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ICEBREAKER
For an Icebreaker, I sometimes like to begin a lesson with this little activity that’s really effective and fun for beginning a lesson with the youth. You could basically use this idea for any lesson. It’s called “PYRAMID" and I believe I introduced this activity last year in the Book of Mormon. What you do is you come up with 12 different words that have something to do with the lesson that day. Split your students up into pairs and you have one of them face the board or the screen while the other is facing away from the screen. Then you reveal the pyramid with the words on it. The person who can see the board gives clues to their partner to try and get them to say the word in the bottom left-hand square. Once they get that word, they move on to the next, and the next and on up to the top of the pyramid. The first pair to get all the words wins. There are a couple of rules though, with giving clues. You can’t do any "starts with", or "rhymes with", or use the word in any part of the clue. So, for example, if the word was dog, you couldn’t say, “It starts with a D”, or “It rhymes with log”. Or say, “they eat dog food”. But what you can do is give them clues like “They like to chase cats, they bark, small ones are called puppies” and so on. After that first round, I usually like to do a second round also so that each person gets a chance to both give clues and make guesses. It’s really a fun way to break the ice and to get them in the mood to be more talkative. Here are the words that I might use to introduce this particular lesson in Doctrine and Covenants 67-70.
ROUND 1
BREAD
SWORD
FIRE
TREASURE
HONEY
KEYSTONE
ROUND 2
WATER
LAMP
IRON ROD
FEAST
COMPASS
KEY
TRANSITION
After you play, you can tell them that every single word in both rounds have something in common. Each of those objects are used as symbols for the same thing in the scriptures. And does anybody know what it is? What thing in the gospel is symbolized by a sword, an iron rod, a lamp, a feast, a key, a compass and so on? It's the scriptures. The symbols that the scriptures use to symbolize themselves.
If you wanted to develop that idea a bit more, or, if you're teaching adults and the pyramid activity seems a bit too juvenile, you could always do the following. Show them the following slide and ask them which of the symbols for scripture do they like most and why? How are the scriptures like that certain object to them?
Well today we're going to examine the concept of scripture. Each of the sections we study this week have some connection to the idea of scripture.
BACKGROUND
So let me give you a little bit of background to help you understand why the topic of scripture is so prevalent here. At this point of time in church history, Joseph has already received a large number of revelations. We've been studying those revelations for the past half of a year. There are about 65 of them at this point. Well, Joseph and some of the other brethren are feeling that the general membership of the church should have more access to these revelations. I mean, these are the words of God. Passing around copies here or there just isn't a really an efficient way of distributing God's words to his members. So Joseph proposes that they combine all the revelations into one book and publish them as the Book of Commandments. You can see this in the Section Heading for 67. It says:
"The occasion was that of a special conference, and the publication of the revelations already received from the Lord through the Prophet was considered and acted upon (see the heading to section 1). William W. Phelps had recently established the Church printing press in Independence, Missouri. The conference decided to publish the revelations in the Book of Commandments and to print 10,000 copies (which because of unforeseen difficulties was later reduced to 3,000 copies). Many of the brethren bore solemn testimony that the revelations then compiled for publication were verily true, as was witnessed by the Holy Ghost shed forth upon them."
The "unforeseen difficulties" being referred to here (by the way) would be the destruction of the printing press in Missouri by mobs, which really marks the beginning of the open hostilities against the church in Jackson County.
Here, the brethren decide they are going to publish the revelations, and that they should write a preface to those revelations. That revelation known as "the preface" is going to become Section 1 of what we now call the Doctrine and Covenants. This is where Section 1 would fit in chronologically.
Continuing with the Section heading.
"Joseph Smith’s history records that after the revelation known as section 1 had been received, some conversation was had concerning the language used in the revelations. The present revelation followed."
So what's happening here is that not all the brethren at the conference felt that publishing the revelations was a good idea. Now why would they say that? Well, some felt that it wasn't wise for the whole world to see some of their plans for building Zion but some of them also worried about the scrutiny the revelations might come under if published, I mean, the Book of Mormon is being raked over the coals by critics and unbelievers at this time. When you publish something, anybody can get their hands on it and tear it apart. They're concerned with Joseph's language, his grammar, his spelling, his style. Remember that Joseph is a farm boy with very little education. Some of these other men, are a little more educated and perhaps feel, "Well, I could write that better". Now I have to admit that I don't totally get where their criticism is coming from because I am totally amazed at the beauty, and the depth, and the spiritual maturity evident in the sections we've studied so far. But, anything is open to criticism, and if you were to see the original copies of these revelations you would see that Joseph's spelling isn't great, and his grammar is a little rough and it's true that some corrections and clarifications are later made to these sections of the Doctrine and Covenants to increase their readability and understanding.
Boyd K. Packer explains this:
“Of course, there have been changes and corrections. Anyone who has done even limited research knows that. When properly reviewed, such corrections become a testimony for, not against, the truth of the books.
“The Prophet Joseph Smith was an unschooled farm boy. To read some of his early letters in the original shows him to be somewhat unpolished in spelling and grammar and in expression.
“That the revelations came through him in any form of literary refinement is nothing short of a miracle. That some perfecting should continue strengthens my respect for them.
“Now, I add with emphasis that such changes have been basically minor refinements in grammar, expression, punctuation, clarification. Nothing fundamental has been altered” Boyd K. Packer (in Conference Report, Apr. 1974, 137; or Ensign, May 1974, 94).
So maybe that helps us to understand why some of the brethren might be concerned. The world is going to mock these revelations. So as the contention and disagreement reach a high point, Joseph goes to the Lord for guidance and receives Section 67.
SEARCH
So here's how we're going to approach this. I'm going to point out some verses from these sections that I feel shed some light on our understanding of scripture. That's our theme--our focus. We are going to ask the same simple question for each. What do these verses teach us about scripture? We'll go through each one together and try to answer that question for each. We'll start with an easy one.
67:4
4 And now I, the Lord, give unto you a testimony of the truth of these commandments which are lying before you.
What does this verse teach us about scripture?
They're true. God assures us and confirms that these commandments, or revelations that are lying before us, whether that's the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Bible, they're true. And we can gain a testimony of them as well.
67:5
Remember some of the other brethren are being critical of the revelations.
5 Your eyes have been upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and his language you have known, and his imperfections you have known; and you have sought in your hearts knowledge that you might express beyond his language; this you also know.
What does this verse teach us about scripture?
Well, it's taught us something interesting about the language of scripture. What is it? Whose language is the Doctrine and Covenants expressed in? It's Joseph's language, isn't it. The word choice, the spelling, the grammar, even the way that it is expressed or written is through the medium of Joseph Smith's mind and heart. If God himself were the one with the pen in his hand, it's very possible that the words could have come out differently. Would the sentiment be the same? Yes. The gospel principles the same? Yes. The exact wording. Probably not. In fact, it may come as a surprise to some people that modern American English is not God's first language. Neither is Spanish, or Portuguese or Dutch or Chinese, or any other language we're familiar with (although Portuguese is the closest). He speaks Celestialese, or the Adamic language. I don't know. But God is still able to teach his truths through the various languages of his prophets and people. Some critics of the Doctrine and Covenants or the Book of Mormon mock the fact that the language of these books is in King James English. They say Joseph Smith must have been mimicking or copying things from the Bible to get his so-called revelations. My response to that? Well, what was the language of scripture that Joseph was familiar with? King James English. So God chose to communicate scripture to Joseph in the language of scripture that he recognized. Perhaps we make a bit too much out of scripture by saying that word for word it is the voice of God. And it is the voice of God, I'm not denying that, but it's the voice of God as expressed through the mouths of mortal men. We don't believe in puppet prophets or divine ventriloquy. A prophet's personality, character, background, is all going to have a bearing on what they say and how they say it. So can there be imperfections in the language used? Yes! Can there be mistakes of grammar? Yes. Can there be things that are not expressed as clearly to us as we would like? Sure. You might recall Moroni last year expressing his concerns over his language. "If there be faults, they be the faults of a man" (Mormon 8:17). "Lord, the Gentiles will mock at these things, because of our weakness in writing (Ether 12:23), "And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these". (Mormon 8:12). There are weaknesses and imperfections in scripture. When you read the four gospels, you'll notice that the different authors approach some of the same stories very differently and even have some contradictions. Now we could chalk that up to the possibility of errors in translation, or perhaps these gospel authors experienced or remembered these events a little differently. Now there isn't anything huge in these discrepancies. Not big enough to throw anything out, but perhaps God just let them describe the events they record in the way that they remembered them, knowing that they were going to capture the essence of the life of the Savior and communicate essential truths, albeit in different ways.
Now the fact that God expresses truth through the personality of his prophets is evident in the many different authors we find within the scriptures. Not everybody speaks the same. Each has their own unique voice and style. The prophets of the New Testament express themselves differently from the prophets of the Old Testament. The writings of Paul have a very different style from the writings of John. The voice of Alma differs from that of Nephi which differs from that of Moroni. The language President Nelson uses in his general conference addresses is different from the language that Joseph Smith used in his. Are any of these prophets lesser than the others? Are the words of one more true than another? No. It's the voice of God expressed through the voice of man. So, there can be some writers that are more eloquent than others. Some who are more straightforward, and others who are more poetic. Some who have a more authoritative voice, while others a more compassionate sounding one. All are teaching truth though. The light of God's power and glory still shines brightly through each.
67:6-8
But some of the brethren of Joseph's day aren't getting that. They're worried that the words won't have power. Or, maybe they just feel they could do better. And so I love this. God gives them a chance. Oh, so you think you could do better? Ok. Let's give you a chance. So he challenges them. He gives them a divine dare.
6 Now, seek ye out of the Book of Commandments, even the least that is among them, and appoint him that is the most wise among you;
(So you get your smartest guy, your most eloquent, most capable, and choose the least [which probably means smallest, not least valuable] section of the Doctrine and Covenants, and just try to write something that's comparable. That's better. That communicates truth in a more effective way. The least section that has been received up to this point is Section 13, so try to write a section like Section 13 which is just one verse long)
7 Or, if there be any among you that shall make one like unto it, then ye are justified in saying that ye do not know that they are true;
8 But if ye cannot make one like unto it, ye are under condemnation if ye do not bear record that they are true.
So this story's so great. They try it. They take the challenge. They take the bait. Yeah, Joseph, we think we could do that. So they've gotta pick their best guy. Who is chosen? William E. McLellin. They felt, or at least he felt that he was the most wise among them. And he tries. Now I'm not aware of what he actually wrote. But Joseph tells us what happens.
“William E. McLellin, as the wisest man, in his own estimation, having more learning than sense, endeavored to write a commandment like unto one of the least of the Lord’s, but failed; it is an awful responsibility to write in the name of the Lord. The Elders and all present that witnessed this vain attempt of a man to imitate the language of Jesus Christ, renewed their faith in the fulness of the Gospel, and in the truth of the commandments and revelations which the Lord had given to the Church through my instrumentality; and the Elders signified a willingness to bear testimony of their truth to all the world” (in History of the Church, 1:226).
So they do, in the end, all end up testifying that they know that the revelations Joseph has received are true.
So what did we just learn about scripture? This tells me it doesn't really matter who the author is, what their language is like, how skilled in writing they are, as long as they are inspired by the same God, that inspiration will be evident in the words themselves and in the truths that are taught. Imagine two lamps. One of these lamps is old, dusty, and very plain. Maybe there are even a few tears in the shade. And then another lamp that is beautiful, clean, polished, and very ornate. Well, the older lamp is plugged into the wall while the other is not. Which of the two lamps is going to give you light? The one that's plugged in obviously. It doesn't matter what the lamp looks like, as long as it's plugged into the source, it will give you light and aid you. The other lamp? It doesn't matter how fancy or ornate or expensive it is, if it's not plugged in to the source, it won't give you light. So whether you're Isaiah, or Joseph Smith, or King Benjamin, or Peter, whether you're educated or not, whether you are rich or poor, whether you are a skilled writer or speaker or not, if God has chosen you to speak for him, your words will carry power, regardless of the imperfections of your language. The truth and power will shine through. It doesn't matter if your bishop, or stake president, or stake patriarch is a PhD or a country farmer, they can both speak the will and mind of God with power. I can almost guarantee you that the words that they use are going to be different, but the essence, the message, and the Spirit within it, will be the same.
67:9
For ye know that there is no unrighteousness in them, and that which is righteous cometh down from above, from the Father of lights.
What does this verse teach us about scripture?
Scripture is filled with righteousness. There is no unrighteousness in them. I think this highlights an important truth about the overarching purpose of scripture. What do you think that is? In my mind, the major purpose of scripture is to make us better people. To make us more righteous. That's its chief purpose. Now there are other things they do for us as well, like establish truth and doctrine. But you know what. The purpose of truth and doctrine is also to make us better people. Unfortunately though, many have erred by losing sight of that purpose. Some have seen the purpose of scripture as a means to prove to everyone else why their way of thinking is right. They turn the scriptures into a club to beat their opinion and interpretation into the minds of hearers. That's how we get Bible bashes, religious debates, or people who study the scriptures with a preset agenda in mind. You know, I'm going to go through the scriptures and only pull out those verses or parts that seem to support my position. I'll disregard the context, the original intent of the author, or any other scriptures that seem to contradict what I'm saying. And then I'm going to go out there and wave my verses in front of my opponent and tell them that they're wrong, because, hey, I've got the scriptures on my side. You're wrong, I'm right. Then the opponent can turn around and say. Hang on. Let me show you my verses. My verses can beat up your verses. I'm right, because of this and this and this. And there's no end to the debate or the contention. That's also how you can have one Bible, yet hundreds of different Christian denominations.
When Jesus visits the Nephites, that's one of the first issues he resolves. Apparently, they are arguing and debating about the proper mode of baptism. And he says:
3 Nephi 11:28-29
28 And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.
29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
So, I don't want you arguing with each other over, of all things, my gospel. That's not the point of the scriptures. That's not my gospel. My scriptures have been given to bring peace into your lives. There is no unrighteousness in them, but you are using them unrighteously. I've given them to you to make you better not worse.
I think another error we sometimes make is to treat the scriptures like a newspaper, or a textbook. We take them far too literally sometimes. Take the book of Genesis for example. If we read the account of the creation as a literal, journalistic description of how this world came to be, then that's going to force us to have to defend some really tough positions--that I don't think our Heavenly Father ever intended us to have to defend. Instead, if we remember that the purpose of scripture is to make us more righteous, or communicate general principles or truths, then we realize that some artistic license as probably been taken. Scripture is usually intended to give us an impression of the truth, its essence. And it's given to inspire us. I can't think of many times when I've been inspired or deeply touched by a newspaper article or a textbook. But I can say that I've been deeply touched by poetry, theater productions, stories, and even movies. These things connect more easily with our right brains. I fear we've sometimes made the scriptures too left brain. I honestly feel that they're a bit more at home in the right. Now it's true that the scriptures can teach us in a variety of different ways. Sometimes they really do teach us in a more literal or historical way. But more often they teach us through poetry, sermons, stories and parables, hymns, dialogues, visions, letters, and allegories. Whatever the medium, hopefully we never lose sight of the big picture. Whatever I find in the scriptures, is there to make me a better person. When I study them, I'm looking for the righteousness in them. I almost wish that we still called them what Adam and Eve called them. Adam and Eve called them "Book of Remembrance" not scriptures. I love that term. What we find in the scriptures are all those things that God wants us to remember.
And that which is righteous cometh down from above, from the Father of lights. Oh I love that title. Remember that the title the Lord chooses to use for himself is often directly related to the subject matter at hand. In context of scripture, why would he choose to call himself the Father of lights? Because that's what the scriptures do for us. They provide us with light. Light from above. If you remember from our activity at the beginning. The scriptures are a like a lamp unto our feet.
67:10-14
Is there anything these final verses could teach us about the scriptures?
These verses may not be as directly related to scripture as the others, but I do have one thought for you. These verses talk about God manifesting himself to the spiritual eyes of man. Well that's exactly what the scriptures do for us. If you want to get know God and Christ, open your scriptures, because there you will find them on every single page. They are one of the most powerful ways to get to know. them. The scriptures are a means for us to "see" them now with our spiritual eyes, until the day that we will actually get to see them with our natural eyes as well. And he encourages us to continue in patience until that day comes. We're going to talk a bit more about that phrase in the future and link it with another important verse about perfection in section 76. But the promise remains. One day we will be able to abide the presence of God. And maybe when that day comes, we will say, "Wow, you look so familiar to me". I've spent so much of my life getting to know you in the scriptures, that your face is very familiar to me." We've come to know them through their words. That's one of the things we should keep in mind as we study. Don't get so focused on "the revealed" in scripture, that we forget to ask ourselves what their words teach us about the revealer--his character, his nature, and his love.
Moving on to section 68. It’s also got a few things to teach us about scripture.
68:3-4
3 And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
4 And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.
What do these verses teach us about scripture? This is a broadening of our definition of scripture. What is scripture? The Bible Dictionary says, "that which is spoken under the influence of the Holy Ghost". When the Spirit inspires someone to speak or write, their words represent the will of the Lord, the mind of the Lord, the word of the Lord, the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation. That's the broad definition of scripture. Still, there are different categories of "scripture" or inspired words. Usually, when we talk about scripture, we're referring to that set of religious writings that have been (what we call) canonized. They've been set apart as foundational or standard writings. Things meant for and binding on the entire church. I mean, we call them "the standard works" for a reason. They set the standard or provide us with a gospel measuring stick. All things that we say and teach must be measured against that standard. If the things we hear someone say don't measure up to that standard, if they diverge from it, or contradict it, then it wouldn't be considered scripture. The Holy Ghost wouldn't inspire anyone to say something contradictory to the standard. Those four books, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, constitute the canon of religious text for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Also, don't forget that we are unique in Christianity in that our canon of scripture is not considered closed. Most religions believe in a closed canon--meaning that their official religious writings are regarded as complete and cannot be added to. We, however, believe in a God that continues to reveal truth and wisdom and even canonized scripture as we near his second coming.
Another category of scripture would be the words of the living prophets. General conference addresses are considered scripture. Is there any doubt in your mind that the words of the living prophets and apostles are prepared and spoken under the influence of the Holy Ghost? That which is spoken from the pulpit of general conference also acts as a standard and carries a weight and a seal of approval that is binding on the church as a whole.
But what else is scripture under our broader definition? What about talks given by general authorities as they travel throughout the world, give trainings, write articles or even books. Can these be considered scripture as well? Yes. As far as they are inspired by the Holy Ghost. They may not carry the same binding as a general conference address or canonized scripture, but certainly contain truth and inspiration. Just because something isn't canonized, doesn't mean that it is less true, if it was inspired by the Holy Ghost. Case in point, the writings of Joseph Smith that we find in section 137 weren't added to the Doctrine and Covenants until 1976. Remember, we have an "open canon". Was that revelation any less true or inspired in the meantime? No, it was inspired. It's always been scripture. It just always hasn't been considered canonized scripture. God just doesn't seem to tighten down the concept of scripture as much as we do.
An even broader definition of scripture would be those things spoken and written under the influence of the Holy Ghost by average members of the church. Testimonies, journal entries, lessons taught, and patriarchal blessings could also be considered scripture. I have been in many situations (and I'm sure you have too) where I have been listening to a local church leader, a member of my ward, a student in one of my classes and felt the power of the Holy Ghost in their words. This too could be called scripture, in a way. His will and his voice and his influence are not limited to what we find in the canon alone. As Moroni said:
13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.
In fact, I might even take it a bit further and say that we can even find scripture from sources outside the church. I don't believe that we can claim to be the only people on earth that God allows to speak or write under the influence of the Spirit. We don't have a monopoly on truth and inspiration. We can find "scripture" or "things spoken under the influence of the Spirit” in the words of C.S. Lewis, Martin Luther King Jr., Shakespeare, Edna St. Vincent Millay, the Buddha, and many many others. Of course, we're going to need to have the Spirit to parse out those things that may not be true from those sources. We'll talk about that in more depth when we get to Section 91 where the Lord promises us that whatever we read or encounter,
5 And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;
But truth and benefit do exist in sources outside the church. So have the Spirit! and you'll be able to recognize those things that have been inspired by the Spirit.
With this understanding of a broader definition of scripture, we might say that whenever someone speaks TRUTH, that is the will, the mind, the word, the voice, and the power of God. God deals in truth.
68:34
At the end of section 68 we get a warning concerning scripture:
34 These sayings are true and faithful; wherefore, transgress them not, neither take therefrom.
Two things that we must not do when it comes to scripture is transgress them or take things from them. When the Holy Ghost reveals truth to us, we should follow it. When God has been good enough to grant us his wisdom and instruction, it is a sign of ingratitude to resist it. Sometimes we may also be tempted to take things from them. Or redact them--cut out and ignore the things that we don't like and only keep the things that we do. I talked about that a little earlier. That's when people go through the scriptures with an agenda in mind and only pull out the things that they like, that support their position, and then take out anything that doesn't. But the scriptures are a complete package. There are going to be things that we like, and we agree with and that are easy to accept. But we are also certain to find things that will challenge us and test our faith. We've got to be willing to accept both sides of that coin.
Section 69 instructs John Whitmer to go as a traveling companion with Oliver Cowdery as he carries the compiled revelations for the Book of Commandments to Missouri. Then John is given another assignment in verses 7-8.
7 Nevertheless, let my servant John Whitmer travel many times from place to place, and from church to church, that he may the more easily obtain knowledge
8 Preaching and expounding, writing, copying, selecting, and obtaining all things which shall be for the good of the church, and for the rising generations that shall grow up on the land of Zion, to possess it from generation to generation, forever and ever. Amen.
Basically, John Whitmer is being asked to collect "scripture" for the church. Not canonized scripture, but broad definition scripture. Things inspired by the Holy Ghost. What do these verses teach us about scripture? They are gathered for our good. Scripture is good for us. It nourishes us like bread, it revives us like water, it guides us like a compass, it illuminates us like a lamp, it protects us like a sword. God gives us scripture for our good.
And then he mentions a specific group that they are especially good for. Who? The rising generation. Scripture is one of the ways that truth and doctrine and inspiration to do righteously can be passed down from generation to generation. Remember the other name that we have for scriptures? Book of Remembrance. God has provided a way for us to pass our spiritual knowledge on from one generation to the next. We don't have to reinvent the wheel every couple of decades. The stories, and sermons and insights from the past, can be remembered and preserved for our future posterity.
Finally, Section 70 deals directly with the publication of the Book of Commandments.
What does the section heading teach us about the scriptures?
They teach us the worth of the word. The assembled brethren concluded that the revelations were “worth to the Church the riches of the whole Earth". Scripture is more important than wealth. Remember they are compared to treasure. Nephi was someone who understood this principle. He was willing to offer all of his family's material wealth to Laban just for the brass plates. Do we treat the scriptures as if we believe that? I'm saddened at the end of every school year when many students forget to take their scriptures home and they just leave them at the seminary. Many never come back to get them. I've sometimes had to take boxes of scriptures to the DI after collecting them over a number of years of teaching.
The scriptures are also the foundation of the Church, they are a benefit to the world. They show that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man. Is it any wonder why they are so valuable?
70:9-10, 17-18
The content of Section 70 itself applies more specifically to the six brethren named at the beginning. It names Joseph Smith, Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, John Whitmer, and William W. Phelps as stewards over the publication of the Book of Commandments. Meaning, they would be responsible for the financial matters concerning the publication. The money that it would generate could be used by these men to support their families. Yet, in line with the law of consecration, any monies that were collected above and beyond their family, circumstances, wants and needs were to be donated to the bishop's storehouse. That's the major gist of section 70 and we might be tempted to think that it has very little to do with us. However, I believe it can still be applied in a more general sense. The Lord even invites us to consider a broader personal application of this principle in verses 9 and 10:
9 Behold, this is what the Lord requires of every man in his stewardship, even as I, the Lord, have appointed or shall hereafter appoint unto any man.
10 And behold, none are exempt from this law who belong to the church of the living God;
So everyone is given a stewardship in the church.
We too have been given a stewardship over the revelations and commandments we find in the scriptures. What do you imagine the Lord will hold us accountable for when it comes to his revealed word? In another place in the Doctrine & Covenants we're told:
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.
So what may be some things we'll have to answer for? Did we value the scriptures? Did we feel they were worth the riches of the whole earth? Did we study them consistently? Did we follow their teachings? Did we gain a testimony of them?
If we are faithful over these things, the Lord will be merciful to us, bless us, and we shall enter into the joy of these things. What things? The blessings and promises of the scriptures. We want to enter into the joy of the scriptures. I know I feel that joy every time I study. Every time I prepare a lesson. Every time I put together one of these videos. I feel that joy. I hope you sense that. I've been teaching the scriptures almost daily for over 20 years now. I can honestly say I've never tired of them. I still get excited when I study and teach them. I still learn new things. Sometimes I'll look at a certain section or lesson that's coming up and I almost can't wait to teach them. Oooh, I can't wait to teach section or that chapter or that story. At times, I've gotten sick and have had to get a substitute to teach my classes and I seriously get bummed out that I don't get to teach a certain chapter. Oh, I wanted to teach that lesson. I hope that as we've studied together so far this year that you have entered into the joy of the Doctrine and Covenants. I hope that last year you entered into the joy of the Book of Mormon. And I hope you're anticipating and looking forward to entering the joy of the Old Testament next year.
The scriptures bring joy.
TRUTH
Well let's review some of the things we've learned about scripture from these sections.
The scriptures are true
The scriptures contain the words of God as expressed through the mouths and language of his holy prophets
The main purpose of the scriptures is to make us better people--to make us more righteous
The scriptures are a means for us to "see" God with our spiritual eyes and come to know him before we see him with our physical eyes
Scripture is anything written or spoken under the influence of the Holy Ghost
We must not transgress the scriptures or take things from them
The scriptures have been given to us for our good and the good of our posterity
The scriptures are worth more than the riches of the whole earth
The scriptures are a foundation to the church
We will be held accountable for how we valued scripture
The scriptures can bring us joy
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
Which of these truths has meant the most to you today?
What have you been inspired to do by studying these truths?
CONCLUSION
Well, I love the scriptures and I testify to you that they are true and powerful. I am so grateful that our Heavenly Father has seen fit to offer us so much guidance by way of the Holy Ghost. Scripture has the power to change our lives. The scriptures are more relevant than any newspaper or magazine, they are more fascinating than any Harry Potter or Tom Clancy novel, they are more practical than any self-help book, and more instructive and educational than any textbook. You know, I believe that every religion has something to teach us, and we could all afford to have a little more holy envy for the strengths demonstrated in other faiths. One of the things that I love most about the Jewish people is their incredible love and respect for scripture. I've been to Israel and seen the way the rabbis carefully remove the Torah scrolls from their cases. Then they walk slowly with them cradling them in their arms like a small child. Then, they gently unroll and read from them with great reverence and respect on their lips. There is so much love and affection for the word of God. And that's books like Deuteronomy and Numbers. How do we feel about Alma, the Gospel of John, Section 76, and the Book of Abraham? Does it equal their respect and love for the Torah? There is even a special ceremony and a kind of funeral, when a Torah is considered to be too old and needs to be retired. They take that Torah and bury it almost as if it were a human being. We would do well to learn from their example. Do we value and love the scriptures as much as they do? I hope you will too find love for the words of God. I'd like to conclude with my favorite thing that Joseph Smith ever said about the scriptures. He said, "He who reads [them] oftenest will like [them] best." If we take the time to study and value the scriptures, we will develop a love for his word that will bless us for a lifetime.
SCRIPTURE PRESCRIPTIONS
ICEBREAKER
There are, of course, other truths taught in these sections. I'd like to provide you with one other teaching activity that could help you to teach some of the additional principles in these sections. It's an activity I call "Scripture Prescriptions". In one column, you have a specific situation, problem or question that somebody might have. In the second column, you have the prescription for that problem or question. Your students will get to choose the situation that most applies to them or the issue that they are most interested in learning about. Once they've chosen, they will go to the scripture prescription listed in the next column and study it. In the third column, they are encouraged to write what they learned or how those scriptures help to solve or answer the question. Once they've had time to study you can then encourage them to share what they discovered with a partner or with the whole class. Depending on how much time you have, you could even encourage them to do more than one.
What I'll do with you is walk you through the different scenarios and give you some brief insights that could help enhance your discussion of these verses. I've tried to select the principles that I feel would be the most relevant and helpful.
Scenario #1
What might be getting in the way of me receiving answers to my prayers?
The prescription is 67:3
3 Ye endeavored to believe that ye should receive the blessing which was offered unto you; but behold, verily I say unto you there were fears in your hearts, and verily this is the reason that ye did not receive.
Now caution, this is not THE reason why sometimes our prayers aren't answered, but it is A possible reason. Something that can get in the way of us receiving blessings and answers is fear. Fear is the antithesis of faith. It's how Satan motivates people. God wants us to be motivated by faith. Fear can block answers to prayer. Fear that we won't get an answer. Fear that the answer won't be the one we want. Fear of what we'll have to do or how we'll have to change if we do get an answer. Fear of how others will react to our answers and subsequent actions. Nothing blocks blessings and answers more effectively than fear. No wonder Satan relies on it so much. Instead, we can walk by faith, trusting a loving Heavenly Father who knows and sees the end from the beginning. There is never any reason to be afraid of following God's will, because it is certain to land us on his right hand in a state of never-ending happiness for eternity. All faith leads to this end, no matter how difficult the road that leads to it.
Scenario #2
How can I be a better missionary?
The prescription is 68:1-12. There is a whole list of missionary principles. Many we've seen before reiterated here.
· :1 We must teach by the Spirit
· :1 We teach by reasoning and expounding, as opposed to proving and manipulating
· :3 Once again, we teach by the Spirit, as we are moved upon by the Holy Ghost
· :6 We should be of good cheer and not fear. Share the gospel in a spirit of joy, confidence, and faith. Because
· :6 Christ is with you and will stand by you. No need to fear when you have Christ at your side.
· :6 We must bear record of Christ, that he is the Son of God
· :8 We must go into all the world and preach to everybody. Don't prejudge, don't be selective in who you teach. Reach out to all, regardless of how they appear on the outside
· :8 Preach with authority
· :10 Those that believe will be blest with signs, and they will recognize them.
· :12 All those who preach in this will be given power to seal souls up unto eternal life. That's the true joy of the missionary. To be an instrument in God's hand in sealing up people to Him.
Scenario #3
What are my responsibilities as a parent?
The prescription is 68:25-28
25 And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.
26 For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized.
27 And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old and receive the laying on of the hands.
28 And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord.
As parents, we are obligated to teach our children the fourth article of faith- the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. Faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. We must also teach them to pray and to walk uprightly before the Lord. That is our responsibility as parents. If we fail to teach our children these things, then "the sin be upon the heads of the parents". That tells me that we will be held accountable as parents for how we taught our children. This is something that is completely in our control. So parents, teach your children. Don't neglect this responsibility. Yes, we have Sunday School teachers, and youth leaders and seminary teachers, and prophets that can help teach our children, but the primary responsibility for this teaching lies with the parents. The proclamation on the family teaches the same principle:
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
But there is something that is not said in these verses or the proclamation. It doesn't say that we will be held accountable for what our children do with the teachings that we give them. Parents are not responsible for how their children turn out in the end. They are accountable for teaching, loving, and providing for. Children on the other hand are ultimately responsible for their own decisions. Would you accuse Sariah and Lehi of being bad parents because of Laman and Lemuel? Would you accuse Adam and Eve of being bad parents because of Cain? Would you accuse Mary and Joseph of being bad parents because some of their children did not accept their brother Jesus as the Messiah? Would you accuse Alma the Elder and King Mosiah and their wives of being bad parents because their sons were pretty horrible during the years of their youth? I wouldn't dare make those accusations. And neither should we when we consider ourselves as parents or others as well. All we can do is strive to do our best to teach, provide, and love. And no parent even does those things perfectly. So strive, and trust in God's grace.
Scenario #4
I'm afraid I may be spending too much time watching television, using the internet, playing video games, and using my cellphone.
Prescription: 68:30-32
This is one possible application of these verses. Of course, I'm not suggesting that these things are evil in and of themselves. I like watching television, I use the internet, I've been known to play video games every now and then, and I certainly own and use a cell phone extensively. Relaxation and entertainment can be an enjoyable and refreshing aspect of life. But at what point does the use of these things become excessive? When they keep us from our responsibilities or draw us into sin. The scriptures tell us to remember our labors and be faithful to them. The idler shall be had in remembrance before the Lord. God is not pleased with idlers. Not only can these things draw us away from our labors and responsibilities, but they can also be sources of wickedness, worldliness, and greed. These things ought not to be. God never intended the majority of our time to be spent in passive entertainment. The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet covers this principle. It says:
“The Lord has commanded us not to be idle. Idleness can lead to inappropriate behavior, damaged relationships, and sin. One form of idleness is spending excessive amounts of time in activities that keep you from productive work, such as using the Internet, playing video games, and watching television” (For the Strength of Youth [booklet, 2011], 40).
Scenario #5
I feel that I can do things on my own. I don't need anybody else's help.
Prescription: 69:1
1 Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, for my servant Oliver Cowdery's sake. It is not wisdom in me that he should be entrusted with the commandments and the moneys which he shall carry unto the land of Zion, except one go with him who will be true and faithful.
Now I don't think this verse is suggesting that the Lord felt Oliver Cowdery was untrustworthy or unreliable. It's just making the point that there is safety and strength in companionship. We see the principle of companionship all over the gospel. We have companionships in missionary work, presidencies have counselors, we're gathered into quorums and classes, ordinances must have multiple witnesses, and then we have the most important companionship of all eternity-husband and wife. We are not intended to walk the path of life or discipleship alone. We need others that will be true and faithful companions to us. I know for a fact that I would not have been a successful missionary had I not had the support and influence of amazing companions. I could not fulfill my role as a bishop effectively without the help and support of my faithful counselors. And I am forever grateful for my most beloved companion and partner for eternity. My wife, Allesha. Companionship, friendship, unity, brotherhood and sisterhood, are eternal principles in God's kingdom. We need not bear our burdens and responsibilities alone.
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