Rachel observed that all women love to talk about their experience giving birth. Covenants kept.
My observations that the lady administering the oath for Federal Government job said she didn't know why she always cried. Feeling, memories of covenants made before this earth life.
We once knew well our elder brother and our father in Heaven. We rejoiced at the prospect of earth life that could make it possible for us to have a fulness of joy. We could hardly wait to demonstrate to our father and our brother, the Lord, how much we love them and how we would be obedient to the in spite of the earthly opposition of the evil one. Now we are here. Our memories are veiled. We are showing God and ourselves what we can do. Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our father and his face is to us. -Ezra Taft Benson
The earth was not the first of the Lord’s creations. An infinite number of worlds have come rolling into existence at his command. Each is an earth; Many are inhabited with his spirit children; each abides the particular law given to it; and each will play its part in the redemption, salvation, and exaltation of the infinite host of the children of an almighty God. The Lord has said that his work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life for his children and all the inhabited worlds which he has created. -Bruce R. McConkie
The pure principles of element are principles which can never be destroyed; they may be organized and reorganized but not destroyed. They have no beginning and can have no end. -Joseph Smith
We put caps on ourselves.
The natural elements that make up the physical earth are sometimes referred to in the scriptures as dust. Thus Adam was created from the dust of ground meaning that the physical body which he received was created from elements of the earth. Similarly, all men are created from the dust of the earth; that is, the elements organized into a mortal body are assembled together through the birth process.” -Bruce R. McConkie
Access God’s intelligence and wisdom
There will be no marrying, neither giving in marriage among those who reject the truth of the everlasting gospel. That privilege is confined to those who keep the commandments of the Lord in their fullness and who are obedient to the laws of God. Restrictions will be placed upon those who enter the terrestrial and telestial kingdoms, and even those in the Celestial Kingdom who do not get the exaltation; changes will be made in their bodies to suit their condition and there will be no marrying or giving in marriage, nor living together of men and women because of these restrictions. -Joseph Fielding Smith
The plan of salvation was calculated to save all who were willing to obey the requirements of the law of God. -Joseph Smith
Moroni- last covenant bearer
Sacred failure- pass the covenant from the dust
Exodus -cycle of redemption
Sister Amy Wright: “People have agency to choose whether to accept the gospel message or not,” she said. “Your responsibility is to teach clearly and powerfully so they can make an informed choice that will bless them.”
Another key indicator of success comes after a missionary returns home.
“Your success as a missionary is how you live your life after your mission. We want you to be valiant in your testimony of Jesus Christ all the days of your life,” she said.
He is loyal to us. We become more and more loyal to Him as we make covenants.
He wants us near him, the same way I want my children near me with that feeling of dearness and tender closeness. Scripture study and prayer are about actually building a relationship with Him.
My kindness shall not depart from thee. There is nothing we’ve done or circumstance we’re in that is beyond His reach. Moses 6 “walk with me.” Enoch. We need to walk with the Lord. We can seek his strength and guidance in our lives.
Just like when he was a boy and saw pictures of Switzerland yet visited and really experienced its majesty, we don’t realize the experiences we can have with God.
Daily repentance is so important.
One morning, while he served as a Mission President in Texas, an Elder called him saying he needed to talk with him. Elder Pingree felt a little saddened by this correctly assuming it was to confess sin yet happy at the same time that a missionary was coming clean. The Elder came and he was ready to hear what he had to say. The Elder proceeded to take out a huge list written on multiple sheets of paper. He started confessing sins from when he was 8 years old. Pretty soon it was apparent that these were “minor” sins that one would usually work out between oneself and God directly. However, he let the missionary go on and on and read off everything. He asked the Elder why he was doing this and he explained that he had been reading in 3 Nephi 8:1 about how in order to perform miracles one needed to be clean, every wit. Elder Pingree said he knew the area where this Elder served was a very wealthy and difficult area. The kind of area where there are electric fences and multiple rottweilers protecting homes. The Elder said they were having no success and if anyone needed a miracle, he did. He told the Elder that as his Priesthood leader, he accepted the confession as a full repentance. Later, the Elder asked him if he heard what happened. He hadn’t and the Elder proceeded to tell him that later that day when he had confessed all his sins he could think of, they went to every gas station and every house they could possibly go to and near a gas station and man in a fancy car stopped and told them to get in the back. Elder Pingree said, “You didn’t get in, did you?” the Elder replied, “Of course we did.”. He said he found some comfort in knowing he was there to tell the story considering they just jumped in the back of a random stranger’s car. The man in the car said he had a successful business, family and life but he was feeling like he was missing something. He took them home, made them dinner and they proceeded to teach him all of the lessons that evening. He never said if the man eventually joined the church, but said it certainly felt like the missionary’s being clean “every wit” had been blessed with that as a miracle. Elder Pingree clarified that most sins can be worked out between us and God and wasn’t suggesting we all go into our bishop’s office and confers every sin, however, he did suggest he followed this Elders example going into his Bishop’s office and did something similar. This reminded me of a devotional by Elder Cook, where he tells of taking a part off an old abandoned car as a teen then as a missionary, realizing it needed to repented off and then after his mission, finding the owner of the old car and reimbursing him for the part he had taken. A sweet story of repenting and making wrongs right.
He also told a story of a sister missionary who served in his mission. She had an abusive childhood and ran away from home at age 15. She ended up being taken into a home of a good family, joining the church and serving this mission but she had hard things that lingered. She found healing and capacity through the atonement of Jesus Christ and would write in every letter how the atonement of Jesus Christ helped her do things she never thought she could. He said she became a “walking hospital” full of love, goodness and healing and was able to bless every companion and situation she was in.
Like Nephi was given strength to break cords. We can be given strength to break cords we carry from sin. His story of having negative feedback from a man about an event he had put months of planning and effort into. It was bothered him for weeks. Finally, he felt the Lord ask him, “Why haven’t you asked for my help?” He prayed and that week, the feeling dissipated. Now he interacts with the man without hard feelings.
You are so valuable that Christ went through what he did for you. My take on this though was that Christ went through hell to “snatch” me from it.
He shared this quote by John Newton, a slave trader turned minister who wrote the words to Amazing Grace. “Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.”
Institute Notes from Doctrine and Covenants 129-132
Unembodied – Never had a body
Disembodied – They have died
Reembodied – Have received a resurrected body
129:7 It is contrary to the order of heaven for a just man to deceive.
The nearer a man approaches the Lord, a greater power will be manifested by the adversary to prevent the accomplishment of His purposes. – Joseph Smith
There are no babies or little children in the pre-mortality. In the millennium, parents will be able to raise children from the age that they lost them.
President Eyring at MTC said, “There is so much of the unseen world.”
Where does confusion come from? It comes from the author of confusion and is produced by those who rebel against God and against His authority. There were many who did this formerly, and they formed part of that hell…although those men and women are dead, they have a good deal of power; Their spirits have power over us when we render ourselves subject to them; Their spirits are busy at work. They are diligent and performing the work of destruction and confusion; They go at that work the very moment their spirits leave their bodies.
The spirits of the wicked, who have died thousands of years past, are at war with the Saints of God up on the earth…the Lord has said that there are more for us than there can be against us…It is written where the Holy Ghost takes up its abode the Father and the Son will abide. That is the God whom I serve, one who has millions of angels at His command. Do you suppose that there are any here today? I would not wonder if there were ten times more angels here than people. We do not see them, but they are here watching us and are anxious for our salvation.” -Heber C. Kimball
There are many things we won’t receive because we haven’t prayed for them.
Wendy Nelson- Elder Holland- Pray for angels. She said it changed her life.
They do mingle so they can teach those who haven’t heard the gospel. They are together. They are not in separate little locations.
If we ponder just what it is that will rise with us in the resurrection, it seems clear that our intelligence will rise with us, meaning not simply our IQ but also our capacity to receive and apply truth. Our talents, attributes and skills will rise with us; Certainly, also our capacity to learn, our degree of self-discipline, and our capacity to work. -Neal A. Maxwell
Guy asked chatgpt what you’d do if you were Satan-quote.
Sister Beck –“They need to know, if it’s anti famly it’s anti Christ.”
You can’t be casual with the gospel.
Elder George Q. Cannon taught, We believe that when a man and a woman are united as husband and wife, and they love each other, their hearts and feelings are one, that that love is as enduring as eternity itself, and that when death overtakes them it will endure through eternity; and that if we have offspring they will be with us and our mutual associates will be one of the chief joys of the heaven to which we are hastening… God has restored the everlasting priesthood, by which ties can be formed, consecrated and consummated, which shall be as enduing as we ourselves are enduring…”
2 Peter 1: The more knowledge you have, the more power you have.
Experience self, watching other, listening to others. –Learn to live higher laws
Doctrine and Covenants 132: 8 God’s house is a house of order and not a house of confusion.
Sharon’s brother. Can you take out, “Til death do us part?” The minister said yes but I don’t have authority.
God is not the author of confusion.
This is my gospel:
“Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting; the soul; but trailing clouds of glory do we come. From God who is our home.”
Sunday School Lesson
Kirtland Temple bought: “A longing to return to the City of Joseph originated with the Saints who abandoned their homes in Nauvoo to flee to the Rocky Mountains. “As a people or community, we can abide our time,” declared Church President John Taylor in 1882. “But I will say to you Latter-day Saints, that there is nothing of which you have been despoiled by oppressive acts or mobocratic rule, but that you will again possess, or your children after you. Your rights in Ohio, your rights in Jackson, Clay, Caldwell and Davis [sic] counties in Missouri, will yet be restored to you. Your possessions, of which you have been fraudulently despoiled in Missouri and Illinois, you will again possess, and that without force, or fraud or violence. The Lord has a way of His own in regulating such matters.”
Help people connect with powerful events that occurred. Emily Utt Church curator
Utopian society is one thing – We’re going for the Kingdom of God. Range of people, occupations, education levels, 25 year old saying God speaks to me. On paper, he digs wells, makes barrels. These older men are humbling themselves to follow this prophet. Building Zion and the Kingdom of God demands everything from you. It’s hard. Give me everything you have a little more. When you are truly ready, God will redeem you. When they went to Missouri, they didn’t have roads. Missouri, lawless, frontier in the middle of nowhere. These revelations are happening while they are on the move. A three week journey just getting back and forth. 1837, 1838 bank failure, many leaving the church. 1839 Nauvoo. These sections in Ohio just a few months. How in the world do we learn to live together? Things internally, things to do externally. Contrite Spirit- humble, contrite listen to me. Contrite – Isaiah- bruised, humble, only strength and power I have is from God. Always asking God. What else do you want from me? Contrition, being crushed. Deal honestly. Start with the basics before we live the Celestial Laws. If we think we know better than our bishop or trying to show off how smart we are, it’s not going to work. It’s so easy to tare down. They are being asked to give up what seems to bring them success to make something better.
St. George temple – Joseph Townsend, I’m going to fail but remember God that I tried. Found in the walls of the St. George temple.
Whatever be my failings and desires
To Thee O Lord my heart be firm and true
Thy law my law. Whatever God requires
This be my hope His loving will to do.
And whatsoever I love with act or breath
If I should love Thee less than how I can
Remember me O Lord in life or death
As one that ever loves his fellow man.
J L TOWNSEND
JULY 14 1876
ST GEO TEMPLE
Build something beautiful because it will help you become a Zion person. Zion will go with you when it becomes part of you. Nauvoo temple – Built temple and left. Zion was THEM. Zion will go with you.
God’s covenant will always be fulfilled. He will always redeem his people.
―
DC 51:1-2 it must needs be that he receive directions how to organize this people
Lorenzo Snow
The Lord gave his servant, Edward Partridge, the first Bishop of this Church, revelations and important instructions in reference to organizing a Branch of the Church into the United Order in that township [of Thompson, Ohio]. And Edward Partridge needed these instructions, because it might well be understood that he, of himself, would not be able to understand the mind and will of God touching what was required according to the principles of the celestial law. Therefore, the Lord told him it was necessary that he should receive instructions in those principles. And he gave him instructions, and told him that it was necessary that the people should be organized there according to his law, otherwise they should be cut off. And he told him, furthermore, that it was their privilege to be organized according to the celestial law, that they might be united upon these principles.
Joseph Smith
The matter of consecration must be done by the mutual consent of both parties
"'If ye are not one,' said a revelation, 'ye are not mine.' (D&C 38:27.) Again, from another revelation: 'Let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you.' (D&C 51:9.) Orson Pratt: 'There is no law, statute, ordinance, covenant, nor blessing, but what was instituted to make the Saints one.'"
The idea that the saints were to build up a New Jerusalem had already been revealed, and the location of Zion would soon been revealed (D&C 57:1-3). The Lord made it clear to the Kirtland saints that they would have to move again. Later in 1831, the Lord revealed that he intended to have a stronghold "in the land of Kirtland, for the space of five years." (D&C 64:21) Nonetheless, the Lord wanted them to work as if they were going to be there for years. He wanted them to improve their lands, to build their homes, to work as craftsmen and farmers.
Therefore, the Lord was not too happy with Leman Copley when he reneged on his commitment to the Colesville saints, "as the covenant which they (speaking primarily of Leman Copley and Ezra Thayre) made unto me has been broken, even so it has become void and of none effect. And wo to him by whom this offense cometh, for it had been better for him that he had been drowned in the depth of the sea." (D&C 54:4-5)
The actual time that the Colesville saints stayed in the Thompson area was less than two months. "The members of the Colesville Branch were told to join the Saints who were gathering in Missouri. Joseph Knight Jr. recalled, 'We had to leave his [Copley's] farm and pay sixty dollars damage for fitting up his houses and planting his ground.'
Ammon telling the king he was willing to serve him possibly even until the day he died.
Water that grass, repair those fences, leave every place better than you found it. Leave every person better than you find him or her.
Rachel- tithing, “He just wants to know you’d be willing to give it all.”
Gordon B. Hinckley
We know that someday we must stand before our Master and give an accounting of our stewardship. I hope and pray that we may do so without embarrassment or excuse. And I hope that we shall not be found to have been wanting in our sincerity, in our devotion, in our effort to handle well and faithfully the responsibility given us by the Lord. (Phoenix Arizona North/West Regional Conference, January 13, 1991.)
"And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life" (D&C 51:19). Those words intrigue me. "A faithful, a just, and a wise steward." Every man here has a stewardship for others- faithful, just, and wise. Faithful in all he is asked to do. Just, even-handed, considerate of all for whom he has responsibility. Wise, with that wisdom which comes from the Lord. I would like to suggest that one verse to you as something you could write out and put on the mirror so that every morning you will see it and think of it and ponder it in terms of your responsibility. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1997], 613.)
The Lord endeavored to teach these members, in part, at least, and train them in the great principle of consecration as a preparatory step before they should be permitted to journey to Zion, for it was in keeping with the law upon which the city of Zion was to be built. Thus these Saints from the East were to be organized according to the law of God. This land in Ohio was in this manner to be consecrated unto them for a little season until the Lord should command provide for them otherwise, and command them to go hence.” Joseph Fielding Smith
In the Church a stewardship is a sacred spiritual or temporal trust for which there is accountability. Because all things belong to the Lord, we are stewards over our bodies, minds, families, and properties. A faithful steward is one who exercises righteous dominion, cares for his own, and looks to the poor and needy. -Spencer W. Kimball
-I hadn’t thought about my mind being his. This suggests that I am even accountable for my thoughts. I have been asked to looks to Christ in every thought.
-The Lord needed a strong people. He wants a strong people now.
-The order was united in love, purpose and commitment but unity does not mean sameness. – Reuben J. Clark
-Attitude- Be prepared to give all you have
-How can I do this? President Oaks quote: Ordinances and covenants are part of the law that defines the path to eternal life. Ordinances, and the sacred covenants we make with God through them, are required steps and essential guardrails along that path. I like to think of the role of covenants as demonstrating that under God’s plan, His highest blessings are given to those who promise in advance to keep certain commandments and who keep those promises.
President Eyring Quote: “gratitude for the remission of sins is the seed of Charity” So preach repentance because when I repent, I am forgiven of my sin (which is great) and the gratitude I feel for that forgiveness and the ability to feel the Holy Ghost will prompt me to keep God’s Celestial laws.
Any time and place where a people come to know God becomes sacred.
Marvin J. Ashton
What a happy circumstance and strength in our day to have the Lord's promise, "I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving." (D&C 52:14.) I have always received courage, comfort, and direction from this powerful quotation.
A pattern is a guide for copying, a design, a plan, a diagram or model to be followed in making things, a composite of traits or features characteristic of an individual. It is also the ordered flight path for an aircraft about to land.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is God's pattern for righteous living and eternal life. It makes possible goal-setting and lofty priorities. Satan and his advocates will constantly try to deceive and entice us into following their patterns. If we are to achieve daily safety, exaltation, and eternal happiness, we need to live by the light and truth of our Savior's plan. All salvation revolves around our Savior.
...Part of his pattern is to help us use our gift of free agency, but his pattern does not condone sin. When we abuse our agency to choose a life-style contrary to revealed patterns, we must live with the consequences. Our unwillingness to follow the true and tested patterns given for our happiness causes the individual, family, and friends heartaches and ultimate disaster. ("A Pattern in All Things," Ensign, Nov. 1990, 20)
Tad R. Callister: Some years ago my wife and I needed a bigger home for our growing family, so we found a lot on which to build. We spent some time working on a blueprint that would best accommodate the needs of our family. My wife designed a folding door between our family room and living room that could open up for large family and youth activities. With some extra space over the garage, we designed a room where our children could engage in wholesome activities. A small room was built behind the garage to allow for food and other storage. These and other design elements were incorporated into a blueprint. The home was then built pursuant to these plans.
As the home was being constructed, we occasionally submitted to the builder a change order that revised the blueprint. When the home was finally completed, it was in exact conformity with our blueprint as revised from time to time. If you took our blueprint and matched it against every home in the world, how many homes would it perfectly match? Only one—our home. Oh, there might be an occasional resemblance here and there—a room the same size, some similar windows—but foundation for foundation, room for room, and roofline for roofline, there would only be one home that perfectly matched the blueprint—our home.
In a similar way Christ built a home to best accommodate the spiritual needs of His children. It was called His Church. The spiritual blueprint for this Church can be found in the New Testament. Occasionally the Savior made a “change order” to the blueprint. Such a change order came in the form of a revelation. For example, the Savior initially commanded His Apostles to preach the gospel to the house of Israel but not to the Gentiles (see Matthew 10:5–6). After the Savior’s Ascension, however, He gave Peter a spiritual change order—a revelation by way of a vision—that the gospel should now be taught also to the Gentiles (see Acts 10). This experience of Peter taught at least two important governance principles in Christ’s Church: one, the blueprint could be changed, but only by revelation from Christ, and second, such revelation would come to the prophet who was God’s spokesman on earth. In other words, God’s Church would be governed by divine revelation and by order.
Patterning our homes after the temple. Patterning our lives after Celestial laws. Pattern, recipe, what works. Rachel’s mother-in-law showing her a paper with all the planning into a Thanksgiving meal. What are the core requirements when it comes to God’s laws and Celestial lows?
Bruce R. McConkie
Satan is abroad in the land. He and his fellow demons rage in the hearts of men. He sits in high places and rules in organizations of all sorts. It is his world; he knows it, and he is in command. There is rejoicing in the courts of hell and laughter on the lips of its courtiers as they survey the shambles they have made of our modern social structure. (The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982], 549.)
Joseph Fielding Smith
Satan is abroad in the land, deceiving the nations, and he will deceive us unless we are firmly grounded in the faith, unless we base our salvation on truth, unless we search for gospel knowledge. and understanding. The Lord has required of us, as he sets it forth in many of the revelations given to the Church, that we should search the, scriptures, and make ourselves familiar with the teachings they contain. If we will do this then, we will not be led astray by every wind of doctrine and foolish teaching of men in the world, but will have power to understand and discern between truth and error and choose the right, avoiding that which is wrong. Every member of this Church has it within his power to know the truth, so that he may not be deceived. This knowledge will come to us through our study, through faith, through perseverance, and through living in full accord with the ordinances of the gospel.
May the Lord bless and guide us, I pray, in all things, that we may be steadfast in the truth in these days of peril, these days when there are so many false doctrines prevailing in the world and men are striving to destroy the fundamental teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
-Thought – Prophets train us to fight evil. Am I listening to President Nelson’s messages?
Brigham Young
By obeying the ordinances of God, mankind glorify God, but if they do not obey him, they do not detract one particle from his glory and power. The commandments of God are given to us expressly for our benefit, and if we live in obedience to them we shall live so as to understand the mind and will of God for ourselves, and concerning ourselves as individuals.
How shall we know that we obey him? There is but one method by which we can know it, and that is by the inspiration of the Spirit of the Lord witnessing unto our spirit that we are his, that we love him, and that he loves us. It is by the spirit of revelation we know this. We have no witness to ourselves internally, without the spirit of revelation. We have no witness outwardly, only by obedience to the ordinances. (Discourses of Brigham Young, selected and arranged by John A. Widtsoe [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1954], 224.)
Neal A. Maxwell
Ordinances mark the path of our rigorous, personal journey. The periodic repetition of certain ordinances is needed to remind us of who we are and where we should be going... In some ways, each ordinance is a marker, suggesting where we are or should be, at least approximately, on the pathway of our personal development. Let us be careful, therefore, not to look "beyond the mark" (Jacob 4:14).
Ordinances thus blend faith and works. They are not, however, rituals which save all by themselves, that is, if unaided by the righteous life. Covenants must be kept before blessings flow. On the other hand, random goodness, unaccompanied by divine ordinances, is not of full salvational effect either: "Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances" (D&C 52:15)... More than we realize, ordinances comprise defining moments of record! (Lord, Increase Our Faith [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], 77.)
Ezra Taft Benson
"If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men." It matters not what is our lack or our weakness or our insufficiency. His gifts and powers are sufficient to overcome them all.
Moroni continues with the words of the Lord: "My grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27; italics added.)
What a promise from the Lord! The very source of our troubles can be changed, molded, and formed into a strength and a source of power. This promise is repeated in one form or another in many other scriptures. Isaiah said, "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." (Isa. 40:29.) Paul was told by the Lord, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9.) In the Doctrine and Covenants we read, "He that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom." (D&C 52:17; see also 1 Ne. 17:3; 2 Ne. 3:13; D&C 1:28; 133:58-59.)
Brothers and sisters, we must take our sins to the Lord in humble and sorrowful repentance. We must plead with Him for power to overcome them. The promises are sure. He will come to our aid. We will find the power to change our lives. ("A Mighty Change of Heart," Ensign, Oct. 1989, 4-5)
DC 52:19 by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases
"In the Lord's pattern, He provided a description of a person whose actions and attributes are acceptable to Him. This pattern includes the following: (See D&C 52:15-21)
1. He is one who prays
2. He is one whose spirit is contrite, or humble
3. He is one who receives the Lord's ordinances and obeys the requirements thereof
4. He is one whose language is meek and uplifting
5. He is one who receives and recognizes the Lord's power
6. He is one whose works and teachings will reflect truths given by revelation from the Lord
"There are two major concepts that need to be emphasized:
1. If we will learn and remember this pattern, we need never be deceived by anyone who is not in harmony with the Lord. We can recognize such disharmony if such a person is not endeavoring to meet the standards established in the Lord's pattern.
2. We will never deceive ourselves nor will we become a source of deception to others if we will so order our lives as to be in harmony with the Lord's pattern in all things." (L. G. Otten and C. M. Caldwell, Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982-1983], 1: 258.)
"The Lord has given the following warning concerning those who are to consider the message of the Apostles: 'The day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, should be cut off from among the people' (D&C 1:14). Therefore, because of the special endowment associated with their teaching, the Lord has said that all who teach within the Church or as missionaries should use the instruction of the Apostles for their measure. The scriptures indicate that teachers should say 'none other things than that which the prophets and apostles have written,' even 'that which they have seen and heard and most assuredly believe' (D&C 52:9, 36)." (Edward J. Brandt, " 'And He Gave Some, Apostles' (Eph. 4:11)," Ensign, July 1999, 16-17)
"Simonds Ryder, mentioned in section 52, joined the Church soon after its organization. Shortly thereafter, he apostatized and eventually led the mob that wrenched Joseph Smith and Sydney Rigdon from their homes in winter for a brutal beating and tarring. His excuse for leaving the Church was the misspelling of his name in Church documents; he questioned the authenticity of inspired materials with typographical errors." (Dale S. Cox, "To Hear or Not to Hear," Ensign, Jan. 1993, 44-45)
We need to be careful not to take offense and let bitterness control our lives.
Marion G. Romney
When discipleship is seen in light of this understanding of the gospel, we may, perhaps, understand something which I have believed for a long time: The living of the principles upon which the welfare program is built will be the final step, the capstone, of a Christian life. Living its principles leads one to the fulness of the stature of Christ. ("Welfare Services: The Savior's Program," Ensign, Nov. 1980, 93)
The accelerated growth of the Church is amazing. But the Lord has predicted it, "Behold, I will hasten my work in its time." (D&C 88:73) This accelerated pace will continue such that the winding up scenes may produce a vortex with which we can barely keep up. This includes of course, the momentous task of building the New Jerusalem, which must occur prior to the Second Coming of Christ (D&C 49:24-25).
Joseph Fielding Smith
The Latter-day Saints are building temples and believe that the time will come when they will be called on to build the great temple which shall grace the New Jerusalem, or City of Zion, the capital city of God on this continent... The Latter-day Saints may be assured that when the time comes for the building of the house of the Lord, he will call upon his people who have remained true and have been faithful in the purposes of the Lord in bringing to pass the salvation of the living and of the dead...
When the Lord shall speak, the way shall be opened for the accomplishment of his purposes, and all opposition will melt like the hoar frost before the rising sun. "For thus saith the Lord, I will cut my work short in righteousness, for the days come that I will send forth judgment unto victory." "Behold, I will hasten my work in its time." (Doctrines of Salvation, 3 vols., edited by Bruce R. McConkie [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954-1956], 2: 246-247.)
The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “The building up of Zion is a cause that has interested the people of God in every age; it is a theme upon which prophets, priests and kings have dwelt with peculiar delight; they have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and prophesied of this our day; but they died without the sight; we are the favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society course of study, 2007], 186).
Zion is both a place and a people. Zion was the name given to the ancient city of Enoch in the days before the Flood. “And it came to pass in his days, that he built a city that was called the City of Holiness, even Zion” Moses 7:19 This Zionendured for some 365 years (see Moses 7:68 The scriptural record states, “And Enoch and all his people walked with God, and he dwelt in the midst of Zion; and it came to pass that Zion was not, for God received it up into his own bosom; and from thence went forth the saying, Zion is fled” Moses 7:69 Later, Jerusalem and its temple were called Mount Zion, and the scriptures prophesy of a future New Jerusalem where Christ shall reign as “King of Zion,” when “for the space of a thousand years the earth shall rest” Moses 7:53, 64
The Lord called Enoch’s people Zion “because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them” Moses 7:18Elsewhere He said, “For this is Zion—the pure in heart” D&C 97:21
The antithesis and antagonist of Zion is Babylon. The city of Babylon was originally Babel, of Tower of Babel fame, and later became the capital of the Babylonian empire. Its principal edifice was the temple of Bel, or Baal, the idol referred to by Old Testament prophets as “The Shame,” given the sexual perversions that were associated with its worship. (See Bible Dictionary, “Assyria and Babylonia,” 615–16; “Baal,” 617–18; “Babylon, or Babel,” 618.) Its worldliness, its worship of evil, and the captivity of Judah there following the conquest of 587 B.C. all combine to make Babylon the symbol of decadent societies and spiritual bondage.
It is with this backdrop that the Lord said to the members of His Church, “Go ye out of Babylon; gather ye out from among the nations, from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” D&C 133:7 He called for the elders of His Church to be sent forth across the world to accomplish this gathering, commencing an effort that continues in full vigor today. “And behold, and lo, this shall be their cry, and the voice of the Lord unto all people: Go ye forth unto the land of Zion, that the borders of my people may be enlarged, and that her stakes may be strengthened, and that Zion may go forth unto the regions round about” D&C 133:9
And so today the Lord’s people are gathering “out from among the nations” as they gather into the congregations and stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that are scattered throughout the nations. Nephi foresaw that these “dominions” would be small but that the Lord’s power would descend “upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, … who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they [would be] armed with righteousness” (see 1 Nephi 14:12–14The Lord calls upon us to be beacons of righteousness to guide those who seek the safety and blessings of Zion:
“Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;
“And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth” D&C 115:5–6
Under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, early members of the Church attempted to establish the center place of Zion in Missouri, but they did not qualify to build the holy city. The Lord explained one of the reasons for their failure:
“They have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them;
“And are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom” D&C 105:3–4
“There were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances” D&C 101:6
Rather than judge these early Saints too harshly, however, we should look to ourselves to see if we are doing any better.
Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens. Remember, “the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them” Moses 7:18 If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard. It will be necessary (1) to become unified in one heart and one mind; (2) to become, individually and collectively, a holy people; and (3) to care for the poor and needy with such effectiveness that we eliminate poverty among us. We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen.
As we consider the unity required for Zion to flourish, we should ask ourselves if we have overcome jarrings, contentions, envyings, and strifes (see D&C 101:6Are we individually and as a people free from strife and contention and united “according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom”? D&C 105:4 Forgiveness of one another is essential to this unity. Jesus said, “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” D&C 64:10
We will become of one heart and one mind as we individually place the Savior at the center of our lives and follow those He has commissioned to lead us. We can unite with President Thomas S. Monson in love and concern for one another.
Much of the work to be done in establishing Zion consists in our individual efforts to become “the pure in heart” D&C 97:21 “Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom,” said the Lord; “otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself” D&C 105:5 The law of the celestial kingdom is, of course, the gospel law and covenants, which include our constant remembrance of the Savior and our pledge of obedience, sacrifice, consecration, and fidelity.
The Savior was critical of some of the early Saints for their “lustful … desires” D&C 101:6 see also D&C 88:121 These were people who lived in a non-television, non-film, non-Internet, non-iPod world. In a world now awash in sexualized images and music, are we free from lustful desires and their attendant evils? Far from pushing the limits of modest dress or indulging in the vicarious immorality of pornography, we are to hunger and thirst after righteousness. To come to Zion, it is not enough for you or me to be somewhat less wicked than others. We are to become not only good but holy men and women. Recalling Elder Neal A. Maxwell’s phrase, let us once and for all establish our residence in Zion and give up the summer cottage in Babylon (see Neal A. Maxwell, A Wonderful Flood of Light[1990], 47).
Throughout history, the Lord has measured societies and individuals by how well they cared for the poor. He has said:
“For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.
“Therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment” D&C 104:17–18 see also D&C 56:16–17
Furthermore, He declares, “In your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit shall be withheld” D&C 70:14 see also D&C 49:20 78:5–7
We control the disposition of our means and resources, but we account to God for this stewardship over earthly things. It is gratifying to witness your generosity as you contribute to fast offerings and humanitarian projects. Over the years, the suffering of millions has been alleviated, and countless others have been enabled to help themselves through the generosity of the Saints. Nevertheless, as we pursue the cause of Zion, each of us should prayerfully consider whether we are doing what we should and all that we should in the Lord’s eyes with respect to the poor and the needy.
We might ask ourselves, living as many of us do in societies that worship possessions and pleasures, whether we are remaining aloof from covetousness and the lust to acquire more and more of this world’s goods. Materialism is just one more manifestation of the idolatry and pride that characterize Babylon. Perhaps we can learn to be content with what is sufficient for our needs.
The Apostle Paul warned Timothy against people who suppose “that gain is godliness” 1 Timothy 6:5
Said he, “We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” 1 Timothy 6:7–8
In much of the world, we are entering upon unsettled economic times. Let us look after one another the very best we can. I remember the story of a Vietnamese family that fled Saigon in 1975 and ended up living in a small mobile home in Provo, Utah. A young man in the refugee family became the home teaching companion to a Brother Johnson who lived nearby with his large family. The boy related the following:
“One day Brother Johnson noticed that our family had no kitchen table. He appeared the next day with an odd-looking but very functional table that fit nicely against the trailer wall across from the kitchen sink and counters. I say odd-looking because two of the table legs matched the tabletop and two did not. Also, several small wooden pegs stuck out along one edge of the worn surface.
“Soon we used this unique table daily for food preparation and for eating some quick meals. We still ate our family meals while we sat on the floor … in true Vietnamese fashion.
“One evening I stood inside Brother Johnson’s front door as I waited for him before a home teaching appointment. There in the nearby kitchen—I was surprised to see it—was a table practically identical to the one they had given to my family. The only difference was that where our table had pegs, the Johnsons’ table had holes! I then realized that, seeing our need, this charitable man had cut his kitchen table in half and had built two new legs for each half.
“It was obvious that the Johnson family could not fit around this small piece of furniture—they probably didn’t fit comfortably around it when it was whole. …
“Throughout my life this kind act has been a powerful reminder of true giving” (Son Quang Le, as told to Beth Ellis Le, “Two-of-a-Kind Table,” Liahona, July 2004, 45; Ensign, July 2004, 63).
The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 186). In our families and in our stakes and districts, let us seek to build up Zion through unity, godliness, and charity, preparing for that great day when Zion, the New Jerusalem, will arise.
While we strive to be diligent in building up Zion, including our part in the gathering of the Lord’s elect and the redemption of the dead, we should pause to remember that it is the Lord’s work and He is doing it. He is the Lord of the vineyard, and we are His servants. He bids us labor in the vineyard with our might this “last time,” and He labors with us.35 [See Jacob 5:71–72 It would probably be more accurate to say He permits us to labor with Him. As Paul said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”36 1 Corinthians 3:6 It is He who is hastening His work in its time.37 [See Doctrine and Covenants 88:73 Employing our admittedly imperfect efforts—our “small means”—the Lord brings about great things.38 [See 1 Nephi 16:29
This great and last dispensation is building steadily to its climax—Zion on earth being joined with Zion from above at the Savior’s glorious return. The Church of Jesus Christ is commissioned to prepare—and is preparing—the world for that day. And so, this Easter, let us truly celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and all that it portends: His return to reign for a thousand years of peace, a righteous judgment and perfect justice for all, the immortality of all who ever lived upon this earth, and the promise of eternal life. Christ’s Resurrection is the ultimate assurance that all will be put right. Let us be about building up Zion to hasten that day. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Why didn’t they build a temple in Jackson County Missouri? Section 101 the Lord answers why. Verse 6 Idle, slow to harken. We need to learn to obey God in the day of peace. Celestial people obey God in the day of peace.
Zion cannot be built up unless it be by the laws of the Celestial Kingdom. In the temple, we can learn these laws and principles. Temples are the answer.
When we consider such instruction, we can more easily understand the Prophet’s declaration that “the whole of America is Zion itself from north to south. . . . It is the Zion where the mountain of the Lord should be” (HC 6:318). Brigham Young notes that “Zion will extend eventually, all over this earth. There will be no nook or corner upon the earth but what will be in Zion. It will all be Zion” (Journal of Discourses 9:138; hereafter JD). Elder Matthew Cowley further explained, “In your homes where the priesthood of God exists, there is Zion. And to you whose lives are committed to righteousness, I say unto you, You are Zion” (441). The incumbency under which the Saints labor is, as President Brigham Young said, to “begin and make Zion in our own hearts, and then extend it to our neighborhoods, and so continue until the Lord shall reign upon the earth” (JD 1:245). Note the Lord’s declaration, “This is Zion—the pure in heart” (D&C 97:21).
President Joseph Fielding Smith spoke of three holy cities:
In the day of regeneration, when all things are made new, there will be three great cities that will be holy. One will be the Jerusalem of old which shall be rebuilt according to the prophecy of Ezekiel. One will be the city of Zion, or of Enoch, which was taken from the earth when Enoch was translated and which will be restored; and the city Zion, or New Jerusalem, which is to be built by the seed of Joseph on this the American continent. (Answers to Gospel Questions 2:105; hereafter Answers)
“The Book of Mormon is the instrument that God designed to ‘sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out [His] elect’ (Moses 7:62)” (4). This verse clearly refers to our time—the dispensation of the fulness of times. Where will the elect be gathered? That gathering, said the Lord, is “unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City . . . for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem” (Moses 7:62). To Enoch, the archetypal Zionist prophet, the Lord continued:
Then shalt thou and all thy city meet them there [that is, Enoch’s city Zion, meets Zion, the New Jerusalem, in this land], and we will receive them into our bosom, and they shall see us; and we will fall upon their necks, and they shall fall upon our necks, and we will kiss each other; And there shall be mine abode, and it shall be Zion, which shall come forth out of all the creations which I have made; and for the space of a thousand years the earth shall rest. (Moses 7:63–64; emphasis added)
The Lord granted this knowledge to Enoch while he yet dwelt upon the earth, and while still living in the city of Zion over which he presided. Enoch was blessed with this vision of what would happen to his city—it would return to earth to meet and embrace the New Jerusalem, and they will become one city, also called Zion, and serve as the home of the Lord during the Millennium.
The above verses suggest that the Lord will physically be with Enoch in that city of Zion when it returns to earth. Joseph Smith taught that “Christ and the resurrected Saints will reign over the earth during the thousand years. They will not probably dwell upon the earth, but will visit it when they please, or when it is necessary to govern it” (HC 5:212). He clarified the words of the psalmist, saying, “Zion shall come, and God shall be in the midst of her” (JST Ps. 46:5). Whether God’s presence in Zion will be literal or figurative or both, Enoch’s description of the union of these two holy cities notes the return of Zion before the Millennium is ushered in. This may give insight into the Saints’ millennial song, “The Lord hath brought down Zion from above. The Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath” (D&C 84:100). [1] By uniting these two cities, the Lord will fulfill his sworn oath that in Enoch’s city “the heavens and the earth should come together” (JST Gen. 14:35).
Clearly there is an intimate cooperation among the Saints in this work, whether living, dead, or translated. [4] Quoting from the aforementioned prophecies of Enoch, Joseph Smith commented, “And now, I ask, how righteousness and truth are going to sweep the earth as with a flood? I will answer. Men and angels are to be co-workers in bringing to pass this great work, and Zion is to be prepared, even a new Jerusalem, for the elect that are to be gathered from the four quarters of the earth, and to be established an holy city, for the tabernacle of the Lord shall be with them” (HC 2:260). That cooperation will continue when the cities of Zion become one.
At the end of the 1,000-year labor, when the temple work is complete, the need for those temples will be obviated. Of that time, John said of the holy city, “I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it” (Rev. 21:22). This is one reason that it seems the first few verses of Revelation chapter 21 refer to Enoch’s city descending to millennial earth, while later verses seem to refer to the composite Zion returning to celestial earth. In the first instance, John notes that “the tabernacle of God is with men” (v. 3), while in the latter case he comments that “I saw no temple therein; for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it” (v. 22). Elder McConkie notes that “temples, now and during the millennium, are to prepare men for a celestial inheritance. When that glorious goal is gained, heaven itself becomes a temple” (DNTC 3:588).
Zion in America
Heber C. Kimball taught that “the spot chosen for the garden of Eden [the first Zion Community] was Jackson County, in the State of Missouri, where Independence now stands” (JD 10:235). So shall it be again. Regarding Zion in America, there is much to consider. We now live in the time for “which our forefathers have awaited with anxious expectation,” a time “which their minds were pointed to by the angels” (D&C 121:27). That “time to come in the which nothing shall be withheld” (D&C 121:28) has come upon us [7] and as this greater light is being shed upon the Latter-day Saints, so is their responsibility increasing (D&C 82:3). Never, to our knowledge, since the days of Enoch have the Saints had such an abundant compilation of promises regarding their role in actively participating in the building of Zion, not in a future, but in the present dispensation. This participation may take several forms.
One interesting responsibility we may not often consider is our governmental responsibility. President George Albert Smith, in the dedicatory prayer of the Idaho Falls Temple, said, “We thank thee that thou hast revealed to us that those who gave us our constitutional form of government were men wise in thy sight and that thou didst raise them up for the very purpose of putting forth that sacred document” (see also D&C 101:79–80). He then spoke of the three branches of government and asked “that all may function fully and courageously in their respective branches completely independent of each other to the preservation of our constitutional form of government forever.” He also asked that “kings and rulers and the peoples of all nations under heaven” might look and be persuaded “to adopt similar governmental systems, thus to fulfill the ancient prophecy of Isaiah that ‘out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem’” (564).
Similarly, George Washington, in his presidential farewell address, expressed gratitude for the support of the people and said,
Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free Constitution which is the work of your hands may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it. (1:206; emphasis added)
If the influence of this constitutional form of government is to lead to the adoption of similar forms of government throughout the world, [8] we are uniquely responsible for participation in the same. If this is to be one of the means by which Isaiah’s prophecy is to be fulfilled, we should be involved. We need also to support the independent administration of each branch of government as mentioned by these great men of God, a prophet and a statesman.
When the cities of Zion are united, the earth shall again see a theocracy. We are now commanded to “be subject to the powers that be, until he reigns whose right it is to reign” (D&C 58:22); but of that future time the Lord said, “Ye shall have no king nor ruler, for I will be your king and watch over you . . . and ye shall have no laws but my laws when I come, for I am your lawgiver” (D&C 38:21–22). Elder McConkie said that such is a “government by the immediate direction of God through his ministers and representatives. . . . This type of government apparently continued among the righteous portion of mankind from the days of Adam to Enoch . . . [and] when Christ comes to reign personally on earth during the millennial era, a perfect theocratic government will prevail” (MD 789). Zion is as pervasive in concept as it is in geography. We are not only responsible to support our constitutional government, but we are likewise responsible for building Zion in preparation for the theocracy which will supplant our present system.
Zion Preserved
Consider the removal and return of Zion to earth. Recognizing that Zion now exists in many stakes and homes throughout the world, let us acknowledge that the center place and the city are yet to be built. The city of Enoch is our model and has been for generations. Many have sought this city of God. The great high priest Melchizedek and his people “sought for the city of Enoch” (JST Gen. 14:34). Likewise, Abraham “looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb. 11:8–10). Speaking of the transcendent events which transpired at the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, the Prophet Joseph Smith said, “This is why Adam blessed his posterity; he wanted to bring them into the presence of God. They looked for a city, etc., ‘whose builder and maker is God’ (Heb. 11:10). Moses sought to bring the children of Israel into the presence of God, through the power of the Priesthood, but he could not” (TPJS 159). If Adam, Melchizedek, Abraham, and Moses sought this holy city, should we not seek the same? Indeed, we should; “For God having sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself; that every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith . . . to stand in the presence of God” (JST Gen. 14:30–31) has in these days restored this oath and covenant and priesthood which “holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God” (D&C 84:19, 39). Brigham Young said of Joseph Smith:
Did he not accomplish all that was in his heart to accomplish in his day? He did, to my certain knowledge, and I have many witnesses here that heard him declare that he had done everything he could do—he had revealed everything that could be revealed at present, he had prepared the way for the people to walk in, and no man or woman should be deprived of going into the presence of the Father and the Son, and enjoying an eternal exaltation, if they would walk in the path he had pointed out. (JD 1:132)
Though I have stressed context to identify the various cities of Zion or New Jerusalem, such identification has little effect on our present obligation. Becoming a Zion people requires the same in all dispensations. We must be engaged in preparing to build the city of Zion according to the Lord’s plan and timetable. As President Brigham Young said, “We must begin and make Zion in our own hearts, and then extend it to our neighborhoods, and so continue until the Lord shall reign upon the earth” (JD 1:245). When Zion is established, Enoch and his people and their temples shall return as part of the ushering in of the Millennium. Following that era, the worthy shall be inhabitants of that composite city, Zion, when it is removed again to heaven. Finally, when the earth is sanctified and celestialized, that Zion and its inhabitants will return, and if we qualify because of our personal righteousness, we will there be present when “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of [that city] . . . and the Lamb is the light thereof” (Rev. 21:22–23).
Ether 13
If one has his calling and election made sure, then certainly another can be unsure about his calling and election. If one can speak by the more sure word of prophecy, then certainly another can speak by the less sure word of prophecy. Like all of us, Sidney Gilbert had received his calling and election in the church. He had been both called and chosen to serve in the Church. However, at this stage of his discipleship, that calling and election would have been unsure-meaning that his receipt of the promised reward still depended upon his faithfulness.
Bruce R. McConkie
When a man lives the law that qualifies him for eternal life, the Lord is bound by his own law to confer that greatest of all gifts upon him. And if by a long course of trial and obedience, while yet in this life, a man proves to the Lord that he has and will abide in the truth, the Lord accepts the exhibited devotion and issues his decree that the promised blessings shall be received. The calling, which up to that time was provisional, is then made sure. The receipt of the promised blessings are no longer conditional; they are guaranteed. Announcement is made that every gospel blessing shall be inherited. (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-1973], 3: 330.)
Sheri L. Dew
Prophets have admonished us to forsake the world and turn our hearts to Jesus Christ, who promised us, "In this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full" (D&C 101:36; emphasis added). Said President Spencer W. Kimball, "If we insist on spending all our time and resources building up ... a worldly kingdom, that is exactly what we will inherit" ("The False Gods We Worship," Ensign, June 1976, 6). How often are we so focused on pursuing the so-called good life that we lose sight of eternal life? It is the fatal spiritual equivalent of selling our birthright for a mess of pottage. ("We Are Women of God," Ensign, Nov. 1999, 97-98)
Joseph F. Smith
It requires no especial bravery on the part of men to swim with the currents of the world. When a man makes up his mind to forsake the world and its follies and sins, and identify himself with God's people, who are everywhere spoken evil of it takes courage, manhood, independence of character, superior intelligence, and a determination that is not common among men; for men shrink from that which is unpopular, from that which will not bring them praise and adulation, from that which will in any degree tarnish that which they call honor or a good name.
The Latter-day Saints are a people who have been and are still familiar with the ways of the world... [Yet] they have had the courage, in the face of all the opposition that they have had to meet, and the contumely that has been heaped upon them, to forsake their former creeds, to sever their former ties and relationships, and to forsake their kindred, their homes, and everything that they have held dear, for the Gospel's sake; and they are not cowards; they are not slaves; they are not bondsmen, but they are freemen, because the Gospel has made them free. (Conference Report, October 1903, 97.)
"Although Sidney Gilbert was faithful in many things (at one point he, along with Isaac Morley, offered his life as a ransom for his fellow Saints), he lacked confidence in his ability to preach the gospel and died soon after turning down a mission call. The Lord had previously counseled Brother Gilbert, 'Ye should learn that he only is saved who endureth unto the end.' (D&C 53:7.) The Prophet Joseph commented on Brother Gilbert's turning down his mission call and on his subsequent death by saying, 'He had been called to preach the Gospel, but had been known to say that he `would rather die than go forth to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.` ' Elder Heber C. Kimball remarked, 'The Lord took him [Sidney Gilbert] at his word.'"(Daniel K. Judd in Doctrines for Exaltation: The 1989 Sperry Symposium on the Doctrine and Covenants, Susan Easton Black et al., [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1989], 118.)
B. H. Roberts
Yet Elder Gilbert's remark did not arise out of any lack of faith in the truth of God's great latter-day work, but from a native diffidence and lack of confidence in his ability to preach the gospel; and, of course, a dread of the hardness of heart and the unbelieving minds of those to whom he would be sent. (A Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1930], vol. 1, chap. XXIX, footnote 7)
George Q. Cannon
It was about the 22nd day of June, 1834, when the cholera appeared in Zion's Camp at Fishing River. During the next week it raged in the midst of the party. Sixty-eight of the Saints were attacked and thirteen of them died. Among the fatal cases was that of Algernon Sidney Gilbert, a man of talent and many good works, though not always able to subdue self. Just before the destroyer seized him, the Prophet called him to journey to Kirtland to receive there his endowments and from there to proclaim the everlasting gospel of redemption. Elder Gilbert's answer was: "I would rather die than go forth to preach the gospel to the Gentiles." When he thus answered the Prophet of God he was full of strength and health; but in a few hours after the scourge had breathed upon him he was dead.
DC 54:3 if your brethren desire to escape their enemies, let them repent
"Newel Knight was informed in this revelation that 'If your brethren desire to escape their enemies, let them repent of all their sins, and become truly humble before me and contrite. (D&C 54:3) In speaking of the enemies that the Latter-day Saints should fear, President Joseph F. Smith has said:
For my part I do not fear the influence of our enemies from without, as I fear that of those from within. An open and avowed enemy, whom we may see and meet in an open field, is far less to be feared than a lurking deceitful, treacherous enemy hidden within us, such as are many of the weaknesses of our fallen human nature, which are too often allowed to go unchecked, beclouding our minds, leading away our affections from God and his truth, until they sap the very foundations of our faith and debase us beyond the possibility or hope of redemption, either in this world or that to come. These are the enemies that we all have to battle with, they are the greatest that we have to contend with in the world, and the most difficult to conquer. They are the fruits of ignorance, generally arising out of unrebuked sin and evil in our own hearts. The labor that is upon us is to subdue our passions, conquer our inward foes, and see that our hearts are right in the sight of the Lord, that there is nothing calculated to grieve his Spirit and lead us away from the path of duty. (Gospel Doctrine, p. 341.)
"The enemies of the Saints were not only the sins of which they were guilty, but also there were enemies who would, if possible, inflict many kinds of persecutions upon them. In order for them to 'escape' from their enemies, their lives would have to conform to the commandments. This principle reminds us that escape from those who would inflict physical and mental persecution upon the Saints is, in a large measure, dependent upon how well the Saints have kept the commandments. Examples from The Book of Mormon are many; in fact, the theme of Nephite history is that blessings of prosperity and peace come to the faithful. (Mosiah, Chapters 21 and 22.)
"It is a true principle that the way of happiness and escape from inward as well as outward enemies is by keeping the commandments. Full obedience to the Lord is in overcoming evil and living not as the world lives." (Roy W. Doxey, The Doctrine and Covenants Speaks [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1964], 1: 378.)
Wiping crumbs to the floor vs. taking care of them the first time. Also, Elder Perry’s mom insisting that they clean around the corners of the room. The center would take care of itself.
Boyd K. Packer
Keep your covenants and you will be safe. Break them and you will not. ("Covenants," Ensign, Nov. 1990, 84)
Boyd K. Packer
Beware of covenant-breakers inside the Church and out. Beware of those who mock the prophets. When you have been to the temple you are under covenant to support the leaders of the Church, your local officers and the General Authorities. Keep your covenants. Keep your faith. Be loyal. (The Holy Temple [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980], 168.)
John Taylor
God expects you to be true to your vows, to be true to yourselves, and to be true to your wives and children. If you become covenant breakers, you will be dealt with according to the laws of God. And the men presiding over you have no other alternative than to bring the covenant breaker to judgment. If they fail to do their duty, we shall be under the necessity of looking after them, for righteousness and purity must be maintained in our midst. (G. Homer Durham, The Gospel Kingdom: Selections from the Writings and Discourses of John Taylor, 285.)
The saints had tried it the Lord's way and failed. Now, they would be commanded to go back to the world's way, "seeking a living like unto men."
Today I would like to share a story from our church history. It’s about WW Phelps. Brother Phelps was a good friend to the Prophet Joseph Smith. He helped print the first copies of the Doctrine and Covenants, he helped as a scribe to the Book of Abraham, and even wrote 35 of the original 90 songs that were in the first church hymn book. After being a member of the church for 8 years, WW Phelps was given the responsibility to purchase land for the building of a temple in Far West, Missouri. Instead of using all of the funds that were given for this purpose, he pocketed some of the money. Many families had sacrificed greatly to raise this money, and he had just stolen some of it! When it was discovered, he denied that he had done that and was subsequently excommunicated from the church. WW Phelps vowed revenge. He helped to bring charges against the church and against Joseph Smith, his former friend. This led to the extermination order, which led to the deaths of many church members, including children. Joseph Smith was taken into custody and spent the freezing winter months in jail. It was in this jail that Joseph Smith went through huge trials such as food poisoning, constant hunger, freezing temperatures, and at one point they even tried to feed him human flesh! It was a terrible time. A year after Joseph Smith was released from the Liberty Jail, WW Phelps asked for forgiveness for his actions. He apologized for stealing the money, for testifying against the prophet, and for all of the suffering that he had caused. Without holding a grudge, Joseph Smith replied back to WW Phelps “come now that the war has passed, for friends at first shall be friends at last.” WW Phelps went on to rejoin the church and write more songs, including the hymn “Praise to the Man” which honors the prophet.
I imagine that it took a lot of courage for brother Phelps to admit he was wrong, to recognize the suffering he’d caused, and to seek forgiveness. I can follow that example and seek forgiveness from people I have wronged. I can also follow the example of the prophet and quickly forgive those who have wronged me without seeking vengeance. I know that as I do this, Heavenly Father will bless me with His spirit.
"Two years later, after great anguish and bitter remorse for his actions, Brother Phelps sent the Prophet a heartfelt letter that began:
"'Brother Joseph, ... I am as the prodigal son. ... I have seen the folly of my way, and I tremble at the gulf I have passed.' He begged the forgiveness of the brethren and asked that even with severe chastisement he might return to them.
"The Prophet's almost immediate reply stands today as a worthy example of the power of forgiveness and of the great heart of the man Joseph Smith:
Dear Brother Phelps: ...
You may in some measure realize what my feelings, as well as Elder Rigdon's and Brother Hyrum's were, when we read your letter-truly our hearts were melted into tenderness and compassion when we ascertained your resolves. ...
It is true, that we have suffered much in consequence of your behavior-the cup of gall, already full enough for mortals to drink, was indeed filled to overflowing when you turned against us. ...
However, the cup has been drunk, the will of our Father has been done, and we are yet alive, for which we thank the Lord. And having been delivered from the hands of wicked men by the mercy of our God, we say it is your privilege to be delivered from the powers of the adversary, be brought into the liberty of God's dear children, and again take your stand among the Saints of the Most High, and by diligence, humility, and love unfeigned, commend yourself to our God, and your God, and to the Church of Jesus Christ.
Believing your confession to be real, and your repentance genuine, I shall be happy once again to give you the right hand of fellowship, and rejoice over the returning prodigal. ...
"Come on, dear brother, since the war is past,
For friends at first, are friends again at last."
Yours as ever,
Joseph Smith, Jun.
Brother Phelps returned to the Church, directing his energy and testimony with new resolve and commitment. His love for the Prophet and his gratitude for another chance were deep and sincere. It was William W. Phelps who spoke at the Prophet's funeral service and who later penned the words that have become one of the great hymns of the Restoration:
Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!
Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
Blessed to open the last dispensation,
Kings shall extol him, and nations revere. ...
Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven;
Earth must atone for the blood of that man.
Wake up the world for the conflict of justice.
Millions shall know 'Brother Joseph' again.
Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;
Death cannot conquer the hero again.
"Joseph Smith had also written to William W. Phelps in the letter previously quoted: 'Inasmuch as long-suffering, patience, and mercy have ever characterized the dealings of our heavenly Father towards the humble and penitent, I feel disposed to copy the example, cherish the same principles, and by so doing be a savior of my fellow man.'
"The Prophet's words admonish each of us to learn the ways of our Heavenly Father and copy his example. In so doing, we will bring peace and contentment into our lives and perhaps influence others to come back to the Lord." (Roderick J. Linton, "The Forgiving Heart," Ensign, Apr. 1993, 16-17)
We commonly say that we received the gift of the Holy Ghost when we were confirmed members of the Church. However, the spiritual transformation which should occur at this time is dependent upon the purity of our intentions. Remembering that the person is told, "Receive the Holy Ghost," we see that the actual receipt of the Holy Ghost is dependent as much on the individual as upon the ordinance in question. We must actually be receptive to the Holy Ghost and do so "with and eye single to [His] glory." Otherwise we cannot expect a remission of sins and the constant companionship of the Comforter.
Dallin H. Oaks
What do these scriptures have to say about the person whose conversion, repentance, or baptism into the Church is motivated by something other than 'full purpose of heart' or 'a broken heart and a contrite spirit'? What of the person who is swept into the gospel net by the currents of social pressure? What of the person whose motive for seeking Church membership is economic advantage? What of the person who seeks or maintains fellowship in the Church out of business necessity or political expediency? The Lord answered such questions in a revelation given to the convert, W. W. Phelps: 'Behold, . . . thou art called and chosen; and after thou hast been baptized by water, which if you do with an eye single to my glory, you shall have a remission of your sins and a reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands' (D&C 55:1).
"The Lord and his servants have consistently counseled the Saints to seek wisdom and enlarge their knowledge. The Church has behind it a great tradition of educational efforts. As early as 1831 William W. Phelps and Oliver Cowdery, himself at one time a schoolteacher, were appointed by revelation to select, write, and print material for the schools of the Church in order that the youth might receive a proper education. (See D&C 55:4.) The same educational interest that characterized the first years of the Church continued to be demonstrated as the Church moved westward and settled the Rocky Mountain area...
"Sidney Rigdon, in a speech given at the laying of the cornerstone of a temple in Far West, Missouri, talked about the need to combine a love of God with a love of learning. He said: 'Next to the worship of our God, we esteem the education of our children and of the rising generation.'
"This idea was also emphasized by John A. Widtsoe when he said that the obtaining of knowledge is equivalent to a religious requirement. 'Man must forever seek out knowledge, put it to proper use, and train his will to intelligent living.' Then he added for those who think gaining an education ends with the school year or graduation: 'Among Latter-day Saints, education becomes a life-long process. Young and old alike must be engaged in the development of their natural endowments. In fact, it is expected of the members of the Church that they continue their education throughout life.'" (Dean Jarman, "Seek Ye Out of the Best Books," New Era, Aug. 1974, 18-20)
William W. Phelps
By revelation, in 1831, I was appointed to "do the work of printing, and of selecting and writing books for schools in this church, that little children might receive instruction;" and since then I have received a further sanction. We are preparing to go out from among the people, where we can serve God in righteousness; and the first thing is, to teach our children; for they are as the Israel of old. It is our children who will take the kingdom and bear it off to all the world. The first commandment with promise to Israel was, "Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee." We will instruct our children in the paths of righteousness; and we want that instruction compiled in a book. (History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7: 474.)
DC 56:1-4 mine anger is kindled against the rebellious
The Lord lists four warnings for the wicked:
1. They shall know mine arm and mine indignation, in the day of visitation (v. 1)
2. The same shall not be saved (v. 2)
3. They shall be cut off in mine own due time (v. 3)
4. All this will be answered upon the heads of the rebellious (v. 4).
Gordon B. Hinckley
So many in the game of life get to first base, or second, or even third, but then fail to score. They are inclined to live unto themselves, denying their generous instincts, grasping for possessions and, in their self-centered, uninspired living, sharing neither talent nor faith with others. Of them the Lord has said: "And this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!" (D&C 56:16.)
I wish also to say a word concerning those who profess love for the Lord and His work and then, either with voice or by silence, deny Him.
I well recall a young man of great faith and devotion. He was my friend and my mentor during a sensitive period of my life. The manner of his living and the enthusiasm of his service were evidence of his love for the Lord and for the work of the Church. But he was slowly led away by the flattery of associates who saw in him the means of their own advancement in the affairs in which they were engaged together. Rather than lead them in the direction of his faith and behavior, he slowly succumbed to their enticings in the opposite direction.
He never spoke in defiance of the faith he had once lived by. That was not necessary. His altered manner was testimony enough of his having forsaken it. The years passed, and then I met him again. He spoke as one disillusioned. With lowered voice and lowered eyes, he told of his drifting when he cut himself loose from the anchor of his once-treasured faith. Then, concluding his narrative, like Peter, he wept.
Several years ago I was speaking with a friend concerning a mutual acquaintance, a man looked upon as highly successful in his vocation. "But what of his activity in the Church?" I asked. To which my friend responded, "He knows in his heart that it is true, but he is afraid of it. He is fearful that if he were to acknowledge his Church membership and live its standards, he would be cut off from the social circle in which he moves."
I reflected, "The day will come, though possibly not until old age, when in hours of quiet reflection this man will know that he traded his birthright for a mess of pottage (see Gen. 25:34); and there will be remorse and sorrow and tears, for he will come to see that he not only denied the Lord in his own life, but also in effect denied Him before his children, who have grown up without a faith to cling to."
The Lord Himself said, "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38). ("And Peter Went Out and Wept Bitterly," Ensign, Mar. 1995, 5)
DC 56:8 repent of...selfishness
Neal A. Maxwell
In one degree or another we all struggle with selfishness. Since it is so common, why worry about selfishness anyway? Because selfishness is really self-destruction in slow motion. No wonder the Prophet Joseph Smith urged, "Let every selfish feeling be not only buried, but annihilated" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 178). Hence annihilation-not moderation-is the destination!
Surging selfishness, for example, has shrunken some people into ciphers; they seek to erase their emptiness by sensations. But in the arithmetic of appetite, anything multiplied by zero still totals zero! Each spasm of selfishness narrows one's universe that much more by reducing his awareness of or concern with others. In spite of its outward, worldly swagger, such indulgent individualism is actually provincial, like goldfish in a bowl congratulating themselves on their self-sufficiency, never mind the food pellets or changes of water.
Long ago it took a Copernicus to tell a provincial world that this planet was not the center of the universe. Some selfish moderns need a Copernican reminder that they are not the center of the universe either! ("Repent of [Our] Selfishness" (D&C 56:8)," Ensign, May 1999, 23)
William R. Bradford
In its simplest form, selfishness is the holding to one's self that which he has power to righteously share. The greed or lust or wrongful intent soon creates men whose "hearts are not satisfied," and who "obey not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness." These are they who "will not give [their] substance to the poor. ... whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with [their] own hands!" (D&C 56:15-17.)
That which a man serves himself upon the platter of selfishness and greed may appease his mortal appetite, but it will leave him spiritually starved and malnourished.
There is no happiness in selfishness; it is a sin. Its product is misery and loneliness, and it alienates companions and develops enmity in human relationships. ("Selfishness vs. Selflessness," Ensign, Apr. 1983, 50)
John Whitmer
There were some of the disciples who were flattered into the Church because they thought that all things were to be common, therefore they thought to glut themselves upon the labors of others. (The Book of John Whitmer, typescript, [Provo: BYU Archives and Manuscripts], chap. 3)
George Albert Smith
I feel that there has been no justification given to any man in this world to feel that he can depend on somebody else to provide him a livelihood. I did not feel when I was a child that somebody would be compelled to provide me means of living. The Lord gave me intelligence. He directed that I should work, and I began to work when I was twelve years of age, and I found joy in it, and have earned my living and helped others during more than fifty years.
I thank God for work, for the joy that comes from doing things in the world. I am not indicating any particular kind of employment except that it be honorable. But the Lord has indicated that we should be industrious. In ancient times he said that we should earn our living by the sweat of our face. There are means available today whereby, if we were keeping all of the commandments of our Heavenly Father, there would be employment for every one of us that would occupy most of our time. (Conference Report, October 1934, Second Day-Morning Meeting 49 - 50.)
Spencer W. Kimball
Work brings happiness, self-esteem, and prosperity. It is the means of all accomplishment; it is the opposite of idleness. We are commanded to work. (See Gen. 3:19.) Attempts to obtain our temporal, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being by means of a dole violate the divine mandate that we should work for what we receive. Work should be the ruling principle in the lives of our Church membership. ("Welfare Services: The Gospel in Action," Ensign, Nov. 1977, 77)
Joseph Fielding Smith
This expression-"lying westward, even unto the line running between Jew and Gentile," has reference to the line separating the Lamanites from the settlers in Jackson County. At this time the United States Government had given to the Indians the lands west of the Missouri, only later to take them away again. The Lamanites, who are Israelites, were referred to as Jews, and the Gentiles were the people... living east of the river. (Church History and Modern Revelation, 4 vols. [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1946-1949], 1: 189.)
"The members of the Colesville Branch immediately concentrated their efforts in building homes for their families. Joseph Knight, Jr., recalled their initial plight, 'As we came by water, we had no tents, and my father and I slept in a hen coop two weeks, till we got a shelter.' Emily Partridge pointed out the resourcefulness of the Saints in working together to provide the necessary housing for one another. She remembered: 'In building their houses they would have `raisings.` After the logs were hauled and prepared, then all the men in the neighborhood would turn out and lay them up.... Some of the houses were built very neatly. The logs being hewn on the outside and inside, and the corners sawed off smooth, and for a log house they looked very respectable.'
"Not only were they initially without tents, but virtually without any farm implements. They sent teams to St. Louis to obtain them. It took four days to make the trip to the city. With the necessary tools they began to break up the prairie. Exhilarated by what she saw, Emily Coburn related, 'It was a strange sight indeed, to see four or five yolk of oxen turning up the rich soil. Fencing and other improvements went on in rapid succession. Cabins were built and prepared for families as fast as time, money, and labor could accomplish the work.'" (Arnold K. Garr and Clark V. Johnson, eds., Regional Studies in Latter-day Saint History: Missouri [Provo: Department of Church History and Doctrine, 1994], 292.)
Parley P. Pratt
This Colesville branch... constituted the first settlers of the members of the Church in Missouri. They had arrived late in the summer, and cut some hay for their cattle, sowed a little grain, and prepared some ground for cultivation, and were engaged during the fall and winter in building log cabins, etc. The winter was cold, and for some time about ten families lived in one log cabin, which was open and unfinished, while the frozen ground served for a floor. Our food consisted of beef and a little bread made of corn, which had been grated into coarse meal by rubbing the ears on a tin grater. This was rather an inconvenient way of living for a sick person; but it was for the gospel's sake, and all were very cheerful and happy.
We enjoyed many happy seasons in our prayer and other meetings, and the Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us, and even on the little children, insomuch that many of eight, ten or twelve years of age spake, and prayed, and prophesied in our meetings and in our family worship. There was a spirit of peace and union, and love and good will manifested in this little Church in the wilderness, the memory of which will be ever dear to my heart.