17 If Ye Are Not One Ye Are Not Mine
If Ye Are Not One Ye Are Not Mine
If Ye Are Not One Ye Are Not Mine
The Lord’s Church is more than just a gathering place. We
enter into covenants with God, and in so doing, we become a part of His great
latter-day work. We have joined in His Kingdom and His cause of restoration and
gathering.
We believe in the Doctrine of Christ and we dedicate our
lives to Him who is Holy, that we can also progress and become holy before Him.
The Lord commanded the people in 1830 to gather to the Ohio.
How difficult would it be for you to leave everything behind and move to a new
gathering place right now? Remember that the Lord always has great blessings
for those who follow His commandments.
17a Voices
of the Restoration: Gathering to Ohio
Today we are still gathering to the Stakes of Zion as we are
baptized into the Lord’s Church. Doctrine
and Covenants 39:13 We are given callings in the Lord’s Vineyard; we are
asked to help build up His Church, and to bring forth Zion all through the
earth. We want the gospel to spread so that we can all rejoice together and
flourish in His Kingdom.
Doctrine
and Covenants 40:2 How can you personally love the Lord first and help to
build up Zion, caring more for His Kingdom than for the cares of the world?
Doctrine
and Covenants 39:10 Do we understand that when we join the Church, when we
are given the gift of repentance and the Holy Ghost, when we continue on the
covenant path by always remembering Him, that we are delivered? Keep living the
Doctrine of Christ. Hold on to the joy of your redemption. Keep singing the
song of everlasting love.
10 But, behold, the days of
thy deliverance are come, if thou wilt hearken to my voice,
which saith unto thee: Arise and be baptized, and wash away your
sins, calling on my name, and you shall receive my Spirit, and a blessing so
great as you never have known.
Saints, 1:109–11
For Kids
God gathers us to bless us.
Doctrine
and Covenants 37; 38:31–33
Use the map and activity to teach about the early gathering.
Read Doctrine
and Covenants 38:31–33 What did God want these early saints to do?
He wanted them to escape from their enemies and find a place where they could
worship Him and be safe. He wanted them to go to Ohio, where He would bless
them with His law and power from on High. He wanted them to prepare for
missions to take His good news to all the world. He promised Israel will be
saved and that He will accomplish His designs.
I want to be a part of that. Do you? When we are gathered together, we can
accomplish so much more than on our own.
Video: Gathering to Ohio: Lucy Smith's faith and a miracle: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/PTH_PRJ12714977_D&CScriptureStories_18_GatheringToOhio_Delivery_20Nov2024_3840x2160-2997_ENG.?lang=eng&alang=eng
Saints are traveling on a boat to Ohio. The boat gets stuck
in ice. Lucy Smith asks the Saints to pray for God to help them. The ice breaks
open, and they are able to continue traveling to Ohio.
God gathers us to bless us.
Doctrine
and Covenants 37–38
Saints in Fayette New York were asked to move 250 miles away
to Ohio in the dead of winter 1831.
Doctrine
and Covenants 37:3–4 The Lord said His commandment to move to Ohio was wise
and expedient. He also said that everyone had agency to choose for himself. Are
we listening to the Lord’s messages to us through the Spirit, the scriptures,
and the prophets? Will I choose those things that are expedient and wisdom in
the Lord, or will I lean to my own understanding.
As you study Doctrine
and Covenants 38:1–33, look for truths about the Savior that give you faith
to follow His counsel. What do you learn from verses 11–33 about
the blessings of gathering as followers of Jesus Christ? (See notes below)
“Hear my voice and follow me.”
Doctrine
and Covenants 38:22
22 Wherefore, hear my voice
and follow me, and you shall be a free people, and ye shall
have no laws but my laws when I come, for I am your lawgiver, and what can
stay my hand?
It’s incredible that we have these scriptures preserved for
us, because we are still seeking to follow the Lord and build Zion. He tell us
what will make us free and how we can prepare for Him to be our only lawgiver.
We need to be hearkening to His counsels and commandments through His voice,
the Spirit, the prophets, and the scriptures. There is safety in hearing His
voice and following Him.
When we follow the Lord’s commandments we can become free
from addictions, past sins, follies and deceptions.
2 Nephi
2:26–27 Jesus came to preserve agency. He points us towards happiness and
freedom, but we are free to choose our own path to either our salvation or
detriment.
For Kids
If I am prepared, I don’t need to be afraid.
Doctrine
and Covenants 38:30
30 I tell you these things because of your
prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest
the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a
manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall
shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.
The Lord reveals things to us because of our prayers. Shouldn’t
we accept His Omnipotence and Wisdom and cherish it? If we hold His truths
sacred and continue in His word, He will fight our battles, and we do not have
to be afraid. Spirit will comfort and sustain us.
Have you ever had to prepare for something? Maybe a hard
test, an important game, a talk? Did you choose to prepare, or did you put it
off? What difference did your decision to prepare make?
What things does the Lord want you to prepare for today?
What things do you need to prepare for in the coming years?
Because Bob and I read the scriptures all our lives and
understood the Plan of Salvation, we had faith when Robby passed away, that he
is with the Lord, that we will have him in our family forever, and that he is
involved in a great work on the other side of the veil. Though we were sad, we
were not afraid.
Video: Men’s Hearts Shall Fail Them: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2011-11-0020-mens-hearts-shall-fail-them?lang=eng
If I am prepared, I don’t need to be afraid.
Doctrine
and Covenants 38:30
Doctrine
and Covenants 38:30: “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear”? When have you
experienced this? Really almost daily. Our morning preparation is so key to our
peace throughout the day.
How has the Lord prepared you to face the future without
fear? The hope of His glory is ahead of me.
How does He want you to prepare for challenges so that you
don’t need to be afraid?
For Kids
God wants us to “be one.”
Doctrine
and Covenants 38:24–27
Read Doctrine
and Covenants 38:24–25
24 And let every man esteem his
brother as himself, and practice virtue and holiness before me.
25 And again I say unto you, let every man
esteem his brother as himself.
What can we do to esteem family members, friends, school acquaintances,
others as ourselves?
Substitute names of people you know in for “his brother.”
Matthew
7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would
that men should do to you, do ye even so to them:
for this is the law and the prophets.
The Golden Rule.
Doctrine
and Covenants 38:27 27 Behold, this I have given unto you as a
parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not
one ye are not mine.
How does the Lord expect us to be one? We need to learn to
love each other and minister to one another.
God wants us to “be one.”
Doctrine
and Covenants 38:24–27
verse 27
The Lord expects us to be one, and if we aren’t, He’s not claiming us. That
might sound harsh, but think about it.
We are all so different in our wards, but we should love,
care for, and minister to each other. We shouldn’t feel prideful is we have
more wealth, more knowledge, more talents, or think our gifts are more
important. We should minister to each other and share our gifts, talents, time,
and means when we are able to do so; and when we are asked to do so, we should
cheerfully do what we can.
Doctrine
and Covenants 38:24–27 Unity is important to the Lord. He talks about His
Father and Himself being One. And the Holy Ghost is also One with Them. He
prays that we will learn to be One with another, so that we can become like
Them.
That means that we need to love without dissimulation. We may have different likes,
different views, different opinions; but we have made covenants with the same
God, and we have said that we will follow Him and minister with love and His
does. So if we think there is something amiss in someone else’s choices,
behaviors, or attitudes, we may want to search our own hearts and decide to
show love and patience and forgive and serve with kindness, compassion, and
love, like the Lord does for us.
How can we remain united in Christ? I think first of all, we
need to individually put the Lord first in our lives and then love our neighbor
as we love ourselves. We need to let go of pride and grievances and give
ourselves and others another chance, and then again another (until 70x7, and
stop keeping score).
Videos:
A Friend to All: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2018-06-0020-a-friend-to-all?lang=eng
Love in Our Hearts: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2018-05-0010-love-in-our-hearts?lang=eng
The
Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity
Think about who you can minister better to family, friends,
and ward members.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both
one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between
us;
18 For through him we both have access by one
Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no
more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with
the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of
the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the
chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed
together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an
habitation of God through the Spirit.
24 He doeth not anything save it be
for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he
layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him.
Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.
25 Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart
from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all
ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and
without price.
26 Behold, hath he commanded any that they
should depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship?
Behold, I say unto you, Nay.
27 Hath he commanded any that they should not
partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he
hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that
they should persuade all men to repentance.
28 Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they
should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay;
but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and
none are forbidden.
Hearts
Knit in Righteousness and Unity
For Kids
I receive the gift of the Holy Ghost when I am confirmed.
Doctrine
and Covenants 39:6, 23
Show a picture of someone being confirmed and let the
children discuss what they see happening in the picture.
Read Doctrine
and Covenants 39:6, 23
6 And this is my gospel—repentance and
baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy
Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the
peaceable things of the kingdom.
23 And again, it shall come to pass that on as
many as ye shall baptize with water, ye shall lay your hands, and they
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and shall
be looking forth for the signs of my coming, and shall know me.
How has the Holy Ghost blessed you and your family?
Heavenly Father wants to give me the riches of eternity.
Doctrine
and Covenants 38:39; 39–40
39 And if ye seek the riches which it
is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all
people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that
the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride,
lest ye become as the Nephites of old.
Make sure that you care more about eternal things and not
fleeting things. Remember that riches are given by the Lord to bless you, and
so that you in turn will bless others.
Doctrine
and Covenants 39:9 Nevertheless, thou hast seen great sorrow, for thou
hast rejected me many times because of pride and the cares of
the world.
Doctrine
and Covenants 40:1 Behold, verily I say unto you, that the heart of my
servant James Covel was right before me, for he covenanted with me
that he would obey my word.
40:2
And he received the word with gladness, but straightway
Satan tempted him; and the fear of persecution and the
cares of the world caused him to reject the word.
How can we guard ourselves, our thoughts, attitudes, desires, and actions that
that we stay right [or in good standing] before the Lord?
Matthew
13:3–23 The Parable of the Sower.
Video: Ye are Called to Bring to Pass the Gathering: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/insights-from-the-apostles/03-ye-are-called-to-bring-to-pass-the-gathering?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/37?lang=eng
Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney
Rigdon, near Fayette, New York, December 1830. Herein is given the first
commandment concerning a gathering in this dispensation.
Vs 3 There's a great sense of urgency for the Saints to
relocate to Ohio.
Vs 4 Jesus still says let every man choose for himself. We
are given commandments, but we are not made to obey them.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/38?lang=eng
Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney
Rigdon, near Fayette, New York, December 1830. Herein is given the first
commandment concerning a gathering in this dispensation.
As you study Doctrine
and Covenants 38:1–33, look for truths about the Savior that give you faith
to follow His counsel.
Vs 1-4 The Lord Jesus gives us His credentials, the reasons
we should have faith in Him, trust in Him, and obey Him.
7 But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you
that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye
cannot see me;
8 But the day soon cometh that ye shall see me,
and know that I am; for the veil of darkness shall soon be rent, and
he that is not purified shall not abide the day.
9 Wherefore, gird up your loins and be prepared.
Behold, the kingdom is yours, and the enemy shall not overcome.
What do you learn from verses 11–33 about
the blessings of gathering as followers of Jesus Christ?
15 Therefore, be ye strong from
henceforth; fear not, for the kingdom is yours.
17 And I have made the earth rich, and behold it
is my footstool, wherefore, again I will stand upon it.
Vs 17 The Lord is coming again to earth to rule and reign.
Vs 18-20 The Lord desires to give His righteous saints
inheritances in this life and in Eternity.
Vs 21-22 I love forward to this day.
21 But, verily I say unto you that in time ye
shall have no king nor ruler, for I will be your king and watch over
you.
22 Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me,
and you shall be a free people, and ye shall have no laws but my laws
when I come, for I am your lawgiver, and what can stay my hand?
Vs 23-25 Esteem your brothers and sisters as yourself,
especially when you are teaching. We are all learners. Let the Holy Ghost be
your guide, and be happy to important what you can with love and care. Be fair
and impartial to everyone.
27 Behold, this I have given unto you as a
parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not
one ye are not mine.
Vs 33 I am so glad for our Father's Plan and that He sent
Jesus again to restore His Church, to lead and guide is in wisdom's path. I'm
glad my parent's and their families were gathered and saved. I am thankful to
be a member of the Church, for the great latter-day work of redemption for both
living and dead; that we may all be quickened in the Lord of the Resurrection.
Vs 38 The endowment is an important part of the gathering.
We need God to give us power from on high, so that we may aid in accomplishing
this great work. His love and trust is beautiful.
Vs 39-40 Use riches to do good for your family and others.
Do not be prideful.
Do your duty with a heart full of song. Make sure you are
magnifying your callings.
41 And let your preaching be the warning voice,
every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness.
42 And go ye out from among the wicked.
Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Even
so. Amen.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/39?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to
James Covel, at Fayette, New York, January 5, 1831. James Covel, who had been a
Methodist minister for about forty years, covenanted with the Lord that he
would obey any command that the Lord would give to him through Joseph the
Prophet.
Vs 1-5 Credentials again given. Jesus is the light of the
world. He is the One who can give us power to become His sons and daughters,
when we receive His Gosepl and receive Him.
5 And verily, verily, I say unto you, he that
receiveth my gospel receiveth me; and he that receiveth not
my gospel receiveth not me.
6 And this is my gospel—repentance and
baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy
Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the
peaceable things of the kingdom.
Vs 7-10 Jesus wants all of us to have our hearts right
before Him, and then He immediately blesses us. We need to have broken hearts
and contrite spirits, leaving behind pride and selfishness.
When we receive the gospel, the day of delivrance is come to
us. We have to be baptized in His name, be cleansed from sin, and receive His
Spirit.
10 But, behold, the days of thy deliverance are
come, if thou wilt hearken to my voice, which saith unto thee: Arise
and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on my name, and you
shall receive my Spirit, and a blessing so great as you never have known.
Vs 11 Once we are members of the Church, we are called to an
even greater work, to become part of the gathering.
11 And if thou do this, I have prepared thee for
a greater work. Thou shalt preach the fulness of my gospel, which I
have sent forth in these last days, the covenant which I have sent
forth to recover my people, which are of the house of Israel.
12 And it shall come to pass that power
shall rest upon thee; thou shalt have great faith, and I will be with
thee and go before thy face.
13 Thou art called to labor in my
vineyard, and to build up my church, and to bring forth Zion,
that it may rejoice upon the hills and flourish.
Vs 17-22 If we want the people of the world to escape
judgments that surely must come, we need to declare Jesus Christ and His gospel
to all the world and gather them to the Stakes of Zion through baptism and
temple work.
Vs 23-24 Invitation to all that have been baptized and
received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Stay true. Look for the Lord who will
quickly be here. Keep on the covenant path.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/40?lang=eng
Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney
Rigdon, at Fayette, New York, January 6, 1831. Preceding the record of this
revelation, the Prophet’s history states, “As James [Covel] rejected the word
of the Lord, and returned to his former principles and people, the Lord gave
unto me and Sidney Rigdon the following revelation” (see section 39).
Vs 2 So many people have rejoiced in receiving a testimony
of the Lord and His gospel; but, then they choose things of the world and
forget. Please, remember. You have and are making covenants to always remember
Him.
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