Scripture Blog

This weblog is my personal online scripture journal. I try to read the scriptures each morning as I exercise on my cross-trainer. It has a great impact on my life and my testimony of the Savior and his restored church. The journal is really for my own benefit but I have set it up as a web log in hopes to benefit anyone else that may be interested. "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." 1 Nephi 10:19

Friday, October 29, 2010

D&C 104

As we consider the plan of salvation and the very purpose of this earth and our own lives in this plan, the Lord tells us -

"...the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 104:17)

In a day of being politically and economically correct, the philosophy of the world is that this earth and life upon the earth will go on indefinitely as those that live upon it limit the use of all its resources. Though I believe we should be environmentally friendly and protective, from the beginning, the Lord instructed man -

"...Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it..." (Old Testament | Genesis 1:28)

In my mind, the Lord is instructing man to use the earth's resources knowing that there is sufficient for the His finite purposes. In other words, the Lord knows how many people are destined to live upon this earth, and he has provided resources whereby all their physical needs can be met if these resources are used properly.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

D&C 103

As the saints in Kirtland learned of the saints in Missouri being forced from their lands and homes, the Lord said in revelation -

"Behold, I say unto you, the redemption of Zion must needs come by power..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 103:15)

I've wondered if these early saints assumed the Lord was referring to force, but I've pondered this morning that it had more to do with Zion itself will only be redeemed by the power of holiness and righeousness for -

"...for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 97:21)

Where -

"...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." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:18)

And it -

"...was called the City of Holiness, even ZION." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:19)

As the Lord would reveal his priesthood power, ordinances and covenants of the temple, he stated -

"...in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 95:8)

And it was in this house -

"...I have endowed him with the keys of the power of this priesthood..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 132:59)

For -

"...the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:36)

I believe that when we become people of Zion, living in righteousness and holiness before the Lord, by virtue of priesthood power, Zion will be redeemed as promised.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

D&C 102

It is in this section that the Lord organizes the high council. A body of High Priest to -

"...appointed to speak before the council are to present the case, after the evidence is examined, in its true light before the council; and every man is to speak according to equity and justice." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 102:16)

And they are to speak according to equity and justice and -

"...act in that office according to the law of heaven..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 102:4)

In the previous section of the Doctrine and Covenants, in parable, the Lord taught that He planted in His vineyard, twelve olive trees. It was the watchmen's responsibility to watch and protect the vineyard from the enemy. I percieve these trees to be the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from which comes the "law of heaven". The high council are watchmen to protect the vineyard with equity and justice according to the law of heaven. As the prophet was preparing to organize the first high council, he wrote -

"At a council of the High Priests and Elders, (Orson Hyde, clerk,) at my house in Kirtland, on the evening of the 12th of February, I remarked that I should endeavor to set before the council the dignity of the office which had been conferred on me by the ministering of the angel of God, by His own voice, and by the voice of this Church; that I had never set before any council in all the order in which it ought to be conducted, which, perhaps, has deprived the councils of some or many blessings.

And I continued and said, no man is capable of judging a matter, in council, unless his own heart is pure; and that we are frequently so filled with prejudice, or have a beam in our own eye, that we are not capable of passing right decisions.

Our acts are recorded, and at a future day they will be laid before us, and if we should fail to judge right and injure our fellow-beings, they may there, perhaps, condemn us; there they are of great consequence, and to me the consequence appears to be of force, beyond anything which I am able to express. Ask yourselves, brethren, how much you have exercised yourselves in prayer since you heard of this council; and if you are now prepared to sit in council upon the soul of your brother." (Joseph Smith, HC 2:25-26, 31.)

Monday, October 25, 2010

D&C 101

In the Parable of the nobleman, his servants, and his vineyard, the Lord, as he planted twelve olive trees -

"...set watchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:45)

These watchment were nothing more than priesthood leaders given the responsibility so -

"...that mine olive-trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil and take upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:45)

Even amongst these watchmen was one that was to preside and overlook the land. What a great responsibility those that that have been set or set apart to be watchmen. In this parable -

"...while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:50)

The failure of these watchmen was they were not in unity and thus not following the commandments given of the Lord. They had not the Spirit nor His guidance, thus -

"...the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge; and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive-trees." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:51)

The lessen is the watchmen must be in unity and in standing in their place.

had the watchmen been obedient and in place, the

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

D&C 101

Lehi taught his son, Jacob -

"Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:25)

But maybe not a fullness of joy while in this life. The Lord said to the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"...fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:36)

In this life while being in the world, we experience joy, but not in the fulness thereof. That is yet to come only through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

"Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul.
38 And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:37 - 38)

Eternal life or God's life is a fulness of joy.

Monday, October 18, 2010

D&C 100

As the Lord gives this revelation to the Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, you can sense the Lord is explaining that to some are given one gift with its associated responsibilities and to another, a different gift with responsibilities. I'm reminded of the teachings of Paul that -

"...the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness." (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 12:21 - 23)

The Lord said of Sidney Rigdon -

"...it is expedient in me that you, my servant Sidney, should be a spokesman unto this people; yea, verily, I will ordain you unto this calling, even to be a spokesman unto my servant Joseph." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 100:9)

Even -

"...I will give unto thee power to be mighty in expounding all scriptures, that thou mayest be a spokesman unto him..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 100:11)

And of the Prophet -

"...I will give unto him power to be mighty in testimony.
11 ...and he shall be a revelator unto thee, that thou mayest know the certainty of all things pertaining to the things of my kingdom on the earth." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 100:10 - 11)

It seems the prophet would be given the gift to receive the revelations, and Sidney was given a marvelous gift to expound on those revelations. Each member of the body of Christ carry out their specific responsibility in harmony and diligence.

Friday, October 15, 2010

D&C 98

As the Prophet becomes somewhat aware of the persecutions in Missouri, the Lord reveals -

"...your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.
3 Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 98:2 - 3)

As we look now in hindsight, as we read these verses, we now would have to assume their prayers were for peace, deliverance, and the retention of their properties. But we know that these immediate prayers were not answered in the manner I am sure those in Zion hoped for. But as one continues to read, you can sense a higher and long-term perspective to His promises as the Lord comments -

"...all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 98:3)

He even admonishes -

"...whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name's sake, shall find it again, even life eternal.
14 Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 98:13 - 14)

These words would seem to suggest that in answer to their prayers, He will try them. Even some might die.

The Lord even goes on to teach the principle of forgiveness and how many times one must forgive. Even the principles of justification of war are taught. It becomes apparent that the Lord's promise the their prayers would be "fulfilled" would suggest and eternal perspective.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

D&C 97

Understanding that Zion is -

"...THE PURE IN HEART..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 97:21)

...the Lord provides this warning both to the wicked and those that consider themselves Zion. In these last days the Lord warns and even so promises -

"...while all the wicked shall mourn.
22 For behold, and lo, vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the whirlwind; and who shall escape it?
23 The Lord's scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come;
24 For the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations and all their wicked works." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 97:21 - 24)

In my mind, that is a serious warning. The Lord then seems to turn towards the faithful with this great promise -

"Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 97:25)

But to those that profess to be the faithful in Zion he warns -

"But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 97:26)

It all seems to follow the doctrine -

"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." (New Testament | Luke 12:48)

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

D&C 93

As the Lord rebuked several of the leaders of the Church including the Prophet Joseph Smith, He said something very interesting -

"What I say unto one I say unto all..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:49)

When it comes to the gospel principles and commandments, it applies to all. But even as He is rebuking these leaders, He also says -

"...I will call you friends, for you are my friends..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:45)

Again, what he says to one servant, he says to all. What a wonderful and personal thing it is to be considered a friend of the Savior of the World.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

D&C 93

The Savior taught during His ministry -

"The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." (New Testament | Matthew 6:22)

In modern day, He taught -

"...if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:67)

The Lord also explained that -

"...truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:24)

From the combination of these two principles the Lord taught -

"The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:36)

The world may define intelligence or the state of being intelligent differently, but the Lord describes that when one lives the commandments and becomes more holy, the more he is filled with light. That light combined with the knowledge of all things is intelligence. Satan may have had knowledge but he possessed no light therefore unintelligent. One of my more favorite Presidents of the Church, Joseph F. Smith said -

"...inherited his intelligence from his Father. There is a difference between knowledge and pure intelligence. Satan possesses knowledge, far more than we have, but he has not intelligence, or he would render obedience to the principles of truth and light. . . . Pure intelligence comprises not only knowledge, but also the power to properly apply that knowledge." (The Way to Perfection, p. 231.)

Monday, October 11, 2010

D&C 93

The Lord instructs us on what is known as the Light of Christ telling us that it is -

"...the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;
12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:11 - 12)

But to actually receive the Light of Christ within us, we have to be worthy. Holiness has a lot to do with the level of reception. Our spiritual selves must be working properly to receive the Light for -

"...here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light.
32 And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:31 - 32)

For -

"...the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:46)

When there is no light, there is darkness. They cannot co-exist. And -

"He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:28)

Friday, October 08, 2010

D&C 91

As the Prophet was translating portions of the Bible, he came across multiple books known as the Apocrypha. In his day, these books were controversial as to whether they should be included in the bible or not. Elder James E. Talmage provided this history -

"The Apocrypha embrace a number of books of doubtful authenticity, though such have been at times highly esteemed. Thus, they were added to the Septuagint, and for a time were accorded recognition among the Alexandrine Jews. However, they have never been generally admitted, being of uncertain origin. They are not quoted in the New Testament. The designation apocryphal, meaning hidden, or secret, was first applied to the books by Jerome. The Roman Church professes to acknowledge them as scripture, action to this end having been taken by the Council of Trent (1546); though doubt as to the authenticity of the works seems still to exist even among Roman Catholic authorities. The Sixth article in the Liturgy of the Church of England defines the orthodox view of the church as to the meaning and intent of Holy Scripture and, after specifying the books of the Old Testament which are regarded as canonical, proceeds in this wise: 'And the other books (as Hierome [Jerome] saith) the church cloth read for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet cloth it not apply them to establish any doctrine; such are these following:—The Third Book of Esdras; The Fourth Book of Esdras; The Book of Tobias; The Book of Judith; The rest of the Book of Esther; The Book of Wisdom; Jesus, the Son of Sirach; Baruch the Prophet; The Song of the Three Children; The Story of Susanna; Of Bel and the Dragon; The Prayer of Manasses; The First Book of Maccabees; The Second Book of Maccabees.'" (James E. Talmage, AF, pp. 244-45.)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie paints a picture of the status of these writings in the Prophets day -

"The word 'apocrypha' generally means 'secret' or 'hidden' or 'of dubious authenticity.' 'The Apocrypha' refers to fourteen books which were part of early Greek and Latin versions of the Bible but were not part of the Hebrew Bible.

The apocrypha was included in the King James Version of 1611, but by 1629 some English Bibles began to appear without it, and since the early part of the 19th century it has been excluded from almost all protestant Bibles. The American Bible Society, founded in 1816, has never printed the Apocrypha in its Bibles, and the British and Foreign Bible Society has excluded it from all but some pulpit Bibles since 1827.

From these dates it is apparent that controversy was still raging as to the value of the Apocrypha at the time the Prophet began his ministry. Accordingly, in 1833, while engaged in revising the King James Version by the spirit of revelation, the Prophet felt impelled to inquire of the Lord as to the authenticity of the Apocrypha." (Bruce R. McConkie, MD, p. 41.)

The prophet inquired of the Lord on how he should proceed and received the the following revelation -

"...concerning the Apocrypha—There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correctly;
2 There are many things contained therein that are not true, which are interpolations by the hands of men." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 91:1 - 2)

And -

"...whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth;
5 And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;
6 And whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot be benefited." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 91:4 - 6)

As one ponders the development of the Bible as we know it, few really understand how much of the compilations and translation were by the decisions of man which in itself could remove or modify truth. That being the case, is there any dispute that we need prophets today?

Thursday, October 07, 2010

D&C 90

The Lord provided some strong guidance to those that serve in presidencies -

"I give unto you a commandment that you continue in the ministry and presidency.
...you shall from thenceforth preside over the affairs of the church and the school [priesthood meeting];
14 And from time to time, as shall be manifested by the Comforter, receive revelations to unfold the mysteries of the kingdom;
15 And set in order the churches, and study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people.
16 And this shall be your business and mission in all your lives, to preside in council, and set in order all the affairs of this church and kingdom." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 90:12 - 16)

And then He counsels the manner in which His leaders are to live -

"Be not ashamed, neither confounded; but be admonished in all your high-mindedness and pride, for it bringeth a snare upon your souls.
18 Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 90:17 - 18)

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

D&C 90

By revelation, the Lord said of the First Presidency -

"...verily I say unto thy brethren, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams, their sins are forgiven them also, and they are accounted as equal with thee in holding the keys of this last kingdom..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 90:6)

Some may have intepreted this to mean that these two counselors also held priesthood keys or "oracles of God". But the Lord made clear -

"...through you shall the oracles be given to another, yea, even unto the church." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 90:4)

In my mind, "even unto the Church" suggests the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and then delegated with limiting authority to the Church. Even though it may seem so, the counselors in the First Presidency or any presidency doesn't hold keys. But as a presidency that is in unity, the presidency holds keys for we read of the bishop and his counselors -

"The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood, and holds the keys or authority of the same." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 107:15)

A simple analogy is that I am the licensing or qualifying person within my organization that is licensed in the state. As a result, I allow my license or authority license my business. Therefore my business has a contractor's license. Those autorized working under the umbrella of my business have authority to contract. If I was to leave, the contactors license of the business would be taken away until another qualifying licensed individual was hired by the company.

I see a the presidency to be the same where the president is the only one that holds keys. The counselors are equal in authority as a presidency.

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

D&C 89

The Lord commanded in what is now known as the Word of Wisdom -

"...inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 89:5)

Even though social drinking is a common practice, few would argue that it can lead to poor judgment and consequences. The First Presidency published over 60 years ago -

"Over the earth, and it seems particularly in America, the demon drink is in control. Drunken with strong drink, men have lost their reason; their counsel has been destroyed; their judgment and vision are fled; they reel forward to destruction.

Drink brings cruelty into the home; it walks arm in arm with poverty; its companions are disease and plague; it puts chastity to flight; and it knows neither honesty nor fair dealing; it is a total stranger to truth; it drowns conscience; it is the bodyguard of evil; it curses all who touch it.

Drink has brought more woe and misery, broken more hearts, wrecked more homes, committed more crimes, filled more coffins, than all the wars the world has suffered. . . .

But so great is the curse of drink that we should not be held guiltless did we not call upon all offending Saints to forsake it and banish it from their lives forever. . . .

For more than half a century President [Heber J.] Grant has on every appropriate occasion admonished the Saints touching their obligation to keep the Word of Wisdom. He has told them what it means to them in matters of health, quoting the words of the Lord thereon. He has pointed out that treasures of knowledge, even hidden knowledge, would come to those who lived the law. He has, over and over again, shown what it would mean financially to every member who would keep the law, what it would mean financially to our people and what it would mean in ending human woe, misery, sorrow, disease, crime, and death. But his admonitions have not found a resting place in all our hearts.

We the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, now solemnly renew all these counsels, we repeat all these admonitions, so we reinvoke obedience to God's law of health given us by God himself." (Message of the First Presidency, Oct. 3, 1943.)

As we observe the poverty and severe social problems in some inner cities, we realize that the main cause has much to do with drinking and drugs. Our government spends billions in assistance to support these people. But in order to be politically correct, does very little with alchohol consumption. I personally don't believe they can or should. But many of teh social problems in this country would be solved if the people would avoid the consumption of alchohol.

Monday, October 04, 2010

D&C 88

After prophecying of several signs of the times, the Lord then said to His apostles -

"...then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven..." (New Testament | Matthew 24:30)

In modern day, we read of the same prophecy -

"And angels shall fly through the midst of heaven, crying with a loud voice, sounding the trump of God, saying: Prepare ye, prepare ye, O inhabitants of the earth; for the judgment of our God is come. Behold, and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
93 And immediately there shall appear a great sign in heaven, and all people shall see it together." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:92 - 93)

It is not clear what this great sign will be, but it will be such that all people shall see it together.

Amos said -

"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Old Testament | Amos 3:7)

In commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants we read -

"It may be gathered from this that when the sign appears, God will make its meaning known to the Prophet, Seer and Revelator who at that time may be at the head of the Church, and through him to His people and the world in general." (Smith and Sjodahl, DCC, p. 560.)

It will be a marvelous day when the Lord's prophet declares the sign of "the sign of the Son of Man in heaven".

Friday, October 01, 2010

D&C 88

The Lord specifically gave us a charge to -

"...sanctify yourselves..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:74)

or in other words -

"...that your minds become single to God..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:68)

The instructs us how we sanctify our selves -

"...purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:74)

"...continue in prayer and fasting..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:76)

"...teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:77)

"...cease from all your light speeches, from all laughter, from all your lustful desires, from all your pride and light-mindedness, and from all your wicked doings." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:121)

"...love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.
124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:123 - 124)

And finally -

"...above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:125)

It is clear and direct. I personally this morning was impressed by "cease to find fault one with another".