18 My Law to Govern My Church
My Law to Govern My Church
The quick growth of the Church presented unifying problems
for the members then as it does now. There are people for so many backgrounds with
varying levels of comprehension and discipleship. The Lord expects us all to
love one another and to care for and be patient with each other.
Acts
4:32–37 Are we working to have all things in common? The Apostles of this
latter-day work also testify with great power of the resurrected Lord. Are we
living the gospel in its most simple basic manner of caring for the poor and
needy, in so much that there will be no poor among us? How can we do that? When
the Lord brings again Zion, surely that kind of heart and attitude to work and
selflessness will be required.
D&C 42 (verse 59)
is the Lord’s law to govern His Church. We
still individually have a lot to learn.
Doctrine
and Covenants 42:61 61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt
receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon
knowledge, that thou mayest know
the mysteries and peaceable things—that which
bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.
Saints, 1:114–19
For Kids
A disciple is someone who receives God’s law and obeys
it.
Doctrine
and Covenants 41:5
Write own this scripture on the board, leaving black spaces
for the “disciple.”
5 He
that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is
my disciple; and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not, the
same is not my disciple.
How do we become disciples of Jesus Christ? We learn about
Him and keep His commandments.
What can you do to be a better disciple?
“He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my
disciple.”
Doctrine
and Covenants 41
Doctrine
and Covenants 38:32 Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you
the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will
give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power
from on high.
The saints of 1831 were eager to receive the Lord’s law. Are
you?
Doctrine
and Covenants 41:1–6 How can we prepare to receive the Lord’s law? (See
notes below.)
For Kids
I am happy when I obey the Lord.
Doctrine
and Covenants 42:2
2 Again I say unto you, hearken and hear and
obey the law which I shall give unto you.
Read Doctrine
and Covenants 42:2 What does it mean to hearken and hear and obey?
Has the Lord given us instructions? When have you felt bless
because you listened and obeyed? How does living the commandments bring you
happiness?
The Lord gives me commandments because He loves me.
Doctrine
and Covenants 42
Do you value Doctrine
and Covenants 42:1–72 as one of the most important revelations received by
the Prophet Joseph as the early saints did? They reviewed to it as “The Law.”
Why are these principles and commandments important to us in the Church today?
The Lord gives us laws and commandments so that we can be
spiritually safe and progress in our journey to become more like Him. How have
you been blessed by knowing and following the commandments?
Video: By the Prayer of Faith: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2n8bq3bhtxkld577v9dq3ytn17b8f4c2lbm7qguq?lang=eng
“Amen is not the end of the prayer, it is the beginning of
the prayer of faith.”
“Remember the poor.”
Doctrine
and Covenants 42:30–42
How can we live like saints of earlier times as a Zion
community with no poor and having all things in common? Really it has to begin
with giving people opportunities to have good, clothing, shelter and the means
to pursue a path that will be fulfilling to them and beneficial to the
community.
Acts
2:44 “And all that believed
were together, and had all things common.”
Are we believers? Do I personally have the time and means
and understanding of how to do my part to make this happen? I don’t.
4 Nephi
1:3 “And they had all things common among them; therefore there
were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and
partakers of the heavenly gift.”
It seems to me that people need a certain level of security
and freedom in order to be made free and partakers of the heavenly gift. Is
unity itself the heavenly gift? Is mutually love, care, and devotion a heavenly
gift? Is the trust that is built when we work together for the good of all and
the progress of all the heavenly gift?
“To consecrate means to set something aside for a sacred
purpose.” What should I be consecrating now in order to be moving towards a
Zion spirit? Know the sister you are to minister. Pray for them. Visit them. Fulfill
you callings with love. Give your surplus items to DI or other charity.
Moses
7:18 “And 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.”
Doctrine
and Covenants 42:30–42 How did the Saints live the law of
consecration? (See notes below.)
I have covenanted to live the law of consecration; so I
should dedicate time to the Lord’s service and pay my tithes and offerings and
continue to serve in the community. I can help people who struggle with English
and math.
Because I Have Been Given Much: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHaYpXRlER8
For Kids
I am serving Jesus Christ when I serve others.
Doctrine
and Covenants 42:38
38 For inasmuch as ye do it unto the
least of these, ye do it unto me.
How can we serve Jesus Christ by serving others?
Video: Pass It On: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2012-01-0001-pass-it-on?lang=eng
You could teach children about tithing and offerings, and
how they bless other people. (Show tithing slip).
Video: Miguel’s Choice: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/097d03945f0f11ef9b450286e0573c63af29d64a?lang=eng
God gives revelation to guide His Church—and to guide me.
Doctrine
and Covenants 42:61, 65–68; 43:1–16
How does Doctrine
and Covenants 43:1–16 help us to learn about the Lord’s pattern for guiding His
Church through His prophet? (See notes below)
Doctrine
and Covenants 42:61, 65–68 How can I receive personal revelation?
1.
I need to ask!
2.
I need to observe (to do) the revelations that I
receive and be faithful to Jesus.
3.
I need to continue on the covenant path.
4.
You will receive what is necessary for you.
5.
Reminder. You need to ask of God, in Jesus name.
What have you received from the Lord through His Spirit that
are peaceable and joyful things?
Videos: Hear Him:
a video collection. (I watched the one from Elder Gary E. Stevenson: so good)
How has the Lord communicated with you?
Revelation
for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives
All
Things Must Be Done in Order
For Kids
Only the prophet can receive revelation for the whole
Church.
Doctrine
and Covenants 43:1–7
Why is it important to follow the prophet and steer clear
from those who claim revelation for the church who have not been called to do
so?
Doctrine
and Covenants 43:1–7 How does the Lord give commandments to the church?
(see notes below)
Share an important video clip of the prophet teaching us and
talk about what he taught.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/41?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to the
Church, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 4, 1831. This revelation instructs the
Prophet and Church elders to pray to receive God’s “law” (see section 42).
Joseph Smith had just arrived in Kirtland from New York, and Leman Copley, a
Church member in nearby Thompson, Ohio, “requested Brother Joseph and Sidney
[Rigdon] … live with him and he would furnish them houses and provisions.” The
following revelation clarifies where Joseph and Sidney should live and also
calls Edward Partridge to be the Church’s first bishop.
Doctrine
and Covenants 41:1–6 How can we prepare to receive the Lord’s law?
Vs 1 The Lord delights to bless those who hearken unto Him.
Vs 3 I believe that we can use the prayer of faith to also
know how to serve in our callings and to minister in a way that's pleasing to
the Lord.
Vs 4 We need to be keeping the law when the Lord returns to
rule and reign.
5 He that receiveth my law and doeth it,
the same is my disciple;
Vs 8 For the most part, we can live as seeming us good, as
long as we keep the Lord's commandments. The Lord cares about our goals and our
pursuits, as long as we put Him first and hearken to Him.
12 These words are given unto you, and they are
pure before me; wherefore, beware how you hold them, for they are to be
answered upon your souls in the day of judgment. Even so. Amen.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/42?lang=eng
Revelation given in two parts through Joseph Smith the
Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 9 and 23, 1831. The first part, consisting
of verses 1
through 72, was received in the presence of twelve elders and in
fulfillment of the Lord’s promise previously made that the “law” would be given
in Ohio (see section
38:32). The second portion consists of verses 73
through 93. The Prophet specifies this revelation as “embracing the
law of the Church.”
2 Again I say unto you, hearken and hear and
obey the law which I shall give unto you.
6 And ye shall go forth in the power of my
Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by two, in my name, lifting up your
voices as with the sound of a trump, declaring my word like unto angels of
God.
7 And ye shall go forth baptizing with water,
saying: Repent ye, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
11 Again I say unto you, that it shall not be
given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my
church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and
it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained
by the heads of the church.
14 And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the
prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.
16 And as ye shall lift up your voices by
the Comforter, ye shall speak and prophesy as seemeth me good;
17 For, behold, the Comforter knoweth
all things, and beareth record of the Father and of the Son.
29 If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me
and keep all my commandments.
Doctrine
and Covenants 42:30–42 How did the Saints live the law of
consecration?
30 And behold, thou wilt remember the poor,
and consecrate of thy properties for their support that
which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which
cannot be broken.
31 And inasmuch as ye impart of
your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me;
36 That my covenant people may be gathered in
one in that day when I shall come to my temple. And this I do
for the salvation of my people.
38 For inasmuch as ye do it unto the
least of these, ye do it unto me.
43 And whosoever among you are sick, and
have not faith to be healed, but believe, shall be nourished with all
tenderness, with herbs and mild food, and that not by the hand of an
enemy.
44 And the elders of the church, two or more,
shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon
them in my name; and if they die they shall die unto me,
and if they live they shall live unto me.
45 Thou shalt live together in love,
insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die, and more
especially for those that have not hope of a glorious resurrection.
46 And it shall come to pass that those that die
in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto
them;
48 And again, it shall come to pass that he that
hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto
death, shall be healed.
49 He who hath faith to see shall see.
50 He who hath faith to hear shall hear.
51 The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap.
52 And they who have not faith to do these
things, but believe in me, have power to become my sons; and
inasmuch as they break not my laws thou shalt bear their infirmities.
53 Thou shalt stand in the place of
thy stewardship.
58 And I give unto you a commandment that then
ye shall teach them unto all men; for they shall be taught unto all nations,
kindreds, tongues and people.
59 Thou shalt take the things which thou hast
received, which have been given unto thee in my scriptures for a law, to be
my law to govern my church;
60 And he that doeth according to
these things shall be saved,
61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon
revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that
which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.
65 Behold, thou shalt observe all these things,
and great shall be thy reward; for unto you it is given to know the mysteries of
the kingdom, but unto the world it is not given to know them.
66 Ye shall observe the laws which ye have
received and be faithful.
68 Therefore, he that lacketh wisdom, let
him ask of me, and I will give him liberally and upbraid him not.
69 Lift up your hearts and rejoice, for unto you
the kingdom, or in other words, the keys of the church have been
given. Even so. Amen.
78 And again, every person who belongeth to this
church of Christ, shall observe to keep all the commandments and covenants of
the church.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/43?lang=eng
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at
Kirtland, Ohio, in February 1831. At this time some members of the Church were
disturbed by people making false claims as revelators. The Prophet inquired of
the Lord and received this communication addressed to the elders of the
Church. The first part deals with matters of Church polity; the latter part
contains a warning that the elders are to give to the nations of the earth.
Doctrine
and Covenants 43:1–7 How does the Lord give commandments to the church?
How does Doctrine
and Covenants 43:1–16 help us to learn about the Lord’s pattern for guiding His
Church through His prophet?
Vs 3-6 The prophet is the only person on earth that can
receive revelation for the whole body of the Church.
7 For verily I say unto you, that he that
is ordained of me shall come in at the gate and be ordained
as I have told you before, to teach those revelations which you have
received and shall receive through him whom I have appointed.
Vs 11-12 Be clean. Seek to be sanctified before the Lord.
Hearken to the Lord's prophet and uphold him by the prayer of faith.
15 Again I say, hearken ye elders of my church,
whom I have appointed: Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the
children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of
my Spirit;
16 And ye are to be taught from on
high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with
power, that ye may give even as I have spoken.
17 Hearken ye, for, behold, the great day of
the Lord is nigh at hand.
18 For the day cometh that the Lord shall utter
his voice out of heaven; the heavens shall shake and the
earth shall tremble, and the trump of God shall sound both long
and loud, and shall say to the sleeping nations: Ye saints arise and
live; ye sinners stay and sleep until I shall call again.
19 Wherefore gird up your loins lest ye be found
among the wicked.
20 Lift up your voices and spare not. Call upon
the nations to repent, both old and young, both bond and free,
saying: Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord;
23 And again, the Lord shall utter his voice out
of heaven, saying: Hearken, O ye nations of the earth, and hear the words of
that God who made you.
24 O, ye nations of the earth, how often would I
have gathered you together as a hen gathereth her chickens under her
wings, but ye would not!
25 How oft have I called upon you by
the mouth of my servants, and by the ministering of angels, and
by mine own voice, and by the voice of thunderings, and by the voice of
lightnings, and by the voice of tempests, and by the voice of earthquakes, and
great hailstorms, and by the voice of famines and pestilences of
every kind, and by the great sound of a trump, and by the voice of
judgment, and by the voice of mercy all the day long, and by the
voice of glory and honor and the riches of eternal life, and would
have saved you with an everlasting salvation, but ye would not!
32 And he that liveth in righteousness shall
be changed in the twinkling of an eye,
34 Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus
Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up
in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon
your minds.
35 Be sober. Keep all my commandments. Even
so. Amen.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/44?lang=eng
Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney
Rigdon, at Kirtland, Ohio, in the latter part of February 1831. In compliance
with the requirement herein set forth, the Church appointed a conference to be
held early in the month of June following.
Vs 1-3 There was a conference of Elders, in preparation to
them going out to preach the gospel. MTC.
Vs 4-6 Many were converted by these good Elders. The
received protection from the Lord against those who'd harm. They are to visit
the poor and needy and offer relief.
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