Historical Background
In September 1832, Joseph Smith presented a revelation to the Church of major doctrinal importance. In it the following issues are addressed: building the New Jerusalem in Independence, Missouri; the order of the priesthood; rebelliousness among priesthood leaders, business issues that needed attention. This is the first revelation for the whole Church given since April 1832. Joseph had engaged in the translation of the Bible for much of that time. One of the most significant concepts springing from this revelation is the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood.
D&C 84:1-5 The New Jerusalem
List all the things that the Lord said concerning the temple in the city New Jerusalem; or, as the Lord called it, the “house.” Why were the Saints asked to build such a structure? In October 1838, the Lord rescinded the commandment to build the house (see D&C 124:49-51).
D&C 84:6-31 A History of the Holy Priesthood
In verses 6-17, the Lord traces the history of the Holy Priesthood from Moses back to Adam. What important things do we learn about the priesthood in these verses? In verses 18-25 an explanation is given concerning the removal of the Holy Priesthood from the children of Israel. Why was it removed? Verses 26-31 explain the power and authority of the Aaronic Priesthood and John the Baptist’s connection to that priesthood. What powers are associated with that priesthood? What important information does the Lord reveal about John the Baptist that was unknown before?
D&C 84:32-45 The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood
How do men “become” the sons of Moses and Aaron? How do men receive “all that the Father hath?”What happens to those who break the covenant of the priesthood, or those who refuse to receive it? According to verses 43-45, what must all men who receive the priesthood do? Notice the word “receive” in all of its forms in verses 32-45. What must we receive in order for the blessings of the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood to be granted?
D&C 84:46-53 Light and Darkness
Keep in mind that the words “my,” and “me” refer to the Lord. Read these verses and explain the relationship between the Lord, the Father, and the Spirit. What do these verses help us understand about spiritual light and spiritual darkness?
D&C 84:54-61 Scourge and Judgment upon the Children of Zion
Read these verses carefully and discover what it is that causes the Lord to say that there is a scourge and judgment upon the children of Zion, “even all.” What can be done to remove that scourge? How can the Book of Mormon help remove the scourge?
D&C 84:62-95 To Those who Preach the Gospel
Verses 62-73 speak of the power given to the apostles. What is that power? What do the apostles have to be careful not to do? Verses 74-86 speak of the specific things the apostles must do as they serve. What are they to be concerned about? What should they not worry about? Verses 87-95 give direction to the apostles when their message is accepted and when it is rejected. What does the Lord direct them to do in each case?
D&C 84:96-102 A New Song
Review the “new song” the Lord speaks of in verses 99-102. What is the theme of the song? According to verses 96-98, when will the song be sung? Who will sing it?
D&C 84:103-111 Every Man Shall Go Forth
How is it that missionaries and their families shall be taken care of when they are away preaching the gospel? What is the role of the Aaronic Priesthood in proclaiming the gospel? What is the role of the Melchizedek Priesthood?
D&C 84:112-120 The Bishop and the Rest
How is the responsibility of the bishop (verses 112-116) different from the mission of “the rest of my servants?” (verses 117-120). What is the Lord preparing to do? What can we do to help Him accomplish His purposes?
Friday, July 24, 2009
Dcotrine and Covenants Section 83
Historical Background
The visit of the First Presidency to Independence, Missouri, in April 1832, was to accomplish three things:
• To establish the United Firm in Missouri and coordinate its activities with the Saints in Ohio. This commandment was given in Section 78, and accomplished in Section 82.
• To coordinate the printing projects approved by the Literary Firm (which printed hymnals and periodicals).
• To help local leaders understand and establish the law of consecration and stewardship.
After the revelation was received, there were some questions among the Brethren concerning verse 3. Joseph offered this clarification: “You are bound by the law of the Lord to give a deed, securing to him . . . his own property. . . . If [a member] is found in transgression and should be cut off, out of the church, his inheritance [or his personal property] is his still, and he is delivered over to the buffetings of Satan” (Letter from Joseph Smith to Edward Partridge, 2 May 1833; Joseph Smith Collection, Church Archives).
D&C 83:1-6 Care of Women and Children
Find the words “women,” “children,” “widows,” and “orphans,” in these verses. What does the Lord expect of husbands and priesthood leaders in their relationships with women, children, widows, and orphans? Cross-reference: JST James 1:27.
The visit of the First Presidency to Independence, Missouri, in April 1832, was to accomplish three things:
• To establish the United Firm in Missouri and coordinate its activities with the Saints in Ohio. This commandment was given in Section 78, and accomplished in Section 82.
• To coordinate the printing projects approved by the Literary Firm (which printed hymnals and periodicals).
• To help local leaders understand and establish the law of consecration and stewardship.
After the revelation was received, there were some questions among the Brethren concerning verse 3. Joseph offered this clarification: “You are bound by the law of the Lord to give a deed, securing to him . . . his own property. . . . If [a member] is found in transgression and should be cut off, out of the church, his inheritance [or his personal property] is his still, and he is delivered over to the buffetings of Satan” (Letter from Joseph Smith to Edward Partridge, 2 May 1833; Joseph Smith Collection, Church Archives).
D&C 83:1-6 Care of Women and Children
Find the words “women,” “children,” “widows,” and “orphans,” in these verses. What does the Lord expect of husbands and priesthood leaders in their relationships with women, children, widows, and orphans? Cross-reference: JST James 1:27.
Doctrine and Covenants Section 82
Historical Background
Section 78, given on 1 March 1832, instructed Joseph Smith and his associates to go to Missouri to council with the Saints. There were about 400 members in Missouri at this time, less than would be in an average sized ward today. There were specific things that needed to take place in Missouri. First, Joseph needed to be sustained as the President of the High Priesthood, as he had been in Ohio; second, hard feelings that existed between prominent Church members needed to be resolved. Minutes from the meeting read as follows:
“Joseph Smith was acknowledged by the high priests in the land of Zion to be president of the high priesthood, according to the commandment and ordination received in Ohio at the conference held in Amherst on January 25, 1832. . . . Brother Sidney Rigdon then stated the items embraced in a revelation received in Ohio [section 78] and the reason why we were commanded to come to this land and sit in council with the high priests here. For particulars of which, read the commandment. . . . All differences were settled and the hearts of all ran together in love. A revelation was then received, through him whom the Church has appointed, on the subject of organization” (Far West Record, p. 24-25; spelling and grammar standardized).
The commandment mentioned in D&C 78 had to do with the establishment of the “United Firm,” which would help raise money for the Church through business ventures. The intent of D&C 82 is to establish a United Firm in Zion, or among the members of the Church in Missouri.
D&C 82:1-7 Watch for the Adversary
Find the words “trespasses,” and “sins,” and “transgressions,” in these verses, in all of their forms. What principles does the Lord teach concerning sin and repentance in these verses? Memorize D&C 82:3.
D&C 82:8-15 A New Commandment
In verse 11, there are names mentioned. These are names of prominent Church leaders. They had been angry with each other. How would the words in verses 8-15 help them get over their anger? How do the covenants we have made with the Lord help us to be faithful to each other? Memorize D&C 82:10. Cross-reference: Isaiah 54:2; 52:1.
D&C 82:16-24 An Everlasting Order
Look for commandments and principles that the Lord gives these men who will work to make money in businesses. How would these principles help business partners be successful today? What does being successful in business have to do with building up the kingdom of God? What does it mean in verse 22 when the Lord says, “make friends with the mammon of unrighteousness?” Cross-reference: Matthew 10:16; D&C 111:10-11.
Section 78, given on 1 March 1832, instructed Joseph Smith and his associates to go to Missouri to council with the Saints. There were about 400 members in Missouri at this time, less than would be in an average sized ward today. There were specific things that needed to take place in Missouri. First, Joseph needed to be sustained as the President of the High Priesthood, as he had been in Ohio; second, hard feelings that existed between prominent Church members needed to be resolved. Minutes from the meeting read as follows:
“Joseph Smith was acknowledged by the high priests in the land of Zion to be president of the high priesthood, according to the commandment and ordination received in Ohio at the conference held in Amherst on January 25, 1832. . . . Brother Sidney Rigdon then stated the items embraced in a revelation received in Ohio [section 78] and the reason why we were commanded to come to this land and sit in council with the high priests here. For particulars of which, read the commandment. . . . All differences were settled and the hearts of all ran together in love. A revelation was then received, through him whom the Church has appointed, on the subject of organization” (Far West Record, p. 24-25; spelling and grammar standardized).
The commandment mentioned in D&C 78 had to do with the establishment of the “United Firm,” which would help raise money for the Church through business ventures. The intent of D&C 82 is to establish a United Firm in Zion, or among the members of the Church in Missouri.
D&C 82:1-7 Watch for the Adversary
Find the words “trespasses,” and “sins,” and “transgressions,” in these verses, in all of their forms. What principles does the Lord teach concerning sin and repentance in these verses? Memorize D&C 82:3.
D&C 82:8-15 A New Commandment
In verse 11, there are names mentioned. These are names of prominent Church leaders. They had been angry with each other. How would the words in verses 8-15 help them get over their anger? How do the covenants we have made with the Lord help us to be faithful to each other? Memorize D&C 82:10. Cross-reference: Isaiah 54:2; 52:1.
D&C 82:16-24 An Everlasting Order
Look for commandments and principles that the Lord gives these men who will work to make money in businesses. How would these principles help business partners be successful today? What does being successful in business have to do with building up the kingdom of God? What does it mean in verse 22 when the Lord says, “make friends with the mammon of unrighteousness?” Cross-reference: Matthew 10:16; D&C 111:10-11.
Dcotrine and Covenants Section 81
Historical Background
By March of 1832, the Church had arrived at a point where it could begin to put into place a portion of the organization that would eventually guide the restoration of the kingdom of God. The first governing quorum to be organized was the First Presidency. In January 1832, the Prophet Joseph was sustained as the “President of the High Priesthood.” This meant that he was the president of all the high priests in the Church. In March of 1832, counselors were selected to form the Presidency of the High Priesthood. By 1834, this quorum of three was known as the First Presidency of the Church. This revelation was originally intended for a man named Jesse Guase. However, he was not faithful in his duties and was replaced by Frederick G. Williams.
D&C 81:1-5 The Keys of the Kingdom
In these verses we discover two important things: first, the authority that is given a counselor in the First Presidency; second, the responsibility of a person in that office. What is the authority and what are the responsibilities of a counselor in the First Presidency? Cross-reference: Isaiah 35:3.
D&C 81:6-7 A Promise
What blessings does the Lord promise the person who faithfully serves as a counselor in the First Presidency? What words in these verses suggest that we can trust that the promise will be kept?
By March of 1832, the Church had arrived at a point where it could begin to put into place a portion of the organization that would eventually guide the restoration of the kingdom of God. The first governing quorum to be organized was the First Presidency. In January 1832, the Prophet Joseph was sustained as the “President of the High Priesthood.” This meant that he was the president of all the high priests in the Church. In March of 1832, counselors were selected to form the Presidency of the High Priesthood. By 1834, this quorum of three was known as the First Presidency of the Church. This revelation was originally intended for a man named Jesse Guase. However, he was not faithful in his duties and was replaced by Frederick G. Williams.
D&C 81:1-5 The Keys of the Kingdom
In these verses we discover two important things: first, the authority that is given a counselor in the First Presidency; second, the responsibility of a person in that office. What is the authority and what are the responsibilities of a counselor in the First Presidency? Cross-reference: Isaiah 35:3.
D&C 81:6-7 A Promise
What blessings does the Lord promise the person who faithfully serves as a counselor in the First Presidency? What words in these verses suggest that we can trust that the promise will be kept?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 80
Historical Background
March 1832 was a month filled with important moments in the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was during this month that he received Sections 77-81 of the Doctrine and Covenants. He continued his work on the Inspired Version of the Bible. His adopted twins caught the measles. He was making preparations to visit the members in the Church who went to Missouri. And, on the 24th of March, he was attacked by a mob, which tarred and feathered him, beat him, and attempted to pour acid down his throat. His family was also attacked. The result of this was that the adopted twins died.
This particular revelation pertains to the calling of Stephen Burnett and Eden Smith to serve together as missionaries. The record shows that Brother Burnett left for Ohio with Eden Smith’s father, John, on 22 March 1832. Stephen was 18 at the time. Eden Smith was 26.
D&C 80:1-5 Ye Cannot Go Amiss
What is Stephen supposed to do? Who will he do it with? Where is he supposed to go? What does this expression mean: ye cannot go amiss? What is Stephen supposed to teach? How are these instructions similar to instructions received by missionaries today?
March 1832 was a month filled with important moments in the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was during this month that he received Sections 77-81 of the Doctrine and Covenants. He continued his work on the Inspired Version of the Bible. His adopted twins caught the measles. He was making preparations to visit the members in the Church who went to Missouri. And, on the 24th of March, he was attacked by a mob, which tarred and feathered him, beat him, and attempted to pour acid down his throat. His family was also attacked. The result of this was that the adopted twins died.
This particular revelation pertains to the calling of Stephen Burnett and Eden Smith to serve together as missionaries. The record shows that Brother Burnett left for Ohio with Eden Smith’s father, John, on 22 March 1832. Stephen was 18 at the time. Eden Smith was 26.
D&C 80:1-5 Ye Cannot Go Amiss
What is Stephen supposed to do? Who will he do it with? Where is he supposed to go? What does this expression mean: ye cannot go amiss? What is Stephen supposed to teach? How are these instructions similar to instructions received by missionaries today?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 79
Historical Background
This revelation is a mission call for Jared Carter. When Brother Carter received this call, he was 31 years old and had been married for four and a half years. In his journal for the 12th of March, 1832, he wrote, “I at length went to Hiram [Ohio] to the Seer, to enquire [after] the will of the Lord concerning my ministry the ensuing season. And the word of the Lord came forth that showed that it was His will that I should go forth to the Eastern countries, in theh power of the ordinance wherewith I had been ordained, which was [pertaining] to the high privilege of administering in the name of Jesus Christ; even to seal on earth, and to build up the Church of Christ, and to work miracles in the name of Christ. . . . Now I have received a revelation of the will of the Lord to me, by the mouth of Joseph the Seer, that I should not only preach the gospel from place to place, but from city to city” (Journal of Jared Carter, date mentioned, Church archives).
Jared Carter returned from his mission in October. He noted in his journal: “I have been gone 6 months and 2 days. The Lord permitted me to administer the gospel to 79 souls, . . .” Later, in that same entry, he added, “All that have been baptized while I have been in the regions where I have been in this mission is 98, and many others have been convinced of the word that sooner or later I think will obey the work” (Jared Carter journal; spelling and grammar in both quotations has been modernized).
D&C 79:1 From Place to Place, and from City to City
What is the difference between going from “place to place,” and going from “city to city?” Why would the everlasting gospel represent “glad tidings of great joy?”
D&C 79:2-4 A Crown of Sheaves
How will Jared Carter know what to preach and where to go? What are sheaves? What does the Lord mean when he says Jared will be crowned with sheaves? Why would this message from the Lord cause Jared’s heart to be glad?
This revelation is a mission call for Jared Carter. When Brother Carter received this call, he was 31 years old and had been married for four and a half years. In his journal for the 12th of March, 1832, he wrote, “I at length went to Hiram [Ohio] to the Seer, to enquire [after] the will of the Lord concerning my ministry the ensuing season. And the word of the Lord came forth that showed that it was His will that I should go forth to the Eastern countries, in theh power of the ordinance wherewith I had been ordained, which was [pertaining] to the high privilege of administering in the name of Jesus Christ; even to seal on earth, and to build up the Church of Christ, and to work miracles in the name of Christ. . . . Now I have received a revelation of the will of the Lord to me, by the mouth of Joseph the Seer, that I should not only preach the gospel from place to place, but from city to city” (Journal of Jared Carter, date mentioned, Church archives).
Jared Carter returned from his mission in October. He noted in his journal: “I have been gone 6 months and 2 days. The Lord permitted me to administer the gospel to 79 souls, . . .” Later, in that same entry, he added, “All that have been baptized while I have been in the regions where I have been in this mission is 98, and many others have been convinced of the word that sooner or later I think will obey the work” (Jared Carter journal; spelling and grammar in both quotations has been modernized).
D&C 79:1 From Place to Place, and from City to City
What is the difference between going from “place to place,” and going from “city to city?” Why would the everlasting gospel represent “glad tidings of great joy?”
D&C 79:2-4 A Crown of Sheaves
How will Jared Carter know what to preach and where to go? What are sheaves? What does the Lord mean when he says Jared will be crowned with sheaves? Why would this message from the Lord cause Jared’s heart to be glad?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 78
Historical Background
Reference is made in this revelation to an “order.” This order was a council of business men which eventually became known as the “United Firm.” The purpose of the firm was to unite the resources of its various members in such a way that profits might be generated and that money from those profits would be given to the Church for the building up of the kingdom of God. This was not the group that administered the law of consecration. That responsibility rested upon the presiding bishop of the Church. This group, sometimes called the “United Order,” was a business venture whose members were the leading officers of the Church. Today the Church has interest in businesses and corporations, farm land and investments. The hope is that there will be profit generated and that the Church will become self-reliant, or as this revelations states, “independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world” (D&C 78:14). The result of this approach is that the Church is essentially debt-free. All of its buildings are paid for before they are constructed. There are no mortgages that need to be paid. The only fund-raising that Church members become involved in is tithing, which is the great sustaining financial resource of the Church.
D&C 78:1-7 Regulating the Affairs of the Storehouse
As you read these verses, notice the words that indicate what the Lord is trying to accomplish. What does He mean in verse 4 when he says, “Advance the cause?” How can a church with financial stability help its members become “equal” in heavenly and earthly things? Cross-reference: Moses 7:18.
D&C 78:8-16 Financial Independence
Why is the Lord establishing this “order?” What does He hope to accomplish? How will it be accomplished? Why would it be wise for the Church to be “independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world?” What blessings come to individuals and families as they achieve financial independence? What can you do to achieve financial independence?
D&C 78:17-22 I Will Lead You Along
The Lord commanded Church leaders to unite in a commercial business operation. The intent was to help the Church achieve financial independence. What blessings were promised to those who faithfully followed this council? What is meant by “the riches of eternity?” See verse 18. Why should we receive all that we have with thankfulness? What does it mean to “inherit all things?” See D&C 84:35-38. How are you and your family blessed because the Church is free from debt? What is the Church building like, where you attend meetings? How much time do local Church leaders have to spend raising money to pay off local Church debts? Since we don’t spend any time raising funds to pay Church debts, what should we do with our time?
Reference is made in this revelation to an “order.” This order was a council of business men which eventually became known as the “United Firm.” The purpose of the firm was to unite the resources of its various members in such a way that profits might be generated and that money from those profits would be given to the Church for the building up of the kingdom of God. This was not the group that administered the law of consecration. That responsibility rested upon the presiding bishop of the Church. This group, sometimes called the “United Order,” was a business venture whose members were the leading officers of the Church. Today the Church has interest in businesses and corporations, farm land and investments. The hope is that there will be profit generated and that the Church will become self-reliant, or as this revelations states, “independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world” (D&C 78:14). The result of this approach is that the Church is essentially debt-free. All of its buildings are paid for before they are constructed. There are no mortgages that need to be paid. The only fund-raising that Church members become involved in is tithing, which is the great sustaining financial resource of the Church.
D&C 78:1-7 Regulating the Affairs of the Storehouse
As you read these verses, notice the words that indicate what the Lord is trying to accomplish. What does He mean in verse 4 when he says, “Advance the cause?” How can a church with financial stability help its members become “equal” in heavenly and earthly things? Cross-reference: Moses 7:18.
D&C 78:8-16 Financial Independence
Why is the Lord establishing this “order?” What does He hope to accomplish? How will it be accomplished? Why would it be wise for the Church to be “independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world?” What blessings come to individuals and families as they achieve financial independence? What can you do to achieve financial independence?
D&C 78:17-22 I Will Lead You Along
The Lord commanded Church leaders to unite in a commercial business operation. The intent was to help the Church achieve financial independence. What blessings were promised to those who faithfully followed this council? What is meant by “the riches of eternity?” See verse 18. Why should we receive all that we have with thankfulness? What does it mean to “inherit all things?” See D&C 84:35-38. How are you and your family blessed because the Church is free from debt? What is the Church building like, where you attend meetings? How much time do local Church leaders have to spend raising money to pay off local Church debts? Since we don’t spend any time raising funds to pay Church debts, what should we do with our time?
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