.) “called forth out of the wilderness”? (Cross-reference: Revelation 12:1-6; see also JST Revelation 12:1-6.)
D&C 33:8-13 Open Your Mouths
The Lord uses the phrase “open your mouths” three times in these verses. What are missionaries supposed to say when they open their mouths? What are the blessings that will come to those who do open their mouths?
D&C 33:14-18 Things to Remember
What are the specific things that missionaries are supposed to remember as they preach the gospel? What role do the scriptures play in missionary work? What does the Lord mean when he tells missionaries to have their “lamps trimmed and burning”? Cross-reference: Matthew 25:1-13.
Ezra Thayer was a civil engineer. He constructed bridges, dams, and mills in the Palmyra area. He had, in an earlier time, given employment to Joseph Smith, Sr. Speaking of his first attempt to read the Book of Mormon, he wrote:
“I then opened the book, and I received a shock with such exquisite joy that no pen can write and no tongue can express. I shut the book and said, what is the price of it? Fourteen shillings was the reply. I said, I’ll take the book. I opened it again, and felt a double portion of the Spirit, that I did not know whether I was in the world or not. I felt as though I was truly in heaven.” (The Saints Herald, July 1862.) Ezra was 39 years old when this revelation was received. He was originally from Randolph, Vermont; and was married.
Northrup Sweet was a son-in-law of Emer Harris. He had married Emer’s daughter Elnathan Harris. When the revelation was received, Northrup was 28 years old. He was baptized by Parley P. Pratt in the same month that the revelation was received.
D&C 33:1-7 The Field Is White
List the things the Lord says about Himself and the preparations He is making for the harvest of souls. What does the Lord mean when He says “the eleventh hour,” (Cross-reference: Matthew 20:6; remember that in the Bible the expression eleventh hour refers to the time just before sunrise.) “my vineyard,” (Cross-reference: Isaiah 5:7.) “every whit,” (The word whit means the smallest possible part.) “called forth out of the wilderness”? (Cross-reference: Revelation 12:1-6; see also JST Revelation 12:1-6.)
D&C 33:8-13 Open Your Mouths
The Lord uses the phrase “open your mouths” three times in these verses. What are missionaries supposed to say when they open their mouths? What are the blessings that will come to those who do open their mouths?
D&C 33:14-18 Things to Remember
What are the specific things that missionaries are supposed to remember as they preach the gospel? What role do the scriptures play in missionary work? What does the Lord mean when he tells missionaries to have their “lamps trimmed and burning”? Cross-reference: Matthew 25:1-13.
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