Doctrine and Covenants 77–80
Answers to the book of Revelation, establishing the United Firm, and mission calls.
Ask and ye shall receive
The Lord has historically answered His servants when they ask for additional knowledge, in both small and big ways.
What are some scriptural examples of God answering prayers for knowledge?
How does God answer these prayers for you?
Which of the answers in D&C 77 were the most impactful for you?
The United Firm (D&C 78)
An administrative organization created to help manage the church's expenditures.
For two years it managed much of the church's business, but the expulsion of the Saints from Missouri meant they lost two vital businesses and weren't able to repay debts.
It was dissolved in 1834.
Sometimes called The United Order, not to be confused with the system insitutued in Utah when Brigham Young commanded the law of consecration.
D&C 78:4
For a permanent and everlasting establishment and order unto my church, to advance the cause, which ye have espoused, to the salvation of man, and to the glory of your Father who is in heaven;
What is the cause of the Savior's church?
How do we (or can we) help advance this cause?
The Lord leads His children
D&C 78:17-18
Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
How often have you felt like a "little child" spiritually?
What have you witnessed that testifies that the Lord is in control and deserves our trust?
President Nelson (Oct 2020)
"...the wife of one of our grandsons was struggling spiritually. Despite fasting, prayer, and priesthood blessings, Jill’s father was dying....
Late one evening, my wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, told me of Jill’s situation. The next morning Wendy felt impressed to share with Jill that my response to her spiritual wrestle was one word! The word was myopic...
After Jill’s father passed on, the word myopic kept coming to her mind. She opened her heart to understand even more deeply that myopic meant “nearsighted.” And her thinking began to shift. Jill then said, 'Myopic caused me to stop, think, and heal. That word now fills me with peace. It reminds me to expand my perspective and seek the eternal. It reminds me that there is a divine plan and that my dad still lives and loves and looks out for me. Myopic has led me to God.'"
God regularly commands us to be as "a little child", with more faith and less worry.
He wants us to let go of our need to control everything and know all things, and acknowledge that through Him, all will be made right.
Expressing thankfulness
D&C 78:19
And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.
What things in your life are easy to be grateful for?
What things are NOT so easy to be grateful for?
What difference does it make when we try to accept the latter with gratefulness?
Elder Uchtfdorf (April 2014)
"It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding...
All of His commandments are given to make blessings available to us. Commandments are opportunities to exercise our agency and to receive blessings. Our loving Heavenly Father knows that choosing to develop a spirit of gratitude will bring us true joy and great happiness...
It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?
Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be...
Being grateful in times of distress does not mean that we are pleased with our circumstances. It does mean that through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present-day challenges.
This is not a gratitude of the lips but of the soul. It is a gratitude that heals the heart and expands the mind."
Doctrine and Covenants 60-63
D&C gives us a view into the Lord's dealings with mankind in a modern day setting.
These sections include commandments and warnings regarding:
- Missionary work
- Dangers of the destroyer
- Heeding the Spirit
- The Law of Chastity
- Preparing for Christ's second coming
Sharing our testimony of Christ
How is your testimony of Christ like a talent?
How do we hide our talent or testimonies?
What does Christ say about this?
Encouragement from the Lord to the preachers of His gospel:
D&C 60:7
D&C 62:3
D&C 62:9
How have you found it easiest to share the gospel in your day to day life?
(Build on common beliefs, be curious, show love always, be open to the Spirit)
The scriptures teach of Jesus Christ
What attributes of the Savior do we learn about in these scriptures?
Doctrine and Covenants
60:2–4;
61:1–2, 20, 36–38;
62:1, 6
Are there other scriptural accounts that highlight these same attributes?
What does the Lord say about signs and wonders as they relate to our faith?
Doctrine and Covenants 63:7–12
How have we seen this to be true in the scriptures or church history?
The Lord will have a chaste people
A warning regarding unchaste thoughts:
Doctrine and Covenants 63:16
What other blessings come from keeping our thoughts and actions pure?
How would the world be different if all of God's children strove to obey the law of chastity?
How has this wisdom blessed your life and your loved ones?
We Believe in Being Chaste (Elder David Bendar, 2013)
"Our physical bodies make possible a breadth, a depth, and an intensity of experience that simply could not be obtained in our premortal existence...
Thus, marriage between a man and a woman is the authorized channel through which premortal spirits enter mortality. Complete sexual abstinence before marriage and total fidelity within marriage protect the sanctity of this sacred channel."
"The power of procreation is spiritually significant. Misuse of this power subverts the purposes of the Father’s plan and of our mortal existence....Our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son are creators and have entrusted each of us with a portion of Their creative power... How we feel about and use that supernal power will determine in large measure our happiness in mortality and our destiny in eternity."
"One of the ultimate ironies of eternity is that the adversary, who is miserable precisely because he has no physical body, entices us to share in his misery through the improper use of our bodies. The very tool he does not have is thus the primary target of his attempts to lure us to spiritual destruction."
"..the Lord’s truth is not altered by fads, popularity, or public opinion polls. I promise that obedience to the law of chastity will increase our happiness in mortality and make possible our progress in eternity."
Understanding and obeying the law of chastity are critical. But the Lord is free with His forgiveness to all who repent and return unto Him.
D&C 60:7
"...For I am able to make you holy, and your sins are forgiven you."
Doctrine and Covenants 20-22
Jesus Christ Restored His Church
April 6, 1830
What was Christ's purpose in ensuring His restored church was properly organized?
What benefits do we have as Latter-Day Saints because of this organization?
What attributes of Christ's ancient church also exist in His restored church?
Christ led
Apostles & prophets
Ongoing revelation
Scripture
Priesthood authority
Baptism & other ordinances
Temples
Doctrine & Covenants 20:60, 72-76
Doctrine & Covenants 21:1-2
Some may say they have no need for organized religion, or that they are 'good enough' without church.
"If we cease valuing our churches for any reason, we threaten our personal spiritual life, and significant numbers separating themselves from God reduce His blessings to our nations."
"Personal disappointments should never keep us from the doctrine of Christ, who taught us to serve, not to be served....
'Years ago, I changed my attitude about going to church. No longer do I go to church for my sake, but to think of others…
In short, I go to church each week with the intent of being active, not passive, and making a positive difference in people’s lives.'"
"President Spencer W. Kimball taught that “we do not go to Sabbath meetings to be entertained or even solely to be instructed. We go to worship the Lord. It is an individual responsibility. … If the service is a failure to you, you have failed. No one can worship for you; you must do your own waiting upon the Lord.'"
President Dallin H. Oaks (Oct 2021)
Christ's Testimony of The Book of Mormon
Doctrine and Covenants 20: 8-15
Why did our Savior go to such great lengths to ensure we have this record?
Why is this record such a necessary pillar of the restored gospel?
The Necessity of Sacred Ordinances
What is the purpose of ordinances?
How do they relate to covenants?
A covenant is a sacred promise between an individual and God.
An ordinance is a sacred, outward act performed by priesthood authority.
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Ordinances are the means by which covenants are made.
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Every saving ordinance includes a covenant.
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Without the ordinance, the covenant is not formally entered into.
Ordinance > Covenant Made
Baptism: Take Christ’s name, keep commandments, always remember Him
Confirmation: Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and strive to follow His guidance
Sacrament: Renew baptismal covenants weekly
Temple Endowment: Promise to live a higher law, including obedience, sacrifice, chastity, and consecration
Sealing: Promise faithfulness in marriage and receive the promise of eternal family relationships
Both men and women "exercise God's authority as they participate in His work." (CFM Manual)
Divine Protection Is Afforded to Those Who Follow the Prophets
What are we commanded to do with the words of the living prophets?
What blessings are promised to us as we do so?
How can we help our living prophets "move the cause of Zion"? (v. 7)
What words or the prophets have shaped your life?
What prophetic warnings have we seen come to fruition in our lifetimes?
Doctrine and Covenants 10–11
“My wisdom,” the Lord said to Joseph, “is greater than the cunning of the devil”
(Doctrine and Covenants 10:43).
The Savior will help us resist Satan's efforts
One of Satan's greatest tools is to get us to think that he doesn't exist, or that we're immune from his temptations.
What do we learn about the adversary in D&C 10?
What does Section 10 (v. 1-33) say God knows about Satan's efforts? (see also v. 63)
Doctrine and Covenants 10:42-45
What does the Lord say about those who listen to the temptations of the devil? (v. 5-7)
The Lord’s “wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.”
The Lord knew from the beginning that Satan would try to discredit the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith.
What do we learn from the roles Nephi, Mormon and Joseph played in this?
Doctrine and Covenants 10:35-37
What examples have you seen in your life of the Lord's wisdom and foresight?
What "coincidences" have you encountered? Where has He laid foundations for your blessings?
Alma meeting Amulek (Alma 8:19-21)
Nephi getting the plates from Laban (1Nephi 6-10)
"You and I may call these intersectings ‘coincidence.’ This word is understandable for mortals to use, but coincidence is not an appropriate word to describe the workings of an omniscient God. He does not do things by ‘coincidence’ but … by ‘divine design.’”
Elder Neal A. Maxwell
"The Lord loves to be with us. It is no coincidence that when you are feeling His Spirit and acting on first promptings that you feel Him as He promised: 'I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.'"
Elder Ronald A. Rasband
Seeking revelation for ourselves
Hyrum was eager to know the Lord's will for him and D&C 11 is the Lord's answer, given through Joseph Smith. (Also see Sections 6-9 for the Lord's revelation to Oliver Cowdery).
- Field is ripe (v. 3-4)
- Knock and ye shall receive (v. 5)
- Trust the Spirit (v. 12-14, 25)
- Trust the Lord's timeline (v. 15-17, 19, 21, 26)
- Keep the commandments (v. 2, 6, 18, 20)
Obtaining the word of the Lord
Hyrum was told repeatedly to seek the word of the Lord (v. 7, 21-22)
In what ways are we commanded to seek His word?
How does prioritizing this bless our lives?
What does it give us (and the Lord) power to do?
Themes of Section 11:
Pray for revelation (trust the answers)
Study the Word
Obey & repent
Seek out your spiritual gifts
Wait upon the Lord
The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
January 5, 2025
The Proclamation
"The Restoration of His gospel started when one person turned to God and heard Him. It continues that same way: one heart, one sacred experience at a time—including yours." (Come Follow Me Manual)
What are some key aspects of the Restoration, not found in any other religion?
Why is it essential that our testimonies include a rock-solid belief in the Restoration?
God loves His children
Why does this proclamation begin with a statement about God’s love?
Where else do we read or hear about God's love for us and all His children?
How does the Restoration prove God's love for YOU?
"To each of us in every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, God promises, covenants, and invites us to come partake of His abundant joy and goodness.
God’s love for all people is affirmed throughout scripture. That love encompasses the Abrahamic covenant, gathering His scattered children, and His plan of happiness in our lives.
In the household of faith there are to be no strangers, no foreigners, no rich and poor, no outside “others.” As “fellowcitizens with the saints,” we are invited to change the world for the better, from the inside out, one person, one family, one neighborhood at a time."
Elder Gerrit W. Gong (Oct 2020)
The Restoration answers questions
It began as an answer to a sincerely posed question, and it continues to answer questions for all sincere seekers, throughout the world.
What does the First Vision tell us about God's nature and how He feels about His children's questions?
Joseph Smith—History 1:5–20
What else do we learn from Joseph about finding answers to gospel questions?
Jesus Christ restored His New Testment Church
Review the following scriptures to identify key features of Christ's original church:
Matthew 16:15–19
Which of these features are now a part of Christ's Restored Church? (study at home)
Doctrine and Covenants 18:37–38; 107:23–24
Doctrine and Covenants 51:3; 70:14
Doctrine and Covenants 84:64–72
Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16
Doctrine and Covenants 124:31, 36
“The promised Restoration goes forward.”
“Sometimes we think of the Restoration of the gospel as something that is complete, already behind us. … In reality, the Restoration is an ongoing process; we are living in it right now. It includes “all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal,” and the “many great and important things” that “He will yet reveal.” ...the exciting developments of today are part of that long-foretold period of preparation that will culminate in the glorious Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (April 2014)
How does the Lord ask us to participate in the Restoration today?
In what ways are the heavens now open? What blessing and responsibilities does this give us?
President Spencer W. Kimball stated: “Of all things, that … we should be most grateful [for] is that the heavens are indeed open and that the restored church of Jesus Christ is founded upon the rock of revelation. Continuous revelation is indeed the very lifeblood of the gospel of the living Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Moses 7:62 - "And righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten;... and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth..."
Elder Quentin L, Cook (April 2020 after Pres. Nelson shared the Restoration Proclamation) "I declare with all solemnity that continuous revelation has been received and is being received through channels the Lord has established. I testify the new proclamation President Nelson delivered this morning is a revelation to bless all people.
The Spirit communicates in marvelous ways. The Lord used this beautiful description:
“I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.
“Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation.”
Although its impact can be incredibly powerful, it most often comes quietly as a still, small voice. The scriptures include many examples of how the Spirit influences our minds, including speaking peace to our minds, occupying our minds, enlightening our minds, and even sending a voice to our minds."
