D&C 19

As the Lord commands Martin Harris, He reveals some great incite concerning the suffering of the impenitent.  To which He says to Martin Harris -

"...I command you that you preach naught but repentance, and show not these things unto the world until it is wisdom in me.
22 For they cannot bear meat now, but milk they must receive; wherefore, they must not know these things, lest they perish."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:21 - 22)

What is interesting is that which I read separately this morning, as Moroni explains -

"...I have written upon these plates the very things which the brother of Jared saw; and there never were greater things made manifest than those which were made manifest unto the brother of Jared.
5 Wherefore the Lord hath commanded me to write them; and I have written them.  And he commanded me that I should seal them up; and he also hath commanded that I should seal up the interpretation thereof; wherefore I have sealed up the interpreters, according to the commandment of the Lord.
6 For the Lord said unto me: They shall not go forth unto the Gentiles until the day that they shall repent of their iniquity, and become clean before the Lord."  (Book of Mormon | Ether 4:4 - 6)

Again, we much receive "milk" first and prove worthy before greater things will be revealed.

D&C 19

Concerning the law of consecration, the Lord to Martin Harris -

"Impart a portion of thy property, yea, even part of thy lands, and all save the support of thy family.
35 Pay the debt thou hast contracted with the printer.  Release thyself from bondage."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:34 - 35)

It appears that Martin had already committed his property as collateral for the printing of the Book of Mormon.  This is very strong temporal command.  But what I find interesting was -

"And misery thou shalt receive if thou wilt slight these counsels, yea, even the destruction of thyself and property."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:33)

With those words, it becomes apparent to me that the Lord blessed Martin Harris in acquiring great wealth for this purpose.  So, He also suggests that if Martin Harris does not keep these commandments, he would be miserable as well as lose all his acquired propert

    

D&C 18

After mention the joy the Savior experiences as well as that joy we shall experience as souls repent, the Savior teaches -

"...you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation.
18 Ask the Father in my name, in faith believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men.
19 And if you have not faith, hope, and charity, you can do nothing."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 18:17 - 19)

We presently in stake PEC have been discussing how to implement one of the goals of the Brethren to increase missionary work and reactivation.  My point is verse 19...unless we have faith, hope, and charity which in my mind means that we "serve" or become servants to our fellowmen, it is a waste of time.

D&C 18

To Oliver Cowdery, the Lord said -

"...behold, I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written;
4 For in them are all things written concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel, and my rock.
5 Wherefore, if you shall build up my church, upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 18:3 - 5)

These words include two thoughts.  First, the scriptures teach all that is necessary of doctrines, doctrine, principles, and that of the Savior...we are to rely upon the scriptures.

Second, if we work to teach these things and build the Church, the blessings of salvation are promised.

D&C 17

Before the "three witnesses" received the promise given them, the Lord told them that the Prophet -

"...has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 17:6)

I believe the same with all my heart.

D&C 16

To both John and Peter Whitmer Jr., the Lord said  -

"...that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 16:6)

The Lord said -

"...what I say unto one I say unto all..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 61:18)

All I can say is this thing has been the greatest worth to me!

D&C 13

As John the Baptist confers the Aaronic priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, he makes three doctrinal points concerning this priesthood authority, that it  -

"...holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 13:1)

In a later revelation we learn -

"The priest's duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, and administer the sacrament,
47 And visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 20:46 - 47)

And -

"The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them;
54 And see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking;
55 And see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 20:53 - 55)

"And is to be assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, if occasion requires."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 20:57)

The point I want to make is that in this duty, teaching and work, worthy Aaronic priesthood holders are entitled to the influence of "ministering angels" to those that serve.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught -

“The scriptures recite numerous instances appeared where an angel personally. Angelic appearances to Zacharias and Mary (see Luke 1) and to King Benjamin and Nephi, the grandson of Helaman (see Mosiah 3:2; 3 Ne. 7:17–18) are only a few examples. When I was young, I thought such personal appearances were the only meaning of the ministering of angels. As a young holder of the Aaronic Priesthood, I did not think I would see an angel, and I wondered what such appearances had to do with the Aaronic Priesthood.

“But the ministering of angels can also be unseen. Angelic messages can be delivered by a voice or merely by thoughts or feelings communicated to the mind. President John Taylor described ‘the action of the angels, or messengers of God, upon our minds, so that the heart can conceive . . . revelations from the eternal world’ (Gospel Kingdom, sel. G. Homer Durham [1987], 31).

“Nephi described three manifestations of the ministering of angels when he reminded his rebellious brothers that (1) they had ‘seen an angel,’ (2) they had ‘heard his voice from time to time,’ and (3) also that an angel had ‘spoken unto [them] in a still small voice’ though they were ‘past feeling’ and ‘could not feel his words’ (1 Ne. 17:45). The scriptures contain many other statements that angels are sent to teach the gospel and bring men to Christ (see Heb. 1:14; Alma 39:19; Moro. 7:25, 29, 31–32; D&C 20:35). Most angelic communications are felt or heard rather than seen.

“How does the Aaronic Priesthood hold the key to the ministering of angels? The answer is the same as for the Spirit of the Lord.

“In general, the blessings of spiritual companionship and communication are only available to those who are clean. As explained earlier, through the Aaronic Priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, we are cleansed of our sins and promised that if we keep our covenants we will always have His Spirit to be with us. I believe that promise not only refers to the Holy Ghost but also to the ministering of angels, for ‘angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ’ (2 Ne. 32:3). So it is that those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood open the door for all Church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the Spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels.” (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament,” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 39.)

D&C 12

The Lord said to Joseph Knight, Sr., -

"...behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 12:6)

Adding -

"...I speak unto you, and also to all those who have desires to bring forth and establish this work..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 12:7)

So this instruction to Brother Knight is to all who desire to serve.  This instruction is 1) keep the commandments, and 2) seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.  In my mind, Zion is where people live according to the manner of the Celestial kingdom on earth.  The cause then is to become like.

What does it take to do this ?

"...no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 12:8)

In my mind, living is this manner is Zion.

D&C 11

It becomes apparent that as Hyrum Smith visits Joseph in Harmony, that he wants to share what is happening with the Prophet with the people.  In great wisdom, the Lord instructs Hyrum -

"Keep my commandments; hold your peace; appeal unto my Spirit;
19 Yea, cleave unto me with all your heart, that you may assist in bringing to light those things of which has been spoken—yea, the translation of my work; be patient until you shall accomplish it.
20 Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength.
21 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 11:18 - 21)

Which "Spirit" -

"...shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 11:13)

The Lord explains why -

"...now hold your peace; study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation, and then shall all things be added thereto."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 11:22)

In my mind, Joseph was still translating the very record that would reveal the Lord's true points of doctrine.  Thus Hyrum was to wait and study this new translated record in order to teach true doctrine.

D&C 10

As the Lord was instructing Joseph Smith to not translate again the 116 pages of lost manuscript and explaining why, He says that Satan -

"...stirreth up their hearts to anger against this work.
25 Yea, he saith unto them: Deceive and lie in wait to catch, that ye may destroy; behold, this is no harm.  And thus he flattereth them, and telleth them that it is no sin to lie that they may catch a man in a lie, that they may destroy him."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 10:24 - 25)
 
It seems today that politicians lie in order to destroy and think nothing of it...nor does the media.  And of these liars -

"Satan stirreth them up, that he may lead their souls to destruction."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 10:22)

It is interesting that the motive of Satan is to ultimately destroy those that follow his counsel.

D&C 10

After the Prophet Joseph Smith had lost the translated 116 pages of the Book of Mormon, the Lord chastised him.  What caught my attention this morning was the consequence of failing to follow the counsel of the Lord -

"...you also lost your gift at the same time, and your mind became darkened."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 10:2)

What a profound warning to all that choose to disobey the commandments our follow the ways of the world.  Everyone has a gift of the Spirit.  It sad enough to lose that gift.  But to have one's mind darkened, or loss of light, is frightening.

D&C 9

In a previous revelation, Oliver Cowdery is told by the Lord -

"Ask that you may know the mysteries of God, and that you may translate and receive knowledge from all those ancient records which have been hid up, that are sacred; and according to your faith shall it be done unto you."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 8:11)

When I read that, for some reason I felt that Oliver at some point would be given the charge to translate some "ancient records" but did not feel it meant the gold plates of the Book of Mormon.

It's apparent that Oliver attempted to translate from the gold plates but failed.  I think Joseph Smith was also disappointed.  But when things go, not as you may think it should, some tend to fall away.  But I note what the Lord counseled Oliver -

"Do this thing which I have commanded you, and you shall prosper.  Be faithful, and yield to no temptation.
14 Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last day."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 9:13 - 14)

The counsel is...continue to do what you are asked to do in faithfulness and great blessings will be yours.  I wonder if Oliver had remained totally faithful that at some point he may have translated some ancient record.

D&C 7

I think it is interesting that this morning, being that I read a consecutive chapter each day, that I read chapter 28 concerning the three Nephites that seeming were transfigured to remain on the earth until the second coming of the Savior.

As I began my study on my cross-trainer this morning, I read section 7 of John's translation.  But what caught my attention this morning was the Lord's words to Peter -

"...I will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother James; and unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 7:7)

Obviously, the Lord is saying that this presidency will remain intact and continue in its ministry to the second coming.  It is apparent that this work will continue on both sides of the veil.  In a great revelation giving to the prophet Joseph Fielding Smith where he states -

"I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 138:57)

Knowing now the Peter and James are resurrected beings, it becomes apparent that resurrected beings as well as the spirits that have departed this mortal life do not cease to work in the great work of salvation.

D&C 6

The Lord provides some great incite as He tells Oliver Cowdery -

"...blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit.  If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.
15 Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 6:14 - 15)

What I find interesting is the Lord is teaching us that many times, as we look back at our experiences, we recognize not only the hand of the Lord in our lives, but we recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost and the promptings and feelings we received.

Thus we are always counseled -

"...O remember, remember..."  (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 2:41)

D&C 6

The Lord said to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery -

"Say nothing but repentance unto this generation..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 6:9)

Only considering this one sentence, one might assume that all we do is call people to repentance, but the Lord adds -

"...keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 6:9)

Obviously one cannot repent unless they are taught the commandments and establish faith in Jesus Christ.  President Boyd K. Packer taught -

“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior."

Thus an essential need to say repentance if the need to first teach truth, doctrine, principles, and the commandments is all part of "saying repentance".  One would do best to watch and learn from those we sustain, the prophets, seers, and revelators.

D&C 5

In a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, as Martin Harris had come to Harmony in hopes to see the plates, the Lord gave a great warning to all saints including myself -

"Verily, I say unto you, that woe shall come unto the inhabitants of the earth if they will not hearken unto my words..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 5:5)

The warning to me is if I ever choose to fall away or not hearken anymore to His words, the promise of woe will following.  That's scary!

D&C 4

The Lord revealed what qualifies one to do the work of the Lord.  It is -

"...faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 4:5)

He doesn't say the magnitude, only that these qualify one for the work.

D&C 3

By revelation, this warning and counsel to the Prophet Joseph Smith is applicable to all leaders.  I was specifically admonished by -

"Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men;
4 For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 3:3 - 4)

D&C 1

In His preface to a compilation of modern-day revelations or the Book of Commandments, the Lord explained -

"That mine everlasting covenant might be established;
23 That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 1:22 - 23)

This everlasting covenant is referred to on several occasions in the scriptures as "a new and everlasting covenant".  Of such, I have seen many definitions including a new covenant established in each dispensation.  For some it may seem that this is the same "old" covenant.  But the Lord explained it to be -

"...a new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 22:1)

It is may personal opinion that this everlasting covenant was presented and agreed to in our pre-mortal life.  Thus at that time, it was new and everlasting...a covenant of exaltation for those that comply.

D&C 1

I just moved my morning studies to the Doctrine and Covenants after a full study of the Book of Mormon.  This morning, two scriptures caught my attention -

"For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 1:2)

The words "neither heart that shall be penetrated" suggests to me that there will not be one individual that will not fully and completely have an opportunity or agency to choose eternal life or not.

The second being -

"...the rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 1:3)

In the end, that which is not repented of will be made known to all.  In other words, much of we do not know for sure of peoples motives and intent will be known of those that choose not to repent.