Historical Background
On the 4th of March, 1831, a special conference of the Church was held in Kirtland, Ohio. Several Melchizedek priesthood holders attended the meeting and the invitation was extended to them to preach the gospel. This revelation gives them insight into why they should preach. Details surrounding the Second Coming of the Savior are given. This revelation became a catalyst for Joseph Smith to take a different direction in his translation of the Bible. Prior to this time, he had worked exclusively on an inspired revision of the book of Genesis, in the Old Testament. This revelation instructs Joseph to begin working on an inspired translation of the New Testament. He began working on this project on March 8th, the day after the revelation was given. In this effort he was assisted by Sidney Rigdon.
D&C 45:1-8 Listen to the Advocate
In these verses, the Lord answers such questions as who He is, what His purpose is, how He can help believers, what He has done, and how we may become the sons of God. What are the answers to these questions? Why would it be wise to follow His counsel?
D&C 45:9-15 God’s Everlasting Covenant
What does the word “it” stand for in verses 9, 10, 12, and 14. What is the “everlasting covenant” that the Lord has brought into the world? Cross-reference: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 37:15-28; D&C 1:17-23.
D&C 45:16-59 The Second Coming of the Lord
These verses represent an inspired expansion of information found in Matthew 24 of the New Testament. The topic is the Second Coming of Christ and the beginning of the Millennium. It is divided into four sections: The days of Christ’s original disciples (verses 16-25), the times of the Gentiles, or the days in which we now live (verses 26-35), the days just prior to the Second Coming (verses 36-47), and the Second Coming of Christ in glory (verses 48-59). Look at the verses in each section and pick out the event that is most important to you. What can you do to prepare yourself for the Second Coming of Christ? See verses 32, 35, 39, and 57.
D&C 45:60-61 Translate the New Testament
What new commandment does the Lord give the Prophet Joseph Smith? Joseph had been working on the translation of the Old Testament, specifically the book of Genesis, since June of 1830. Why do you think the Lord would ask Joseph to start translating the New Testament? Have you ever had a time when the Lord has interrupted your life and asked you to do something very different from what you were doing before? Cross-reference: Abraham 3:24-26.
D&C 45:62-75 A Place Called Zion
Read through these verses and list what the Lord teaches us about Zion, or the New Jerusalem. Why would a faithful person want to be a part of Zion? Where can we find Zion today? Cross-reference: D&C 115:5-6.
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2 comments:
Brother Lee,
It looks like you need some comments! Thanks so much for your blog. I have loved reading along with my personal study and I was just called to teach the 16-18 Sunday School class. Double thanks. Happy Father's Day! You were always like a father to me and I really am grateful for that.
Angie
Angie,
Thanks for your kind thoughts, especially on Father's Day. It's nice to know someone actually looks at this. It's my way of accounting for scripture study time. What a blessing that someone we love so much would see this as a valuable resource!
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