15 Lift Up Your Voices … to Declare My Gospel
Lift Up Your Voices … to Declare My Gospel
Lift Up Your Voices … to Declare My Gospel
How would you feel about being called on a mission to serve
in the wilderness a month after you joined the Church? Parley P. Pratt was
called to serve with Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer. Doctrine
and Covenants 32:2 Thomas B. Marsh was called even after less time than
that. Doctrine
and Covenants 31:3 Orson Pratt, Edward Partridge and many others were
similarly called soon after they joined the church.
When we have heard and accepted the gospel, we are all
called to share it.
Doctrine
and Covenants 35:13 “Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of
the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh
the nations by the power of my Spirit.” We see the truth in this
especially with 18 and 19 year olds serving missions all over the world.
Doctrine
and Covenants 30:5 Members are asked to “open your mouth to declare my
gospel; therefore, fear not.”
The
Faith and Fall of Thomas Marsh
Ezra
Thayer: From Skeptic to Believer
I am called to be a witness of Jesus Christ.
Doctrine
and Covenants 30–36
Mosiah
18:9 Because I have been baptized into the Lord’s Church, I must stand
as “witness.. of God at all times and in all things, and in all
places that ye may be in, even until death.”
What would the Lord have me do, and what promises do I
receive?
Doctrine
and Covenants 30:8
give heed unto these things
be diligent in keeping my commandments
1.
you shall be blessed unto eternal life.
Lift up your heart and rejoice….
1.
your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall
declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation.
2.
you shall declare the things which
have been revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun.
3.
You shall begin to preach from this time forth…
4.
to reap
in the field which is white already to be burned.
thrust in your sickle with all your soul….
1.
your sins are forgiven you
2.
you shall be laden with sheaves upon
your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire.
3.
your family shall live.
I will that [you] shall declare my gospel
and learn of me
be meek and lowly of heart.
give heed unto these words and trifle not
1.
I will bless them.
thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit
1.
their arm shall be my arm
2.
I will be their shield and their
buckler
3.
I will gird up their loins
4.
they shall fight manfully for me
5.
their enemies shall be under their
feet
6.
I will let fall the sword in
their behalf
7.
by the fire of mine indignation will I
preserve them.
the poor and the meek shall have the
gospel preached unto them
they shall be looking forth for the time of my coming
1.
it is nigh at hand
Keep all the commandments and covenants by which ye are
bound
1.
I will cause the heavens to shake for
your good
2.
Satan shall tremble
3.
Zion shall rejoice upon the hills
and flourish
Will you lift up your heart and rejoice? Do not despise
being called of the Lord, but do all you can to serve Him. He will move heaven
and earth for you if you do.
Love,
Share, Invite Elder Gary E. Stevenson taught that proclaiming the
gospel “can be accomplished through simple, easily understandable principles
taught to each of us from childhood: love, share, and invite.”
I’ll
Go Where You Want Me to Go
Lift
Up Your Heart and Rejoice
Inviting
All to Receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Ministering
as the Savior Does
Video: Inviting All to Come unto Christ: Sharing the Gospel:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2010-12-0009-inviting-all-to-come-unto-christ-sharing-the-gospel?lang=eng
When Junior, a young man in a small Florida branch, decided
he didn’t want to be alone in his belief in Christ, he invited a friend. One
friend joined, then another, and another . . .
For Kids:
I should focus more on the things of God than the things
of the earth.
Doctrine
and Covenants 30:1–2
Read Doctrine
and Covenants 30:1–2
How are we distracted sometimes? Can we read scriptures and
play video games at the same time? Why is it important to give time to the Lord
and to work on our spiritual growth?
For Kids:
I can share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Doctrine
and Covenants 33:2–3, 6–10
Read Doctrine
and Covenants 33:8–10
Now ask someone to read it to the class with his mouth
closed. Only have him his mouth to read the words “open your mouth” and close
his mouth for the rest of the message.
Why is it important to Heavenly Father for us to open our
mouths to share the gospel?
What does it mean to open our mouths, and that they will be
filled?
If we have faith to open our mouths, the Lord will give us the words that we
need to share.
What can you tell our family and friends about the Savior and
His gospel?
Let the children knock on the door and pretend to be
missionaries sharing a gospel message.
We’ll
Bring the World His Truth
There are many ways to share the gospel.
Video: Samuel Smith Shares the Book of Mormon: One book
blesses many lives: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/8e1ae543826b11ef8bff02d0ea859845630b5e23?lang=eng&alang=eng
Samuel Smith goes on a mission to share the gospel. We learn
that his efforts end up converting several Saints, including Rhoda Young,
Brigham Young, and Heber Kimball.
Video: Mission to Native Americans: The Delaware Indians
hear the gospel: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/PTH_PRJ12714977_D&CScriptureStories_15-AMissionToNativeAmericans_Delivery_08Oct2024_3840x2160-2997_ENG.?lang=eng&alang=eng&collectionId=65bc996e9f30486b991b7672b62fbd18
Parley Pratt, Oliver Cowdery, and others travel to teach the
gospel to native peoples west of Missouri. They meet a group of Delaware
Indians. The Delawares thank the missionaries for their teaching.
Testify of promised blessings. When you invite
children to live a gospel principle, you can share the promises that God has
made to people who live that principle. For example, you can bear testimony of
the blessings that He gives to us when we open our mouths and share the gospel.
For Kids:
I can build my life on the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Doctrine
and Covenants 33:12–13
Explain what foundations to buildings are, and then go
outside to look at some.
Why do you think a building needs a strong foundation? What
could happen if the foundation was weak?
Read Doctrine
and Covenants 33:12–13
12 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, this
is my gospel; and remember that they shall have faith in me or they can in
nowise be saved;
13 And upon this rock I will build my
church; yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue,
the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.
Why is the principle of Faith in Jesus Christ so important
and foundational to everything else in the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Can you see why we covenant to always remember Him and keep
His commandments; and why He in turn promises that if we do, we will always
have His Spirit to be with us?
Recite with the children the 4th Article of
Faith. Let them know that this is the Doctrine of Christ and His Gospel to the
World.
Why is the word rock a good word to use for the gospel of
Jesus Christ and building our testimonies through Faith in Jesus Christ?
What choices can we make every day to ensure that we build
upon the rock of the gospel?
Read Matthew
7:24–29
Sing “The Wise Man Built His House upon a Rock”
Elder Bednar: Be Still, and Know That I Am God: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/21bednar?lang=eng
The Lord can help me with my family relationships.
Doctrine
and Covenants 31:1–2, 5–6, 9, 13
As you read D&C 31, remember this counsel isn’t just for
Thomas B. Marsh. Look for how this section can help you with your own family
relationships. Especially note the following verses: verses
1–2, 5–6, 9, 13. (See notes below.)
Saints, 1:79–80, 119–20.
I need to start listening to Saints again.
The Lord prepares me for the work He wants me to do.
Doctrine
and Covenants 32–33; 35
As you read these sections, contemplate too how the Lord is
preparing you to do His work.
Voices
of the Restoration: Early Converts (I’ll read this in 15a)
Revelation,
October 1830–B, Revelation Book 1
josephsmithpapers.org
How was the Lord preparing Ezra for the mission He gave him in Doctrine
and Covenants 33:1–13? (See notes below)
Who has the Lord placed in your life to help you come to
Christ? How is He preparing you to bless others through your faithfulness,
love, or invitation?
If I build my life on the Savior’s gospel, I will
not fall.
Doctrine
and Covenants 33:12–18
This revelation was given for Northrup Sweet and Ezra Thayer
(and you). How can you make sure that you built upon the rock of the gospel, so
that you will not fall? Learn and follow the Doctrine of Christ throughout your
entire life. Remember the Lord and His greatness, what He has done for you and
your family throughout all the ages. Follow the first two great commandments
all the time.
13 And upon this rock I will build my
church; yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue,
the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.
Look for truths in these sections that have and will help
you remain faithful to the Lord.
Helaman
5:12 “Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is
Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation.”
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/30?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to
David Whitmer, Peter Whitmer Jr., and John Whitmer, at Fayette, New York,
September 1830, following the three-day conference at Fayette, but before
the elders of the Church had separated. Originally this material was
published as three revelations; it was combined into one section by the Prophet
for the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.
Vs 1-2 Do not fear man, but rely on the Lord for your
strength. Be more concerned with the things of God and your spiritual welfare
and listen to the Holy Ghost.
Vs 5 We all need to be willing to testify of Jesus Christ
and invite others to come unto Him and to join the stakes of Zion.
Vs 6 Always care for your companion with the same care you
take for yourself.
Vs 7 Be a friend to your partner, not a criticizer.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/31?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to
Thomas B. Marsh, September 1830. The occasion was immediately following a
conference of the Church (see the heading
to section 30). Thomas B. Marsh had been baptized earlier
in the month and had been ordained an elder in the Church before this
revelation was given.
As you read D&C 31, remember this counsel isn’t just for
Thomas B. Marsh. Look for how this section can help you with your own family
relationships. Especially note the following verses: verses
1–2, 5–6, 9, 13.
Vs 2 This is a wonderful promise. One day our family will be
united again and see eye to eye and we will all know the truth.
Vs 3 It is in sharing the gospel and the invitation to come
to Jesus with others, that my own family will also be saved. "Lift up your
heart and rejoice."
Vs 5 Do the best work you can do, and the Lord will forgive
your sins and weaknesses , and your family shall live!
9 Be patient in afflictions, revile not
against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and
be steadfast.
11 Go your way whithersoever I will, and it
shall be given you by the Comforter what you shall do and whither you
shall go.
12 Pray always, lest you enter
into temptation and lose your reward.
Vs 13 Don't give up. Be faithful. These words of
encouragement come directly to you from Jesus by the will of His Father.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/32?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to
Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson, in Manchester, New York, early October
1830. Great interest and desires were felt by the elders respecting the
Lamanites, of whose predicted blessings the Church had learned from the Book of
Mormon. In consequence, supplication was made that the Lord would indicate His
will as to whether elders should be sent at that time to the Indian tribes in
the West. The revelation followed.
Vs 1 The Lord wants all of His Saints to learn of Him, be
humble, and share His gospel.
Vs 3 The Lord will always be with us as we faithfully serve
in His errands.
Vs 4-5 We need to give heed to the scriptures and teach the
Lord's word and not look for extra material that may be interesting, but isn't
what He has given us to share. We need to teach His gospel; then we will be
blessed.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/33?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Ezra
Thayre and Northrop Sweet, at Fayette, New York, October 1830. In introducing
this revelation, Joseph Smith’s history affirms that “the Lord … is ever ready
to instruct such as diligently seek in faith.”
How was the Lord preparing Ezra for the mission He gave him
in Doctrine
and Covenants 33:1–13?
Vs 1 Seek to learn from the Lord. He knows your thoughts and
the intents of your heart.
Vs 2-4 We need to lift our voices with a sure, true, and
clarion call. The world needs to hear the good news of the gospel and the
blessings of faith in Jesus Christ and the forgiveness that He freely gives the
repentant.
We are here in the final hours before the Lord's return, and
there are those all around us who will embrace the truth, if we open our
mouths.
People need to hear the truth, undiluted, pure, and worthy
of salvation.
Vs 5-6 The Lord established His Church again on the earth so
that He can gather His elect from all over the earth, everyone that will
believe in Him and hearken to His voice.
Vs 7-10 There is good fruit ready to be picked, golden
contacts the world around. We need to open our mouths and invite them. If we
open our mouths we will be blessed, the Lord will be with us, and He will give
us what to say.
Vs 11-13 We need to commit to memory what is actually the
Doctrine of Christ and His gospel. This is what we need to teach; this is what
we need to do.
11 Yea, repent and be baptized, every
one of you, for a remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by
water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost.
12 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, this
is my gospel; and remember that they shall have faith in me or they can in
nowise be saved;
13 And upon this rock I will build my
church; yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue,
the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.
14 And ye shall remember the
church articles and covenants to keep them.
15 And whoso having faith you
shall confirm in my church, by the laying on of the hands,
and I will bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon them.
Vs 16-18 Read The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus
Christ and all teh holy scriptures, so that you receive the instruction the
Lord wants you too. His Spirit will help you to understand and to recall.
Be prepared constantly and hold up His light to the world.
He is coming back soon.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/34?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to
Orson Pratt, at Fayette, New York, November 4, 1830. Brother Pratt was nineteen
years old at the time. He had been converted and baptized when he first heard
the preaching of the restored gospel by his older brother, Parley P.
Pratt, six weeks before. This revelation was received in the Peter Whitmer Sr.
home.
Vs 2-6 It is Jesus Christ Himself who is the One who calls
the believers in His Church to their callings.
8 And it shall be a great day at the
time of my coming, for all nations shall
Vs 9 Signs that we will see before the Lord comes again in
His glory.
Vs 10-11 Ours should be both a inviting, welcoming voice,
and a voice of warning. We are engaged in preparing the world for the Lord's
Second Coming. If we are faithfull, He will remain with us.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/35?lang=eng
Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney
Rigdon, at or near Fayette, New York, December 7, 1830. At this time, the
Prophet was engaged almost daily in making a translation of the Bible. The
translation was begun as early as June 1830, and both Oliver Cowdery and John
Whitmer had served as scribes. Since they had now been called to other duties,
Sidney Rigdon was called by divine appointment to serve as the Prophet’s scribe
in this work (see verse 20).
As a preface to the record of this revelation, Joseph Smith’s history states:
“In December Sidney Rigdon came [from Ohio] to inquire of the Lord, and with
him came Edward Partridge. … Shortly after the arrival of these two brethren,
thus spake the Lord.”
Vs 1-2 It's important to us to listen and to hearken to
Jesus Christ. He is our Advocate with the Father and our Pathway home.
Vs 6 As in the Church at the Lord's time, baptism into the
Church needs to be followed with the confirmation of the Holy Ghost.
7 And it shall come to pass that there shall be
a great work in the land, even among the Gentiles, for their folly and
their abominations shall be made manifest in the eyes of all people.
8 For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened;
and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those
who believe on my name.
Vs 9 People cannot perform miracles of themselves. They need
to ask Heavenly Father in faith to bestow the miracle.
10 And the time speedily cometh that
great things are to be shown forth unto the children of men;
Vs 11 If we want the powers of heaven to be made manifest,
we need to have faith and ask in faith.
Vs 12 The people who are ready to receive the gospel are
already seeking to live the commandments.
Vs 13-14 Young missionaries must trust in the Lord. The
battle is the Lord's. We are fighting to aid in Christ's salvation, by bringing
souls unto Him. He is our Help, Protection, and Salvation.
15 And the poor and the meek shall
have the gospel preached unto them, and they shall be looking forth
for the time of my coming, for it is nigh at hand
Vs 17-18 Joseph was given the keys for this dispensation.
Vs 20-21 The elect will receive the restored gospel and
believe the scriptures. If we are among the elect, we will hear Jesus's voice
and see Him. We are going to be awake and read and become purified as He is
pure.
24 Keep all the commandments and covenants
by which ye are bound; and I will cause the heavens to shake for
your good, and Satan shall tremble and Zion shall rejoice upon
the hills and flourish;
25 And Israel shall be saved in
mine own due time; and by the keys which I have given shall they be
led, and no more be confounded at all.
26 Lift up your hearts and be glad,
your redemption draweth nigh.
27 Fear not, little flock, the kingdom is
yours until I come. Behold, I come quickly. Even so. Amen.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/36?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to
Edward Partridge, near Fayette, New York, December 9, 1830 (see the heading
to section 35). Joseph Smith’s history states that Edward
Partridge “was a pattern of piety, and one of the Lord’s great men.”
Vs 2-3 Seek the Spirit. You will be taught the peaceable
things of the kingdom by the Holy Ghost.
The gospel is a gospel of peace not contention. Decalre with
boldness. "Hosanna, blessed be the name of the most High God!"
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