Lesson 13: Prepare for the Days to Come

Lesson 13: Prepare for the Days to Come
Section 29

(http://raynoah.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/chicks-under-wings1.jpg)

The Instructor's manual introduces the theme of this lesson with the following statement:

"The days that will try the Saints and destroy the wicked are surely coming; therefore, our crucial concern is proper preparation."  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-instructors-guide-religion-324-325/prepare-for-the-days-to-come-lesson-13-section-29?lang=eng)

Besides providing a little alliteration, what do you feel the adjectives "crucial" and "proper" signify?

Verses 1-2 of Section 29 identify the speaker.  What description stands out to you the most?  Why?

Verses 3-8 of Section 29 identify the audience.  What description stands out to you the most?  Why?

Who are the "Elect" mentioned in 29:7?  

"Elder George Q. Cannon explained: “Where people are pure and chaste in their thoughts and actions, the Spirit of God has such power with them that they readily perceive and comprehend the truth. It is by this means that the best among the children of God are being gathered out from the various nations. Truth cleaves to truth, light to light and purity to purity. The gospel gathers with its influence those who love its principles; and if any should be gathered in who cannot abide its requirements, they pass off and mingle with the elements that are congenial to the spirit they possess.” (“The Sin of Adultery and Its Consequences,” Millennial Star,14 Mar. 1863, p. 169.)"  (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/sections-21-29/section-29-prepare-against-the-day-of-tribulation?lang=eng)

At two separate times (vv 8, 12), there is mention of a decree.  What is a decree?  From whom does this decree issue?

What must precede the second coming of the Son of God in order for the righteous to receive his blessings?

Joseph Smith taught the following:

"The Elect Must Be Gathered  Section Two 1834-37, p.84
  "Now Enoch was in good company in his views upon this subject: "And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God" 21:3).
  "I discover by this quotation, that John upon the isle of Patmos, saw the same things concerning the last days, which Enoch saw. But before the tabernacle can be with men, the elect must be gathered from the four quarters of the earth. And to show further upon this subject of the gathering, Moses, after having pronounced the blessing and cursing upon the children of Israel, for their obedience or disobedience, says thus:
"Section Two 1834-37, p.85
  "And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind, among all the nations whither the Lord thy God hath driven thee, and shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey His voice, according to all that I command thee, this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee. If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the Lord thy God gather thee, and from thence will He fetch thee (Deut. 30:1-4)."  (http://www.boap.org/LDS/Joseph-Smith/Teachings/T2.html)

What is the purpose of the gathering of Israel?
In "Discourses of Brigham Young" compiled by Elder John A. Widtsoe, we read:
  "We are here to live, to spread intelligence and knowledge among the people.  I am here to school my brethren, to teach my family the way of life, to propagate my species, and to live, if in my power, until sin, iniquity, corruption, hell, and the Devil, and all classes and grades of abominations are driven from the earth.  That is my religion and the object of my existence.  We are not here merely to prepare to die, and then die, but we are here to live and build up the Kingdom of God on the earth to promote the Priesthood, overcome the powers of Satan, and teach the children of man what they are created for that in them is concealed the germ of all intelligence.  Here is the starting-point, the foundation that is laid in teh organization of man for receiving a fulness of eternal knowledge and glory.  Are we to go younder to obtain it?  No, we are to promote it on this earth. 8*282.
  "Human beings are expected by their Creator to be actively employed in doing good every day of their lives, either in improving their own mental and physical condition or that of their neighbors.  9 -190
  "The purpose of our life should be to build up the Ziono f our God, to gather the House of Israel, to bring in the fulness of the Gentiles, restore and bless the earth with our ability and make it as the Garden of Eden, store up treasures of knowledge and wisdom in our own understandings, purify our own hearts and prepare a people to meet the Lord when he comes.  10-222."
(https://archive.org/stream/discoursesofbrig028407mbp/discoursesofbrig028407mbp_djvu.txt)

In verse 34 (and again in 35), we are informed that Christ has never given a law which was temporal, but rather that all things are spiritual unto him.  How/Does that inform your decision to obey the prophets' counsel to be prepared in temporal matters?

Lesson 12: "Take upon You My Whole Armor"

Lesson 12

"Take upon You My Whole Armor"

Sections 27-28

Section 27:

How was this revelation given?  (See introduction to D&C 27)

The Sacrament is a sacred ordinance, one of the most important to our salvation as it allows us to renew our Baptismal Covenant each time we partake of it.  What guideline has the Lord given us for partaking of it?  (See vv. 1-4).

When will the Lord "drink of the fruit of the vine" again?  (D&C 27:5; see also Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18).

With Whom will He participate in the Sacrament?  (D&C 27:5-14.)
(See also: "This Final Glorious Gospel Dispensation" by Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Ensign, April 1980, pp. 21-25.  https://www.lds.org/ensign/1980/04/this-final-glorious-gospel-dispensation?lang=eng)  To whom do you think verse 14 refers?

Verses 15-18 of Section 27 advise us to put on ourselves the whole armor of God.  (See also Ephesians 6:11-18)  Do you feel the descriptor "whole" is important?  Why?  (Or why not?)  What constitutes the whole armor of God?  (See "Put on the Whole Armor of God," by N. Eldon Tanner, Ensign, May, 1979, https://www.lds.org/ensign/1979/05/put-on-the-whole-armor-of-god?lang=eng; or watch and listen at https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1979/04/put-on-the-whole-armor-of-god?lang=eng&query=the+whole+armor+of+god.)

This film was made for Seminary Students many years ago:

(Additional video from Elder Dallin H. Oaks: https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2010-07-030-take-upon-you-my-whole-armor?lang=eng.)

Section 28:

In The Articles and Covenants of the Church (Sections 20 and 22), the Lord made plain that his Authority is to be administered in a specific way: that is, that the Prophet leads and guides the Church and that all things are done by the law of Common Consent.  In September of 1830, the Lord reiterated this for the Saints in the fledgling Church.  

The Student Manual provides this information on Section 28:

Historical Background

The Church, having been organized only a few short months, faced one of its first major problems at the time this revelation was given in September 1830: Who is entitled to receive revelation for the Church? The question arose because Hiram Page had found a stone through which he claimed to be receiving revelation.

Many of the early converts came from a congregationalist background, that is, from churches in which anyone had the right to proclaim doctrine if the rest of the congregation concurred. Thus, it seemed natural to them to respond to Hiram Page’s revelation as valid. But as a result of this revelation, the Saints in New York understood that only one could receive revelation from the Lord for the whole Church. The new converts in Kirtland also had to learn this same lesson (see D&C 43).

Newel Knight, who was an eyewitness to these events, recorded this account:

“After arranging my affairs at home, I again set out for Fayette, to attend our second conference, which had been appointed to be held at Father Whitmer’s where Joseph then resided. On my arrival I found Brother Joseph in great distress of mind on account of Hyrum Page, who had managed to get up some dissension of feeling among the brethren by giving revelations concerning the government of the Church and other matters, which he claimed to have received through the medium of a stone he possessed. He had quite a roll of papers full of these revelations, and many in the Church were led astray by them. Even Oliver Cowdery and the Whitmer family had given heed to them, although they were in contradiction to the New Testament and the revelations of these last days. Here was a chance for Satan to work among the little flock, and he sought by this means to accomplish what persecution failed to do. Joseph was perplexed and scarcely knew how to meet this new exigency. 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 the revelations as not being of God, but acknowledged that Satan had conspired to overthrow their belief in the true plan of salvation. In consequence of these things Joseph enquired of the Lord before conference commenced and received the revelation published on page 140 of the Doctrine and Covenants [section 28], wherein God explicitly states His mind and will concerning the receiving of revelations.

“Conference having assembled, the first thing done was to consider the subject of the stone in connection with Hyrum Page, and after considerable investigation and discussion, Brother Page and all the members of the Church present renounced the stone, and the revelations connected with it, much to our joy and satisfaction.” (Journal History, 26 Sept. 1830.)

(https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/sections-21-29/section-28-thou-shalt-not-command-him-who-is-at-thy-head?lang=eng)

Hiram Page was one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon and was married to Catherine Whitmer.

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The early Saints were zealous to begin building Zion as they had been instructed (see Sections 21, 23, 24, 26).  Many of the revelations that Brother Page shared with his fellow Saints dealt with the subject of Zion.  How does having a knowledge of how the authority of God functions help a person to establish and build Zion?  How does Oliver Cowdrey's assignment to "journey among the Lamanite" (vv. 14-16) relate to the building of Zion?  Do we have a similar charge today?

This revelation was given through Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery.  Obviously Elder Cowdery was able to receive revelations (see  vv 4, 15).  Why do you think the Lord chose to use Joseph Smith to deliver this message rather than revealing it directly to Elder Cowdery?

In Section 27, we learned to put on the "helmet of salvation" (27:18).  Elder Harold B. Lee offered the insight that the helmet of salvation, going on our heads, is to guard our thoughts.  ("Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace, address to Brigham Young University MIA, 89 Nov., 1954, p. 2.)  How does listening to those whom the Lord has called to leadership positions within His church help us keep the helmet securely in place?

In the October 2011 General Conference, Elder Ian S. Anderson said, "Hiram Page, one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, taught us a valuable lesson about distractions. He had a certain stone and through it recorded what he thought were revelations for the Church (see D&C 28). On Hiram’s being corrected, an account says the stone was taken and ground into powder so it would never again be a distraction."  (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/a-time-to-prepare?lang=eng&query=hiram+page)  How does eliminating distractions from our lives help us to build Zion?

Lesson 11: Counsel for an Elect Lady

Doctrine & Covenants Section 25 was revealed nearly four months after the Organization of the Church (see also Sections 24 and 26) to comfort and instruct early leaders in the Church as they struggled with opposition.  May we glean from the fact that this revelation is given for a woman that the Lord considers women of equal importance/spirituality/worth to the men who exercise Priesthood authority?

In this revelation, we learn somewhat the nature of Emma's many relationships:

• Emma's relationship to God (vv 1,2,3)
• Emma's relationship to Joseph (vv 5,6)
• Emma's relationship to the Church (vv 7,8,11)

Do we have relationships that are similar?  In light of verse 16, how might the Lord's counsel to Emma apply to us?

In this revelation, Emma also receives counsel from the Lord (vv 4, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15).  Do our Prophets today continue to reveal these things as the will of the Lord?

Verse 13 (Scripture Mastery) commands that we lift up our hearts and rejoice and cleave to the covenants we have made.  What specific covenants have you made and how do you cleave to them?  What may we do to lift up our hearts (see vv 14,15)?

Emma was commanded to "make a selection of sacred hymns" as revealed to her by the Lord (v 11).  What role does music play in inviting the Spirit?  Are there hymns you can think of that seem to have been written specifically as prayers (v 12)?

http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/gospel-art/church-history/emma-hale-smith-155871-print.jpg

Lesson 10: Moving the Cause of Zion in Mighty Power

Joseph Smith described the building up of Zion as "...a work that God and angels have contemplated with delight for generations past; that fired the souls of the ancient patriarchs and propehts; a work that is destined to bring about the destruction of the powers of darkness, the renovation of the earth, the glory of God, and the salvation of the human family."  (History of the Church, 4:10.)

What is Zion?
Answers are found in Moses 7:19; 2 Samuel 5:7, 1 Kings 8:1; D&C 113:7-8; D&C 57:1-5; D&C 97:21; and in the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 362.
 (President Joseph Smith's Remarks--The Whole of America Zion--April Conference, 1844
Section Six 1843-44, p.362
President Joseph Smith said:--It is as impossible for me to continue the subject of yesterday as to raise the dead. My lungs are worn out. There is a time to all things, and I must wait. I will give it up, and leave the time to those who can make you hear, and I will continue the subject of my discourse some other time. I want to make a proclamation to the Elders. I wanted you to stay, in order that I might make this proclamation. You know very well that the Lord has led this Church by revelation. I have another revelation in relation to economy in the Church--a great, grand, and glorious revelation. I shall not be able to dwell as largely upon it now as at some other time; but I will give you the first principles. You know there has been great discussion in relation to Zion--where it is, and where the gathering of the dispensation is, and which I am now going to tell you. The prophets have spoken and written upon it; but I will make a proclamation that will cover a broader ground. The whole of America is Zion itself from north to south, and is described by the Prophets, who declare that it is the Zion where the mountain of the Lord should be, and that it should be in the center of the land. When Elders shall take up and examine the old prophecies in the Bible, they will see it.  http://www.boap.org/LDS/Joseph-Smith/Teachings/T6.html)

Sections 21, 23, 24, 26

Section 21 was given at the Organization of the Church.  Does the timing of the receipt of this revelation hint at the importance of its counsel to the fledgling church?
In vv 4-5, the church receives a specific commandment.  In v 6, the reason for the commandment is given.  Why does the Lord give us commandments?
In Section 21, we learn that Joseph had been "inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good" (v. 7).  In verse 8, it appears that Joseph may have struggled somewhat with understanding how to do that.  Do we have struggles moving the cause of Zion?  How may we overcome them?

Section 23 was given shortly after the Organization of the Church.  Five persons had sought to know the will of the Lord regarding them.  This revelation made clear what was expected of each.  What was each person called to do?  How are these commandments similar to each other?  How do they differ?  Do they apply to us today?  Do they move the cause of Zion?

Section 24 was received nearly four months after the Organization of the Church, and was given (along with 25 and 26) "at this time to strengthen, encourage, and instruct" the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.  In Section 23, Joseph is told he is under no condemnation (v 5), but in 24:2, it appears that he has in some way transgressed and requires repentance.  How can one escape condemnation in spite of transgression?
In 24:10, Oliver is told that "he shall not suppose that he can say enough in my cause."  Is there instruction for us in that scripture as well?  It seems that the Lord indicates that we cannot adequately preach His cause, yet we are still called to do just that.  What, then, qualifies us to participate with the likes of Joseph and Oliver?

Section 26 was received nearly four months after the Organization of the Church and was given (along with 24 and 25) to strengthen and instruct early Church leaders.  In the span of only two verses, much is made known.  In 14 lines, we learn that there will be a Conference of the Church in the west, that there will be revelation forthcoming to let them know what they should do, that the law of common consent was in effect, and that all things are received through faith.  What counsel in these verses may we apply to our efforts to receive "all things ... by faith?"

Additional Resources:

https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/enrichments/enrichment-b-establishing-zion?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/sections-21-29/section-21-his-word-ye-shall-receive-as-if-from-mine-own-mouth?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/sections-21-29/section-23-strengthen-the-church-continually?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/sections-21-29/section-24-declare-my-gospel-as-with-the-voice-of-a-trump?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/sections-21-29/section-26-the-law-of-common-consent?lang=eng

Upon what principle will Zion be built?

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 254

http://www.boap.org/LDS/Joseph-Smith/Teachings/T5.html

How must we begin to establish Zion?

Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 118.

https://archive.org/stream/discoursesofbrig028407mbp/discoursesofbrig028407mbp_djvu.txt

Have we been released from the responsibility to build Zion?

Doctrines of Salvation 3.78.

What must Latter-Day Saints do to fulfill the requirements of being a Zion people?

Gospel Doctrine, Page 76.

http://boap.org/LDS/Doctrine/Gospel-Doctrine/Chap6-Purpose-of-Church

What are we accomplishing as we obey the Lord’s prophet?

Spencer W. Kimball, in CR, Apr., 1978, pp. 119-24.

https://www.lds.org/ensign/print/1978/05/listen-to-the-prophets?lang=eng&clang=eng

What lies ahead before Zion is redeemed?

Bruce R. McConkie in CR, Apr 1980, pp. 97-100https://www.lds.org/ensign/print/1980/05/the-coming-tests-and-trials-and-glory?lang=eng&clang=eng

 Additional Reading:

"Come to Zion," by Elder D. Todd Christofferson (2008)
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/print/2008/10/come-to-zion?lang=eng&clang=eng

"Come: Let Israel Build Zion," by Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1977)

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/print/1977/04/come-let-israel-build-zion?lang=eng&clang=eng

Questions for discussion:
What moves the cause of Zion? 
What has the Lord done to effect this? What has He asked us to do to participate in that work?
Below is a map of the Journey to Zion.  If the journey to Zion is spiritual, what signposts and landmarks would appear on the map?

"Triptych Route Map Mormon Pioneer Plains Cottonwood Wagon Trail Indians Journey to Zion"

(http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/church-history/pioneer/mormon-pioneers-roy-purcell-207549-print.jpg)