D&C 38

 The Lord counsels His followers - 

"...I tell it unto you, and ye are blessed, not because of your iniquity, neither your hearts of unbelief; for verily some of you are guilty before me, but I will be merciful unto your weakness.

15 Therefore, be ye strong from henceforth..."(Doctrine and Covenants 38:14–15)

Obviously, the Lord has patience with us.

D&C 38

 The Lord instructed the saints - 

"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..." (Doctrine and Covenants 38:32)

In my mind, His law we follow as we enter into covenants.  "Power" is received comes from entering and keeping our covenants.

D&C 36

The Lord says to Edward - 

 "...I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 36:2)

When authorized servants lay their hands on recipients, they are if the Lord Himself is doing so.

D&C 35

 The Lord instructed Sidney Rigdon as well as all the saints concerning the modern day prophet and the Church- 

"...behold, it shall be given unto him to prophesy; and thou shalt preach my gospel and call on the holy prophets to prove his words, as they shall be given him.

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..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 35:23–24)

D&C 34

 The Lord instructs Orson Pratt - 

"Wherefore, lift up your voice and spare not, for the Lord God hath spoken; therefore prophesy, and it shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost."  (Doctrine and Covenants 34:10)

For the angel said to John - 

"...for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."  (Revelation 19:10)

or prophesy meaning a revelation of divine will.

I believe this holds today.

D&C 33

 Where we know that both Ezra Thayne and Northrop Sweet later apostatized from the Church, the Lord counsels -  

"...the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things."  (Doctrine and Covenants 33:16)

Our teachings need to be based on such.

D&C 32

The Lord said to Parley P. Pratt - 

"I say unto him that as I live I will that he shall declare my gospel and learn of me, and be meek and lowly of heart."  (Doctrine and Covenants 32:1) 

I believe this is sound counsel to all.

D&C 31

 The Lord counsels and warns - 

"Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward."  (Doctrine and Covenants 31:12)

I believe, if you feel the Spirit in prayer, you are on the right path.

D&C 30

 The Lord instructed Peter Whitmer - 

"...give heed unto the words and advice of your brother, which he shall give you."  (Doctrine and Covenants 30:5)

We all have priesthood leaders.  We should always follow their counsel given by the Spirit/

D&C 29

 The Lord revealed why progression ends in eternity - 

"And now, behold, I say unto you, never at any time have I declared from mine own mouth that they should return, for where I am they cannot come, for they have no power."  (Doctrine and Covenants 29:29)

Which power comes from God through the grace of Jesus Christ.  The scriptures and words of prophets, seers, and revelators detail how we obtain this grace or enabling power.

D&C 29

 Two things I wanted to note this morning concerning the Second Coming.  The first - 

"And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, and it hath gone forth in a firm decree, by the will of the Father, that mine apostles, the Twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge the whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments, and none else."  (Doctrine and Covenants 29:12)

Certain priesthood leaders have always been given the keys to judge members of the Church.  Bruce R. McConkie taught - 

“Be it remembered that the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb, who were with the Lord in his ministry in Jerusalem, shall judge the whole house of Israel, meaning that portion of Israel who have kept the commandments, ‘and none else.’ (D&C 29:12.) There will be a great hierarchy of judges in that great day, of whom Adam, under Christ, will be the chief of all. Those judges will judge the righteous ones under their jurisdiction, but Christ himself, he alone, will judge the wicked. (Bruce R. McConkie, The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982], 584.)

Second - 

"For a trump shall sound both long and loud, even as upon Mount Sinai, and all the earth shall quake, and they shall come forth—yea, even the dead which died in me, to receive a crown of righteousness, and to be clothed upon, even as I am, to be with me, that we may be one."  (Doctrine and Covenants 29:13)

Which suggests to me that the righteous that have died since the resurrectteion of Jesus Christ, will be resurrected at that time.

D&C 29

 We read where the Savior speaks for His Father declaring in the same revelation - \

"Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Am..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 29:1)

and then later - 

"But behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 29:46)

Some call this "Divine Investiture".  I may be going out on a limb and suggest and any speaking in the name of Jesus Christ with authority may be somewhat the same for the Lord declared when we are move upon by the Holy Ghost - 

"...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."  (Doctrine and Covenants 1:38)

D&C 29

 To those that have repented, the Lord instructs - 

"Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that at this time your sins are forgiven you, therefore ye receive these things; but remember to sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you."  (Doctrine and Covenants 29:3)

This is the very truth of godliness.

D&C 28

 As we are guided by the Spirit, the instructs - 

"...thou must open thy mouth at all times, declaring my gospel with the sound of rejoicing..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 28:16)

I specifically note "the sound of rejoicing".  What great instruction.

D&C 27

 My understanding is that "Elias" means "messenger from God".  The scriptures mentioned several individuals as Elias.  In my mind, Elias then is plural or could mean a group off messengers.  We read that the Savior - 

"...was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him."  (Matthew 17:2–3)

I've wondered if the appearance of "Elias", there was more than one messenger participating there.  The prophecy that when the Savior comes and participate  where - 

"for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth"  (Doctrine and Covenants 27:5)

He will do with several named individuals and with Elias.  To me this could mean many individuals that have served as messengers.

D&C 26

 As the Church was even in its beginning, the Lord instructed - 

"...all things shall be done by common consent in the church, by much prayer and faith, for all things you shall receive by faith..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 26:2)

It becomes apparent that all things, concerning leadership, doctrine, an revelations for the Church should be transparent and not done in secret.

D&C 25

 As I read the revelation and counsel given to Emma Smith, saying -

"...thou art an elect lady..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 25:3)

I couldn't help but compare the counsel to my good wife, Terri.  If she knew I was writing this she would be embarrassed.  But it is true. 

D&C 24

 To the early saints, the Lord instructed - 

"For thou art called to prune my vineyard with a mighty pruning, yea, even for the last time; yea, and also all those whom thou hast ordained, and they shall do even according to this pattern..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 24:19)

In my mind, the pruning of the vineyard as described in Jacob 5 is cutting off branches that produce bad fruit, or teach false doctrine and untruths.

D&C 24

 The Lord instructed the saints, being what He says to one, He says to all - 

"...thou shalt continue in calling upon God in my name, and writing the things which shall be given thee by the Comforter..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 24:5)

In my mind, writing becomes part of the process of things given by the Comforter.

D&C 23

 The Lord's instruction stood out to me this morning - 

...But beware of pride, lest thou shouldst enter into temptation."  (Doctrine and Covenants 23:1)

D&C 22

 The Savior taught - 

"...all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing; and this is a new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning."  (Doctrine and Covenants 22:1)

This suggests to me that the Lord presented the "new and and an everlasting covenant" in each dispensation, even in the beginning.

He also states - 

"...although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works."  (Doctrine and Covenants 22:2)

In my mind, "dead works" are ordinances and covenants not performed by His authorization, His priesthood keys, or by His Church.

D&C 21

The called the Prophet Joseph Smith, amongst other things, a prophet saying - 

"Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 21:1)

Of a prophet, Elder Widtsoe taught - 

“A prophet is a teacher. That is the essential meaning of the word. He teaches the body of truth, the gospel, revealed by the Lord to man; and under inspiration explains it to the understanding of the people. He is an expounder of truth. Moreover, he shows that the way to human happiness is through obedience to God’s law. He calls to repentance those who wander away from the truth. He becomes a warrior for the consummation of the Lord’s purposes with respect to the human family. The purpose of his life is to uphold the Lord’s plan of salvation. All this he does by close communion with the Lord, until he is ‘full of power by the spirit of the Lord.’ (Micah 3:8; see also D&C 20:26; 34:10; 43:16) 

“In the course of time the word ‘prophet’ has come to mean, perhaps chiefly, a man who receives revelations and directions from the Lord. The principal business of a prophet has mistakenly been thought to foretell coming events, to utter prophecies, which is only one of the several prophetic functions.

 “In the sense that a prophet is a man who receives revelations from the Lord, the titles ‘seer and revelator’ merely amplify the larger and inclusive meaning of the title ‘prophet.’” (Evidences and Reconciliations, 1:204–5.)

D&C 20

 As we hear and are promised - 

"O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

78 The manner of administering the wine—he shall take the cup also, and say:

79 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen."  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:77–79)

It is commonly said that in doing so we "renew" our covenants.  The very definition of "renew" suggests making new.  In my mind, as we enter this covenant each week, it is new.

D&C 20

The Lord teaches us -

"The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of the church of Christ—An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize;

39 And to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons;

40 And to administer bread and wine—the emblems of the flesh and blood of Christ—

41 And to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures;

42 And to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church;

43 And to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost;

44 And to take the lead of all meetings.

45 The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:38–45)

Thus, an elder is a Melchizedek priesthood holder.

An elder is also an ordained office in the Melchizedek priesthood.  We are never released from an office in the priesthood.

And Elder is also a title of significant setting apart as dictated by the Church.  Usually for general authorities and missionaries.  Bishop is a set apart position.  We are never called by our ordained office.  The title president is used to referred to presiding quorums. Brother for everyone else.

D&C 20

The Lord has declared - 

"...he created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them;

19 And gave unto them commandments that they should love and serve him, the only living and true God, and that he should be the only being whom they should worship."  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:18–19)

That revelation is interesting..."the only being whom they should worship".  Even the definition of "worship" is interesting - 

"to honor or show reverence for as a divine being or supernatural power...to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion"

I believe we are to worship the Father in the name of Jesus Christ...but the Father has instructed us to follow Jesus Christ.  I also belief the scriptures us God for Godhead.  By the very definition of  "worship",  we worship both the Father and the Son.

D&C 20

 We are taught the Lord gave the Prophet Joseph Smith - 

"...power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon;

9 Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also;

10 Which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them—"  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:8–10)

It becomes clear that ministering angels are aggressively confirming the truth of The Book of Mormon to the world.

Also that The Book of Mormon contains - 

"...the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:9)

In my mind, the law of the "gospel of Jesus Christ" is taught in the temple.  Sherem also suggested - 

"...gospel, or the doctrine of Christ."  (Jacob 7:6)

were being taught as one of the same.

D&C 20

 As the Church was organized - 

"...Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church;

3 And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his hand..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:2–3)

In my mind, "first elder of the Church" is in reference to priesthood presiding officer of the Church.  The "elders" of the quorum of apostles are also considered elders and sit in numerical order.

D&C 19

 Martin Harris was commanded by the Lord as are all of us - 

"Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:38)

D&C 19

 When the Savior says - 

"...surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless.

5 Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left hand.

6 Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:4–6)

David J. Ridges comments - 

For the most part, the answer is that this punishment and suffering will take place when people who refuse to repent are turned over to Satan to suffer for their own sins. Generally speaking, this takes place while the Millennium is going on upon the earth. We don’t know where Satan is at that time (he is not on earth tempting people (see D&C 101:28), but the wicked will be turned over to him, “thrust down to hell! These are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil until the last resurrection, until the Lord, even Christ the Lamb, shall have finished his work [the end of the Millennium—see D&C 76:84–85; compare with 88:100–1].” Concerning being turned over to Satan to be punished, Bruce R. McConkie teaches that it means to be turned over to Satan “with all the protective power of the priesthood, of righteousness, and of godliness removed so that Lucifer is free to torment, persecute and afflict such a person without let or hindrance.” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 108.)

D&C 19

 The Lord commanded these two things to Martin Harris and to all of us. tjat caught my attention this morning - 

"...thou shalt declare glad tidings, yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:29)

and - 

"Learn of me..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:23)

President Russell M. Nelson - The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again

 President Nelson taught - 

"Regular worship in the temple will help us. In the house of the Lord, we focus on Jesus Christ. We learn of Him. We make covenants to follow Him. We come to know Him. As we keep our temple covenants, we gain greater access to the Lord’s strengthening power. In the temple, we receive protection from the buffetings of the world. We experience the pure love of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father in great abundance! We feel peace and spiritual reassurance, in contrast to the turbulence of the world.

Here is my promise to you: Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple. You will feel His mercy. You will find answers to your most vexing questions. You will better comprehend the joy of His gospel."

"Please listen to this promise of Jesus Christ to you: “I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.”

There is no limit to the Savior’s capacity to help you. His incomprehensible suffering in Gethsemane and on Calvary was for you! His infinite Atonement is for you!

I urge you to devote time each week—for the rest of your life—to increase your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. My heart aches for those who are mired in sin and don’t know how to get out. I weep for those who struggle spiritually or who carry heavy burdens alone because they do not understand what Jesus Christ did for them.

Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities. You do not have to bear them alone! He will forgive you as you repent. He will bless you with what you need. He will heal your wounded soul. As you yoke yourself to Him, your burdens will feel lighter. If you will make and keep covenants to follow Jesus Christ, you will find that the painful moments of your life are temporary. Your afflictions will be “swallowed up in the joy of Christ.”

It is neither too early nor too late for you to become a devout disciple of Jesus Christ. Then you will experience fully the blessings of His Atonement. You will also be more effective in helping to gather Israel."

"The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters, because the Savior is coming again! The best is yet to come because the Lord is hastening His work. The best is yet to come as we fully turn our hearts and our lives to Jesus Christ."

D&C 19

 The Savior reveals His doctrine and eternal truths saying - 

"For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it!..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:10)

"Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is meet unto you to know even as mine apostles."  Doctrine and Covenants 19:8)

"...surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:4)

"Endless punishment is God’s punishment."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:12)

"...for Endless is my name..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:10)