Doctrine and Covenants: Questions and Notes

Come, Follow Me Lesson 5: Doctrine and Covenants 6-9   I am impressed with Oliver Cowdery’s thirst for truth, not just for secular knowledge. That’s an admirable trait to have. Do I want to know the truth, or do I just want others to follow my train of thought? Do I want to share truth? Why does sharing truth have to be done by invitation, and not by force? When Oliver asked the Smith family concerning their son Joseph, the plates, and the heavenly visitations, this was something he wanted to believe. Joseph Sr. and Lucy told Oliver to ask God in prayer. Are answers received through prayer any less valid that conclusions drawn in labs? We cannot all be scientists; we cannot all be secular scholars in avenues of study; but we can all study the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and we can all ask of God if what we are learning about is true. Joseph did this; Oliver did this. They received answers directly from heaven. Revelation isn’t just for apostles and prophets; it’s fo...

  Come, Follow Me Lesson 4 Why is important for us to follow the Lord’s will above our own? (D&C 3:4 We’ll fall) If we have offended the Spirit and done things according to our own desires and understanding, is all lost? In vs. 10 we learn that God is merciful, and I we repent, He we still choose us and we will still be called to do His work. Have you ever feared, respected, or trusted in others and in yourself more than in God? (vs 5) How much do we willingly give up when we look to men for answers and validation instead of God? The Lord had entrusted Joseph with the plates. Why do you think that Joseph was influenced by Martin’s desire to prove to others that Joseph really had them? Martin supported Joseph financially and emotionally Martin was a man of great influence and he’d lost some respect because of his connection with Joseph. What did Joseph do because of his desire to please Martin? Joseph kept requesting the same thing of the Lord, even ...

Come, Follow Me Lesson 3 Joseph Smith learned at a young age that God had a mission for him to perform. He is known as the Prophet of the Restoration and the Prophet of this Dispensation. Why was one of his first and primary duties to translate The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ? What are the primary purposes of the Book of Mormon ? Do we value the Book of Mormon? The Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel. The Restoration of the Gospel is fulfilling ancient prophecies. What is the Abrahamic Covenant? (Abraham 2:9-11) How is the restoration of the gospel fulfilling this covenant? Prophets are not perfect . While Joseph was a valiant young man and a true disciple, he also made mistakes and needed repentance. In spite of his weaknesses the Lord had a great work for him to do. How can we come to understand the Lord’s plan for us and what our own missions are? God Has a Work for Me to Do President Russell M Nelson explains to us, “As...

Come, Follow Me Lesson 2 Come Follow Me Notes for discussion: JSH 1:26 How is the world we live in like the world during Joseph’s time? Do you feel like there is a war of words and a tumult of opinions? What do you do when you are confused by differing views and opinions? How can we handle disagreements? We can learn to listen. We can build on common ground. We can allow for agency and freedom of expression. We can pray to know what is right, and we can receive directions and light. Personal revelation is available to all God’s children through the power of the Holy Ghost, which is a gift from God to all His children. What prompted Joseph to ask of God? What do you learn from Joseph’s experience? What circumstances, directions, and scriptures have you experienced in your own life that have inspired you to ask of God? Have you received your own witness from God? How has your live changed because of answers you’ve received? ...

Come, Follow Me Lesson 1  Doctrine and Covenants 1: Notes for discussion Watch video from President Nelson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErKv6-BI2OA Who is the Author of the Doctrine and Covenants? What things does the Lord tell us in Section 1? Mine authority and my preface (vs. 6) His words are true and faithful (vs. 37) The arm of the Lord will be revealed (vs.14) Hearken and hear His words and the words of the prophet (vs. 14) To whom is the Lord speaking? Whom is the message for? What does the Lord want you to know about the Doctrine and Covenants? The Lord is the author of the revelations. The Lord wanted His revelations to be published to the world. The Lord wanted to write His own preface. The Lord wanted to warn His children all over the world to repent and to come to His true Church. The Lord has the authority and gave His servants power and authority to lay the foundations of this Church and to bring it out of obscurity. ...